those whom they formerly despised, but who, through industry and frugality, have maintained their standing; in which case it appears plainly, that “a ploughman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his knees,” as poor Richard says. Perhaps they have had a small estate left them, which they knew not the getting of; they think “it is day, and will never be night;” that a little to be spent out of so much is not worth minding: “A child and a fool” (as poor Richard says) “imagine twenty shillings and twenty years can never be spent; but always taking out of the meal-tub, and never putting in, soon comes to the bottom;” then, as poor Dick says, “When the well is dry, they know the worth of water.” But this they might have known before, if they had taken his advice.
“If you would know the value of money, go and try to borrow some; for he that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing,” as poor Richard says; and indeed so does he that lends to such people, when he goes to get it in again.
Poor Dick further advises, and says,
“Fond pride of dress is sure a very curse,
Ere Fancy you consult, consult your purse.”
And again, “pride is as loud a beggar as want, and a great deal more saucy,” When you have bought one fine thing you must buy ten more, that your appearance may be all of a piece; but poor Dick says, “it is easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it;” and it is as truly folly for the poor to ape the rich, as the frog to swell, in order to equal the ox.
“Vessels large may venture more,
But little boats should keep near shore.”
