“He that lives upon hope will die fasting.”
“There are no gains without pains; then help hands, for I have no lands, or if I have, they are smartly taxed; and, (as poor Richard likewise observes,) “He that hath a trade hath an estate; and he that hath a calling hath an office of profit and honour; but then the trade must be worked at, and the calling well followed, or neither the estate nor the office will enable us to pay our taxes.
If we are industrious, we shall never starve; for, as poor Richard says, “At the working man’s house hunger looks in, but dares not enter.” Nor will the bailiff or the constable enter; for, “Industry pays debts, while despair increaseth them,” says poor Richard. What though you have found no treasure, nor has any rich relation left you a legacy? “Diligence is the mother of good luck,” as poor Richard says; and, “God gives all things to industry;
Then plough deep while sluggards sleep,
And you will have corn to sell and to keep.”
says poor Dick.
Work while it is called to-day; for you know not how much you may bo hindered to-morrow; which makes poor Richard say, “One to-day is worth two to-morrows,” and further, “Have you somewhat to do to-morrow, do it to-day.” If you were a servant, would you not be ashamed that a good master should catch you idle? Are you then your own master? be ashamed to catch yourself idle, as poor Dick says.
When there is so much to be done for yourself, your family, your country, and you gracious king,
