We are a mere number and born to consume the fruits of the earth; like Penelope 's suitors, useless drones; like Alcinous' youth, employed above measure in pampering their bodies; whose glory was to sleep till mid - day, and to lull their cares to rest by the sound of the harp. Robbers rise by night, that they may cut men 's throats; and will not you awake to save yourself? But, if you will not when you are in health, you will be forced to take exercise when you are in a dropsy; and unless before day you call for a book with a light, unless you brace your mind with study and honest employments, you will be kept awake and tormented with envy or with love. For why do you hasten to remove things that hurt your eyes, but if any thing gnaws your mind, defer the time of curing it from year to year? He has half the deed done, who has made a beginning. Boldly undertake the study of true wisdom: begin it forthwith. He who postpones the hour of living well, like the hind[ in the fable], waits till[ all the water in] the river be run off: whereas it flows, and will flow, ever rolling on. 