Diligence is the mother of good luck, and God gives all things
to industry. Then plow deep while sluggards sleep, and you shall have
corn to sell and to keep. Work while it is called to-day, for you know
not how much you may be hindered to-morrow. One to-day is worth two
to-morrows, as Poor Richard says; and further, Never leave that till
to-morrow which you can do to-day. If you were a servant, would you not
be ashamed that a good master should catch you idle? Are you, then, your
own master? Be ashamed to catch yourself idle, when there is so much to
be done for yourself, your family, your country, your king. Handle your
tools without mittens; remember that The cat in gloves catches no mice,
as Poor Richard says. It is true there is much to be done, and perhaps
you are weak-handed; but stick to it steadily, and you will see great
effects; for, Constant dropping wears away stones, and By diligence and
patience the mouse ate in two the cable; and Little strokes fell great
oaks.

"Methinks I hear some of you say, Must a man afford himself no leisure?
I will tell thee, my friend, what Poor Richard says: Employ thy time
well, if thou meanest to gain leisure; and since thou art not sure of a
minute, throw not away an hour. Leisure is time for doing something
useful; this leisure the diligent man will obtain, but the lazy man
never; for A life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things.
Many, without labor, would live by their wits only, but they break for
want of stock; whereas, industry gives comfort, and plenty, and respect.
Fly pleasures, and they will follow you. The diligent spinner has a
large shift; and now I have a sheep and a cow, every one bids me
good-morrow.

"II. But with our industry we must likewise be steady and careful, and
oversee our own affairs with our own eyes, and not trust too much to
others; for, as Poor Richard says:

"I never saw an oft-removed tree,
Nor yet an oft-removed family,
That throve so well as those that settled be."

And again, Three removes are as bad as a fire; and again, Keep thy shop,
and thy shop will keep thee; and again, If you would have your business,
go; if not, send. And again,

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

And again, The eye of the master will do more work than both his hands;
and again, "Want of care does us more damage than want of knowledge; and
again, Not to over