ravens to feed Elijah, and who clothes the lilies, would find some
means to sustain me with needful food and raiment; and I had learned
by experience the truth of that saying, Natura paucis contenta--i.e.
Nature is content with few things, or a little.

Although the sight and smell of hot food was sufficiently enticing
to my empty stomach, for I had eaten little that morning and was
hungry, yet, considering the terms of the invitation, I questioned
whether I was included in it; and after some reasonings at length
concluded that, while I had tenpence in my pocket, I should be but
an injurious intruder to that mess, which was provided for such as
perhaps had not twopence in theirs.

Being come to this resolution, I withdrew as far from the table as I
could, and sat down in a quiet retirement of mind till the repast
was over, which was not long; for there were hands enough at it to
make light work of it.

When evening came the porter came up the backstairs, and opening the
door, told us if we desired to have anything that was to be had in
the house, he would bring it us; for there was in the house a
chandler's shop, at which beer, bread, butter, cheese, eggs and
bacon, might be had for money. Upon which many went to him, and
spake for what of these things they had a mind to, giving him money
to pay for them.

Among the rest went I, and intending to spin out my tenpence as far
as I could, desired him to bring me a penny loaf only. When he
returned we all resorted to him to receive our several provisions,
which he delivered; and when he came to me he told me he could not