The Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin

Poor Richard's Almanack

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  1. No. 1

    A child thinks 20 shillings and 20 years can scarce ever be spent.

  2. No. 2

    A cold April, the barn will fill.

  3. No. 3

    A countryman between two lawyers, is like a fish between two cats.

  4. No. 4

    Act uprightly, and despise calumny; dirt may stick to a mud wall, but not to polish'd marble.

  5. No. 5

    A cypher and humility make the other figures and virtues of tenfold value.

  6. No. 6

    A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines.

  7. No. 7

    A father's a treasure ; a brother's a comfort ; a friend is both.

  8. No. 8

    A fat kitchen, a lean will.

  9. No. 9

    A fine genius in his own country, is like gold in the mine.

  10. No. 10

    A flatterer never seems absurd : The flatter'd always takes his word.

  11. No. 11

    After three days men grow weary of a wench, a guest, and weather rainy.

  12. No. 12

    After crosses and losses men grow humbler and wiser.

  13. No. 13

    A full belly is the mother of all evil.

  14. No. 14

    A full belly makes a dull brain.

  15. No. 15

    A good example is the best sermon.

  16. No. 16

    A good lawyer, a bad neighbor.

  17. No. 17

    A good man is seldom uneasy, an ill one never easy.

  18. No. 18

    A house without woman and firelight, is like a body without soul or sprite.

  19. No. 19

    A lean award is better than a fat judgment.

  20. No. 20

    A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one.

  21. No. 21

    A lie stands on one leg, truth on two.

  22. No. 22

    A life of leisure, and a life of laziness, are two things.

  23. No. 23

    A light purse is a heavy curse.

  24. No. 24

    A little house well fill'd, a little field well till'd, and a little wife well will'd, are great riches.

  25. No. 25

    All blood is alike ancient.

  26. No. 26

    All mankind are beholden to him that is kind to the good.

  27. No. 27

    All things are cheap to the saving, dear to the wasteful.

  28. No. 28

    All things are easy to industry, all things difficult to sloth.

  29. No. 29

    All would live long, but none would be old.

  30. No. 30

    A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough. "31. A man in a passion rides a mad horse.

  31. No. 32

    A man without a wife, is but a half a man.

  32. No. 33

    A man without ceremony has need of great merit in its place.

  33. No. 34

    Ambition often spends foolishly what avarice had wickedly collected.

  34. No. 35

    A mob's a monster; heads enough, but no brains.

  35. No. 36

    A modern wit is one of David's fools.

  36. No. 37

    An egg today is better than a hen tomorrow.

  37. No. 38

    An empty bag cannot stand upright.

  38. No. 39

    A new truth is a truth, an old error is an error, though Clodpate won't allow either.

  39. No. 40

    Anger and folly walk cheek by jole; repentance treads on both their heels.

  40. No. 41

    Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one.

  41. No. 42

    Anger warms the invention, but overheats the oven.

  42. No. 43

    An honest man will receive neither money nor praise, that is not his due.

  43. No. 44

    An hundred thieves cannot strip one naked man, especially if his skin's off.

  44. No. 45

    An ill wound, but not an ill name, may be healed.

  45. No. 46

    An innocent plowman is more worthy than a vicious prince.

  46. No. 47

    Anoint a villian and he'll stab you; stab him, and he'll anoint you.

  47. No. 48

    An old man in a house is a good sign.

  48. No. 49

    An old young man will be a young old man.

  49. No. 50

    An ounce of wit that is bought, is worth a pound that is taught.

  50. No. 51

    An undutiful daughter, will prove an unmanageable wife.

  51. No. 52

    A pair of good ears will drain dry an hundred tongues.

  52. No. 53

    A plowman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his knees.

  53. No. 54

    Approve not of him that commends all you say.

  54. No. 55

    A quarrelsome man has no good neighbors.

  55. No. 56

    A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder.

  56. No. 57

    Are you angry that others disappoint you? Remember you cannot depend upon yourself.

  57. No. 58

    As charms are nonsense, nonsense is a charm.

  58. No. 59

    Ask and have, is sometimes dear buying.

  59. No. 60

    A soft tongue may strike hard.

  60. No. 61

    As pride increases, fortune declines.

  61. No. 62

    As sore places meet most rubs, proud folks meet most affronts.

  62. No. 63

    A temper to bear much, will have much to bear.

  63. No. 64

    A wicked hero will turn his back to an innocent coward.

  64. No. 65

    As we must account for every idle word, so we must for every idle silence.

  65. No. 66

    At a great pennyworth, pause a while.

  66. No. 67

    A traveller should have a hog's nose, deer's legs, and an ass's back.

  67. No. 68

    At the working man's house hunger looks in but dares not enter.

  68. No. 69

    At 20 years of age the will reigns ; at thirty the wit ; at 40 the judgment.

  69. No. 70

    Bad commentators spoil the best of books.

  70. No. 71

    Bad gains are truly losses.

  71. No. 72

    Bargaining has neither friends nor relations.

  72. No. 73

    Be always ashamed to catch thyself idle.

  73. No. 74

    Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors.

  74. No. 75

    Beauty and folly are old companions. '76. Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.

  75. No. 77

    Ben beats his pate, and fancys wit will come ; but he may knock, there's nobody at home.

  76. No. 78

    Be not niggardly of what costs thee nothing, as courtesy, counsel, and countenance.

  77. No. 79

    Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.

  78. No. 80

    Better is a little with content than much with contention.

  79. No. 81

    Better slip with foot than tongue.

  80. No. 82

    Beware, beware! He'll cheat without scruple, who can without fear.

  81. No. 83

    Beware of him that is slow to anger ; he is angry for something, and will not be pleased for nothing.

  82. No. 84

    Beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship.

  83. No. 85

    Beware of meat twice boil'd, and an old foe reconcil'd.

  84. No. 86

    Beware of the young doctor and the old barber.

  85. No. 87

    Blame-all and praise-all are two block heads.

  86. No. 88

    Blessed is he that expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.

  87. No. 89

    Buy what thou hast no need of; and e'er long thou shalt sell thy necessaries.

