The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (407 page)
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Beware of an OAK, it draws the stroke; avoid an ash, it counts the flash; creep under the thorn, it can save you from harm
Advice on where to shelter from lightning during a thunderstorm.
1878
Folk-Lore Record
I. 43
Mothers teach their children to say—Beware of an oak, It draws the stroke; Avoid an ash; It counts the flash; Creep under the thorn, It can save you from harm.
1945
Lark Rise
xvii.
Some one would .. warn him to keep away from trees during a thunderstorm... Others would quote: Under oak there comes a stroke, Under elm there comes a calm, And under ash there comes a crash.
necessity
;
security
1878Folk-Lore Record
I. 43
Mothers teach their children to say—Beware of an oak, It draws the stroke; Avoid an ash; It counts the flash; Creep under the thorn, It can save you from harm.
1945
Lark Rise
xvii.
Some one would .. warn him to keep away from trees during a thunderstorm... Others would quote: Under oak there comes a stroke, Under elm there comes a calm, And under ash there comes a crash.
necessity;
security
oak
He that cannot OBEY cannot command
Cf. SENECA
De Ira
II
. xiv.
nemo regere potest nisi qui et regi
, no one can rule unless he can also be ruled.
a
1500
tr.
T. à Kempis' De Imitatione Christi
(1893) xxiv.
No man surely comaundith but he that hath lerned to obeye.
1581
tr.
S. Guazzo's Civil Conversation
III
. 48
V
Those onely knowe well how to commaund, which know well howe to obaye.
1734
Poor Richard's Almanack
(Aug.)
He that cannot obey command.
1850
White Jacket
vi.
As the only way to learn to command, is to learn to obey, the usage of a ship of war is such that midshipmen are constantly being ordered about by the Lieutenants.
1972
Victorian Son
ix.
I did not mind the army because I knew I must learn to obey before I could command.
obedience
;
rulers and ruled
De Ira
II
. xiv.
nemo regere potest nisi qui et regi
, no one can rule unless he can also be ruled.
a1500
tr.
T. à Kempis' De Imitatione Christi
(1893) xxiv.
No man surely comaundith but he that hath lerned to obeye.
1581
tr.
S. Guazzo's Civil Conversation
III
. 48
V
Those onely knowe well how to commaund, which know well howe to obaye.
1734
Poor Richard's Almanack
(Aug.)
He that cannot obey command.
1850
White Jacket
vi.
As the only way to learn to command, is to learn to obey, the usage of a ship of war is such that midshipmen are constantly being ordered about by the Lieutenants.
1972
Victorian Son
ix.
I did not mind the army because I knew I must learn to obey before I could command.
obedience;
rulers and ruled
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