Thus the old gentleman ended his harangue. The people heard it, and approved the doctrine, and immediately practiced the contrary, just as if it had been a common sermon; for the auction opened and they began to buy extravagantly. I found the good man had thoroughly studied my almanacs, and digested all I had dropped on these topics during the course of twenty-five years. The frequent mention he made of me must have tired any one else; but my vanity was wonderfully delighted with it, though I was conscious that not a tenth part of the wisdom was my own which he ascribed to me, but rather the gleanings that I had made of the sense of all ages and nations. However, I resolved to be the better for the echo of it; and, though I had at first determined to buy stuff for a new coat, I went away resolved to wear my old one a little longer. Reader, if thou wilt do the same, thy profit will be as great as mine. I am, as ever, thine to serve thee, RICHARD SAUNDERS. [Footnote 208: Poor Richard's maxims in the Almanac.] PROVERBS FROM POOR RICHARD'S ALMANAC. The noblest question in the world is, What good may I do in it? The masterpiece of man is to live to the purpose. The nearest way to come at glory is to do that for conscience which we do for glory. Do not do that which you would not have known. Well done is better than well said. Who has deceived thee so oft as thyself? Search others for their virtues, thyself for thy vices. He that can have patience, can have what he will. After crosses and losses men grow humbler and wiser. In a discreet man's mouth a public thing is private. Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it. No better relation than a prudent and faithful friend. He that can compose himself is wiser than he that composes books. He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities. None but the well-bred man knows how to confess a fault, or acknowledge himself in error. Read much, but not too many books. None preaches better than the ant, and she says nothing. Forewarned, forearmed. To whom thy secret thou dost tell, To him thy freedom thou dost sell. Don't misinform your doctor or your lawyer. He that pursues two hens at once, does not catch one and lets the other go. The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise. There are no gains without pains. If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the philosopher's stone. Every little makes a mickle. He that can travel well a-foot keeps a good horse. He is no clown that drives the plow, but he that doth clownish things. NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS