The Three Ladies of London, Quarto 2

The Three Ladies of London, Quarto 2 3LL: Q2 Coordinating Editor Janelle Jenstad University of Victoria on the Linked Early Modern Drama Online Platform

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A Right excellent and famous Comedy, called The Three Ladies of London. VVHEREIN IS NOTABLIE declared and set forth, how by the meanes of Lucar, Loue and Conscience is so corrup- ted, that the one is married to Dissimu- lation, the other fraught with all abhomination. A perfect patterne for all Estates to looke into, and a worke right worthie to be marked. Written by R.W. as it hath been publiquely plaied.

AT LONDON, Printed by Iohn Danter, dwelling in Ducke Lane, neere Smithfield. 1592.

The Prologue. TO sit on Honors seate, it is a loftie reach, To seeke for praise by making bragges, oft times doth get a (breach. We list not ride the rowling rackes, that dims the christall skies, We mean to set no glimmering glance before your curteous eies: VVe search not Plutoes pensiue pit, nor taste of Limbo lake: VVe do not shew of warlike fight, as shield and sword to shake: VVe speak not of the powers diuine, ne yet of furious sprights: VVe do not seeke high hils to clime, nor talke of loues delights: VVe do not here present to you the threshar with his flayle, Ne do we here present to you the milk-maid with her payle: VVe shew not you of countrey toile, as hedger with his bill: VVe do not bring the husbandman to lop and top with skill: VVe play not here the Gardners part to plant, to set and sow: You meruaile then what wares we haue to furnish out our show. Your patience yet we craue a while till we haue trimd our stall: Then yong and old come and behold our wares, & buy them all. Then if our wares shall seeme to you, well wouen, good & fine, VVe hope we shall your custome haue againe another time. FINIS.

A py A pythie and pleasant Comoedie of the three Ladies of London. The First Act Enter Fame sounding before Loue and Conscience. Loue. LAdie Conscience, what shall we say to our estates, to whom shall we complaine? Or how shall we abridge such fates, as heapeth up our paine? Tis Lucar now that rules the rout, tis she is all in all, Tis she that holds her head so stout, in fine tis she that works our fal. Oh Conscience, I feare, I feare a day, that we by her and Usurie shall quite be cast away. Con. Indeed I feare the worst, for euerie man doth sew and comes from countreys strange and farre, of her to haue view. Although they ought to seeke true Loue and Conscience cleare: but Loue and Conscience few doo like, that leane on Lucars chaire. Men ought be rulde by vs, we ought in them beare sway: so should each neighbor liue by other in good estate alway. Loue. For Lucar men come from Italy, Barbarie, Turkie, From Iurie: nay the Pagan himselfe, Indangers his bodie to gape for her pelfe. They forsake mother, prince, countrey, religion, kiffe and kin, Nay men care not what they forsake, so ladie Lucar they win. That we poore ladies may sigh to see our states thus turned and tost, and worse and worse is like to be, where Lucar rules the rost. Con. You say the truth, yet God I trust will not admit it so, that Loue and Conscience by Lucars lust shall catch an ouerthrow. Fame. Good ladies rest content, and you no doubt shall see them plagud with painfull punishment for such their crueltie: And if true Loue and Conscience liue from Lucars lust lasciuious, theu Fame a triple crowne will giue, which lasteth ay victorious. Con. God grant that Conscience keep within the bounds of right, and that vile Lucar doo not daunt her heart with deadly spight. Loue. And grant O God that Loue be found in citie, towne & countrie, which causeth wealth and peace abound, and pleaseth God almightie. Fame. But Ladies, ist your pleasure to walke abroad a while, and recreate your selues with measure your sorrowes to beguile. Con. Passe on good Fame, your steps doo frame, on you we will attend, and pray to God that holds the rod, our states for to defend. Exeunt. Enter Dissimulation, hauing on a Farmers long coate, and a cap, and his poll and beard painted motley. Dissim. Nay no lesse than a farmer, a right honest man, but my tong cannot stay me to tell what I am: Nay, who is it that knowes me not by my partie coloured head? They may well thinke that see me, my honestie is fled. A2 Tush of the three Ladies of London. Tush, a figge for honestie, tut let that go. Sith men, women, and children my name and doings do know, My name is Dissimulation, and no base mind I beare, For my outward effects my inward zeale do declare: For men do dissemble with their wiues, & their wiues with them again, So that in the hearts of them I alwaies remaine: The child dissembles with his father, the sister with her brother, the mayden with her mistris, and the yongman with his louer. There is Dissimulation betweene neighbor and neighbor, friend and friend, one with another. Betweene the seruant and his maister, betweene brother and brother. then why make you it strange that euer you knew me, Seeing so often I raunge throughout euery degree? But forget my basenes, ile towards London as fast as I can, to get entertainment of one of the three Ladies, like an honest man. Enter simplicitie like a Miller all mealy with a wand in his hande. simp. They say there is preferment in London to haue, Mas and there be ile be passing and braue: Why ile be no more a miller, because the maydens call me dusty pole, One thumps me on the necke, and another strikes me on the nose: And you see I am a hansome fellow, marke the comporknance of my stature, Faith ile go seeke peraduentures, and be a seruing creature. Dissim. Whither away good fellow? I pray thee declare. simp. Mary ile clare thee, to London, would thou didst go there. Dissim. What if I did, would it be better for thee? simp. I marry should it, for I loue honest company. Dissim. Agreed, there is a bargen, but what shall I call thee? simp. Cause thou art an honest man ile tel thee, my name is Simplicity Dissim. A name agreeing to thy nature, but stay here comes more com=(pany. Enter Fraud with a sword and buckler like a Ruffin. Fraud. Huffe once aloft, and if I may hit in the right vaine, Where I may beguile easily without any great paine: I will flaunt it and braue it after the lusty swash, Ile deceiue thousands, what care I who lie in the lash. Dissim. What Fraud well met, whither trauellest thou this way? Fraud. To London, to get entertainment there if I may, Of the three ladyes, Lucar, Loue, and Conscience, What care I to serue the Deuill, so I may get pence? simp. O Fraud I know thee for a deceitfull knaue, And art thou gotten so boniacion and braue? I knew thee when thou dwelt at a place called Grauesend, And the guests knew thee too, because thou wast not their friend, For when thou wouldst bring reckoning to thy gesse, thou wouldst say twise so much, and sweare it cost thy dame no lesse. So thou didst deceiue them, and thy dame too: A 3 ndA A pythie and pleasant Comoedie And because they spied thy knauerie, away thou didst goe. Then thou didst go into Hartfordshyre to a place called Ware, And because horses stood at hay for a pennie a night there, So that thou couldst get nothing that kinde of way, Thou didst greaze the horses teeth, that they should not eate hay, And wouldst tell the rider his horse no hay would eate, So the man would say, giue him some other kinde of meate. Sir shall I giue him oates, fitches pease barley, or bread, But what ere thou gaust him, thou stolst three quarters when he was in (bed, And now thou art so proud with thy filching & coosning art, But I thinke one day thou wilt be proud of the Rope and the Cart: take a wise fellowes counsell Fraud, leaue thy coosning and filching. Fraud. Thou horeson rascall swad auant, ile bang thee for thy brauling. How darest thou defame a Gentleman that hath so large a liuing? Sim. A goodly Gentleman Ostler, I thinke none of you al beleeue him. Fraud. What a clinchpoop drudge is this? I can forbeare him no more. Let Fraud make as though he would strike him, but let Dissimulation step betweene them. Dis im. My good friend Fraud refraine, and care not therefore, tis Simplicitie that patch, he knoweth not good from bad, And to stand in contention with him, I would thinke you were mad But tell me Fraud tell me, hast thou been an Ostler in thy dayes? Fraud. Faith I haue prooued an hundred such wayes. For when I could not thriue by all other trades, I became a squire to waite vpon iades. But then was then, and now is now, so let that passe, I am as thou seest me, what care I the diueil what I was. Dissim. Y say you go to London, in faith haue with you than. Simpl. Nay come and go with me, good honest man: For if thou goe with him, he will teach thee all his knauerie, there is none will go with him that hath anie honestie. A bots on thy motley beard, I know thee thou art Dissimulation, And hast thou got an honest mans coate to semble this fashion? Ile tell thee what, thou wilt euen semble & cog with thine own father: A couple of false knaues together, a theefe and a broker: thou makst townes folk beleeue thou art an honest man in the country. yet dost