Meaning & Analysis
Literally, the proverb suggests that a patient person will be able to buy (or obtain) fat thrushes—a desirable treat—at a very cheap price, if only they wait long enough.
Insights
Reward of Patience
It signifies that those who are willing to wait often receive better rewards, sometimes at much less cost, than those who act hastily or impatiently.
Timing and Opportunity
The proverb implies that timing is crucial; by waiting for the right moment, one may find abundance or good fortune where others find scarcity.
Historical Symbolism
Fat thrushes, once a delicacy, symbolize the best rewards or outcomes. The 'farthing'—a tiny coin—emphasizes the exceptional value achieved through patience, reflecting the realities of market cycles and seasonal abundance in early modern Europe.
Cultural and Literary Resonance
This sentiment parallels other proverbs such as 'All things come to him who waits,' underscoring a widespread folk wisdom about the virtue of patience and its practical benefits.
Psychological Dimensions
The proverb appeals to the human ability to delay gratification, suggesting that emotional control and foresight are essential for achieving one's goals at minimal cost.
Rhetorical Devices
Imagery
The vivid image of 'fat thrushes for a farthing' concretizes the abstract reward of patience in tangible, sensory terms, making the lesson memorable.
Alliteration
Repetition of the 'f' sound in 'fat,' 'farthing,' and 'for' adds rhythmic charm and reinforces the link between patience and reward.
Hyperbole
The notion of obtaining a rare delicacy for almost nothing exaggerates to underscore the value of patience.
Transcription
Quotations
Who hath patience, may have fat thrushes at a farthing apiece.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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