APAD: Harm watch, harm catch.

Harm watch, harm catch.

Used to suggest that those who intentionally seek to harm others are likely to attract harm to themselves as well. Those who are promoters of harmful thoughts, ideas and actions, will, at some later time, be the recipient of similar thoughts, ideas and actions.

i.e. You reap what you sow

John Donne,  an English poet, wrote secular poems as well as erotic and love poems. He is particularly famous for his mastery of metaphysical conceits.

In his book titled: Donne's satyr *

He included this peom:

 Of Harm watch, harm catch.

A silly Fly the subtil Spider caught

In the irretiating Web he wrought;

The Spider eager on the Fly to prey,

Is caught, and kill'd, e're he could get away:

So, a pit to dig for others some begin,

And after they themselves do fall therein.

Hamon a Gallows made for Mordecai,

Whereon himself was hang'd without delay;

Which to the Proverb fitly giveth place,

Harm watch harm catch; which coms oft so to pass.