slain by the enemy, all for want of care about a horse shoe nail.
So much for industry, my friends, and attention to one’s own business; but to these we must add frugality, if we would make our industry more certainly successful.
A man may, if he knows not how to save as he gets, “keep his nose all his life to the grindstone, and die not worth a groat at last.” “A fat kitten makes a lean will,” as poor Richard says; and,
“Many estates are spent in the getting:
Since women for tea forsook spinning and knitting,
And men for punch forsook hewing and splitting,”
“If you would be wealthy, (says, he in another Almanack,) think of saving, as well as of getting: The Indians have not made Spain rich, because her outgoes are greater than her incomes.”
Away, then, with your expensive follies, and you will not have much cause to complain of hard times, heavy taxes, and chargeable families; for, as poor Dick says,
“Women and wine, game and deceit,
Make the wealth small, and the wants great.”
And further, “What maintains one vice would bring up two children.” You may think, perhaps, that a little punch, now and then, diet a little more costly, clothes a little finer, and a little entertainment now and then, can be no great matter; but remember what poor Richard says, “Many a little makes a meikle;” and further, “Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship;” and again, “Who dainties love shall beggars prove;” and moreover,
“Fools make feasts, and wise men eat them.”