nothing but cog, lye, and foyst with hypocrisie. You shall be hanged together and go alone together for mee, For if I should go the folkes would say, we were knaues all three. Enter Symonie and Vsurie hand in hand. Sym. Freend Usurie, I thinke we are welneare at our iournies end: But knowest thou whom I haue espied? Vsurie. No. Sym. Fraud our great freend. Vsur. And I see another that is now come into my remembrance. Sym. Who is that? Vsur. Mary M. Master Dauie Dissimulation, a good helper, and our olde ac=(quaintance. Simpl. of the three Ladies of London. Simpl. Now all the cards in the stocke are dealt about, the foure knaues in a cluster comes ruffling out. Sym. What Fraud and Dissimulation happely found out, I meruaile what peece of worke you two goe about? Fraud. Faith sir we met by chance, and towards London are bent. Vsurie. And to London we hye it is our chiefest intent, to see if we can get entertainment of the Ladies or no. Dissim. And for the selfe same matter euen thether we goe. Sym. Then we are luckely well met, & seing we wish al for one thing, I would we our wills and wishing might winne. Sim l. Yes they will be sure to winne the diuell and all, Or else theyle make a man to spue out his gall: O that vile Usury, he lent my father a little mony, & for breking one day. He tooke the fee-simple of his house and mill quite away: And yet he borrowed not halfe a quarter so much as it cost, But I thinke if it had been but a shilling it had been lost: So he kild my father with sorrow, and undid me quite, And you deale with him sirs, you shall finde him a knaue full of spight. And Simon I per se I. Symonie too, he is a knaue for for the nonce, He loues to haue twentie liuings at once: And if he let an honest man as I am to haue one, Hele let it so deare that he shall be undone. And he seekes to get Parsons liuings into his hand, And puts in some odd dunce that to his paiment will stand: So, if the parsonage be worth fortie or fiftie pound a yere, He will giue one twentie nobles to mumble seruice once a month there. Symonie and Vsurie both. What rascall is he, that speakes by vs such villanie? Dissim. Sirs, he was at vs erewhile too, it is no matter, it is a simple soule called Simplicitie. Enter Loue and Conscience. But here come two of the Ladies, therefore make readie. Fraud. But which of vs all shall first breake the matter? Dissim. Mary let Symonie doo it, for he finely can flatter. Vsur. Nay sirs, because none of vs shal haue preheminence aboue other, We will sing in fellewship together like brother and brother. Sym. Of troth agreed my masters let it be so. Simpl. Nay and they sing, ile sing too. The Song. Good Ladies take pittie, and graunt our desire. Conscience reply. Speake boldly and tell me what ist you require. Their reply. Your seruice good Ladies, is that we doo craue. Her reply. We like not nor list not such seruants to haue. Theyr. A pythie and pleasant Comoedie. Their replie. If you entertaine vs, we trusty will be, but if you refraine vs, then most unhappy: We will come we will runne we will bend at our becke, we will plie, we will hie, for feare of a checke. Her replie. You doe faine, you do flatter, you do lie, you doe prate, you will steale, you will robbe, you will kill in your hate: I denie you, I defie you, then cease off your talking, I refraine you, I disdaine you, therefore get you walking. Con. What Fraud, Dissimulation, Usurie, and Symonie, How dare you for shame presume so boldly. As once to shew your selues before Loue and Conscience, Not yeelding your lewd liues first to repentance? Thinke you not that God will plague your wicked practises, If you intend not to amend your liues so farre amisse? Thinke you not God knowes your thoughts words and works, And what secret mischiefs in your hearts there lurks? then how dare you offend his heauenly maiestie, With your dissembling deceit, your flatterie, and your Usurie? Fraud. Tut sirs, seeing lady Conscience is so scrupulous, I will not speake to her, for I see it is friuolous. But what say you lady Loue, will you graunt vs fauour? Loue. Ile no such seruants so ill of behauiour: Seruants more fitter for Lucar than Loue, And happie are they which refraine for to proue: Shamelesse, pittilesse, gracelesse, and quite past honestie, then who of good conscience but will hate your companie. Vsu. Here is scrupulous Conscience and nice Loue indeed, Tush, if they will not, others will, I know we shall speed. simp. But lady I stand still behind, for I am none of their company. Con. Why, what art thou? oh I know thou art simplicitie. simp. I faith, I