  88. No. 90

    By diligence and patience, the mouse bit in two the cable.

  89. No. 91

    Calamity and prosperity are the touchstones of integrity.

  90. No. 92

    Ceremony is not civility; nor civility ceremony.

  91. No. 93

    Changing countries or beds, cures neither a bad manager, nor a fever.

  92. No. 94

    Cheese and salt meat should be sparingly eat.

  93. No. 95

    Children and princes will quarrel for trifles.

  94. No. 96

    Clean your finger, before you point at my spots.

  95. No. 97

    Clearly spoken, Mr. Fog! You explain English by Greek.

  96. No. 98

    Content and riches seldom meet together. Riches take thou, contentment I had rather.

  97. No. 99

    Content is the philosopher's stone, that turns all it touches into gold.

  98. No. 100

    Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes ric!i men poor.

  99. No. 101

    Courage would fight, but discretion won't let him.

  100. No. 102

    Creditors have better memories than debtors.

  101. No. 103

    Cut the wings of your hens and hopes, lest they lead you a wary dance after them.

  102. No. 104

    Danger is sauce for prayers.

  103. No. 105

    Dally not with other folks' women or money.

  104. No. 106

    Death takes no bribes.

  105. No. 107

    Declaiming against pride, is not always a sign of humility.

  106. No. 108

    Defer not thy well doing; be not like St. George, who is always on horseback, and never rides on.

  107. No. 109

    Deny self for self's sake.

  108. No. 110

    Despair ruins some, presumption many.

  109. No. 111

    Different sects like different clocks, may be all near the matter, though they don't quite agree.

  110. No. 112

    Diligence is the mother of good luck.

  111. No. 113

    Diligence overcomes difficulties, sloth makes them.

  112. No. 114

    Distrust and caution are the parents of security.

  113. No. 115

    Do good to thy friend to keep him, to thy enemy to gain him.

  114. No. 116

    Doing an injury puts you below your enemy; revenging one makes you but even with him ; forgiving, it sets you above him.

  115. No. 117

    Do not do that which you would not have known.

  116. No. 118

    Do me the favor to deny me at once.

  117. No. 119

    Don't go to the doctor with every distemper, nor to the lawyer with every quarrel, nor to the pot for every thirst.

  118. No. 120

    Don't judge of men's wealth or piety, by their Sunday appearances.

  119. No. 121

    Don't misinform your doctor nor your lawyer.

  120. No. 122

    Don't overload gratitude; if you d«> she'll kick.

  121. No. 123

    Don't think to hunt two hares with one dog.

  122. No. 124

    Don't throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are glass.

  123. No. 125

    Don't value a man for the quality he is of, but for the qualities he possesses.

  124. No. 126

    Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that's the stuff life is made of.

  125. No. 127

    Drink does not drown care, but waters it, and makes it grow faster.

  126. No. 128

    Drink water ; put the money in your pocket, and leave the dry-bellyache in the punch-bowl.

  127. No. 129

    Drive thy business, or it will drive thee.

  128. No. 130

    Drunkenness, that worst of evils, makes some men fools, some beasts, some devils.

  129. No. 131

    Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

  130. No. 132

    Eat few suppers, and you'll need few medicines.

  131. No. 133

    Eat to please thyself, but dress to please others.

  132. No. 134

    Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure.

  133. No. 135

    Ever since follies have pleased, foob have been able to divert.

  134. No. 136

    Every man has assurance enough to boast of his honesty, few of their understanding.

  135. No. 137

    Experience keeps a dear school, yet fools will learn in no other.

  136. No. 138

    Eyes and priests bear no jests.

  137. No. 139

    Fear God, and your enemies will fear you.

  138. No. 140

    Fear not death ; for the sooner we die, the longer shall we be immortal.

  139. No. 141

    Fear to do ill, and you need fear nought else.

  140. No. 142

    Fine linen, girls and gold so bright, choose not to take by candle light.

  141. No. 143

    Fish and visitors stink in three days.

  142. No. 144

    Fly pleasures and they'll follow you.

  143. No. 145

    Fond pride of dress is sure an empty curse ; e'er fancy you consult, consult your purse.

  144. No. 146

    Fools make feasts, and wise men eat 'em.

  145. No. 147

    Fools multiply folly.

  146. No. 148

    Fools need advice most, but wise men only are the better for it.

  147. No. 149

    For age and want save while you may; no morning sun lasts a whole day.

  148. No. 150

    For one poor man there are an hundred indigent.

  149. No. 151

    For want of a nail the shoe is lost; for want of a shoe, the horse is lost ; for want of a horse the rider is lost,

  150. No. 152

    Friendship cannot live with ceremony, nor without civility.

  151. No. 153

    Friendship increases by visiting friends, but by visiting seldom.

  152. No. 154

    Full of courtesy, full of craft.

  153. No. 155

    Generous minds are all of kin.

  154. No. 156

    Genius without education is like silver in the mine.

  155. No. 157

    Gifts burst rocks.

  156. No. 158

    Gifts much expected, are paid, not given.

  157. No. 159

    Give me yesterday's bread, this day's flesh, and last year's cyder.

  158. No. 160

    Glass, china, and reputation are easily crack'd, and never well mended.

  159. No. 161

    God gives all things to industry.

  160. No. 162

    God heals, and the doctor takes the fees.

  161. No. 163

    God helps them that help themselves.

  162. No. 164

    God, parents, and instructors, can never be requited.

  163. No. 165

    Good sense is a thing all need, few have, and none think they want.

  164. No. 166

    Good wives and good plantation* are made by good husbands.

  165. No. 167

    Grace thou thy house, and let not that grace thee.

  166. No. 168

    Graft good fruit all, or graft not at all.

  167. No. 169

    Great almsgiving, lessens no man's living.

  168. No. 170

    Great estates may venture more; little boats must keep near shore.

  169. No. 171

    Great famine when wolves eat wolves.

  170. No. 172

    Great good-nature, without prudence, is a great misfortune.

  171. No. 173

    Great merit is coy, as well as great pride.

  172. No. 174

    Great modesty often hides great merit.

