Careful Words

income (n.)

A business with an income at its heels

Furnishes always oil for its own wheels.

William Cowper (1731-1800): Retirement. Line 614.

This house is to be let for life or years;

Her rent is sorrow, and her income tears.

Cupid, 't has long stood void; her bills make known,

She must be dearly let, or let alone.

Robert Herrick (1591-1674): Emblems. Book ii. Emblem 10, Ep. 10.