am simplicitie, and would faine serue ye. Con. No, I may haue no fooles to dwell with me. Simp. Why, then lady Loue will you haue me than? Loue. Yes simplicitie thou shalt be my man. Simp. But shall I be your good man? Loue. Yea my good man indeed. Simp. I but I would be your goodman, & swap vp a wedding with speed Loue. No, Loue may not marry in any case with Simplicitie. But if thou wilt serue me, ile receiue it willingly, And if thou wilt not, what remedie. Simp. Yes ile serue ye, but will you go in to dinner, for I am hungry? Loue. Come lady Conscience, wil you walk home from this companye? Con. With right good will, for their sights likes not me. Exeunt Loue and Conscience. Fraud. Fraud is the clubbish knaue, and Usury the hard harted knaue And Symonie the diamond dainty knaue, And Dissimulation the spitefull knaue of spade. Come of the three Ladies of London. Come there any moe knaues, come there any moe: I see foure knaues stand on a rowe. Let Fraud runne at him, and let Simplicitie runne in, and come out againe straight. Fraud. Away Drudge, be gone quickly. Simp. I wis, doe thrust out mine eyes with a Lady. Exit Simplicitie. Vsury. Did you euer see Gentleman so rated at before, But it skils not, I hope one day to turne them both out at dore. Symo. We were arrantly flowted, rayled at, and skoft in our kind, That same Conscience is a vild terrour to mans mind: Yet faith I care not, for I haue borne many more than these, When I was conuersant with the Clergie beyond the Seas, And he that will liue in this world must not care what such say, For they are blossoms blown down, not to be found after May. Fraud. Faith care that care will, for I care not a point, I haue shifted hitherto, and whilest I liue I will ieopard a ioynt: And at my death I will leaue my inheritour behind, That shall be of the right stampe to follow my mind: Therefore let them prate till their hearts ake, and spit out their euill, She cannot quaile me, if she came in likenesse of the great deuill. Dissim. Masse Fraud, thou hast a doughtie hart to make a hangman of, For thou hast good skill to helpe men from the coffe, But we were arrantly flowted, yet I thought she had not knowne me, But I perceiue though Dissimulatio do disguise him, Conscience can see. What though Conscience perceiue it, all the world cannot beside? Tush there be a thousand places where we our selues may prouide: But looke sirs, here commeth a lusty Lady towards vs in haste, But speake to her if you will,that we may be all plaste. Enter Lady Lucar. Vsu. I pray thee doe, for thou art the likeliest to speed. Dissim. Why then ile toit with a stomacke in hope of good speed, Faire Lady, all the Gods of good fellowship kisse ye(I would say blesse ye) Luc. Thou art very pleasant & ful of thy roperipe, I would say rhetorick Dissim. Lady you tooke me at the worst, I beseech you therefore, To pardon my boldnesse offending no more. Luc. We do, the matter is not great, but what wouldst thou haue? How shall I call thee, and what ist thou doest craue? Dissim. I am called Dissimulation, and my earnest request, Is to craue entertainment for me and the rest, Whose names are Fraud, Usurie, and Symonie, Great carers for your health, wealth, and prosperitie. Luc. Fraud, Dissimulation, Usurie, and Symonie, Now truly I thanke you for proffering your seruice to me: You are all hartily welcome, and I will appoint straight way, B Where A pithie and pleasant Comoedie. where each one in his office in great honor shall stay. But Usurie didst thou neuer know my grandmother the old Ladie Lu- car of Uenice? Vsurie. Yes Madame, I was seruant vnto her, and liued ther in blisse. Lucar. But why camest thou into England, seeing Uenice is a Citie where Usurie by Lucar may liue in great glorie? Vsurie. I haue often heard your good grandmother tell, that she had in England a daughter, which her farre did excell: And that England was such a place for Lucar to bide, as was not in Europe and the whole world beside: then lusting greatly to see you and the countrey, she being dead, I made hast to come ouer to serue you in her stead. Lucar. Gramercie Usury, & doubt not but to liue here as pleasantly, and pleasanter too: but whence came you Symonie, tell me. sym. My birth, nurserie & bringing vp hithertoo hath bin in Rome, that ancient religious citie: On a time the monkes & friers made a banket, whereto they inuited me with certaine other English merchants, which belike were of their fa- miliaritie. So talking of manie matters, amongst others one began to debate of the abundant substance still brought to that