From Delight and Pastime or Pleasant Diversion for both sexes consisting of Good History &c &c (1697) as quoted in Humour, Wit and Satire of the Seventeenth Century collected and illustrated by John Ashton:

“If you ask why borrowed Books seldom return to their Owners? this is the Reason one gives for it : Because ’tis easier to keep ’em, than what is in them.”

Ain’t that the truth.