As Pride sometimes is hid under humility， Idleness is often covered by turbulence and hurry. He that neglects his known duty and real employment， naturally endeavors to crowd his mind with something that may bar out the remembrance of his own folly， and does anything but what he ought to do with eager diligence， that he may keep himself in his own favor.
Some are always in a state of preparation， occupied in previous measures， forming plans， accumulating materials， and providing for the main affair. These are certainly under the secret power of Idleness. Nothing is to be expected from the workman whose tools are forever to be sought. I was once told by a great master， that no man ever excelled in painting， who was eminently curious about pencils and colors.