Weaving of cobwebs, which persons are said to do, who waste their time and money in frivolous pursuits; in procuring what will be of no use when obtained; in collecting butterflies, cockle-shells, etc. «et stultus labor est ineptiarum», and such like fooleries. Laws also, which by the great are easily evaded, and which seem only made entrap the poor, are, by common consent, called cobweb contrivances. They were so called by Anarcharis. «They catch», he said, «small flies, but wasps and hornets break them with impunity». «Hence little villains oft submit to fate, That great ones may enjoy the world in state».

Do not wear a ring, or a shoe, we say, that is too tight, which may impede you in walking, or in any other actions. Metaphorically, do not by imprudence waste your property, and contract debts, which will lead to the loss of your liberty; neither pay so much deference to the opinions of others, as to embrace them implicitly, without first submitting them to a careful examination. Persons who are so tractable are said to be led by the nose, and of such, artful men do not fail to take advantage. Also, be not ready to bind yourselves by vows, or oaths, to do, or to refrain from any act. If the thing be proper in itself, you will have sufficient incentive to do it, without laying such obligations or restrictions upon yourself; the necessity for which can only arise from imbecility, or inconstancy of mind, which you should rather endeavor to cure than to indulge.