state. Some said the encrease of their substance and wealth, came from other Princes, and was brought thether by stealth: But the friars and monkes with all the ancient companie, said that it first came, and is now vpholden by me Symonie: which the Englishmen gaue eare too, then they flattred a little too much, as English merchants can do for aduantage when encrease it doth tuch: And being a shipboord merrie, and ouercome with drinke on a day, the winde serued, they hoyst sayle, and so brought me away: and landing here, I heard in what great estimation you were. made bold to your honor to make my repaire. Lucar. Wel Symonie, I thank thee, but as for Fraud & Dissimulation I know their long continuance, and after what fashion. Therefore Dissimulation, you shall be my steward, An office that euerie mans case by you must be preferd. And you Fraud shall be my rent-gatherer, my letter of leases & my pur- chaser of land, so that manie olde bribes will come to thy hand. And Usurie because I know you be trustie, you shall be my secretarie, to deale amongst merchants, to bargen and exchange money. And Symonie, because you are a slie fellow, & haue your tongue liberall, we will place you ouer such matters as are Ecclesiasticall And though we appoint sundrie offices where now ye are in, Yet ioyntly we meane to vse you together ofttimes in one thing. All. Ladie we rest at your commaund in ought we can or may. Lucar. Then master Dauie to my pallaice hast thee away, and will Craftie Conueyance my butler to make readie The of the three Ladies of London The best fare in the house, to welcome thee and thy companie: but stay Dissimulation, my selfe will go with thee. Gentlemen ile goe before, but see in anie case, so soone as ye please resort to my place. Exeunt, Dissim.& Lucar. sym. Doubt not faire Ladie, we will not long absent be. Vsurie. Fellow Symonie this fell out pat, so well as heart could wish. we are cunning anglers, we haue caught the fattest fish. Certainly it is true that her grandmother told, Here is good to be done by vse of siluer and gold. And seeing we are so well setled in this countrey, Rich and poore shall be pincht whosoeuer come to me. sym. Sirra, being at Rome, and dwelling in the Friarie, they would talke how England yerely sent ouer a great masse of money; and that this little Yland was more worth to the Pope, than three bigger Realmes that had a great deale more scope: For here were smoke pence, peter pence, and powle pence to be paid, besides much other money that to the Popes vse was made. Why, it is but lately since the Pope receiued this fine, Not much more than 33.yeares since, it was in Queene Maries time. But England had neuer knowen what this geare had meant, Had frier Austen from the Pope not hether been sent. For the Pope hearing it to be a little Yland, sent him with a great Ar- mie ouer. And winning the victorie, he landed about Rye, Sandwych, or Douer. Then he erected lawes hauing the people in subiection, and for the most part, England hath paid tribute so long. I hearing of the great store and wealth in the Countrey, could not chuse but perswade my selfe the people loued symonie. Vsurie. But stay your talke till some other time, we forget my Ladie. Sym. Of troth you say true, for she bad vs make hast, but my talke me thought sauoured well, and had a good tast. Exeunt ambo. Enter Mercadore like an Italien Merchant. Merc. Me iudge in my minda dat me be not verie far from de place where dwells my Ladie Lucar: But here come vne shentle mana so he doo. Enter Dissimulation. Pray ye heartely signior leta me speaka you, Pray ye do ye know vn shentleman dat meshier Dauie doo call? Dissim. Yes sir, my selfe am he, and what would you withall? Merca. Good a my friend meshter Dauie, helpa me pray ye heartely, For haue sum acquaintance a with Madona Lucar your Lady. B2 Dissim. A pithie and pleasant Comoedie Sir vpon condition I will, therefore I would you should know, That on me and my fellowes you must largely bestow: Whose names are Fraud, Usurie, and Symony, men of great credit and calling, And to get my Ladies good wil and theirs it is no small thing But tell me can you be content to winne Lucar by Dissimulation? Merca. A good a my friend ara me no shush a question, For he dat will liue in de world must be of the world sure, And de world will loue his owne, so long as the world indure. Enter Lucar. Dissim. I commend your wit Sir, but here comes my Lady. Merca. Come hider, heers too tree Crownes for de speke me. Dissim. Well sir I thank you, I will go speake for you. Lucar. Maister Dauy Dissimulation, what new