5. As for selling them as slaves, I have been told by merchants
that no one will pay for a boy or girl under twelve years old, and
even when they reach this age, they sell for three pounds at
most. As the cost of their rags and scraps of food will have
added up to at least four times that amount, this earns no profit
for their parents or the kingdom.
6. Therefore, I now humbly suggest my own idea, which I hope will not raise the slightest objection.
7. I have learned that a one-year-old child, well nursed, makes a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food. It may be stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled-even fricasseed.
* 3 pounds in 1750 worth about 850 English
pounds now (about $1000.00).
1. The main idea of paragraphs 5-7:
2. How much money will be spent on the
poor boys and girls until they reach age 12
according to the text? Do the math &
answer in current dollar value.
$
3. Why does the author say "this earns no
profit for their parents or the kingdom"?