  173. No. 175

    Great spenders are bad lenders.

  174. No. 176

    Great talkers, little doers. 1 /. Great talkers should be cropt, for they've no need of ears.

  175. No. 178

    Half hospitality opens his door and shuts up his countenance.

  176. No. 179

    Half the truth is often a great lie.

  177. No. 180

    Half wits talk much but say little.

  178. No. 181

    Happy that Nation, fortunate that age, whose history is not diverting.

  179. No. 182

    Happy's the wooing that's not long a doing.

  180. No. 183

    Happy Tom Crump, ne'er sees his own hump.

  181. No. 184

    Haste makes waste.

  182. No. 185

    Harry Smatter, has a mouth for every matter.

  183. No. 186

    Have you somewhat to do to-morrow; do it to-day.

  184. No. 187

    Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is.

  185. No. 188

    Hear no ill of a friend, nor speak any of an enemy.

  186. No. 189

    Hear reason, or she'll make you feel her.

  187. No. 190

    He does not possess wealth, it possesses him.

  188. No. 191

    He has chang'd his one ey'd horse for a blind one.

  189. No. 192

    He has lost his boots, but sav'd his spurs.

  190. No. 193

    He is a governor that governs his passions, and he a servant that serves them.

  191. No. 194

    He is ill clothed, who is bare of virtue.

  192. No. 195

    He is no clown that drives the plow, but he that doth clownish things.

  193. No. 196

    He is not well bred, that cannot bear ill-breeding in others.

  194. No. 197

    Help, hands ; for I have no lands.

  195. No. 198

    He makes a foe, who makes a jest.

  196. No. 199

    Here comes the orator, with his flood of words, and his drop of reason.

  197. No. 200

    He's a fool that cannot conceal his wisdom.

  198. No. 201

    He's a fool that makes his doctor his heir.

  199. No. 202

    He's gone, and forgot nothing but to say farewell — to his creditors.

  200. No. 203

    He's the best physician that knows the worthlessness of the most medicines.

  201. No. 204

    He that best understands the world, least likes it.

  202. No. 205

    He that builds before he counts the cost, acts foolishly; and he that counts before he builds, finds he did not count wisely.

  203. No. 206

    He that buys by the penny, maintains not only himself, but other people.

  204. No. 207

    He that by the plow would thrive, himself must either hold or drive.

  205. No. 208

    He that can bear a reproof, and mend by it, if he is not wise, is in a fair way of being so.

  206. No. 209

    He that can compose himself, is wiser than he that composes books.

  207. No. 210

    He that can have patience can have what he will.

  208. No. 211

    He that cannot bear with other people's passions, cannot govern his own.

  209. No. 212

    He that cannot obey, cannot command.

  210. No. 213

    He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.

  211. No. 214

    He that can travel well afoot, keeps a good horse.

  212. No. 215

    He that doth what he should not, shall feel what he would not.

  213. No. 216

    He that drinks fast, pays slow.

  214. No. 217

    He that drinks his cyder alone, let him catch his horse alone.

  215. No. 218

    He that falls in love with himself, will have no rivals.

  216. No. 219

    He that goes far to marry, will either deceive or be deceived.

  217. No. 220

    He that has a trade, has an office of profit and honor.

  218. No. 221

    He that has not got a wife, is not yet a complete man.

  219. No. 222

    He that hath a trade, hath an estate.

  220. No. 223

    He that is of opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.

  221. No. 224

    He that is rich need not live sparingly, and he that can live sparingly, need not be rich.

  222. No. 225

    He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.

  223. No. 226

    He that never eats too much, will never be lazy.

  224. No. 227

    He that pays for work before it's done, has but a penny-worth for two pence.

  225. No. 228

    He that pursues two hares at once, does not catch one and let t'other go.

  226. No. 229

    He that resolves to mend hereafter, resolves not to mend now.

  227. No. 230

    He that riseth late, must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his business by night.

  228. No. 231

    He that scatters thorns, let him not go barefoot.

  229. No. 232

    He that's content hath enough; he that complains has too much.

  230. No. 233

    He that sells upon trust, loses many friends, and always wants money.

  231. No. 234

    He that sows thorns, should never go barefoot.

  232. No. 235

    He that speaks ill of the mare, will buy her.

  233. No. 236

    He that speaks much, is much mistaken.

  234. No. 237

    He that spills the rum loses that only; he that drinks it, often loses both that and himself.

  235. No. 238

    He that takes a wife, takes care.

  236. No. 239

    He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner.

  237. No. 240

    He that won't be counsell'd, can't be help'd.

  238. No. 241

    He that would catch fish, must venture his bait.

  239. No. 242

    He that would have a short Lent, let him borrow money to be repaid at Easter. POOR RICHARP'S ALMANACK. 29

  240. No. 243

    He that would live in peace and at ease, must not speak all he knows, nor judge all he sees.

  241. No. 244

    He that would rise at court, must begin by creeping.

  242. No. 245

    He that would travel much, should eat little.

  243. No. 246

    He who multiplies riches multiplies cares.

  244. No. 247

    He who buys had need have 100 eyes, but one's enough for him that sells the stuff.

  245. No. 248

    Hold your council before dinner; the full belly hates thinking as well as acting.

  246. No. 249

    Honors change manners.

  247. No. 250

    Honor thy father and mother, i. e., live so as to be an honor to them when they are dead.

  248. No. 251

    Hope and a red rag, are baits for men and mackrel.

  249. No. 252

    Hope of gain lessens pain.

  250. No. 253

    How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults.

  251. No. 254

    Hunger is the best pickle.

  252. No. 255

    Hunger never saw bad bread.

  253. No. 256

    Idleness is the Dead Sea, that swallows all virtues.

  254. No. 257

    Idleness is the greatest prodigality.

  255. No. 258

    If it were not for the belly, the back might wear gold.

  256. No. 259

    If Jack's in love, he's no judge of Jill's beauty.

  257. No. 260

    If man could have half his wishes, he would double his troubles.

  258. No. 261

    If passion drives, let reason hold the reins.

