THE SCENE: In the passage below, a 16th century gentleman bewails the difficulties in seeking and keeping employment in the city. Although in hearing his complaints, one can’t help but wonder if his employment prospects would be better if he could just swallow his pride.
THE TEXT: I came to this city because I expected to find a good appointment, but things have not turned out as I thought. Canons and other Churchmen find plenty, because their profession is not overcrowded. Careless gentlemen also seek me, but to serve with such people involves great trouble, for a man must lose his self-respect with them. If not, they tell you to go in God’s name. The pay is usually at long intervals; when they wish to clear their consciences, and pay for your work, they make you free of a wardrobe containing a worn doublet and a frayed cloak. When a man takes service with a titled lord there is also misery. I cannot undertake to serve or content such. By the Lord! I if I should engage myself to one, I think that I should be a great favourite, and that he would confer great favours on me ; but I should have to like his habits and customs though not the best in the world— I should be expected never to say a word that would displease, to be very careful in word and deed, not to kill myself in doing things which the great man would not see. Never to consort with those who would do him disservice because it would behove me to guard his interests. If some servant of his excites his anger by neglecting his duties, and it should appear that something might be said for the accused on the contrary you must scoff at the poor fellow maliciously. It is a duty to inform against those in the house, and to find out what is done outside, so as to report it. Many other things of a like kind are the custom in a palace, and with the lord of it, who appears honourable. But such lords do not want to see virtuous men in their houses. On the contrary, they hate and despise them, calling them useless and unacquainted with business. I do not wish to trust my fortunes with such people.
– The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes, 16th Century AD