acquaintance haue ye (gotten there? Dissim. Such a one Madam that vnto your state hath great care: And surely in my minde the Gentleman is worthie To be well thought on for his liberality, bounty, & great care to seeke yee. Lucar. Gentleman, you are hartily welcome, how are you called, I pray you tell vs? Merca. Madona, me be a Mershant and be cald senior Merkadorus. Lucar. But I pray you tell me what Countryman. Merca. Me be Madona an Italian. Lucar. Yet let me trouble ye, I beseech ye whence came ye? Merca. For sarua voutra boungrace, me come from Turkie. Lucar. Gramercie, but senior Mercadore dare you not vndertake, Secretly to conuey good commodities out of this country for my sake? Merca. Madona, me doe for loue of you tinke no paine too mush, And to doe any ting for you me will not grush: Me will a forsake a my Fader, Moder, King, Country, & more den dat, Me will lie and forsweare my selfe for a quarter so much as my hat. What is dat for loue of Lucar me dare or will not doe: Me care not for all the world, the great Deuil, nay make my God angry for you. Luc. You say wel Mercadorus, yet Lucar by this is not throwly won But giue eare and I will shew what by thee must be done: Thou must carry ouer Wheate, Pease, Barly, Oates, and Fitches, and all kind of graine, Which is well sold beyond sea and bring such merchants great gaine. Then thou must carry beside lether, tallow, beefe, bacon, bell mettell, and euery thing, And for these good commodities, trifles into England thou must bring: As Bugles to make bables, coloured bones, glasse beades to make brace- lettes withall: For euery day Gentlewomen of England doe aske for such trifles from stall to stall, And you must bring more, as Amber, Ieat, Corall, Christall, and euerie such bable, That of the three Ladies of London That is slight pretty and pleasant, they care not to haue it profitable. And if they demaund wherefore your wares and merchandize agree, You must say Ieat will take vp a straw, Amber will make one fat, Corrall will looke pale when you be sicke, and Christall wil stanch blood. So with lying, flattering, and glosing you must vtter your ware, And you shall winne me to your will, if you can deceitfully sweare. Merca. Tinke ye not dat me haue carried ouer corne, Ledar, Beefe, and Bacon too all tis while: And brought hedar many bables dese country men to beguile? Yes, shall me tell you Madona, me and my countrimans haue sent ouer, Bell mettel for make ordinance, yea and ordinance it selfe beside, Dat my country and other countries bee so well furnisht as dis country, and has neuer beene spide. Luc. Now I perceiue you loue me, and if you continue in this still, You shal not only be with me, but command me when & where you will. Merca. Lady, for to do all dis and more for you me be content: But I tinke some skall knaue will put a bill in da Parliament, For dat such a tings shall not be brought heere. Luc. Tush Mercadore, I warrant thee, thou needest not to feare: What and one do? there is some other will flatter and say, They do no hurt to the country, and with a sleight fetch that bill away. And if they doe not so, that by acte of Parliament it be past, I knew you merchants haue many a sleight and subtill cast, So that you will by stealth bring ouer great store, And say it was in the Realme a long time before. For being so many of these trifles here as there is at this day, You may increase them at pleasure, when you send ouer sea, And doe but giue the searcher an odde bribe in his hand, I warrant you he wil let you scape roundly with such things in and out (the land But senior Mercadore, I pray you walke in with me, And as I find you kind to me, so will I fauour ye, Merca. Me tanke my good Lady. But M. Master Dissimulation, heere is for your fellows, Fraud, Usurie, and Symonie, and say me giue it dem. Exeunt Lucar and Mercadore. Dissim. I marry Sir, these bribes haue welcome beene, Good faith I perceiue, Dissimulation, Fraud, Symonie and Usurie shal (liue In spite of Loue and Conscience, though their hearts it doth greeue. Mas maisters, he that cannot lie, cog, dissemble and flatter now a dayes, Is not worthy to liue in the world, nor in the Court to haue praise. Enter Artifex an Artificer. Art. I beseech you good M. Master Dissimulation,befreend a poore man, To serue Lady Lucar and sure sir. ile consider hereafter if I can. Dissim. What, consider me? doest thou thinke that I am a bribe taker? Faith it lies not in me to further thy matter. Art. Good M. Master Dissimulation helpe me, I am almost quite vndone, But yet my liuing hitherto with Conscience I