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!