be up by peep of day; “let not the sun look down, and say,
Inglorious here he lies!
Handle your tools without mittens; remember, that “the cat in gloves catches no mice,” as poor Richard says.
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 theo my friend what poor Richard says:— “Employ thy time well, if thou meanst 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 poor 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, overy body bids me good morrow;” all which is well said by poor Richard.
