Meaning & Analysis
A direct warning that acknowledges a familiar or familial relationship ('cousin') but explicitly forbids being cheated or deceived ('cozened') by that person.
Insights
Familiarity as a Cloak for Deceit
The proverb is a metaphor for the danger of misplaced trust, warning that those who use terms of endearment or claim closeness may be doing so to lower one's defenses for personal gain.
Appearance versus Intent
It highlights the critical difference between outward appearances of friendship and the reality of a person's intentions, cautioning one to judge based on actions, not labels.
Warning Against Flattery
The proverb serves as a broader caution against flattery and insincere affection, suggesting that such expressions can be manipulative tools used to exploit others.
Linguistic and Historical Wordplay
The proverb's effectiveness hinges on the historical wordplay between 'cousin' (a relative) and 'cozen' (to cheat), a pun frequently used in Renaissance literature, as seen in Shakespeare's 'Richard III'. This reflects a societal anxiety of the era about distinguishing true kin and allies from manipulative flatterers.
Psychology of Trust and Betrayal
This proverb captures a key psychological tension between the human need for intimacy and the risk of betrayal. It suggests that the greatest vulnerability lies within circles of trust, as familiarity can be a cloak for exploitation.
Social and Commercial Prudence
Beyond family, the proverb serves as a timeless warning in business and social dealings. It cautions that titles, friendly terms, or apparent closeness should not be mistaken for genuine loyalty or integrity.
Rhetorical Devices
Pun (Paronomasia)
The proverb's central feature is the pun on the near-homophones 'cousin' and 'cozen', creating a witty and memorable phrase that contrasts kinship with deceit.
Antithesis
A sharp contrast is drawn between the positive connotation of being called 'cousin' and the negative command 'cozen me not', effectively highlighting the central conflict.
Imperative Mood
The use of the imperative 'cozen me not' gives the proverb a forceful, cautionary tone, turning it from a simple observation into a direct piece of advice.
Transcription
Quotations
I am coozen'd by my Cousin, and his whore!
To try whether he could make cousens of his aunt's children.
Shakespeare Citations
Cousins indeed, and by their uncle cozen'd Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life.
There is three cozen-germans that has cozen'd all the hosts of Readins.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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