haue wonne, But my true working, my early rising and my late going to bed, B3 Is A pithie and pleasant Comoedie Is scant able to find my selfe, wife and children drie bread: For there be such a sort of strangers in this country, That worke fine to please the eye, though it be deceitfully. And that which is sleight, and seemes to the eye well, Shall sooner than a peece of good worke be proffered to sell, And our English men be growne so foolish and nice, That they will not giue a penny aboue the ordinary price. Dissim. Faith I cannot helpe thee, tis my fellow Fraud must pleasure (thee Heere comes my fellow Fraud, speake to him, and ile do what I can. Enter Fraude. Art. I beseech you be good vnto me right honest Gentleman. Fraud. Why and whereto? what wouldst thou haue me doe? Art. That my estate you will so much prefar, As to get me to be a workman to Lady Lucar: And sir I doubt not but to please you so well for your paine, That you shall thinke very well of me, if I in her seruice remaine. Dissim. Good fellow Fraud do so much for I see he is very willing to (liue And some peece of worke to thee for thy paines he will giue. Fraud. Well vpon that condition I wil but I care not so much for his (gifts, As that he will by my name declare how he came by his great thrifts. And that he will set out in euery kind of thing, That Fraud is a good husband, and great profit doth bring. Therefore the next peece of worke that thou doest make, Let me see how deceitfull thou wilt do it for my sake. Art. Yes sir I will sir, of that be you sure, Ile honour your name while life doth endure. Dissim. Fellow Fraud, here comes a Cittizen as I deeme. Fraud. Nay rather a Lawyer, or some petty fogger he doth seeme. Enter a Lawyer. Law. Gentleman, my earnest suite is to desire ye, That vnto your Ladies seruice you would helpe me: For I am an attorney of the law and pleader at the bar, And haue a great desire to plead for Lady Lucar. I haue beene earnest Sir, as is needfull in such a case, For feare an other come before me, and obtaine my place. I haue pleaded for Loue and Conscience till I wis wearie, I had many Clients, and many matters, that made my purse light, and my heart heauie. Therefore let them plead for Conscience that list for me, Ile plead no more for such as bring nothing but beggery. Dissim. Sir, vpon this condition that youle keepe men in Law, Ten or twelue yeeres for matters not worth a straw: And that you will make an ill matter seeme good and firmable in deed, Faith I am content for my part that you shall speed. Fraud. Nay fellow thou knowest that Symonie and Usurie hath an ill matter in law at this time, Now if thou canst handle the matter so subtill and fine, As of the three Ladies of London As to plead that ill matter good and firmable at the bar, Then thou shalt shew thy selfe worthy to winne Lady Lucar. Therefore tell me if you can and will do it or no. Yf you doe it, be sure to get my Ladies good will ere you go. Dissim. By my honestie well remembred, I had quite forgot, Tis about that, a fortnight ago fell out the matter I wot. Law. Tush sir, I can make blacke white, and white blacke againe, Tut he that will be a Lawyer, must haue a thousand waies to faine, And many times we Lawyers do one befreend another, And let good matters slip, tut we agree like brother and brother. Why sir, what shall let vs to wrest and turne the law as we list. Seeing we haue them printed in the palmes of our fist? Therefore doubt you not, but make bold report, That I can, and will plead their ill cause in good kind of sort. Fraud. Of troth how likest thou this fellow Dissimulation? Dissim. Mary I like him well, hee is a cunning Clarke, and one of our (profession. But come sir, go with vs and we will prefer you. Art. Good M. Master Fraud remember me. Fraud Leaue thy prating, I will I tell thee. Art. Good M. Master Dissimulation thinke on me, Dissim. Thou art too importunate and greedy. Fraud. Come after dinner, or some other time when we are at leysure. Dissim. Fraud and Lawyer exeunt. Art. Come after dinner, or some other time indeed. For full little do they thinke of a poore mans need: These fellowes will do nothing for pittie and loue, And thrise happy are they that hath no need them to proue. God he knowes the world is growne to such a stay, That men must vse Fraud and Dissimulation too, or beg by the way. Therefore ile do as the most doth, the fewest shall laugh me to scorne, And be a fellow amongst good fellows to hold by S. Saint Lukes horne. (Exit. Enter Simplicitie and Sinceritie. Sinc. Good coossen Simplicitie do something for me. Simp. Yes