Page:Lancashire Legends, Traditions, Pageants, Sports, Etc., with an Appendix Containing a Rare Tract.djvu/254

 Much would have more. Excessive shows of sorrow spend themselves quickly.

A plain rule—the briefer the better. Malice seldom underdoes its work. Home is home, though never so homely. What men do weakly, God overrules wisely. 'Tis an old proverb, that those that fare well and flit have St Patrick's curse. They say, self-sore is no sore, but certainly 'tis the worst of sores. It has become a proverb—Better workmen the worse husbands. It is an old saying—The soft drop wears the hard stone by frequent falling. Affliction seldom comes alone. As a dog or storm drives sheep together, so do afflictions God's people. Truth seeks not corners, but some causes need shifts.

As dogs set men a-fighting, so wicked people use to stir up strife. Some may better steal a horse than others look o'er the hedge. Crosses come with comforts. Experience is the mother of wisdom. Prudence saves handsomely what indiscretion spends vainly.