"Perhaps," thought he, "it is the country's wont
To welcome foreigners in this way; now
I recollect some innkeepers who don't
Differ, except in robbing with a bow
In lieu of a bare blade and brazen front.
But what is to be done? I can't allow
The fellow to lie groaning on the road:
So take him up; I'll help you with the load."
But ere they could perform this pious duty,
The dying man cried, "Hold! I've got my gruel;