The Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin
Poor Richard's Almanack
Scroll to wander chronologically or let chance pick the wisdom.
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No. 1
A child thinks 20 shillings and 20 years can scarce ever be spent.
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No. 2
A cold April, the barn will fill.
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No. 3
A countryman between two lawyers, is like a fish between two cats.
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No. 4
Act uprightly, and despise calumny; dirt may stick to a mud wall, but not to polish'd marble.
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No. 5
A cypher and humility make the other figures and virtues of tenfold value.
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No. 6
A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines.
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No. 7
A father's a treasure ; a brother's a comfort ; a friend is both.
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No. 8
A fat kitchen, a lean will.
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No. 9
A fine genius in his own country, is like gold in the mine.
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No. 10
A flatterer never seems absurd : The flatter'd always takes his word.
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No. 11
After three days men grow weary of a wench, a guest, and weather rainy.
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No. 12
After crosses and losses men grow humbler and wiser.
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No. 13
A full belly is the mother of all evil.
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No. 14
A full belly makes a dull brain.
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No. 15
A good example is the best sermon.
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No. 16
A good lawyer, a bad neighbor.
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No. 17
A good man is seldom uneasy, an ill one never easy.
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No. 18
A house without woman and firelight, is like a body without soul or sprite.
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No. 19
A lean award is better than a fat judgment.
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No. 20
A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one.
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No. 21
A lie stands on one leg, truth on two.
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No. 22
A life of leisure, and a life of laziness, are two things.
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No. 23
A light purse is a heavy curse.
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No. 24
A little house well fill'd, a little field well till'd, and a little wife well will'd, are great riches.
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No. 25
All blood is alike ancient.
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No. 26
All mankind are beholden to him that is kind to the good.
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No. 27
All things are cheap to the saving, dear to the wasteful.
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No. 28
All things are easy to industry, all things difficult to sloth.
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No. 29
All would live long, but none would be old.
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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.
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No. 32
A man without a wife, is but a half a man.
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No. 33
A man without ceremony has need of great merit in its place.
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No. 34
Ambition often spends foolishly what avarice had wickedly collected.
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No. 35
A mob's a monster; heads enough, but no brains.
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No. 36
A modern wit is one of David's fools.
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No. 37
An egg today is better than a hen tomorrow.
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No. 38
An empty bag cannot stand upright.
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No. 39
A new truth is a truth, an old error is an error, though Clodpate won't allow either.
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No. 40
Anger and folly walk cheek by jole; repentance treads on both their heels.
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No. 41
Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one.
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No. 42
Anger warms the invention, but overheats the oven.
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No. 43
An honest man will receive neither money nor praise, that is not his due.
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No. 44
An hundred thieves cannot strip one naked man, especially if his skin's off.
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No. 45
An ill wound, but not an ill name, may be healed.
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No. 46
An innocent plowman is more worthy than a vicious prince.
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No. 47
Anoint a villian and he'll stab you; stab him, and he'll anoint you.
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No. 48
An old man in a house is a good sign.
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No. 49
An old young man will be a young old man.
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No. 50
An ounce of wit that is bought, is worth a pound that is taught.
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No. 51
An undutiful daughter, will prove an unmanageable wife.
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No. 52
A pair of good ears will drain dry an hundred tongues.
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No. 53
A plowman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his knees.
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No. 54
Approve not of him that commends all you say.
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No. 55
A quarrelsome man has no good neighbors.
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No. 56
A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder.
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No. 57
Are you angry that others disappoint you? Remember you cannot depend upon yourself.
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No. 58
As charms are nonsense, nonsense is a charm.
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No. 59
Ask and have, is sometimes dear buying.
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No. 60
A soft tongue may strike hard.
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No. 61
As pride increases, fortune declines.
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No. 62
As sore places meet most rubs, proud folks meet most affronts.
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No. 63
A temper to bear much, will have much to bear.
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No. 64
A wicked hero will turn his back to an innocent coward.
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No. 65
As we must account for every idle word, so we must for every idle silence.
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No. 66
At a great pennyworth, pause a while.
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No. 67
A traveller should have a hog's nose, deer's legs, and an ass's back.
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No. 68
At the working man's house hunger looks in but dares not enter.
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No. 69
At 20 years of age the will reigns ; at thirty the wit ; at 40 the judgment.
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No. 70
Bad commentators spoil the best of books.
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No. 71
Bad gains are truly losses.
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No. 72
Bargaining has neither friends nor relations.
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No. 73
Be always ashamed to catch thyself idle.
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No. 74
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors.
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No. 75
Beauty and folly are old companions. '76. Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.
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No. 77
Ben beats his pate, and fancys wit will come ; but he may knock, there's nobody at home.
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No. 78
Be not niggardly of what costs thee nothing, as courtesy, counsel, and countenance.
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No. 79
Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.
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No. 80
Better is a little with content than much with contention.
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No. 81
Better slip with foot than tongue.
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No. 82
Beware, beware! He'll cheat without scruple, who can without fear.
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No. 83
Beware of him that is slow to anger ; he is angry for something, and will not be pleased for nothing.
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No. 84
Beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship.
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No. 85
Beware of meat twice boil'd, and an old foe reconcil'd.
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No. 86
Beware of the young doctor and the old barber.
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No. 87
Blame-all and praise-all are two block heads.
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No. 88
Blessed is he that expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.
