Hew Morrison Collection > Collection of Gaelic proverbs, and familiar phrases

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7. " Handle your tools without mittens : Remem-
ber 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 : * Em-
* ploy thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure ;
* and since thou art not sure of a minute, throw not
' away an hour.'
8. " 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 labour, would live
* by their wits only, but they break for want of stock ;'
whereas industry gives comfort, and plenty, and re-
spect. Fly pleasures, and they will follow you ; * the
' diligent spinner has a large shift : and now I have a
' sheep and a cow, every body bids me good-morrow.'
But, with our industry, we must likewise be steady,
settled, 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.'
0. " Three removes are as bad as a fire. Keep thy
' shop and thy shop will keep thee :' and, again, * If
* you would have your business done, go ; if not,
' -end.'
' He that by the plough would thrive,
' Himself must either hold or drive.*