  259. No. 262

    If pride leads the van, beggary brings up the rear.

  260. No. 263

    If thou hast wit and learning, add to it wisdom and modesty.

  261. No. 264

    If thou injurest conscience, it will have its revenge on thee.

  262. No. 265

    If thou would'st live long, live well ; for folly and wickedness shorten life.

  263. No. 266

    If wind blows on you thro' a hole, make your will and take care of your soul.

  264. No. 267

    If worldly goods cannot save me from death, they ought not to hinder me to eternal life.

  265. No. 268

    If you'd be belov'd, make yourself amiable.

  266. No. 269

    If you desire many things, many things seem but a few.

  267. No. 270

    If you'd have a servant that you like, serve yourself.

  268. No. 271

    If you'd have it done, go; if not, send.

  269. No. 272

    If you'd know the value of money, go and borrow some.

  270. No. 273

    If you'd lose a troublesome visitor, lend him money.

  271. No. 274

    If you do what you would not, you must hear what you would not.

  272. No. 275

    If you have no money in your pot, have some in your mouth.

  273. No. 276

    If you have time don't wait for time.

  274. No. 277

    If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the philisopher's stone.

  275. No. 278

    If your head is wax, don't walk in the sun.

  276. No. 279

    If you ride a horse, sit close and tight, if you ride a man, sit easy and light.

  277. No. 280

    If your riches are }rours, why don't you take them with you to the other world?

  278. No. 281

    If you would be loved, love and be lovable.

  279. No. 282

    If you would be reveng'd of your enemy, govern yourself.

  280. No. 283

    If you would have guests merry with cheer, be so yourself, or so at least appear.

  281. No. 284

    If you would keep your secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend.

  282. No. 285

    If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing.

  283. No. 286

    If you would reap praise you must sow the seeds, gentle words and useful deeds.

  284. No. 287

    Ignorance leads men into a party, and shame keeps them from getting out again.

  285. No. 288

    I have never seen the philosopher's stone that turns lead into gold, but I have known the pursuit of it turn a man's gold into lead.

  286. No. 289

    Ill company is like a dog who dirts those most, that he loves best.

  287. No. 290

    Ill customs and bad advice are seldom forgotten.

  288. No. 291

    "I'll warrant ye", goes before rashness; "Who'd-a-tho't" comes sneaking after.

  289. No. 292

    Industry pays debts, despair increases them.

  290. No. 293

    In success be moderate.

  291. No. 294

    Interest which blinds some people, enlightens others.

  292. No. 295

    In the affairs of this world men are saved, not by faith, but by the want of it.

  293. No. 296

    I saw few die of hunger, of eating 100,000.

  294. No. 297

    Is there anything men take more pains about than to render themselves unhappy?

  295. No. 298

    It is better to take many injuries, than to give one.

  296. No. 299

    It, is ill jesting with the joiner's tools, worse with the doctor's.

  297. No. 300

    It is ill-manners to silence a fool, and cruelty to let him go on.

  298. No. 301

    It is not leisure that is not used.

  299. No. 302

    It is wise not to seek a secret, and honest not to reveal it.

  300. No. 303

    It's common for men to give pretended reasons instead of one real one.

  301. No. 304

    It's the easiest thing in the world for a man to deceive himself.

  302. No. 305

    Jack Little sow'd little, and little he'll reap.

  303. No. 306

    Keep flax from fire, youth from gaming.

  304. No. 307

    Keep thou from the opportunity, and God will keep thee from the sin.

  305. No. 308

    Keep thy shop, and thy shop will keep thee.

  306. No. 309

    Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.

  307. No. 310

    Keep your mouth wet, feet dry.

  308. No. 311

    Kings and bears often w.orry their keepers.

  309. No. 312

    Kings have long arms, but misfortune longer ; let none think themselves out of her reach.

  310. No. 313

    Late children, early orphans.

  311. No. 314

    Laws like to cobwebs, catch small flies, great ones break through before your eyes.

  312. No. 315

    Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.

  313. No. 316

    Laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon overtakes him.

  314. No. 317

    Learn of the skillful; he that teaches himself, hath a fool for his master.

  315. No. 318

    Lend money to an enemy, and thou'lt gain him, to a friend and thou'lt lose him.

  316. No. 319

    Let all men know thee, but no man know thee thoroughly; men freely ford that see the shallows.

  317. No. 320

    Let every new year find you a better man.

  318. No. 321

    Let thy child's first lesson be obedience, and the second may be what thou wilt.

  319. No. 322

    Let thy discontents be thy secrets; — if the world knows them 'twill despise thee and increase them.

  320. No. 323

    Let thy maid-servant be faithful, strong, and homely.

  321. No. 324

    Let thy vices die before thee.

  322. No. 325

    Liberality is not giving much, but giving wisely.

  323. No. 326

    Light gains, heavy purses.

  324. No. 327

    Light heel'd mothers make leadenheel'd daughters.

  325. No. 328

    Light purse, heavy heart.

  326. No. 329

    Little rogues easily become great ones.

  327. No. 330

    Little strokes fell great oaks.

  328. No. 331

    Look before, or you'll find yourself behind.

  329. No. 332

    Lost time is never found again.

  330. No. 333

    Love, and be loved.

  331. No. 334

    Love, cough, and a smoke, can't well be hid.

  332. No. 335

    Lover and Lordship hate companions.

  333. No. 336

    Lovers, travellers, am! poets will give money to be heard.

  334. No. 337

    Love well, whip well.

  335. No. 338

    Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.

  336. No. 339

    Love your neighbor; yet don't pull down your hedge.

  337. No. 340

    Lying rides upon debt's back.

  338. No. 341

    Mad kings and mad bulls, are not to be held by treaties and packthread.

  339. No. 342

    Many a man's own tongue gives evidence against his understanding.

  340. No. 343

    Many a man would have been worse, if his estate had been better.

  341. No. 344

    Many a meal is lost for want of meat.

  342. No. 345

    Many complain of their memory, few of their judgment.

  343. No. 346

    Many dishes, many diseases.

  344. No. 347

    Many estates are spent in the getting.

