twists and turns of path

change the topic, use doubtful words in order to mislead, equivocate

sculpture seller

pledged to the pharaohs

A man loses his opportunity as a monkey his hold of the branch of a tree.

an arrow shot from the bow and a word said never return, a word and a stone let go cannot be called back

a rich man's minor trouble is attended by all but a poor man is ignored even if in great difficulty