Hi, Jura:
I guess 'beggars' here can refer to people who are in inferior status, horrid situation. So they have to accept what they're offered, even though they don't like it at all, in order to survive. Not just to survive life, it could be others things.
For example, when a job hunting people doesn't have much skill or experience, yet he's in badly need of a job to pay everything. He dosen't have many choices since few would hire him. But when he becomes so experienced as an expert in certain field, then he can make his own choice as to for who and to where, at least more choices compared with when he first started his career.
That's what I have in mind. Do you think it makes sense?
Looking forward to your comment.