OPPORTUNITY
"But didn't Opportunity ever knock at your door?"
"Probably."
"And you didn't answer it?"
"I? Of course not. What do you think the servants are for?"
Lazyman, Contentedman, and Busyman lived together in the same house. One day, when only Lazyman and Contentedman were at home, Opportunity knocked.
As Lazyman made not the slightest move to go to the door, Contentedman went and opened it.
"I am Opportunity," said the visitor, "and I have something very wonderful for you."
Lazyman yawned and said nothing.
Contentedman courteously explained that he was not interested, for the very good reason that he had everything he wanted.
"I believe Busyman also lives here," said Opportunity. "Where is he? I know he would be glad to see me."
"Indeed he would, but he's out. He's always busy running around. You're not the first Opportunity that he's missed. Opportunities have been knocking here regularly for years, but he's never at home. I tell him it doesn't pay to be so busy."
Opportunity walked away with dejected mien.—Life.
How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds,
Makes ill deeds done!
—Shakespeare.