14. We permit all such beggars as have no children of their own to hire as many as four to lead about with them into the churches on festivals; these should not be above five years old, and, if possible, should appear to be twins. If a female conduct them, she should never fail to have one always at her breast; and if a man, he must be sure to carry one on his arm, and lead the other by the hand.
15. We command, that those beggars who have any children, instruct them, up to the age of six years, in the best mode of making collections in churches; that, after having taught them to ask charity for their father and mother who lie on their beds at home most dangerously ill, they allow them to go alone, though it were better not entirely to lose sight of them. As soon, however, as these children shall have attained their seventh year, we command that they be left to shift for themselves, as being already majors, and that their parents be content to restrict and compel them to return home at stipulated hours.
16. Beggars of the old stamp, who consider it a point of honor to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors who have trained them to the profession of begging, will never allow their children to take any other trade than their own, nor to degrade themselves by entering into the service of any one; and if these children wish to be thought worthy of their parents, they will hold every other condition in abhorrence.
17. Although Idleness be the principal divinity worshipped by us beggars, we, nevertheless, think proper to prescribe certain hours of rising. Every one should dress and turn out by seven o’clock in winter, and by five in summer, or even sooner, if he feel so disposed; and should be in bed again by the same hour in the evening, except on extraordinary occasions, and according to the directions of the veterans of the Society.
18. Be for ever declared infamous, and banished from our Society, all such as shall presume to steal, harbour stolen goods, strip little children, or commit any such villanies.
19. As it is our wish that all young persons who embark in our profession be treated favorably, we will and ordain, that, for the future, any brother who shall have attained the age of twelve years shall be obliged to pass a noviciate of three years only instead of five; and we insist that after the said term of three years he be considered a graduate in the profession, and as a subject who has duly complied with and fulfilled all the laws of our institution.
20. At the same time we require of the said brother that he make oath never to desert our Society, but continue attached to it, and never think of withdrawing himself from our service without our especial leave; promising to pay due submission and obedience to our statutes, under pain of our highest displeasure.
CHAP. XXIII.
Of the disagreeable adventure poor Guzman met with, while begging in the City of Rome during the heat of the day.
In addition to these laws, this famous doctor in the art communicated to me others which he told me had been established by the most celebrated beggars of Italy, and particularly by the renowned Albert, surnamed Messer Morcon—in other words, Mr. Big-guts—who was looked upon as Generalissimo of the Beggars at Rome. In truth, he well deserved that title, and even that of Prince of the Beggars, or rather the Archbeggar, of Christendom.