112. We ought not to give away a single ear of wheat.—Why is that? asks the reader. Because one half of the world will not come near to cultivate the earth, and the other half work against their will, because they do not know where to take refuge, since all the corners of the earth are filled with sluggards. Where three or four men would suffice, ten or a dozen arrive; and not having eaten for two or three days, they crowd one upon another. If one were driven away, he would become one of the most terrible and criminal of brigands.
113. I repeat, we should not give away one ear of wheat. We except only women who fulfil exactly the penance God gave to them, and which we have cited; the aged, who labored formerly, but now have lost their strength; the infirm; and the children, whose day of labor is yet to come. O Heaven! hear my prayer! Grant us for them an abundance of the fruits of the earth.
114. "Do unto others as you would they should do unto you." This is the law.—Very good; for my part, I do not think there are any other virtues.—But, I ask you, as you would not wish others to eat the bread of your labors, why do you eat the bread of theirs? In other words, why do you do to others what you would not wish they should do to you?
I buy my bread with money.
Well, let us discuss that. You have always
