Originally published in Terrific Register (Sherwood, Jones, and Co.; 1825).
Shenstone was one day walking through his romantic retreat in company with his Delia (her real name was Wilmot), when a man rushed out of a thicket, and, presenting a pistol to his breast, demanded his money. Shenstone was surprised, and Delia feinted.
"Money," said the robber, "it is not worth struggling for; you cannot be poorer than I am."
"Unhappy man!" exclaimed Shenstone, throwing his purse to him, "take it and fly as quick as possible."
The man did so, threw his pistol in the water, and instantly disappeared.
Shenstone ordered his foot-boy to follow the robber, and observe where he went. In two hours the boy returned, and informed his master that he followed him to Hales-owen, where he lived; that he went to the door of his house, and peeping through the key-hole, saw the man throw the purse on the ground, and say to his wife, "Take the dear-bought price of my honesty;" then taking two of his children, one on each knee, he said to them, "I have ruined my soul to keep you from starving;" and immediately burst into a flood of tears.
Shenstone, on hearing this, lost no time in enquiring the man's character; and found that he was a labourer oppressed by want, and a numerous family, but had the reputation of being honest and industrious.
Shenstone went to his house; the poor man fell at his feet, and implored mercy.
The poet took him home with him, and provided him with employment.