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No. 89
Buy what thou hast no need of; and e'er long thou shalt sell thy necessaries.
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No. 90
By diligence and patience, the mouse bit in two the cable.
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No. 91
Calamity and prosperity are the touchstones of integrity.
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No. 92
Ceremony is not civility; nor civility ceremony.
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No. 93
Changing countries or beds, cures neither a bad manager, nor a fever.
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No. 94
Cheese and salt meat should be sparingly eat.
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No. 95
Children and princes will quarrel for trifles.
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No. 96
Clean your finger, before you point at my spots.
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No. 97
Clearly spoken, Mr. Fog! You explain English by Greek.
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No. 98
Content and riches seldom meet together. Riches take thou, contentment I had rather.
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No. 99
Content is the philosopher's stone, that turns all it touches into gold.
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No. 100
Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes ric!i men poor.
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No. 101
Courage would fight, but discretion won't let him.
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No. 102
Creditors have better memories than debtors.
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No. 103
Cut the wings of your hens and hopes, lest they lead you a wary dance after them.
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No. 104
Danger is sauce for prayers.
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No. 105
Dally not with other folks' women or money.
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No. 106
Death takes no bribes.
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No. 107
Declaiming against pride, is not always a sign of humility.
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No. 108
Defer not thy well doing; be not like St. George, who is always on horseback, and never rides on.
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No. 109
Deny self for self's sake.
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No. 110
Despair ruins some, presumption many.
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No. 111
Different sects like different clocks, may be all near the matter, though they don't quite agree.
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No. 112
Diligence is the mother of good luck.
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No. 113
Diligence overcomes difficulties, sloth makes them.
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No. 114
Distrust and caution are the parents of security.
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No. 115
Do good to thy friend to keep him, to thy enemy to gain him.
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No. 116
Doing an injury puts you below your enemy; revenging one makes you but even with him ; forgiving, it sets you above him.
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No. 117
Do not do that which you would not have known.
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No. 118
Do me the favor to deny me at once.
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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.
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No. 120
Don't judge of men's wealth or piety, by their Sunday appearances.
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No. 121
Don't misinform your doctor nor your lawyer.
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No. 122
Don't overload gratitude; if you d«> she'll kick.
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No. 123
Don't think to hunt two hares with one dog.
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No. 124
Don't throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are glass.
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No. 125
Don't value a man for the quality he is of, but for the qualities he possesses.
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No. 126
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that's the stuff life is made of.
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No. 127
Drink does not drown care, but waters it, and makes it grow faster.
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No. 128
Drink water ; put the money in your pocket, and leave the dry-bellyache in the punch-bowl.
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No. 129
Drive thy business, or it will drive thee.
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No. 130
Drunkenness, that worst of evils, makes some men fools, some beasts, some devils.
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No. 131
Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
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No. 132
Eat few suppers, and you'll need few medicines.
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No. 133
Eat to please thyself, but dress to please others.
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No. 134
Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure.
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No. 135
Ever since follies have pleased, foob have been able to divert.
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No. 136
Every man has assurance enough to boast of his honesty, few of their understanding.
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No. 137
Experience keeps a dear school, yet fools will learn in no other.
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No. 138
Eyes and priests bear no jests.
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No. 139
Fear God, and your enemies will fear you.
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No. 140
Fear not death ; for the sooner we die, the longer shall we be immortal.
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No. 141
Fear to do ill, and you need fear nought else.
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No. 142
Fine linen, girls and gold so bright, choose not to take by candle light.
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No. 143
Fish and visitors stink in three days.
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No. 144
Fly pleasures and they'll follow you.
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No. 145
Fond pride of dress is sure an empty curse ; e'er fancy you consult, consult your purse.
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No. 146
Fools make feasts, and wise men eat 'em.
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No. 147
Fools multiply folly.
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No. 148
Fools need advice most, but wise men only are the better for it.
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No. 149
For age and want save while you may; no morning sun lasts a whole day.
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No. 150
For one poor man there are an hundred indigent.
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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,
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No. 152
Friendship cannot live with ceremony, nor without civility.
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No. 153
Friendship increases by visiting friends, but by visiting seldom.
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No. 154
Full of courtesy, full of craft.
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No. 155
Generous minds are all of kin.
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No. 156
Genius without education is like silver in the mine.
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No. 157
Gifts burst rocks.
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No. 158
Gifts much expected, are paid, not given.
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No. 159
Give me yesterday's bread, this day's flesh, and last year's cyder.
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No. 160
Glass, china, and reputation are easily crack'd, and never well mended.
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No. 161
God gives all things to industry.
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No. 162
God heals, and the doctor takes the fees.
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No. 163
God helps them that help themselves.
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No. 164
God, parents, and instructors, can never be requited.
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No. 165
Good sense is a thing all need, few have, and none think they want.
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No. 166
Good wives and good plantation* are made by good husbands.
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No. 167
Grace thou thy house, and let not that grace thee.
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No. 168
Graft good fruit all, or graft not at all.
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No. 169
Great almsgiving, lessens no man's living.
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No. 170
Great estates may venture more; little boats must keep near shore.
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No. 171
Great famine when wolves eat wolves.
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No. 172
Great good-nature, without prudence, is a great misfortune.
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No. 173
Great merit is coy, as well as great pride.
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No. 174
Great modesty often hides great merit.
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No. 175
Great spenders are bad lenders.
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No. 176
Great talkers, little doers. 1 /. Great talkers should be cropt, for they've no need of ears.
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No. 178
Half hospitality opens his door and shuts up his countenance.
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No. 179
Half the truth is often a great lie.
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No. 180
Half wits talk much but say little.
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No. 181
Happy that Nation, fortunate that age, whose history is not diverting.
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No. 182
Happy's the wooing that's not long a doing.
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No. 183
Happy Tom Crump, ne'er sees his own hump.
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No. 184
Haste makes waste.
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No. 185
Harry Smatter, has a mouth for every matter.
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No. 186
Have you somewhat to do to-morrow; do it to-day.
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No. 187
Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is.
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No. 188
Hear no ill of a friend, nor speak any of an enemy.
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No. 189
Hear reason, or she'll make you feel her.
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No. 190
He does not possess wealth, it possesses him.
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No. 191
He has chang'd his one ey'd horse for a blind one.
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No. 192
He has lost his boots, but sav'd his spurs.
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No. 193
He is a governor that governs his passions, and he a servant that serves them.
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No. 194
He is ill clothed, who is bare of virtue.
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No. 195
He is no clown that drives the plow, but he that doth clownish things.
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No. 196
He is not well bred, that cannot bear ill-breeding in others.
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No. 197
Help, hands ; for I have no lands.
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No. 198
He makes a foe, who makes a jest.
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No. 199
Here comes the orator, with his flood of words, and his drop of reason.
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No. 200
He's a fool that cannot conceal his wisdom.
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No. 201
He's a fool that makes his doctor his heir.
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No. 202
He's gone, and forgot nothing but to say farewell — to his creditors.
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No. 203
He's the best physician that knows the worthlessness of the most medicines.
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No. 204
He that best understands the world, least likes it.
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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.
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No. 206
He that buys by the penny, maintains not only himself, but other people.
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No. 207
He that by the plow would thrive, himself must either hold or drive.
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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.
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No. 209
He that can compose himself, is wiser than he that composes books.
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No. 210
He that can have patience can have what he will.
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No. 211
He that cannot bear with other people's passions, cannot govern his own.
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No. 212
He that cannot obey, cannot command.
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No. 213
He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.
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No. 214
He that can travel well afoot, keeps a good horse.
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No. 215
He that doth what he should not, shall feel what he would not.
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No. 216
He that drinks fast, pays slow.
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No. 217
He that drinks his cyder alone, let him catch his horse alone.
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No. 218
He that falls in love with himself, will have no rivals.
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No. 219
He that goes far to marry, will either deceive or be deceived.
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No. 220
He that has a trade, has an office of profit and honor.
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No. 221
He that has not got a wife, is not yet a complete man.
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No. 222
He that hath a trade, hath an estate.
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No. 223
He that is of opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.
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No. 224
He that is rich need not live sparingly, and he that can live sparingly, need not be rich.
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No. 225
He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.
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No. 226
He that never eats too much, will never be lazy.
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No. 227
He that pays for work before it's done, has but a penny-worth for two pence.
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No. 228
He that pursues two hares at once, does not catch one and let t'other go.
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No. 229
He that resolves to mend hereafter, resolves not to mend now.
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No. 230
He that riseth late, must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his business by night.
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No. 231
He that scatters thorns, let him not go barefoot.
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No. 232
He that's content hath enough; he that complains has too much.
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No. 233
He that sells upon trust, loses many friends, and always wants money.
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No. 234
He that sows thorns, should never go barefoot.
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No. 235
He that speaks ill of the mare, will buy her.
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No. 236
He that speaks much, is much mistaken.
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No. 237
He that spills the rum loses that only; he that drinks it, often loses both that and himself.
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No. 238
He that takes a wife, takes care.
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No. 239
He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner.
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No. 240
He that won't be counsell'd, can't be help'd.
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No. 241
He that would catch fish, must venture his bait.
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No. 242
He that would have a short Lent, let him borrow money to be repaid at Easter. POOR RICHARP'S ALMANACK. 29
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No. 243
He that would live in peace and at ease, must not speak all he knows, nor judge all he sees.
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No. 244
He that would rise at court, must begin by creeping.
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No. 245
He that would travel much, should eat little.
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No. 246
He who multiplies riches multiplies cares.
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No. 247
He who buys had need have 100 eyes, but one's enough for him that sells the stuff.
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No. 248
Hold your council before dinner; the full belly hates thinking as well as acting.
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No. 249
Honors change manners.
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No. 250
Honor thy father and mother, i. e., live so as to be an honor to them when they are dead.
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No. 251
Hope and a red rag, are baits for men and mackrel.
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No. 252
Hope of gain lessens pain.
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No. 253
How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults.
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No. 254
Hunger is the best pickle.
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No. 255
Hunger never saw bad bread.
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No. 256
Idleness is the Dead Sea, that swallows all virtues.
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No. 257
Idleness is the greatest prodigality.
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No. 258
If it were not for the belly, the back might wear gold.
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No. 259
If Jack's in love, he's no judge of Jill's beauty.
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No. 260
If man could have half his wishes, he would double his troubles.
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No. 261
If passion drives, let reason hold the reins.
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No. 262
If pride leads the van, beggary brings up the rear.
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No. 263
If thou hast wit and learning, add to it wisdom and modesty.
