The Irish Peasant: The History of Peter Lacy and his Wife Susan

It was on a dull, cold evening that Peter Lacy, a poor labourer, having finished the clump of turf which he had engaged to do, put on his ragged coat, and walked up to the door of his employer to receive his wages. “I have no silver at present,” said the gentleman, “but come next Monday, and you shall be paid.”

It was three miles to his home, and, on his way, he passed the cabin of a poor man whom he knew very well. There was a little garden before it, and every thing looked clean and decent. It was true the family who lived there were very poor, and met with many crosses; but, let what would happen, Michael Connor and his wife were always cheerful, and were never heard to complain, because they were sure that nothing happens by chance, having read in the Bible, that not even a sparrow falleth to the ground without the knowledge of God.

“There now,” said Lacy to himself, “there’s the comfort of a quiet wife! Mary Connor is always good tempered and mild; while my Susan is for making bad worse, by her crying and scolding at every hand’s turn. A dry morsel with a quiet house, is better than plenty of provision with grumbling.” Lacy did not know that Solomon had said nearly the same: for Lacy never read the Bible; and as for going to prayers, he left it to those who had a better coat than his to put on.