a King's proverb

This just came to me yesterday while listening to a news blurb about the
US/Russian summit.  It fits perfectly with the story I am evolving:

"Before you choose your enemy, speak his language."

The surface meaning is practical.  Of course, this proverb is also full of
deeper meaning: Choose your enemy wisely, understand him first, don't make
an enemy that should have been an ally.  I haven't come up with the
Canotaean translation yet, but I thought I'd throw it out for you all, if it
pleases you to translate.  :-)

Guy

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