More wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack:

• Thirst after desert — not reward.
• Gifts much expected, are paid not given.
• Children and princes will quarrel for trifles.
• Praise little, dispraise less.
• The Child thinks 20 Shillings and 20 Years can scarce ever be spent.
• Industry need not wish.
• ‘Tis great Confidence in a Friend to tell him your Faults, greater to tell him his.
• Neglect kills Injuries, Revenge increases them.
• Observe all men; thyself most.
• Do not do that which you would not have known.
• He that resolves to mend hereafter, resolves not to mend now.
• The honest Man takes Pains, and then enjoys Pleasures; the knave takes Pleasure, and then suffers Pains.
• All would live long, but none would be old.
• Nothing more like a fool, than a drunken man.
• As often as we do good, we sacrifice.
• There is much difference between imitating a good man, and counterfeiting him.

And “Cut the Wings of your Hens and Hopes, lest they lead you a weary Dance after them.”