E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Soft Fire makes Sweet Malt (A).
Too fierce a fire would burn malt and destroy its sweetness, and too much hurry or precipitation spoils work. “Soft and fair goes far;” “Love me little, love me long;” “Slow and steady wins the race;” “He who is in haste fishes in an empty pond;” “The more haste the worse speed;” “He who walks too hastily will stumble in a plain way;” “Hastily and well never met;” “It is good to have a hatch before the door;” “Hasty climbers have sudden falls.”
