[1] ‘La Vecchia Avara.’ This story was told in emulation of the last, otherwise it is hardly worth reproducing. The only merit of the story consisted in the liveliness of the pantomime with which the words of the third wife were rendered. To the poor, however, such a story is a treasure, as it tells of the condign punishment of an oppressor; and there are few of them who have not some experience of what it is to be trampled on. [↑]
[2] According to the local custom prevailing among all classes, of married sons and daughters continuing to live in the same house with their parents. [↑]
[3] ‘Dispensa,’ store-room. [↑]
[4] ‘Pizza,’ a cake; ‘ricotta,’ curds of sheep’s milk. [↑]
THE BEGGAR AND THE CHICK-PEA.[1]
There was once a poor man who went about from door to door begging his bread. He came to the cottage of a poor peasant and said: ‘Give me something, for the love of God.’
The peasant’s wife said, ‘Good man, go away; I have nothing.’
But the poor man said, ‘Leave me out something against I come again.’