The thief is sorry he is to be hanged, not that he is a thief.
More Irish Proverbs:
When fire is applied to a stone it cracks.Irish
Praise the ripe field, not the green corn.
Irish
The steed does not retain its speed forever.
Irish
Beware of people who dislike cats.
Irish
It is sweet to drink but bitter to pay for.
Irish
Marriages are all happy. It's having breakfast together that causes all the trouble.
Irish