16
And now to conclude, “Experience keeps a dear school ; but fools will learn in no other, and scarce in that ; for, it is true, "we may give advice, but we cannot give conduct," as poor Richard says. However, remember this, "They that will not be counselled cannot be helped; as poor Richard says; and further, that
"If you will not hear reason, she will rap your knuckles.”
Thus the old gentleman ended his harangue. The people heard it, and approved the doctrine ; and immediately practised the contrary, just as if it had been a common sermon ; for the auction opened, and they began to buy extravagantly, notwithstanding all his cautious, and their own fear of taxes.
I found the good man had thoronghly studied my almanacks, and digested all I had dropt on those topics during the course of twenty-five years. The frequent mention he made of me must have tired any one else ; but my vanity was wonderfully delighted with it, though I was conscious, that not a tenth part of the wisdom was my own, which he ascribed to me, but rather the gleanings that I had made of the sense of all ages and nations. However, I resolved to be the better for the echo of it : and, though I had at first determined to buy stuff for a new coat, I went away, resolved to wear my old one a little longer. Reader, if thou wilt do the same, thy profit will be as great as mine.
I am, as ever, thine to serve thee,
