From The Wit and Humor of America, edited by Marshall P. Wilder, Volume III, New York and London: Funk and Wagnalls and Company, 1911; p. 583.
BY CAROLYN WELLS
Once on a Time two Business Men were Each Confronted with what seemed to be a Fine Chance to Make Money.
One Man, being of a Cautious and Prudent Nature, said: “I will not Take Hold of this Matter until I have Carefully Examined it in All its Aspects and Inquired into All its Details.”
While he was thus Occupied in a thorough Investigation he Lost his Chance of becoming a Partner in the Project, and as It proved to be a Booming Success, he was Much Chagrined.
The Other Man, when he saw a Golden Opportunity Looming Up Before him, Embraced it at once, without a Preliminary Question or Doubt.
But alas! after he had Invested all his Fortune in it, the Scheme proved to be Worthless, and he Lost all his Money.
MORALS :
This Fable teaches that you should Strike While the Iron is Hot, and Look Before you Leap.