Page:History of Whittington and his cat (1).pdf/4

 hussey, ordered him to go about his business, or she would scald him. At this time Mr Fitzwarren came from the Exchange, and began also to scold the poor boy, bidding him go and work.

Whittington answered, that he should be glad to work, if any body would employ him, and that he should be able if he could get any victuals to eat; for he had eat nothing for three days, and he was a poor country boy, and knew nobody, and nobody would employ him.

He then endeavoured to get up, but was so very weak, that he fell down again; which excited so much compassion in the merchant, that he ordered the servants to take him in, and give him some meat and drink, and let him help the cook to do any dirty work she might set him about. People are too apt to reproach those who beg with being idle, but give themselves no concern of putting them in a way of getting business to do, or considering