ness is
apparent only, and not real; or the bargain, by straitening thee in thy
business, may do thee more harm than good; for in another place he says,
Many have been ruined by buying good pennyworths. Again, It is foolish
to lay out money in a purchase of repentance; and yet this folly is
practiced every day at auctions for want of minding the almanac. Many,
for the sake of finery on the back, have gone with a hungry belly and
half starved their families. Silks and satins, scarlet and velvets, put
out the kitchen fire, as Poor Richard says.

"These are not the necessaries of life; they can scarcely be called the
conveniences; and yet, only because they look pretty, how many want to
have them! By these, and other extravagances, the genteel are reduced to
poverty, and forced to borrow of those whom they formerly despised, but
who through industry and frugality have maintained their standing; in
which case it appears plainly that A plowman on his legs is higher than
a gentleman on his knees, as Poor Richard says. Perhaps they have a
small estate left them which they knew not the getting of; they think,
It is day, and it never will be night; that a little to be spent out of
so much is not worth minding; but Always taking out of the meal-tub, and
never putting in, soon comes to the bottom, as Poor Richard says; and
then, When the well is dry, they know the worth of water. But this they
might have known before, if they had taken his advice. If you would know
the value of money, go and try to borrow some; for, He that goes
a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing, as Poor Richard says; and, indeed, so does
he that lends to such people, when he goes to get it again. Poor Dick
further advises, and says:

"Fond pride of dress is sure a very curse;
Ere fancy you consult, consult your purse."

And again, Pride is as loud a beggar as Want, and a great deal more
saucy. When you have bought one fine thing, you must buy ten more, that
your appearance may be all of a piece; but Poor Dick says, It is easier
to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it. And it
is as truly folly for the poor to ape the rich, as for the frog to swell
in order to equal the ox.

"Vessels large may venture more,
But little boats should keep near shore."

It is, however, a folly soon punished; for, as Poor Richard says, Pride
that dines on vanity, sups on contempt. Pride breakfasted with Plenty,
dined wit