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No. 264
If thou injurest conscience, it will have its revenge on thee.
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No. 265
If thou would'st live long, live well ; for folly and wickedness shorten life.
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No. 266
If wind blows on you thro' a hole, make your will and take care of your soul.
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No. 267
If worldly goods cannot save me from death, they ought not to hinder me to eternal life.
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No. 268
If you'd be belov'd, make yourself amiable.
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No. 269
If you desire many things, many things seem but a few.
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No. 270
If you'd have a servant that you like, serve yourself.
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No. 271
If you'd have it done, go; if not, send.
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No. 272
If you'd know the value of money, go and borrow some.
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No. 273
If you'd lose a troublesome visitor, lend him money.
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No. 274
If you do what you would not, you must hear what you would not.
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No. 275
If you have no money in your pot, have some in your mouth.
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No. 276
If you have time don't wait for time.
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No. 277
If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the philisopher's stone.
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No. 278
If your head is wax, don't walk in the sun.
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No. 279
If you ride a horse, sit close and tight, if you ride a man, sit easy and light.
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No. 280
If your riches are }rours, why don't you take them with you to the other world?
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No. 281
If you would be loved, love and be lovable.
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No. 282
If you would be reveng'd of your enemy, govern yourself.
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No. 283
If you would have guests merry with cheer, be so yourself, or so at least appear.
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No. 284
If you would keep your secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend.
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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.
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No. 286
If you would reap praise you must sow the seeds, gentle words and useful deeds.
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No. 287
Ignorance leads men into a party, and shame keeps them from getting out again.
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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.
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No. 289
Ill company is like a dog who dirts those most, that he loves best.
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No. 290
Ill customs and bad advice are seldom forgotten.
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No. 291
"I'll warrant ye", goes before rashness; "Who'd-a-tho't" comes sneaking after.
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No. 292
Industry pays debts, despair increases them.
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No. 293
In success be moderate.
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No. 294
Interest which blinds some people, enlightens others.
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No. 295
In the affairs of this world men are saved, not by faith, but by the want of it.
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No. 296
I saw few die of hunger, of eating 100,000.
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No. 297
Is there anything men take more pains about than to render themselves unhappy?
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No. 298
It is better to take many injuries, than to give one.
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No. 299
It, is ill jesting with the joiner's tools, worse with the doctor's.
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No. 300
It is ill-manners to silence a fool, and cruelty to let him go on.
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No. 301
It is not leisure that is not used.
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No. 302
It is wise not to seek a secret, and honest not to reveal it.
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No. 303
It's common for men to give pretended reasons instead of one real one.
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No. 304
It's the easiest thing in the world for a man to deceive himself.
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No. 305
Jack Little sow'd little, and little he'll reap.
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No. 306
Keep flax from fire, youth from gaming.
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No. 307
Keep thou from the opportunity, and God will keep thee from the sin.
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No. 308
Keep thy shop, and thy shop will keep thee.
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No. 309
Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.
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No. 310
Keep your mouth wet, feet dry.
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No. 311
Kings and bears often w.orry their keepers.
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No. 312
Kings have long arms, but misfortune longer ; let none think themselves out of her reach.
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No. 313
Late children, early orphans.
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No. 314
Laws like to cobwebs, catch small flies, great ones break through before your eyes.
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No. 315
Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.
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No. 316
Laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon overtakes him.
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No. 317
Learn of the skillful; he that teaches himself, hath a fool for his master.
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No. 318
Lend money to an enemy, and thou'lt gain him, to a friend and thou'lt lose him.
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No. 319
Let all men know thee, but no man know thee thoroughly; men freely ford that see the shallows.
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No. 320
Let every new year find you a better man.
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No. 321
Let thy child's first lesson be obedience, and the second may be what thou wilt.
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No. 322
Let thy discontents be thy secrets; — if the world knows them 'twill despise thee and increase them.
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No. 323
Let thy maid-servant be faithful, strong, and homely.
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No. 324
Let thy vices die before thee.
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No. 325
Liberality is not giving much, but giving wisely.
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No. 326
Light gains, heavy purses.
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No. 327
Light heel'd mothers make leadenheel'd daughters.
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No. 328
Light purse, heavy heart.
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No. 329
Little rogues easily become great ones.
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No. 330
Little strokes fell great oaks.
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No. 331
Look before, or you'll find yourself behind.
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No. 332
Lost time is never found again.
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No. 333
Love, and be loved.
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No. 334
Love, cough, and a smoke, can't well be hid.
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No. 335
Lover and Lordship hate companions.
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No. 336
Lovers, travellers, am! poets will give money to be heard.
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No. 337
Love well, whip well.
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No. 338
Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.
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No. 339
Love your neighbor; yet don't pull down your hedge.
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No. 340
Lying rides upon debt's back.
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No. 341
Mad kings and mad bulls, are not to be held by treaties and packthread.
-
No. 342
Many a man's own tongue gives evidence against his understanding.
-
No. 343
Many a man would have been worse, if his estate had been better.
-
No. 344
Many a meal is lost for want of meat.
-
No. 345
Many complain of their memory, few of their judgment.
-
No. 346
Many dishes, many diseases.
-
No. 347
Many estates are spent in the getting.
-
No. 348
Many foxes grow grey, but few grow good.
-
No. 349
Many have quarrel'd about religion, that never practiced it.
