k civilly
when she wants to be assisted, let her go without help, and see what
will become of her then. I am quite ashamed of you, Nancy! I could not
have thought you would behave so; but since you have, I promise that you
shall not be dressed today, or have any assistance given you, unless you
speak in a very different manner.'

Whilst Mrs. Artless was talking, nurse went out of the room. Mrs.
Artless then took her seat by the cradle, and looking into it, found
the child awake, and I saw her take out a fine little girl, about five
months old: she then continued her discourse, saying, 'Look here, Nancy,
look at this little baby, see how unable it is to help itself; were
we to neglect attending to it, what do you think would become of it?
Suppose I were now to put your sister upon the floor, and there leave
her, tell me what do you think she could do, or what would become
of her?' Nancy sobbed out, that she would die. 'And pray, my dear,'
continued Mrs. Artless, 'if we were to leave you to yourself, what would
become of you? It is true, you talk and run about better than Polly: but
not a bit better could you provide for, or take care of yourself. Could
you buy or dress your own victuals? could you light your own fire? could
you clean your own house, or open and shut the doors and windows? could
you make your own clothes, or even put them on without some assistance,
when made? And who do you think will do anything for you, if you are
not good, and do not speak civilly? Not I, I promise you, neither shall
nurse, nor any of the servants; for though I pay them wages to help to
do my business for me, I never want them to do anything unless they are
desired in a pretty manner. Should you like, if when I want you to
pick up my scissors, or do any little job, I were to say, "Pick up my
scissors this moment, or I will slap your face?" Should not you think
that it sounded very cross and disagreeable?' 'Yes, madam,' replied
Nancy. 'Then why,' rejoined Mrs. Artless, 'should you speak cross to
anybody, particularly to servants and poor people? for to behave so to
them, is not only cross, but insolent and proud: it is as if you thought
that because they are rather poorer, they are not so good as yourself,
whereas, I assure you, poverty makes no difference in the merit of
people; for those only are deserving of respect who are truly good; and
a beggar who is virtuous, is far better than a prince who is wicked.' I
was prevented from hea