Samoan Proverbs
Sayings of Samoan origin A careless person will be taken by surprise by his watchful enemy. Blessed is the moon; it goes but it comes back again. The mat is warm. Having foolishly got into trouble he is asking for help. Gather the breadfruit from the farthest branches first. Like a fish, one should look for a hole in the net. The hand strikes the eye. The stones and the earth weep. The way to authority is through service. If at first you don’t succeed try, try and try again. Catch the bird and watch the breakers. Sit and wait for the good chestnuts. There is a lou (harvesting pole) for every crop. Sin is carried in the mouth. May it end with threats and not come to blows. Who sits at home in the morning will not eat in the evening. The deaf hears when he is tapped. The snake when about to be killed looks but does not escape. It grew in the bush, but it is cast away in the road. Strong in heart, but broken in the back. May your mind be like cool...