The ass does not know the value of his tail till he has lost it.
More Portuguese Proverbs:
Don't make yourself poor to one who won't make you rich.Portuguese
Walls sink and dunghills rise.
Portuguese
Destroy the lion while he is but a whelp.
Portuguese
Every pig has it Martinmas.
Portuguese
In default of bread, meal cakes are good.
Portuguese
I see by my daughter's face when the devil lays hold of my son-in-law.
Portuguese