Of the Bregers or Beggars
Of the Bregers or Beggars
HE first chapter is about Bregers. These
are beggars who have neither the signs
of the saints about them, nor other good
qualities, but they come plainly and simply to
people and ask an alms for God’s, or the Holy
Virgin’s sake:—perchance honest paupers with
young children, who are known in the town or
village wherein they beg, and who would, I doubtPg 9
not, leave off begging if they could only thrive by
their handicraft or other honest means, for there is
many a godly man who begs unwillingly, and feels
ashamed before those who knew him formerly
when he was better off, and before he was compelled
to beg. Could he but proceed without he
would soon leave begging behind him.
Conclusio: To these beggars it is proper to give,
for such alms are well laid out.