How much more than is necessary do we spend in sleep? forgetting that the sleeping fox catches no poultry; and that there will be sleeping enough in the grave, as Poor RICHARD says.  If Time be of all things the most precious, Wasting of Time must be (as Poor RICHARD says) the greatest prodigality; since, as he elsewhere tells us, Lost time is never found again; and what we call Time enough! always prows little enough.  Let us then up and be doing, and doing to the purpose:  so, by diligence, shall we do more with less perplexity. Sloth makes all things difficult, but Industry all things easy, as Poor RICHARD says:  and He that riseth late, must trot all day; and shall scarce overtake his business at night.  While Laziness travels so slowly, that Poverty soon overtakes him, as we read in Poor RICHARD; who adds, Drive thy business!  Let not that drive thee! and

    Early to bed, and early to rise,
    Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

So what signifies wishing and hoping for better Times!  We may make these Times better, if we bestir ourselves! Industry need not wish! as Poor RICHARD says; and He that lives on Hope, will die fasting.  There are no gains without pains.  Then Help hands! for I have no lands; or if I have, they are smartly taxed.  And as Poor RICHARD likewise observes, He that hath a Trade, hath an Estate, and He that hath a Calling, hath an Office of Profit and Honour:  but, then, the Trade must be worked at, and the Calling well followed, or neither the Estate, nor the Office, will enable us to pay our taxes.

If we are industrious, we shall never starve, for, as Poor RICHARD says, At the working man’s houses Hunger looks in; but dares not enter.  Nor will the Bailiff, or the Constable enter:  for Industry pays debts, while, Despair increaseth them, says Poor RICHARD.

What though you have found no treasure, nor has any rich relation left you a legacy. Diligence is the Mother of Good-luck, as Poor RICHARD says; and GOD gives ail things to Industry.  Then

    Plough deep, while sluggards sleep;
   And you shall have corn to sell and to keep,

says Poor DICK.  Work while it is called to-day; for you know not, how much you may be hindered to-morrow:  which makes Poor RICHARD say, One To-day is worth two To-morrows, and farther, Have you somewhat to do to-morrow? do it 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! as Poor DICK says.  When there is so much to be done for yourself, your family, your country, and your gracious King; be up by peep of day! Let not the sun look down, and say, “Inglorious, here he lies!" Handle your tools, without mittens!  Remember that The cat in glove catches no mice! as Poor RICHARD says.