I had rather buy what I want, than ask anyone for it. To an ingenuous mind, it is a hard thing to be obliged to say, I beg he had rather purchase what he stands in need of, with his own money, or if he has not money, with the labour of his own hands. «Neque enim levi mercede emit, qui precatur», he pays no small price for a favour, who buys it by intreaties. «If I had money», Socrates said, «I would this morning have bought myself a coat». Though the money was immediately supplied by his friend, yet it came, Seneca observes, too late. It was a shame that such a man should have been reduced to the necessity of asking for it.