  345. No. 348

    Many foxes grow grey, but few grow good.

  346. No. 349

    Many have quarrel'd about religion, that never practiced it.

  347. No. 350

    Many medicines, few cures.

  348. No. 351

    Many princes sin with David, but few repent with him.

  349. No. 352

    Many would live by their wits, but break for want of stock.

  350. No. 353

    Marry above thy match, and thou'lt get a master.

  351. No. 354

    Marry your son when you will, but your daughter when you can.

  352. No. 355

    Mary's mouth costs her nothing, for she never opens it but at others expense.

  353. No. 356

    Meanness is the parent of insolence.

  354. No. 357

    Men and melons are hard to know.

  355. No. 358

    Men differ daily about things which are subject to sense, is it likely then they should agree about things invisible?

  356. No. 359

    Men meet, mountains never.

  357. No. 360

    Men often mistake themselves, seldom forget themselves.

  358. No. 361

    Men take more pains to mask than mend.

  359. No. 362

    Money and good manners make the gentleman.

  360. No. 363

    Money and man a mutual friendship show ; man makes false money, money makes man so.

  361. No. 364

    Most fools think they are only ignorant.

  362. No. 365

    Most of the learning in use, is of no great use.

  363. No. 366

    Most people return small favors, acknowledge middling ones, and repay great ones with ingratitude.

  364. No. 367

    Much virtue in herbs, little in men.

  365. No. 368

    Necessity has no law; I know some attorneys of the same.

  366. No. 369

    Necessity has no law; Why? Because, 'tis not to be had without money.

  367. No. 370

    Necessity never made a good bargain.

  368. No. 371

    Ne'er take a wife till thou hast a house (and a fire) to put her in.

  369. No. 372

    Neglect kills injuries, revenge increases them.

  370. No. 373

    Neglect mending a small fault, and 'twill soon be a great one.

  371. No. 374

    Neither praise nor dispraise, till seven Christmasses be over.

  372. No. 375

    Never intreat a servant to dwell with thee.

  373. No. 376

    Never praise your cyder, horse, or s bedfellow.

  374. No. 377

    Never spare the parson's wine, nor the baker's pudding.

  375. No. 378

    Nice eaters seldom meet with a good dinner.

  376. No. 379

    Nick's passions grow fat and hearty ; his understanding looks consumptive.

  377. No. 380

    Nine men in ten are suicides.

  378. No. 381

    No gains without pains.

  379. No. 382

    No man e'er was glorious who was not laborious.

  380. No. 383

    None are deceived but they that confide.

  381. No. 384

    None know the unfortunate, and the fortunate do not know themselves.

  382. No. 385

    None preaches better than the ant, and she says nothing.

  383. No. 386

    No resolution repenting hereafter, can be sincere.

  384. No. 387

    Nor eye in a letter, nor hand in a purse, nor ear in the secret of another.

  385. No. 388

    Nothing but money is sweeter than honey.

  386. No. 389

    Nothing drys sooner than a tear.

  387. No. 390

    Nothing humbler than ambition, when it is about to climb.

  388. No. 391

    Nothing more like a fool, than a drunken man.

  389. No. 392

    Nothing so popular as goodness.

  390. No. 393

    Now I've a sheep and a cow, every body bids me good morrow.

  391. No. 394

    No wood without bark.

  392. No. 395

    No workman without tools, nor lawyer without fools, can live by their rules.

  393. No. 396

    Observe all men; thyself most.

  394. No. 397

    Observe old Vellum; he praises former times, as if he'd a mind to sell 'em.

  395. No. 398

    Of learned fools I have seen ten times ten ; of unlearned wise men I have seen a hundred.

  396. No. 399

    O Lazy-bones ! Dost thou think God would have given thee arms and legs, if he had not design'd thou should'st use them.

  397. No. 400

    Old boys have their playthings as well as young ones; the difference is only in the price.

  398. No. 401

    Old young and old long.

  399. No. 402

    One good, husband is worth two good wives; for the scarcer things are the more they're valued.

  400. No. 403

    One may be more cunning than another, but not more cunning than everybody else.

  401. No. 404

    One mend-fault is worth two findfaults, but one find-fault is better than two make-faults.

  402. No. 405

    One to-day is worth two to-morrows.

  403. No. 406

    Onions can make ev'n heirs and widows weep.

  404. No. 407

    Pain wastes the body; pleasures the understanding.

  405. No. 408

    Pardoning the bad, is injuring the good.

  406. No. 409

    Patience in market, is worth pounds in a year.

  407. No. 410

    Pay what you owe, and you'll know what's your own.

  408. No. 411

    Philosophy as well as foppery often changes fashion.

  409. No. 412

    Plough deep, while sluggards sleep.

  410. No. 413

    Pollio, who values nothing that's within, buys books as men hunt beavers, — for their skin.

  411. No. 414

    Poor Dick eats like a well man, and drinks like a sick.

  412. No. 415

    Poor Plain Dealing! Dead without issue.

  413. No. 416

    Poverty, poetry, and new titles of honor, make men ridiculous.

  414. No. 417

    Poverty wants some things, luxury many things, avarice all things.

  415. No. 418

    Praise to the undeserving is severe satire.

  416. No. 419

    Pray, don't burn my house to roast your eggs.

  417. No. 420

    Prayers and provender hinder no journey.

  418. No. 421

    Presumption first blinds a man, then sets him a running.

  419. No. 422

    Pretty and witty, will wound if they hit ye.

  420. No. 423

    Pride and the gout are seldom cur'd throughout.

  421. No. 424

    Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty, supped with infamy.

  422. No. 425

    Pride dines upon vanity, sups on contempt.

  423. No. 426

    Pride is as loud a beggar as want, and a great deal more saucy.

  424. No. 427

    Pride gets into the coach, and shame mounts behind.

  425. No. 428

    Proclaim not all thou knowest, all thou owest, all thou hast, nor all thou canst.

  426. No. 429

    Prodigality of time, produces poverty of mind as well as of estate.

  427. No. 430

    Promises may get thee friends, but non-performance will turn them into enemies.