-
No. 350
Many medicines, few cures.
-
No. 351
Many princes sin with David, but few repent with him.
-
No. 352
Many would live by their wits, but break for want of stock.
-
No. 353
Marry above thy match, and thou'lt get a master.
-
No. 354
Marry your son when you will, but your daughter when you can.
-
No. 355
Mary's mouth costs her nothing, for she never opens it but at others expense.
-
No. 356
Meanness is the parent of insolence.
-
No. 357
Men and melons are hard to know.
-
No. 358
Men differ daily about things which are subject to sense, is it likely then they should agree about things invisible?
-
No. 359
Men meet, mountains never.
-
No. 360
Men often mistake themselves, seldom forget themselves.
-
No. 361
Men take more pains to mask than mend.
-
No. 362
Money and good manners make the gentleman.
-
No. 363
Money and man a mutual friendship show ; man makes false money, money makes man so.
-
No. 364
Most fools think they are only ignorant.
-
No. 365
Most of the learning in use, is of no great use.
-
No. 366
Most people return small favors, acknowledge middling ones, and repay great ones with ingratitude.
-
No. 367
Much virtue in herbs, little in men.
-
No. 368
Necessity has no law; I know some attorneys of the same.
-
No. 369
Necessity has no law; Why? Because, 'tis not to be had without money.
-
No. 370
Necessity never made a good bargain.
-
No. 371
Ne'er take a wife till thou hast a house (and a fire) to put her in.
-
No. 372
Neglect kills injuries, revenge increases them.
-
No. 373
Neglect mending a small fault, and 'twill soon be a great one.
-
No. 374
Neither praise nor dispraise, till seven Christmasses be over.
-
No. 375
Never intreat a servant to dwell with thee.
-
No. 376
Never praise your cyder, horse, or s bedfellow.
-
No. 377
Never spare the parson's wine, nor the baker's pudding.
-
No. 378
Nice eaters seldom meet with a good dinner.
-
No. 379
Nick's passions grow fat and hearty ; his understanding looks consumptive.
-
No. 380
Nine men in ten are suicides.
-
No. 381
No gains without pains.
-
No. 382
No man e'er was glorious who was not laborious.
-
No. 383
None are deceived but they that confide.
-
No. 384
None know the unfortunate, and the fortunate do not know themselves.
-
No. 385
None preaches better than the ant, and she says nothing.
-
No. 386
No resolution repenting hereafter, can be sincere.
-
No. 387
Nor eye in a letter, nor hand in a purse, nor ear in the secret of another.
-
No. 388
Nothing but money is sweeter than honey.
-
No. 389
Nothing drys sooner than a tear.
-
No. 390
Nothing humbler than ambition, when it is about to climb.
-
No. 391
Nothing more like a fool, than a drunken man.
-
No. 392
Nothing so popular as goodness.
-
No. 393
Now I've a sheep and a cow, every body bids me good morrow.
-
No. 394
No wood without bark.
-
No. 395
No workman without tools, nor lawyer without fools, can live by their rules.
-
No. 396
Observe all men; thyself most.
-
No. 397
Observe old Vellum; he praises former times, as if he'd a mind to sell 'em.
-
No. 398
Of learned fools I have seen ten times ten ; of unlearned wise men I have seen a hundred.
-
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.
-
No. 400
Old boys have their playthings as well as young ones; the difference is only in the price.
-
No. 401
Old young and old long.
-
No. 402
One good, husband is worth two good wives; for the scarcer things are the more they're valued.
-
No. 403
One may be more cunning than another, but not more cunning than everybody else.
-
No. 404
One mend-fault is worth two findfaults, but one find-fault is better than two make-faults.
-
No. 405
One to-day is worth two to-morrows.
-
No. 406
Onions can make ev'n heirs and widows weep.
-
No. 407
Pain wastes the body; pleasures the understanding.
-
No. 408
Pardoning the bad, is injuring the good.
-
No. 409
Patience in market, is worth pounds in a year.
-
No. 410
Pay what you owe, and you'll know what's your own.
-
No. 411
Philosophy as well as foppery often changes fashion.
-
No. 412
Plough deep, while sluggards sleep.
-
No. 413
Pollio, who values nothing that's within, buys books as men hunt beavers, — for their skin.
-
No. 414
Poor Dick eats like a well man, and drinks like a sick.
-
No. 415
Poor Plain Dealing! Dead without issue.
-
No. 416
Poverty, poetry, and new titles of honor, make men ridiculous.
-
No. 417
Poverty wants some things, luxury many things, avarice all things.
-
No. 418
Praise to the undeserving is severe satire.
-
No. 419
Pray, don't burn my house to roast your eggs.
-
No. 420
Prayers and provender hinder no journey.
-
No. 421
Presumption first blinds a man, then sets him a running.
-
No. 422
Pretty and witty, will wound if they hit ye.
-
No. 423
Pride and the gout are seldom cur'd throughout.
-
No. 424
Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty, supped with infamy.
-
No. 425
Pride dines upon vanity, sups on contempt.
-
No. 426
Pride is as loud a beggar as want, and a great deal more saucy.
-
No. 427
Pride gets into the coach, and shame mounts behind.
-
No. 428
Proclaim not all thou knowest, all thou owest, all thou hast, nor all thou canst.
