Thus in
every situation, powerful rogues know how to save themselves at the
expense of the feeble.
This practice taught me it was not so terrible to thieve as I had
imagined; I took care to make this discovery turn to some account,
helping myself to everything within my reach, that I conceived an
inclination for. I was not absolutely ill-fed at my master's, and
temperance was only painful to me by comparing it with the luxury he
enjoyed. The custom of sending young people from table precisely
when those things are served up which seem most tempting, is
calculated to increase their longing, and induces them to steal what
they conceive to be so delicious. It may be supposed I was not
backward in this particular: in general my knavery succeeded pretty
well. though quite the reverse when I happened to be detected.
I recollect an attempt to procure some apples, which was attended
with circumstances that make me smile and shudder even at this
instant. The fruit was standing in a pantry, which by a lattice at a
considerable height received light from the kitchen. One day, being
alone in the house, I climbed up to see these precious apples,
which, being out of my reach, made this pantry appear the garden of
Hesperides. I fetched the spit- tried if it would reach them- it was
too short- I lengthened it with a small one which was used for
game,- my master being very fond of hunting, darted at them several
times without success; at length was more fortunate; being transported
to find I was bringing up an apple, I drew it gently to the lattice-
was going to seize it, when (who can express my grief and
astonishment!) I found it would not pass through- it was too large.
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