Part 1: On humility, self-control, self-knowledge, self-respect, and self-restraint

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A masochistic woman hardens her head against her husband.
(Obstinacy only invites harsh punishment.)

The most one can expect of the blacksmith is confined to the smithy.
(There is a limit to a person's bragging.)

Carefully is the manner in which a beautiful person walks; gently is the manner in which a prince steps.
(Gently and carefully is the best manner to take life.)

An elderly person's manner of dancing must be very gentle, because the whole body has become worn to a rag.
(Elderly people should not over-exert themselves.)

The mud of the Ìjèṣà: it splashes on one and will not be washed off.
(Disgrace is not easily washed away.) [89]

89. Most probably this is a riddle doing double duty as a proverb. The riddle, Pẹ̀tẹ̀pẹ́tẹ̀ ọ̀nà Ìjàyè, atasíniláramáwọ̀ọ́n (The mud along Ìjàyè way that splashes on one and cannot be removed), has as its solution, facial scarification.  [Back to text]