-
No. 429
Prodigality of time, produces poverty of mind as well as of estate.
-
No. 430
Promises may get thee friends, but non-performance will turn them into enemies.
-
No. 431
Proud modern learning despises the ancient. School-men are now laughed at by school-boys.
-
No. 432
Quarrels never could last long, if on one side only lay the wrong.
-
No. 433
Rather go to bed supperless, than run in debt for a breakfast.
-
No. 434
Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man.
-
No. 435
Read much, but not many books.
-
No. 436
Retirement does not always secure virtue ; Lot was upright in the city, wicked in the mountain.
-
No. 437
Rob not for burnt offerings.
-
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.
-
No. 439
Samson with his strong body, had a weak head, or he would not have laid in a harlot's lap.
-
No. 440
Saying and doing have quarrel'd and parted.
-
No. 441
Search others for their virtues, thyself for thy vices.
-
No. 442
Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor liberty to purchase power.
-
No. 443
Silence is not always a sign of wisdom, but babbling is ever a mark of folly.
-
No. 444
Silks and satins put out the kitchen fire.
-
No. 445
Since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour.
-
No. 446
Singularity in the right, hath ruined many; happy those who are convinced of the general opinion.
-
No. 447
Sleep without supping, and you'll rise without owing for it.
-
No. 448
Sloth and silence are a fool's virtues.
-
No. 449
Sloth (like rust) consumes faster than labor wears. The used key is always bright.
-
No. 450
Snowy winter, a plentiful harvest.
-
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.
-
No. 452
Some are weatherwise, some are otherwise.
-
No. 453
Some make conscience of wearing a hat in the church, who make none of robbing the altar.
-
No. 454
Sorrow is good for nothing but sin.
-
No. 455
Spare and have is better than spend and crave.
-
No. 456
Speak and speed; the close mouth catches no flies.
-
No. 457
Speak little, do much.
-
No. 458
Speak with contempt of none, from slave to king; the meanest bee hath, and will use, a sting.
-
No. 459
Strange! that a man who has wit enough to write a satire, should have folly enough to publish it.
-
No. 460
Strange, that he who lives by shifts, can seldom shift himself.
-
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.
-
No. 462
Success has ruin'd many a man.
-
No. 463
Sudden power is apt to be insolent, sudden liberty saucy; that behaves best which has grown gradually.
-
No. 464
Suspicion may be no fault, but showing it may be a great one.
-
No. 465
Take counsel in wine, but resolve afterwards in water.
-
No. 466
Take courage, mortal; death can't banish thee out of the universe.
-
No. 467
Take heed of the vinegar of sweet wine, and the anger of good-nature.
-
No. 468
Take this remark from Richard, poor and lame, whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame.
-
No. 469
Talking against religion is unchaining a tiger; the beast let loose may worry his deliverer.
-
No. 470
Tart words make no friends; a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of s vinegar.
-
No. 471
Teach your child to hold his tongue, he'll learn fast enough to speak.
-
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.
-
No. 473
Tell me my faults, and mend your own.
-
No. 474
The absent are never without fault, nor the present without excuse.
-
No. 475
The ancients tell us what is best, but we must learn of the moderns what is fittest.
-
No. 476
The bell calls others to church, but itself never minds the sermon.
-
No. 477
The bird that sits, is easily shot.
-
No. 478
The brave and the wise can both pity and excuse, when cowards and fools shew no mercy.
-
No. 479
The busy man has few idle visitors ; to the boiling pot the flies come not.
-
No. 480
The cat in gloves catches no mice.
-
No. 481
The creditors are a superstitious sect, great observers of set days and times.
-
No. 482
The cunning man steals a horse, the wise man lets him alone.
-
No. 493
The devil sweetens poison with honey.
-
No. 484
The discontented man finds no easy chair.
-
No. 485
The doors of wisdom are never shut.
-
No. 486
The end of passion is the beginning of repentance.
-
No. 487
The excellency of hogs is fatness, of men virtue.
-
No. 488
The eye of a master, will do more work than his hand.
-
No. 489
The family of fools is ancient.
-
No. 490
The favor of tLe great is no inheritance.
-
No. 491
The generous mind least regards money, and yet most feels the want of it.
-
No. 492
The golden age never was the present age.
-
No. 493
The good pay-master is lord of another man's purse.
-
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.
-
No. 495
The heart of the fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of the wise man is in his heart.
-
No. 496
The heathens when they dy'd, went to bed without a candle.
-
No. 497
The honest man takes pains, and then enjoys pleasures; the knave takes pleasures, and then suffers pains.
-
No. 498
The honey is sweet, but the bee has a sting.
-
No. 499
The horse thinks one thing, and he that saddles him another.
-
No. 500
The idle man is the devil's hireling; whose livery is rags, whose diet and wages are famine and diseases.
-
No. 501
The king's cheese is half wasted in parings; but no matter, 'tis made of the people's milk.
-
No. 502
The learned fool writes his nonsense in better language than the unlearned ; but still 'tis nonsense.
-
No. 503
The magistrate should obey the laws, the people should obey the magistrate.
-
No. 504
The master's eye wil do more work than both his hands.
-
No. 505
The miser's cheese is wholesom'st.
-
No. 506
The most exquisite folly is made of wisdom spun too fine.
-
No. 507
The muses love the morning.
-
No. 508
The nearest way to come to glory, is to do that for conscience which we do for glory.
