It is PITY to part three things: the lawyer and his client, the physician and his patient, and a pot of good ale and a toast

Insights

Value of Symbiotic Relationships

The proverb points to the natural harmony or mutual benefit that exists in certain pairings, suggesting that some relationships or partnerships are so integral that it is a shame to disrupt them.

Dependence and Profession

It humorously underscores how the success or livelihood of professionals—lawyers and physicians—relies on their continuous connection to clients and patients, just as ale is enhanced by its customary toast.

Pleasure in Wholeness

Highlights the notion that certain pleasures or satisfactions—legal counsel, medical care, and convivial drinking—are only complete when their essential partners are present.

Satire of Professions

The proverb playfully satirizes the legal and medical professions by implying that their well-being depends as much on the perpetuation of disputes and ailments as on their resolution.

Social Commentary

It reflects a social recognition that professional relationships can become self-sustaining, with clients returning repeatedly, sometimes beyond necessity—mirroring the cycle of thirst and refreshment with ale and toast.

Cultural Resonance

The reference to ale and toast evokes the centrality of communal drinking and hospitality in English culture, further linking the proverb’s humor to everyday experience.

Cross-Proverbial Play

The proverb shares themes with others cautioning against unnecessary reliance on professionals for every minor issue, as seen in the cross-reference about not going to the lawyer, physician, or pot for every quarrel, ailment, or thirst.

Rhetorical Devices

Triadic Structure

The use of three parallel examples creates a pleasing rhetorical rhythm and reinforces the notion of a universal principle.

Parody

The proverb gently mocks the self-interest of professionals by likening their attachment to clients and patients to the pleasurable, yet habitual, link between ale and toast.

Irony

Ironically frames what is essentially professional dependency or habitual indulgence as objects of 'pity' if interrupted, making the observation both comic and shrewd.