  428. No. 431

    Proud modern learning despises the ancient. School-men are now laughed at by school-boys.

  429. No. 432

    Quarrels never could last long, if on one side only lay the wrong.

  430. No. 433

    Rather go to bed supperless, than run in debt for a breakfast.

  431. No. 434

    Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man.

  432. No. 435

    Read much, but not many books.

  433. No. 436

    Retirement does not always secure virtue ; Lot was upright in the city, wicked in the mountain.

  434. No. 437

    Rob not for burnt offerings.

  435. No. 438

    Rob not God, nor the poor, lest thou ruin thyself; the eagle snatched a coal from the altar, but it fired her nest.

  436. No. 439

    Samson with his strong body, had a weak head, or he would not have laid in a harlot's lap.

  437. No. 440

    Saying and doing have quarrel'd and parted.

  438. No. 441

    Search others for their virtues, thyself for thy vices.

  439. No. 442

    Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor liberty to purchase power.

  440. No. 443

    Silence is not always a sign of wisdom, but babbling is ever a mark of folly.

  441. No. 444

    Silks and satins put out the kitchen fire.

  442. No. 445

    Since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour.

  443. No. 446

    Singularity in the right, hath ruined many; happy those who are convinced of the general opinion.

  444. No. 447

    Sleep without supping, and you'll rise without owing for it.

  445. No. 448

    Sloth and silence are a fool's virtues.

  446. No. 449

    Sloth (like rust) consumes faster than labor wears. The used key is always bright.

  447. No. 450

    Snowy winter, a plentiful harvest.

  448. No. 451

    Some are justly laughed at for keeping their money foolishly, others for spending it idly ; he is the greatest fool that lays it out in a purchase of repentance.

  449. No. 452

    Some are weatherwise, some are otherwise.

  450. No. 453

    Some make conscience of wearing a hat in the church, who make none of robbing the altar.

  451. No. 454

    Sorrow is good for nothing but sin.

  452. No. 455

    Spare and have is better than spend and crave.

  453. No. 456

    Speak and speed; the close mouth catches no flies.

  454. No. 457

    Speak little, do much.

  455. No. 458

    Speak with contempt of none, from slave to king; the meanest bee hath, and will use, a sting.

  456. No. 459

    Strange! that a man who has wit enough to write a satire, should have folly enough to publish it.

  457. No. 460

    Strange, that he who lives by shifts, can seldom shift himself.

  458. No. 461

    Strive to be the greatest man in your country, and you may be disappointed ; strive to be the best, and you may succeed ; he may well win the race that runs by himself.

  459. No. 462

    Success has ruin'd many a man.

  460. No. 463

    Sudden power is apt to be insolent, sudden liberty saucy; that behaves best which has grown gradually.

  461. No. 464

    Suspicion may be no fault, but showing it may be a great one.

  462. No. 465

    Take counsel in wine, but resolve afterwards in water.

  463. No. 466

    Take courage, mortal; death can't banish thee out of the universe.

  464. No. 467

    Take heed of the vinegar of sweet wine, and the anger of good-nature.

  465. No. 468

    Take this remark from Richard, poor and lame, whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame.

  466. No. 469

    Talking against religion is unchaining a tiger; the beast let loose may worry his deliverer.

  467. No. 470

    Tart words make no friends; a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of s vinegar.

  468. No. 471

    Teach your child to hold his tongue, he'll learn fast enough to speak.

  469. No. 472

    Tell a miser he's rich, and a woman she's old, you'll get no money of one, nor kindness of t'other.

  470. No. 473

    Tell me my faults, and mend your own.

  471. No. 474

    The absent are never without fault, nor the present without excuse.

  472. No. 475

    The ancients tell us what is best, but we must learn of the moderns what is fittest.

  473. No. 476

    The bell calls others to church, but itself never minds the sermon.

  474. No. 477

    The bird that sits, is easily shot.

  475. No. 478

    The brave and the wise can both pity and excuse, when cowards and fools shew no mercy.

  476. No. 479

    The busy man has few idle visitors ; to the boiling pot the flies come not.

  477. No. 480

    The cat in gloves catches no mice.

  478. No. 481

    The creditors are a superstitious sect, great observers of set days and times.

  479. No. 482

    The cunning man steals a horse, the wise man lets him alone.

  480. No. 493

    The devil sweetens poison with honey.

  481. No. 484

    The discontented man finds no easy chair.

  482. No. 485

    The doors of wisdom are never shut.

  483. No. 486

    The end of passion is the beginning of repentance.

  484. No. 487

    The excellency of hogs is fatness, of men virtue.

  485. No. 488

    The eye of a master, will do more work than his hand.

  486. No. 489

    The family of fools is ancient.

  487. No. 490

    The favor of tLe great is no inheritance.

  488. No. 491

    The generous mind least regards money, and yet most feels the want of it.

  489. No. 492

    The golden age never was the present age.

  490. No. 493

    The good pay-master is lord of another man's purse.

  491. No. 494

    The good or ill hap of a good or ill life, is the good or ill choice of a good or ill wife.

  492. No. 495

    The heart of the fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of the wise man is in his heart.

  493. No. 496

    The heathens when they dy'd, went to bed without a candle.

  494. No. 497

    The honest man takes pains, and then enjoys pleasures; the knave takes pleasures, and then suffers pains.

  495. No. 498

    The honey is sweet, but the bee has a sting.

  496. No. 499

    The horse thinks one thing, and he that saddles him another.

  497. No. 500

    The idle man is the devil's hireling; whose livery is rags, whose diet and wages are famine and diseases.

  498. No. 501

    The king's cheese is half wasted in parings; but no matter, 'tis made of the people's milk.

  499. No. 502

    The learned fool writes his nonsense in better language than the unlearned ; but still 'tis nonsense.

  500. No. 503

    The magistrate should obey the laws, the people should obey the magistrate.

  501. No. 504

    The master's eye wil do more work than both his hands.

  502. No. 505

    The miser's cheese is wholesom'st.

  503. No. 506

    The most exquisite folly is made of wisdom spun too fine.

