THE MONK.

A Monk who belonged to a very Wealthy Order went forth to beg, pleading great poverty and distress to those from whom he asked alms. He met a Butcher and a Baker to whom he said he had eaten nothing for many days, and that he was almost starved.

“How is it thou art so fat?” said they as they drove on their wagons.

He met a Tradesman and said he had not had any money for years, even from his youth, as he had long been a Monk.

“I have no money to give thee,” said the Tradesman, at the same time jingling a handful of gold coins in his pocket.

“I pray Jesus to forgive thee that lie,” said the Monk, “for I hear the coins jingling in thy pockets.”

“If thou hast seen so little money in thy life,” said the Tradesman, “how dost thou so well know its jingle?”

He met a Fishmonger carrying a basket of fish, coming from attending his nets, to whom he said: “I and my brothers are perishing for want of fish. Pray give us thy basket of fish and go thou and catch others.”

“Go and catch thy own fish,” said the Fishmonger, “the waters of the earth are as free for thee to fish in as for me.”

He met a Woman at her door, to whom he bowed low and made the sign of the cross:

“Kind Madam,” said he, “I and my brothers are perishing for want of food and money. I pray you give unto us according as the Lord hath prospered thee.”

“Come in, poor Monk,” said she, “we have not much except my husband’s wages, but to share with thee is to give unto the Lord.”

So saying she gave him half her savings, and when he made ready to depart she craved his blessing.

“You may kiss my Big Toe,” said he. Which being done he departed, and with a shrug of his shoulders said to himself:

“Ah, if Women were not so easily beguiled, we should be compelled to work.”

John Bryan of Ohio.