Possible Clues:

• The poor beggar claims to be unable to make reparation
• The poor beggar was unable to carry out repairs
• Correct current jargon for scrounger
• The poor beggar claims to be unable to get well again
• Tinker's despairing admission, becoming beggar
• Beggar's apology?
• Beggar's confession about inability to put things right?
• Begging to show reform -- it's beyond me!
• Begging from people? Sleuth finds it impossible
• Seeker of handouts