  504. No. 507

    The muses love the morning.

  505. No. 508

    The nearest way to come to glory, is to do that for conscience which we do for glory.

  506. No. 509

    The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it?

  507. No. 510

    The old man has given all to his son ; O fool ! to undress thyself before thou art going to bed.

  508. No. 511

    The painful preacher, like a candle bright, consumes himself in giving others light.

  509. No. 512

    The poor have little, beggars none, the rich too much, enough not one.

  510. No. 513

    The poor man must walk to get meat for his stomach, the rich man to get a stomach to his meat.

  511. No. 514

    The prodigal generally does more injustice than the covetous.

  512. No. 515

    The proof of gold is fire; the proof of woman, gold; the proof of man, a woman.

  513. No. 516

    The proud hate pride — in others.

  514. No. 517

    There are lazy minds as well as lazy bodies.

  515. No. 518

    There are no fools so troublesome as those that have wit.

  516. No. 519

    There are no ugly loves, nor handsome prisons.

  517. No. 520

    There are three faithful friends, an old wife, an old dog, and ready money.

  518. No. 521

    There are three things extremely hard, steel, a diamond and to know one's self.

  519. No. 522

    There is neither honor nor gain got in dealing with a villian.

  520. No. 523

    There is no little enemy.

  521. No. 524

    There is no man so bad but he secretly respects the good.

  522. No. 525

    There is much difference between imitating a good man, and counterfeiting him.

  523. No. 526

    There's a time to wink as well as to see.

  524. No. 527

    There're many witty men whose brains can't fill their bellies.

  525. No. 528

    There's more old drunkards, than old doctors.

  526. No. 529

    There's none deceived but he that trusts.

  527. No. 530

    There's small revenge in words, but words may be greatly revenged.

  528. No. 531

    There was never a good knife made of bad steel.

  529. No. 532

    They who have nothing to trouble them, will be troubled at nothing.

  530. No. 533

    The rivers and bad governments, the lightest things swim at top.

  531. No. 534

    The rotten apple spoils his companion.

  532. No. 535

    The royal crown cures not the headache.

  533. No. 536

    The same man cannot be both friend and flatterer.

  534. No. 537

    The sleeping fox catches no poultry. Up! up!

  535. No. 538

    The second vice is lying; the first is running in debt.

  536. No. 539

    The sting of a reproach is the truth of it.

  537. No. 540

    The sun never repents of the good he does, nor does he ever demand a recompence.

  538. No. 541

    The things which hurt, instruct.

  539. No. 542

    The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth.

  540. No. 543

    The tongue offends, and the ears get the cuffing.

  541. No. 544

    The too obliging temper is evermore disobliging itself.

  542. No. 545

    The way to be safe, is never to be secure.

  543. No. 546

    The way to see by faith, is to shut the Eye of Reason. The morning daylight appears plainer when you put out your candle.

  544. No. 547

    The wise man draws more advantage from his enemies, than the fool from his friends.

  545. No. 548

    The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise.

  546. No. 549

    The wolf sheds his coat once a year, his disposition never.

  547. No. 550

    Think of three things, whence you came, where you are going, and to whom you must account.

  548. No. 551

    Thirst after desert, not reward.

  549. No. 552

    Tho' modesty is a virtue, bashfulness is a vice.

  550. No. 553

    Those that have much business must have much pardon.

  551. No. 554

    Those who are fear'd, are hated.

  552. No. 555

    Those who in quarrels interpose, must often wipe a bloody nose.

  553. No. 556

    Tho' the mastiff be gentle, yet bite him not by the lip.

  554. No. 557

    Thou canst not joke an enemy into a friend; but thou may'st a friend into an enemy.

  555. No. 558

    Three good meals a day is bad living.

  556. No. 559

    Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.

  557. No. 560

    Three things are men most likely to be cheated in, a horse, a wig, and a wife.

  558. No. 561

    Tim and his handsaw are good in their place, tho' not fit for preaching or shaving a face.

  559. No. 562

    Time enough always proves little enough.

  560. No. 563

    Time is an herb that cures all diseases.

  561. No. 564

    Tim was so learned, that he could name a horse in nine languages. So ignorant, that he bought a cow to ride on.

  562. No. 565

    'Tis against some men's principle to pay interest, and seems against others' interest to pay the principal.

  563. No. 566

    'Tis a laudable ambition, that aims at being better than his neighbors.

  564. No. 567

    'Tis a shame that your family is an honor to you ! You ought to be an honor to your family.

  565. No. 568

    'Tis a strange forest that has no rotten wood in it, and a strange kindred that all are good in it.

  566. No. 569

    'Tis better leave for an enemy at one's d^ath, than beg of a friend in one's life.

  567. No. 570

    JTis easier to build two chimneys, than maintain one in fuel.

  568. No. 571

    'Tis easier to prevent bad habits tnan to break them.

  569. No. 572

    'Tis easy to see, hard to foresee.

  570. No. 573

    'Tis easier to suppress the first desire, than to satisfy all that follow it.

  571. No. 574

    'Tis great confidence in a friend to tell him your faults, greater to tell him his.

  572. No. 575

    'Tis hard (but glorious) to be poor and lionest.

  573. No. 576

    'Tis less discredit to abridge petty charges, than to stoop to petty gettings.

  574. No. 577

    Tis not a holiday that's not kept holy.

  575. No. 578

    'Tis a well spent penny that saves a groat.

  576. No. 579

    To bear other people's afflictions, every one has courage enough, and to spare.

  577. No. 580

    To be intimate with a foolish friend, is like going to bed with a razor.

  578. No. 581

    To be proud of knowledge, is to be blind with light; to be proud of virtue, is to poison yourself with the antidote.

  579. No. 582

    To-day is yesterday's pupil.

  580. No. 583

    To err is human, to repent divine, to persist devilish.

  581. No. 584

    To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.

  582. No. 585

    To-morrow every fault is to be amended ; but that to-morrow never comes.

  583. No. 586

    Tom, vain's your pains; they all will fail; ne'er was good arrow made of a sow's tail.

  584. No. 587

    Tongue double, brings trouble.

