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Prudence: Quotations from Shakespearian Quotations

Take up this mangled matter at the best: Men do their broken weapons rather use— 0. i. 3

Than their bare hands. When we mean to build, We first survey the plot, then draw the model; And when we see the figure of the house, Then must we rate the cost of the erection: Which if we find outweighs ability, What do we then but draw anew the model In fewer offices; or, at least, desist To build at all? Much more, in this great work (Which is almost to pluck a kingdom down, And set another up) should we survey The plot of situation, and the model; Consent upon a sure foundation; Question surveyors, know our own estate, How able such a work to undergo, To weigh against his opposite; or else We fortify in paper, and in figures, Using the names of men, instead of men: Like one, that draws the model of a house Beyond his power to build it; who, half through, Gives o'er, and leaves his part-created cost A naked subject to the weeping clouds, And waste for churlish winter's tyranny. H. IV. PT. II. 1.