Page:Storys of the three beggars (1).pdf/6

 and were waited on like noblemen. Their mirth was thus prolonged till the night was pretty far advanced, when, to make a suitable close to so jovial a day, they each called for a bed, and went to rest.

The next morning the landlord, who wanted to get rid of them, sent his servant to call them up. When they were come down stairs, he made out their bill, which amounted to ten-pence. That was the moment the mischievous churchman so impatiently expected. To enjoy the transaction more at his ease, he came and posted himself in a corner of the room, but without showing himself, least his presence might be a restraint on the guests.

“Master,” says the blind men to the landlord, “we have a besant; take your account, and give us our change.”

He holds out his hand to receive it; and, as no one offers it him, he asks them again, when each says, “ It is not I.”

The landlord then gets into a passion.— “So, gentlemen vagrants, you think I am to serve here as a butt for your diversion. Be so good as to end all this mockery, and pay me immediately my ten-pence, otherwise I’ll give you all three a drubbing.”

They then began to enquire of each other for the piece of money—to suspect each other’s honesty—to call names—to quarrel: