Of the Bregers or BeggarsOf the Bregers or Beggars
Of the Bregers or Beggars
HE first chapter is aboutBregers. 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 9not, 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.