A lean compromise is better than a fat lawsuit.

George Herbert (1593-1633) Welsh priest, orator, poet.

(Attributed)

Attributed to Herbert, but not found in his works. Bohn identifies this as proverbs in three Germanic languages:

• Ein magerer Bergleich ist besser den ein setter Process. (German)
• Een mager verdrag is betger dan een vet proces. (Dutch)
• Bedre er et magert Forliig, end en fed Traette. (Danish)