It was a part of my business to wait upon the priests in their rooms,
carry them water, clean towels, wine-glasses, or anything they needed.
When entering a priest's room it was customary for a child to knock
twice, an adult four times, and a priest three times. This rule I
was very careful to observe. Whenever a priest opened the door I was
required to courtesy, and fall upon my knees; but if it was opened by
one of the waiters this ceremony was omitted. These waiters were the
boys I have before mentioned, called apostles. It was also a part of my
business to wait upon them, carry them clean frocks, etc.
One day I was carrying a pitcher of water to one of the priests, and it
being very heavy, it required both my hands and nearly all my strength
to keep it upright. On reaching the door, however, I attempted to hold
it with one hand (as I dare not set it down), while I rapped with the
other. In so doing I chanced to spill a little water on the floor. Just
at that moment the door was opened by the priest himself, and when he
saw the water he was very angry. He caught me by the arm and asked what
punishment he should inflict upon me for being so careless. I attempted
to explain how it happened, told him it was an accident, that I was very
sorry, and would try to be more careful in future. But I might as well
have said that I was glad, and would do so again, for my confession,
sorrow, and promises of future obedience were entirely thrown away,
and might as well have been kept for some one who could appreciate the
feeling that prompted them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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