-
No. 509
The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it?
-
No. 510
The old man has given all to his son ; O fool ! to undress thyself before thou art going to bed.
-
No. 511
The painful preacher, like a candle bright, consumes himself in giving others light.
-
No. 512
The poor have little, beggars none, the rich too much, enough not one.
-
No. 513
The poor man must walk to get meat for his stomach, the rich man to get a stomach to his meat.
-
No. 514
The prodigal generally does more injustice than the covetous.
-
No. 515
The proof of gold is fire; the proof of woman, gold; the proof of man, a woman.
-
No. 516
The proud hate pride — in others.
-
No. 517
There are lazy minds as well as lazy bodies.
-
No. 518
There are no fools so troublesome as those that have wit.
-
No. 519
There are no ugly loves, nor handsome prisons.
-
No. 520
There are three faithful friends, an old wife, an old dog, and ready money.
-
No. 521
There are three things extremely hard, steel, a diamond and to know one's self.
-
No. 522
There is neither honor nor gain got in dealing with a villian.
-
No. 523
There is no little enemy.
-
No. 524
There is no man so bad but he secretly respects the good.
-
No. 525
There is much difference between imitating a good man, and counterfeiting him.
-
No. 526
There's a time to wink as well as to see.
-
No. 527
There're many witty men whose brains can't fill their bellies.
-
No. 528
There's more old drunkards, than old doctors.
-
No. 529
There's none deceived but he that trusts.
-
No. 530
There's small revenge in words, but words may be greatly revenged.
-
No. 531
There was never a good knife made of bad steel.
-
No. 532
They who have nothing to trouble them, will be troubled at nothing.
-
No. 533
The rivers and bad governments, the lightest things swim at top.
-
No. 534
The rotten apple spoils his companion.
-
No. 535
The royal crown cures not the headache.
-
No. 536
The same man cannot be both friend and flatterer.
-
No. 537
The sleeping fox catches no poultry. Up! up!
-
No. 538
The second vice is lying; the first is running in debt.
-
No. 539
The sting of a reproach is the truth of it.
-
No. 540
The sun never repents of the good he does, nor does he ever demand a recompence.
-
No. 541
The things which hurt, instruct.
-
No. 542
The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth.
-
No. 543
The tongue offends, and the ears get the cuffing.
-
No. 544
The too obliging temper is evermore disobliging itself.
-
No. 545
The way to be safe, is never to be secure.
-
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.
-
No. 547
The wise man draws more advantage from his enemies, than the fool from his friends.
-
No. 548
The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise.
-
No. 549
The wolf sheds his coat once a year, his disposition never.
-
No. 550
Think of three things, whence you came, where you are going, and to whom you must account.
-
No. 551
Thirst after desert, not reward.
-
No. 552
Tho' modesty is a virtue, bashfulness is a vice.
-
No. 553
Those that have much business must have much pardon.
-
No. 554
Those who are fear'd, are hated.
-
No. 555
Those who in quarrels interpose, must often wipe a bloody nose.
-
No. 556
Tho' the mastiff be gentle, yet bite him not by the lip.
-
No. 557
Thou canst not joke an enemy into a friend; but thou may'st a friend into an enemy.
-
No. 558
Three good meals a day is bad living.
-
No. 559
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.
-
No. 560
Three things are men most likely to be cheated in, a horse, a wig, and a wife.
-
No. 561
Tim and his handsaw are good in their place, tho' not fit for preaching or shaving a face.
-
No. 562
Time enough always proves little enough.
-
No. 563
Time is an herb that cures all diseases.
-
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.
-
No. 565
'Tis against some men's principle to pay interest, and seems against others' interest to pay the principal.
-
No. 566
'Tis a laudable ambition, that aims at being better than his neighbors.
-
No. 567
'Tis a shame that your family is an honor to you ! You ought to be an honor to your family.
-
No. 568
'Tis a strange forest that has no rotten wood in it, and a strange kindred that all are good in it.
-
No. 569
'Tis better leave for an enemy at one's d^ath, than beg of a friend in one's life.
-
No. 570
JTis easier to build two chimneys, than maintain one in fuel.
-
No. 571
'Tis easier to prevent bad habits tnan to break them.
-
No. 572
'Tis easy to see, hard to foresee.
-
No. 573
'Tis easier to suppress the first desire, than to satisfy all that follow it.
-
No. 574
'Tis great confidence in a friend to tell him your faults, greater to tell him his.
-
No. 575
'Tis hard (but glorious) to be poor and lionest.
-
No. 576
'Tis less discredit to abridge petty charges, than to stoop to petty gettings.
-
No. 577
Tis not a holiday that's not kept holy.
-
No. 578
'Tis a well spent penny that saves a groat.
-
No. 579
To bear other people's afflictions, every one has courage enough, and to spare.
-
No. 580
To be intimate with a foolish friend, is like going to bed with a razor.
-
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.
-
No. 582
To-day is yesterday's pupil.
-
No. 583
To err is human, to repent divine, to persist devilish.
-
No. 584
To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.
-
No. 585
To-morrow every fault is to be amended ; but that to-morrow never comes.
-
No. 586
Tom, vain's your pains; they all will fail; ne'er was good arrow made of a sow's tail.
-
No. 587
Tongue double, brings trouble.
-
No. 588
Too much plenty makes mouth dainty.
