E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Needs must when the Devil Drives.
The French say: “Il faut marcher quand le diable est aux trousses;” and the Italians say: “Bisogna andare, quando il diavolo è vella coda.” If I must, I must.
1
“He must needs go that the Devil drives.” Shakespeare: All’s Well That-Ends Well, i. 3.
