Blair Collection > Mackintosh's collection of Gaelic proverbs, and familar phrases

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In which case, it appears plainly, that * a ploughman
on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his knees,' as
Poor Richard says. Perhaps they have had a small
estate left them, which they knew not the getting of.
They think ' it is day, and will never be night ; that a
' little to be spent out of so much, is not worth mind-
' ing/
14. " Always taking out of the meal-tub, and never
' putting in, soon comes to the bottom,' as Poor Rich-
ard 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 this 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 in again. Poor
Dick farther 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.'
Ì5. " 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 sup-
* press 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 with
« Poverty, and supped with Infamy.' And, after all,
of what use is this pride of appearance, for which so