-
No. 589
To whom thy secret thou dost tell, to him thy freedom thou dost sell.
-
No. 590
Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that have not wit enough to be honest.
-
No. 591
Trouble springs from idleness; toil from ease.
-
No. 592
Trust thyself, and another shall not betray thee.
-
No. 593
Two dry sticks will burn a green one.
-
No. 594
Up, sluggard, and waste not life ; in the grave will be sleeping enough.
-
No. 595
Vain-glory flowereth, but beareth no fruit.
-
No. 596
Vanity backbites more than malice.
-
No. 597
Vice knows she's ugly, so puts on her mask.
-
No. 598
Virtue and a trade, are a child's best portion.
-
No. 599
Virtue and happiness are mother and daughter.
-
No. 600
Virtue may not always make a face handsome, but vice will certainly make it ugly.
-
No. 601
Visits should be short, like a winter's day; lest you're too troublesome hasten away.
-
No. 602
Visit your aunt, but not every day ; and call at your brother's, but not every night.
-
No. 603
Want of care does us more damage than want of knowledge.
-
No. 604
Wars bring scars.
-
No. 605
We are not so sensible of the greatest health as of the least sickness.
-
No. 606
Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.
-
No. 607
Weighty questions ask for deliberate answers.
-
No. 608
Welcome, mischief, if thou comest alone.
-
No. 609
Well done is better than well said.
-
No. 610
Well done, is twice done.
-
No. 611
We may give advice, but we cannot give conduct.
-
No. 612
What is a butterfly at best? He's but a caterpillar dressed, the gaudy fop's his picture just.
-
No. 613
What's given shines, what's receiv'd is rusty.
-
No. 614
What signifies knowing the names, if you know not the nature of things.
-
No. 615
What signifies your patience, if you can't find it when you want it.
-
No. 616
What's proper is becoming; see the blacksmith with his white silk apron.
-
No. 617
What you would seem to be, be really.
-
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.
-
No. 619
When befriended, remember it; when you befriend, forget it.
-
No. 620
When death puts out your flame, the snuff will tell, if we were wax or tallow by the smell.
-
No. 621
When knaves betray each other, one can scarce be blamed or the other pitied.
-
No. 622
When knaves fall out, honest men get their goods; when priests dispute, we come at the truth.
-
No. 623
When out of favor, none know thee ; when in, thou dcst not know thyself.
-
No. 624
When prosperity was well mounted, she let go the bridle, and soon came tumbling out of the saddle.
-
No. 625
When reason preaches, if you won't hear her, she'll box your ears.
-
No. 626
When there's more malice shown than matter, on Jie writer falls the satire.
-
No. 627
When the well's dry, we know the worth of water.
-
No. 628
When the wine enters, out goes the truth.
-
No. 629
When 'tis fair, be sure take your coat with you.
-
No. 630
When you're good to othere, you are best to yourself.
-
No. 631
When you speak to a man, look on his eyes; when he speaks to thee, look on his mouth.
-
No. 632
When you taste honey, remember gall.
-
No. 633
Where bread is wanting, all's to be sold.
-
No. 634
Where good laws are, much people flock thither.
-
No. 635
Where sense is wanting, everything is wanting.
-
No. 636
Where there's no law, there's no bread.
-
No. 637
Where there is hunger, law is not regarded; and where law is not regarded, there will be hunger.
-
No. 638
Where there's marriage without love, there will be love without marriage.
-
No. 639
Where yet was ever found the mother, who'd change her baby for another?
-
No. 640
Wide will wear, but narrow will tear.
-
No. 641
Wink at small faults; remember thou hast great ones.
-
No. 642
Wish not so much to live long as to live well.
-
No. 643
Without justice courage is weak.
-
No. 644
With the old almanack and the old year, leave thy old vice, tho' ever so dear.
-
No. 645
Who dainties love, shall beggars prove.
-
No. 646
Who has deceived thee so oft as thyself?
-
No. 647
Who is powerful? He that governs his passions.
-
No. 648
Who is rich ? He that is content.
-
No. 649
Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.
-
No. 650
Who is strong? He that can conquer his bad habits.
-
No. 651
Who is wise? He that learns from every one.
-
No. 652
Who judges best of a man, his enemies or himself?
-
No. 653
Who knows a fool, must know his brother; for one will recommend another.
-
No. 654
Willows are weak, but they bind the faggot.
-
No. 655
Wish a miser long life, and you wish him no good.
-
No. 656
Women and wine, game and deceit, make the wealth small and the wants great.
-
No. 657
Words may show a man's wit, but actions his meaning.
-
No. 658
Would you live wiih ease, do what you ought, and not what you please.
-
No. 659
Would you persuade, speak of interest, not of reason.
-
No. 660
Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.
-
No. 661
Write with the learned, pronounce with the vulgar.
-
No. 662
Why does the blind man's wife paint herself?
-
No. 663
You can bear your own faults, and why not a fault in your wife.
-
No. 664
You may be too cunning for one,out not for all.
-
No. 665
You may delay, but time will not.
-
No. 666
You may give a man an office, but you cannot give him discretion.
-
No. 667
You may talk too much on the best subjects.
-
No. 668
You may sometimes be much in the wrong, in owning your being in the right.
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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.
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No. 670
You will be careful, if you are wise ; how you touch men's religion, or credit, or eyes.
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