Page:Way to wealth, or, Poor Richard's maxims improved.pdf/7

 It is true there is much to be done, and perhaps you are weak handed ; but stick to it steadily, and you will see great effects ; for “constant dropping wears away stones, and by diligence and patience the mouse ate into the cable : and light strokes fell great oaks," as poor Richard says in his Almanack, the year I cannot just now remember.

Methinks I hear some of you say, "Must a man afford himself no leisure?"- I will tell thee, my friend, what poor Richard says: "Employ thy time well, if thou nearest to gain leisure; and since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour." Leisure is time for doing something useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but the lazy man never; so that, as роог Richard says, “A life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things.”

Do you imagine that sloth will afford you more comfort than labour? No; for, as poor Richard says, “Troubles spring from idleness, and grievous toil from needless ease: Many without labour would live by their own wits only: but they break for want of stock:" Whereas industry gives comfort, and plenty, and respect. "Fly pleasures, and they'll follow you; the diligent spinner has a large shift; and now I have a large shift; and, now I have a sheep and a cow, every body bids me good morrow; all which is well said by poor Richard.”