N. In good sooth, I don’t know about that, padre.
C. Yes, indeed, I might, though I am in your service. Consider then, sir, what you will give me, for, besides serving at the altar, I was employed to buy provisions.
N. I won’t deny it. Draw me up a petition of all your claims.
C. Senhor, do not put me off, for the matter has no ending, as perhaps you wish, for indeed I am become for you both clergyman and man of business.
N. And I have given you favours, yes, so far as my poor means allowed, have done more for you than others do. For what more does a clergyman want in wages or income than that he should be given his food—a good penny a day—and allowed to live as he wills. And think of the honour! “He is chaplain of So-and-So.”
C. Yes, and what about clothes, and meals snatched anyhow, and sleeping so ill at ease that my head lies on the floor without a pillow, and always at one o’clock in the morning Mass before the chase? And to please you, moreover, I served you out of doors, even buying fish in the market-place. And other errands too, ill befitting my dignity. Indeed, indeed, sir, I was your carrier on the high road, driven this way and that; and I had charge of the cats and of the negroes in the kitchen, and I used to clean your boots for you, and do many another thing besides.
N. Yes, I trusted you with all my alms-giving, and you gave for the love of God, and I never asked you for accounts.
C. For the three years to which I’m referring I can give them now without more ado. You once bade me give twopence to a blind man in charity.
N. I’m not denying it.[51]