  585. No. 588

    Too much plenty makes mouth dainty.

  586. No. 589

    To whom thy secret thou dost tell, to him thy freedom thou dost sell.

  587. No. 590

    Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that have not wit enough to be honest.

  588. No. 591

    Trouble springs from idleness; toil from ease.

  589. No. 592

    Trust thyself, and another shall not betray thee.

  590. No. 593

    Two dry sticks will burn a green one.

  591. No. 594

    Up, sluggard, and waste not life ; in the grave will be sleeping enough.

  592. No. 595

    Vain-glory flowereth, but beareth no fruit.

  593. No. 596

    Vanity backbites more than malice.

  594. No. 597

    Vice knows she's ugly, so puts on her mask.

  595. No. 598

    Virtue and a trade, are a child's best portion.

  596. No. 599

    Virtue and happiness are mother and daughter.

  597. No. 600

    Virtue may not always make a face handsome, but vice will certainly make it ugly.

  598. No. 601

    Visits should be short, like a winter's day; lest you're too troublesome hasten away.

  599. No. 602

    Visit your aunt, but not every day ; and call at your brother's, but not every night.

  600. No. 603

    Want of care does us more damage than want of knowledge.

  601. No. 604

    Wars bring scars.

  602. No. 605

    We are not so sensible of the greatest health as of the least sickness.

  603. No. 606

    Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.

  604. No. 607

    Weighty questions ask for deliberate answers.

  605. No. 608

    Welcome, mischief, if thou comest alone.

  606. No. 609

    Well done is better than well said.

  607. No. 610

    Well done, is twice done.

  608. No. 611

    We may give advice, but we cannot give conduct.

  609. No. 612

    What is a butterfly at best? He's but a caterpillar dressed, the gaudy fop's his picture just.

  610. No. 613

    What's given shines, what's receiv'd is rusty.

  611. No. 614

    What signifies knowing the names, if you know not the nature of things.

  612. No. 615

    What signifies your patience, if you can't find it when you want it.

  613. No. 616

    What's proper is becoming; see the blacksmith with his white silk apron.

  614. No. 617

    What you would seem to be, be really.

  615. No. 618

    When a friend deals with a friend, let the bargain be clear and well penn'd, that they may continue friends to the end.

  616. No. 619

    When befriended, remember it; when you befriend, forget it.

  617. No. 620

    When death puts out your flame, the snuff will tell, if we were wax or tallow by the smell.

  618. No. 621

    When knaves betray each other, one can scarce be blamed or the other pitied.

  619. No. 622

    When knaves fall out, honest men get their goods; when priests dispute, we come at the truth.

  620. No. 623

    When out of favor, none know thee ; when in, thou dcst not know thyself.

  621. No. 624

    When prosperity was well mounted, she let go the bridle, and soon came tumbling out of the saddle.

  622. No. 625

    When reason preaches, if you won't hear her, she'll box your ears.

  623. No. 626

    When there's more malice shown than matter, on Jie writer falls the satire.

  624. No. 627

    When the well's dry, we know the worth of water.

  625. No. 628

    When the wine enters, out goes the truth.

  626. No. 629

    When 'tis fair, be sure take your coat with you.

  627. No. 630

    When you're good to othere, you are best to yourself.

  628. No. 631

    When you speak to a man, look on his eyes; when he speaks to thee, look on his mouth.

  629. No. 632

    When you taste honey, remember gall.

  630. No. 633

    Where bread is wanting, all's to be sold.

  631. No. 634

    Where good laws are, much people flock thither.

  632. No. 635

    Where sense is wanting, everything is wanting.

  633. No. 636

    Where there's no law, there's no bread.

  634. No. 637

    Where there is hunger, law is not regarded; and where law is not regarded, there will be hunger.

  635. No. 638

    Where there's marriage without love, there will be love without marriage.

  636. No. 639

    Where yet was ever found the mother, who'd change her baby for another?

  637. No. 640

    Wide will wear, but narrow will tear.

  638. No. 641

    Wink at small faults; remember thou hast great ones.

  639. No. 642

    Wish not so much to live long as to live well.

  640. No. 643

    Without justice courage is weak.

  641. No. 644

    With the old almanack and the old year, leave thy old vice, tho' ever so dear.

  642. No. 645

    Who dainties love, shall beggars prove.

  643. No. 646

    Who has deceived thee so oft as thyself?

  644. No. 647

    Who is powerful? He that governs his passions.

  645. No. 648

    Who is rich ? He that is content.

  646. No. 649

    Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.

  647. No. 650

    Who is strong? He that can conquer his bad habits.

  648. No. 651

    Who is wise? He that learns from every one.

  649. No. 652

    Who judges best of a man, his enemies or himself?

  650. No. 653

    Who knows a fool, must know his brother; for one will recommend another.

  651. No. 654

    Willows are weak, but they bind the faggot.

  652. No. 655

    Wish a miser long life, and you wish him no good.

  653. No. 656

    Women and wine, game and deceit, make the wealth small and the wants great.

  654. No. 657

    Words may show a man's wit, but actions his meaning.

  655. No. 658

    Would you live wiih ease, do what you ought, and not what you please.

  656. No. 659

    Would you persuade, speak of interest, not of reason.

  657. No. 660

    Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.

  658. No. 661

    Write with the learned, pronounce with the vulgar.

  659. No. 662

    Why does the blind man's wife paint herself?

  660. No. 663

    You can bear your own faults, and why not a fault in your wife.

  661. No. 664

    You may be too cunning for one,out not for all.

  662. No. 665

    You may delay, but time will not.

  663. No. 666

    You may give a man an office, but you cannot give him discretion.

  664. No. 667

    You may talk too much on the best subjects.

  665. No. 668

    You may sometimes be much in the wrong, in owning your being in the right.

  666. No. 659

    Youth is pert and positive, age modest and doubting; so ears of corn when young and light, stand bolt upright, but hang their heads when weighty, full, and ripe.

  667. No. 670

    You will be careful, if you are wise ; how you touch men's religion, or credit, or eyes.

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Gorm the Old