The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1874-12-16
THE PALLADIUM.
WEDNESDAY. DEC. 16. 1874.


G0hm9o0 1EOVGHWos
The excellence of aphorism has
been said to consist chiefly in
the comprehension of some obvious
useful truth in . few words; and, if
this be the case. the Chinese Ian
gusge is peculiarly adapted for the
production OF proverbs. for it pos
sesses, from its peculiar structure,
. beauty and pointedness of expires.
sion which, however, no degree of
care or pains can adequately con-
vey into q translation.
Let us cite from various sources
. few OF the numerous aphorisms,
maxims and proverbs current
among the Chinese, many of which
will suggest parallel sentiments in
our own and other languages.
By q long journey we know a
horses strength; SO length of days
shows q mans heart.
In the days Of afflusnce always
think of poverty; do not let want
come upon you and make you re-
member with regret the time of
plenty In contradistinction to
this sentiment is another: Let us
get drunk to day, while we have
wine; the SORROWS of to morrow
may be borne to morrow.
To correct an evil which always
exists is not so well as to foresee
and prevent it.
Wine and good dinners make
abundance of friends, but in time
Of adversely not one is to be found.
Cautious conduct under circum.
stances of suspicion is inculcated
somewhat oddly by the following !:
In q field of melons do not pull off
your shoes; under o plum tree do
not adjust your cap.
"Tempus fugit" becomes, in
Chinese: ''Time flies like an arrow;
days and months like a weaver's
shuttle
The Chinese evidently agree with
Solomon's well known advice to a
parent, for they say: eff you love
your son, be liberal in punishment;
II you hate him, accutsom him to
dainties."
If you would understand the
character of a prince, examine his
ministers; if you would understand
the disposition of any man, look at
his companions; if you would know
that Of q father, observe his son.
Man is born without knowledge,
aid when he hns obtained it very
soon becomes old; when his expe
rience is ripe death suddenly seizes
him.
The fame of mems good actions
seldom goes beyond their own
doors; but their evil deeds are
carried to the distance of a thou
sand miles.
Though powerful medicines are
nauseous to the taste, they are
good for the disease; though candid
advice is unpleasant to the ear, it
ia profitable tor the conduct.
From the following simile, look
ing glasses are evidently appreci-
ated by Chinese ladies': Without
q cleare mirror, a woman can not
know the state of her own face;
without a true friend, q man can
not discern the errors of his own
actions.
The evidence of others is mol
comparable to personal experience
nor is II heard as good as II saw.
The three great misfortunes in
life are: In youth to bury ones
father, in middle age to lose one 4
wife, and being old to haze no son
A virtuous woman is a source o
honor to her husband; vicious
one causes disgrace.
He who at once knows himsel
and knows others, will triumph al
long as he contends.
It is easy to convince wise man
but to reason with a fool is diff
cult undertaking.
True gold fears not the fire.
"a basket of grain producin:
only a pound of chicken meat i
symbolical of a loosing business.
"Climbing u tree to hunt TO
fish, expresses looking for thing
-ho.o thay coo,t ,,oceiblv 1,o fOr,nd