Timely Aid


A LADY was followed by a beggar, who very importunately asked her for

alms. She refused him; when he quitted her, saying, with a profound

sigh, Yet the alms I asked you for would have prevented me executing my

present resolution! The lady was alarmed lest the man should commit

some rash attempt on his own life. She called him back, and gave him a

shilling, and asked him the meaning of what he had just said. Madam,

said the fellow, laying hold of the money, I have been begging all

day in vain, and but for this shilling I should have been obliged to

work!



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