Cf. L. cito maturum cito putridum, quickly ripe, quickly rotten.
And that that rathest [earliest] rypeth, roteth most saunest.
[1393 Langland Piers Plowman C. xiii. 233]
In youth she was towarde [promising] and without euill. But soone rype sone rotten.
[1546 J. Heywood Dialogue of Proverbs i. x. C4V]
Some indeed‥are moved to‥disdaine by their inferiours forwardnesse, called them hastings, soone ripe, soone rotten.
[1642 D. Rogers Naaman x.]
Very few prize boys and girls stand the test of wear. Prodigies are almost always uncertain; they illustrate the proverb of ‘soon ripe, soon rotten’.
[1887 S. Smiles Life & Labour vi.]
‘Parkhill,’ Mr. Robinson steelily murmured, ‘we may all profit from the ancient adage: “Presto maturo, presto marcio?!” Yes: “The sooner ripe, the sooner rotten!” That applies to pupils no less than fruit!’
[1976 L. Rosten O KAPLAN! My KAPLAN! ii. iii.]
Related to: youth
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
