Page:Way to wealth, or, Poor Richard's maxims improved, &c..pdf/13

Rh man of all spirit and virtue. “It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright,” as poor Richard truly says.

What would you think of that prince, or of that government, who should issue an edict, forbidding you to dress like a gentleman or gentlewoman, on pain of imprisonment or servitude? Would you not say, that you were free, have a right to dress as you please, and that such an edict would be a breach of your privileges, and such a government tyranical? And yet, you are about to put yourself under that tyranny, when you run in debt for such dress! Your creditor has authority, at his pleasure, to deprive you of your liberty, by confining you in jail for life, or by selling you for servant, if you should not be able to pay him.

When you have got your bargain, you may, perhaps, think little of payment; but “Creditors,” (poor Richard tells us) have better memories than debtors;” and in another place, he says, “Creditors are a superstitious set, great observers of set days and times.”

The day comes round before you are aware, and thothe [sic] demand is made before you are prepared to satisfy it; or, if you bear your debt in mind, the term which at first seemed so long, will, as it lessens, appear extremely short; timotime [sic] will seem to have added wings to his heels as well as his shoulders.

“Those have a short Lent,” (saith poor Richard) who owe money to be paid at Easter.” Then since, as he says, “The borrower is a slave to the lender and the debtor to the creditor;” disdain the chain, preservopreserve [sic] your freedom, and maintain your independence; be industrious and free, be frugal and free.