Meaning & Analysis
To trick or cheat the Devil, a person must wake up very early in the morning. 'Betimes' is an archaic word for 'early', and 'cozen' means to deceive.
Insights
Outwitting a Master Strategist
The proverb is a hyperbolic statement on the immense difficulty of outsmarting a master of cunning. It implies that to overcome a supremely clever or wicked opponent, one must be exceptionally diligent, prepared, and proactive.
The Tireless Nature of Evil
It suggests that evil is not lazy or foolish but is perpetually active and alert. Therefore, any attempt to counteract it requires even greater vigilance and effort.
Futility of Immoral Cleverness
The proverb can be interpreted as a warning about the futility of trying to engage in deception or wrongdoing. The 'Devil' symbolizes the inherent risks and difficulties of such actions, implying one can never be clever enough to avoid the consequences.
Cultural Archetype of the Devil
The proverb taps into the Christian and folkloric archetype of the Devil as the ultimate master of deceit. 'Rising early' is a long-standing metaphor for diligence and preparedness, and the proverb uses it to quantify the extraordinary effort required to overcome a supremely cunning adversary.
Psychology of Competition
The proverb serves as a psychological warning against underestimating a formidable opponent. It suggests that success in high-stakes endeavors requires not just skill but a level of dedication that surpasses that of the adversary.
Folkloric Parallels
The cross-reference to deceiving a 'fox' highlights a common proverbial structure where an archetypal trickster (Devil, fox) represents the pinnacle of a certain trait. To best this archetype, one must exhibit that same trait to an even greater degree.
Rhetorical Devices
Hyperbole
The act of 'cozening the Devil' is an extreme exaggeration used to emphasize the exceptional level of cleverness and preparation required for a difficult task.
Symbolism
The Devil serves as a powerful symbol for the ultimate embodiment of cunning, deceit, and malevolence, making the challenge universally understood.
Archaic Diction
The use of archaic words like 'betimes' and 'cozen' lends the proverb an air of traditional wisdom and historical weight.
Transcription
Quotations
Hee that will cheat mee must arise betimes.
He that would deceive the deuill, had need to rise betimes.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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