To what depths of humility can poverty reduce a man!
 Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Poor Folk (1846). copy citation

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Author Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Source Poor Folk
Topic humility poverty
Date 1846
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by C. J. Hogarth
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2302/2302-h/2302-h.htm

Context

“Next, he was for drinking the tea without sugar, and renewed his excuses, but upon the sugar I insisted. After long resistance and many refusals, he DID consent to take some, but only the smallest possible lump; after which, he assured me that his tea was perfectly sweet. To what depths of humility can poverty reduce a man! “Well, what is it, my good sir?” I inquired of him; whereupon he replied: “It is this, Makar Alexievitch. You have once before been my benefactor. Pray again show me the charity of God, and assist my unfortunate family.” source