Robert Christy, comp. Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages. 1887.
Too Late (Procrastination)
A little too late, much too late.German, Dutch.
After death, the doctor.
After the carriage is broken many offer themselves to show the road.Turkish.
After the vintage, baskets.Spanish.
After the war many heroes present themselves.Romanian.
Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.Shakespeare.
He brings his machines after the war is over.
He brings his medicines after his patient’s death.Shakespeare.
He has done like the Perugian, who, when his head was broken ran home for his helmet.Italian.
He that always thinks it is too soon is sure to come too late.German.
It is nae time to stoop when the head’s off.
It is too late for the bird to scream when it is caught.French.
It is too late to come with the water when the house is burned down.Italian.
It is too late to cover the well when the child is drowned.Danish.
It is too late to cry, “hold hard” when the arrow has left the bow.Dutch.
It is too late to lock the stable door when the steed is stolen.French, Dutch.
It is too late to spare when the bottom is bare.
It is too late to throw water on the cinders when the house is burned down.Danish.
One covers the well too late when the child is drowned.German.
The gladiator having entered the lists is seeking advice.Latin.
The Trojans were wise too late.Italian.
To fetch water after the house is burned.Spanish.
“Too late’s” the curse of life.
To stop the hole after the mischief is done.Spanish.
Too late the bird cries out when it is caught.French.
Too late to grieve when the chance is past.
When the calf is drowned they cover the well.Dutch.
When the calf is stolen the peasant mends the stall.German.
When the head is broken the helmet is put on.Italian.
When the horse is starved you bring him oats.
When the mischief is done the door is shut.Juvenal.
When the wine runs to waste in the cellar he mends the cask.German.
You break my head and then bring me a plaster.
You come a day after the fair.
You plead after sentence is given.