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His journey was not agreeable. Without referring to his own

causes of trouble, Renzo was affected every moment by the sight

of painful and distressing objects; so that he foresaw, that he

should find in this country the poverty he had left in his own.

All along the way he was assailed by mendicants,-mendicants of

necessity, not of choice,-peasants, mountaineers, tradesmen,

whole families reduced to poverty, and to the necessity of

begging their bread. This sight, besides the compassion it

excited, made him naturally recur to his own prospects.

"Who knows," thought he, mournfully, "if I shall find work to do?

perhaps things are not as they were in preceding years. Bartolo

wishes me well, I know; he is a good fellow; he has made money;

he has invited me many times to come to him; I am sure he will

not abandon me. And then Providence has aided me until now; and

will continue to do so."