Works and Days (355-361)

A man gives to the free-handed, but no one gives to the closefisted. Give is a good girl, but Take is bad and she brings death. For the man who gives willingly, even though he gives a great thing, rejoices in his gift and is glad in heart; but whoever gives way to shamelessness and takes something himself,

even though it is a small thing,

it freezes his heart. He who adds to what he has, will keep off bright-eyed hunger;

for if you add only a little to a little and do this often,