My father left me nothing, and I have only ceased supporting my mother on her decease two years ago; while as yet I have no children to take care of me. I possess a trade that can give me but slight assistance: I already find difficulty in carrying it on myself, and as yet I am unable to procure someone to relieve me of the work.He means a slave who would learn the business and carry it on for him. I have no other income besides this dole, and if you deprive me of it I might be in danger of finding myself in the most grievous plight.