Maxims & Wise Counsel

Ní fhulaing seanshlat a sníomh.

(not * endures * old rod * its * twisting)

An old rod cannot be bent.

Is rechtaid cách for a déis fodeisin.

(is * law-giver * everyone * over * his * domain * own)

Every man is master in his own domain.

Robudh aíbhnes gan eocha dam-sa sin...

Robudh aíbhnes gan eocha dam-sa sin,
7 robudh chuirm gan chorna,
7 robudh chonách gan cheól,
7 robudh thigernas gan taithighe ,
7 robudh iasacht gan indlacad dam-sa.

(would be * festivity * without * horses * for me * that /
& would be * feast * without * drinking horns /
& would be * wealth * without * music /
& would be * lordship * without * visiting /
& would be * loan * without * repayment * for me)

That would be like a festival without horses for me,
and a feast without drinking horns,
and having wealth without music,
and being a lord without receiving guests,
and a loan without its return.

Ní- curu díanu -dénae...

Ní- curu díanu -dénae
Arnachat-roírea íar-caíned.

(not - contracts * swift - you should make/
so that it may not bring you * after-weeping)

You should not make hasty contracts
Lest it should cause you later lamentation.

Ar in bith án astaither...

Ar in bith án astaither
A coraib bél bertaigter.

(for * the * world * splendid * is established /
from * contracts * of lips * that are proclaimed)

For the great world is secured
By contracts which are proclaimed.

Is dénti áil d’éicin.

(is * to be made * wish * of necessity)

Make a virtue of necessity.

Is báeth nech conid- fri robaíth -ruici.

(is * irresponsible * anyone * who- with * greatly irresponsible one -meets)

Anyone is irresponsible who has dealings with the truly irresponsible.
Anyone is an idiot who consorts with a real idiot.

Ferr teiched tairisem.

(better * fleeing * (than) remaining)

It’s better to flee than to stay.

Immgaib ág ocus not·imgéba.

(avoid * battle * and * it will avoid you)

Avoid a fight and it will avoid you.

Is cian ó ghuasacht cech faitech.

(is * far * from * peril * every * cautious one)

A wary man is far from danger.