Did I complain?
Not I.

I knew my station.

What did I ask, but just the chance to live and die honest?
Nance Holdaway, don't let them deny it to me--don't let them do it.

I've been as poor as Job, and as honest as the day, but now, my girl, you mark these words of mine, I'm getting tired of it.' 'I wouldn't say such words, at least,' said Nance.
'You wouldn't ?' said the old man grimly.

'Well, and did I when I was your age?
Wait till your back's broke and your hands tremble, and your eyes fail, and you're weary of the battle and ask no more but to lie down in your bed and give the ghost up like an honest man; and then let there up and come some insolent, ungodly fellow--ah! if I had him in these hands! "Where's my money that you gambled ?" I should say.