Better poverty without a care than wealth with its many obligations

Once a A Fire-Tree was boating to a Bramble, and said somewhat contemptuously, "You poor creature you are of no use whatever. Now, look at me: I am useful for all sorts of things, particularly when men build houses; they can't do without me then."

But the Bramble replied, "Ah, that's all very well: but you wait till they come with axes and saws to cut you down, and then you'll wish you were a Bramble and not a Fir."