But because I was too much a novice in
their art to be trusted with their work, lest I should spoil the
garments, I got work from an hosier in Cheapside, which was to make
night-waistcoats, of red and yellow flannel, for women and children.
And with this I entered myself among the tailors, sitting cross-
legged as they did, and so spent those leisure hours with innocency
and pleasure which want of business would have made tedious. And
indeed that was in a manner the only advantage I had by it; for my
master, though a very wealthy man, and one who professed not only
friendship but particular kindness to me, dealt I thought but hardly
with me. For though he knew not what I had to subsist by, he never
offered me a penny for my work till I had done working for him, and
went, after I was released, to give him a visit; and then he would
not reckon with me neither, because, as he smilingly said, he would
not let me so far into his trade as to acquaint me with the prices
of the work, but would be sure to give me enough. And thereupon he
gave me one crown-piece and no more; though I had wrought long for
him, and made him many dozens of waistcoats, and bought the thread
myself; which I thought was very poor pay.
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