Chinese Proverbs

Snake, in China they say, "You must cross the river before you tell the crocodile he has bad breath." Do you know what that means? It means the wise man avoids danger first. Use you brain to avoid traps and stay away from the enemy.

Snake, like Shakespeare said, "Nought's had, all's spent, where our desire is got without content." Basically, it means that your desire can get you into trouble if you're not careful. That goes for items too. Don't get too greedy or you might be sorry. Be careful, Snake.

Snake, listen to what Lao-Tze said, "He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough." Just because you see an item doesn't mean that you always have to get it. If you don't really need it, think twice before you stick your neck out. It might not be worth it.

Snake, have you heard the saying, "Friendly counsel cuts off many foes"? It means that a little bit of advice from friends can save you from a lot of trouble. You should think about it. If you're in trouble or if you need some information about something, please contact Colonel Campbell or someone else, okay?

In my parents' homeland they say, "If there are more wolves, the people are eaten; if there are more people, the wolves are eaten." That means the side with the greater numbers is usually the winner. You're badly out numbered, Snake....try not to let them see you.

Snake, like Confucius said, "The cautious seldom err." If you preceed cautiously, you probably won't make a big mistake. Snake, even after you get used to the mission, don't lose your concentration.

In China they say, "It is better to live ugly than die beautiful." I think it's true. Once you're dead, you'll never have another chance to be happy. I can't understand people who want to die before their time. Please Snake...Promise me you'll come back alive.

Snake, in China they say, "When walking through a melon patch, don't adjust your sandals." That means when things get really bad, you have to remember what's important. Keep things in the proper perspective, okay?

"He who is firm in will molds the world to himself." Don't forget what you're here to do. You've got to seize any opportunities that present themselves. But I guess I don't have to tell you that, do I?

In Paradise Lost, Milton wrote, "Solitude sometimes is best society, and short retirement urges sweet return." Is that why you came back, Snake? You got tired of your "short retirement" in Alaska, huh?

"The proud man does not eat rotten meat even when hungry, nor steal water from another's well when he thirsts." But...on the other hand, you were forced to steal or find every item you've got, so I guess I shouldn't say that.

In China they say, "Once the fox gets his nose in, he'll soon find a way to make his body follow." That's a perfect description of you. You can do it, Snake. But you've got to be flexible...adapt to each situation uniquely.

The Chinese say, "It is the strong swimmer who most often drowns." it is because the strong swimmer overestimates his abilities and underestimates the strength of the river. You are probably quite used to this mission by now, but don't get careless.