ossom of his fortune, shivering
in the solitary recess of indigence, disdaining to beg, and even ashamed
to let his misery be known. Here you may see the parent who has known
happier times, surrounded by his tender offspring, naked and forlorn,
demanding food, which his circumstances cannot afford.

"That man of decent appearance and melancholy aspect, who lifted his hat
as you passed him in the yard, is a person of unblemished character. He
was a reputable tradesman in the city, and failed through inevitable
losses. A commission of bankruptcy was taken out against him by his sole
creditor, a quaker, who refused to sign his certificate. He has lived
three years in prison, with a wife and five small children. In a little
time after his commitment, he had friends who offered to pay ten
shillings in the pound of what he owed, and to give security for paying
the remainder in three years by instalments. The honest quaker did not
charge the bankrupt with any dishonest practices, but he rejected the
proposal with the most mortifying indifference, declaring that he did not
want his money. The mother repaired to his house, and kneeling before
him with her five lovely children, implored mercy with tears and
exclamations. He stood this scene unmoved, and even seemed to enjoy the
prospect, wearing the looks of complacency, while his heart was steeled
with rancour. 'Woman,' said he, 'these be hopeful babes, if they were
duly nurtured. Go thy ways in peace; I have taken my resolution.' Her
friends maintained the family for some time; but it is not in human
charity to persevere; some of them died, some of them grew unfortunate,
some of them fell off, and now the poor man is reduced to the extremity
of indigence, from whence he has no prospect of being retrieved. The
fourth part of what you would have bestowed upon the lady would make this
poor man and his family sing with joy."

He had scarce pronounced these words, when our hero desired the man might
be called, and in a few minutes he entered the apartment with a low
obeisance. "Mr. Coleby," said the knight, "I have heard how cruelly you
have been used by your creditor, and beg you will accept this trifling
present, if it can be of any service to you in your distress." So
saying, he put five guineas into his hand. The poor man was so
confounded at such an unlooked-for acquisition, that he stood motionless
and silent, unable to thank the donor; and Mr. Felton conveyed h