Aesop
Ancient Greek fabulist of possibly African descent, by tradition a slave who credited the African goddess Isis for his gift.
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing.
Don't cry over spilt milk.
Appearances often are deceiving.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
The shaft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own plumes. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.
Enemies' promises were made to be broken.
It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.
Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction.
It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.
Persuasion is often more effectual than force.
The fly sat upon the axel-tree of the chariot-wheel and said, What a dust do I raise!
I will have nought to do with a man who can blow hot and cold with the same breath.
In critical moments even the very powerful have need of the weakest.
Thinking to get at once all the gold the goose could give, he killed it and opened it only to find - nothing.
Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.
Put your shoulder to the wheel.
Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
While I see many hoof marks going in, I see none coming out. It is easier to get into the enemy's toils than out again.