The first blow is as good as two.
More French Proverbs:
The bleating of the lamb merely arouses the tiger.French
Well-regulated charity begins with one's self.
French
Kindred without friends, friends without power, power without will, will without effect, effect without profit, profit without virtue, is not worth a rush.
French
One can't hinder the wind from blowing.
French
A brain is worth little without a tongue.
French
He who has no health has nothing.
French