CHAPTER XIX.
Julian appears in the character of a beggar.
"I now returned to Rome, and was born into a very poor and numerous family, which, to be honest with you, procured its livelihood by begging.

This, if you was never yourself of the calling, you do not know, I suppose, to be as regular a trade as any other; to have its several rules and secrets, or mysteries, which to learn require perhaps as tedious an apprenticeship as those of any craft whatever.
"The first thing we are taught is the countenance miserable.

This indeed nature makes much easier to some than others; but there are none who cannot accomplish it, if they begin early enough in youth, and before the muscles are grown too stubborn.
"The second thing is the voice lamentable.

In this qualification too, nature must have her share in producing the most consummate excellence: however, art will here, as in every other instance, go a great way with industry and application, even without the assistance of genius, especially if the student begins young.
"There are many other instructions, but these are the most considerable.
The women are taught one practice more than the men, for they are instructed in the art of crying, that is, to have their tears ready on all occasions: but this is attained very easily by most.

Some indeed arrive at the utmost perfection in this art with incredible facility.
"No profession requires a deeper insight into human nature than the beggar's.