faith coossen Sinceritie, ile do any thing for thee? What wouldst thou haue me do for thee canst tell that? Mas I cannot tell what shouldst do for me, except thou wouldst giue me a new hat. Sinc. Alas I am not able to giue thee a new. Simp. Why then I maruell how thou doest doe: Doest thou get thy liuing amongst beggars from doore to doore? Indeed coossen Sinceritie, I thought thou wast not so poore. Sinc. Nay cossen Simplicity I got my liuing hardly but yet I hope iust And with good Conscience too although I am restrained from my lust. But this it is coosen Simplicitie, I would request you do for me: Which is, to get Lady Loue, and Lady Conscience hand to a letter: That by their menes I may get some benefice to make me liue the better Simp. Yes Ile do so much for thee coosen, but hast thou any heere? B4 I A pithie and pleasant Comoedie Sincer. I behold they are ready drawne, if assined they were. Let Simplicitie make as though he read it, and looke quite ouer, meane while let Conscience enter. Simp. Let me see coossen, for I can read: Mas tis brauely done, didst thou it indeed? Mistris Conscience, I haue a matter to bequest you too. Con. What ist? I doubt not but tis some wise thing if it be for you. Simp. Mary my cossen Sincerity, wad besire to scribe these papers here That he may get some preferment, but I know not where. Con. Be these your letters?what would you haue me doe,and how shall I call ye? Sinc. Lady, my name is Sinceritie. Con. And from whence came ye? Sinc. I came from Oxford, but in Cambridge I studied late, Hauing nothing, thought good if I could, to make better my state. But if I had in stead of Diuinitie, the Law, Astronomie, Astrologie, Phisiognomie, Palmestrie, Arithmetike, Logicke, Musicke, Phisicke, or any such thing, I had not doubted then, but to haue had some better liuing. But Diuines that preach the word of God sincerely and truly, Are in these dayes little or nothing set by. God grant the good Preachers be not taken away for our vnthankfulnes There was neuer more preaching and lesse following, the people lyue so amisse: But what is he that may not on the Sabaath day attend to heare Gods (word? But we wil rather run to bowls, sit at the alehouse, than one hour afford: Telling a tale of Robin hood, sitting at Cards, playing at kettels, or some other vaine thing. That I feare Gods vengeance on your head it will bring. God graunt amendment, but Lady Conscience I pray, In my behalfe vnto Lucar do what ye may. Simp. Mas my coossen can say his booke well, I had not thought it, Hes worthy to haue a benefice, and it will hit. Con. God be blessed Sinceritie, for the good comfort I haue of thee, I would it lay in vs to pleasure such beleeue me. We will do what we can: But vltra posse non et esse, you know. It is Lucar that hath brought vs poore soules so low. For we haue sould our house, we are brought so poore, And feare by her shortly to be shut out of doore. Yet to subscribe our name we will with all our hart, Perchaunce for our sake some thing she will impart: Come hither Simplicitie, let me write on thy backe. Simp. Here is the right picture of that fellow that sits in the corner. Enter Hospitalitie while she is a writing. Hospi. Lady, me thinks you are busie. Con. I haue done sir, I was setting my hand to a letter to Lucar for our friend of the three Ladies of London freend Sinceritie. But I would lady Loue were heere too. Hosp. She is at home with mee, but if it please you, so much in her be- halfe ile doo. Con. I pray you hartily, and it shall suffise the turne well now: Good Simplicitie, once more thy body do bow. Simp. I thinke youle make me serue to be a washing blocke for you. I would do it for you, but am afraid yonder boy will mocke me. Hos. No ile warrant thee. Con. Here take thy letters Sinceritie, & prosperous be they to thee. Sinc. I yeeld you most hartie thanks my good lady. Hosp. L. Lady Conscience, pleaseth it you to walke home and dine with me. Con. Thankes my good friend Hospitalitie, But tell me sir, haue you inuited to dinner any straungers? Hos. No sure, none but lady Loue, and three or foure honestneighbors. Simp. Mas my lady is gotten to dinner already, I beleeue she rose at ten of clocke she is so hungry. What if I should come to dinner, is there any good cheare? Hos. Theres bread & beare, one ioynt of meat, & welcome thy best fare. Simp. Why, art thou cald Hospitalitie, & hast no better chear than that Faith and thou hast no more meat for so many, theile nere be fat, What if my coossen nay my selfe alone to dinner should come? Where should my lady and the rest dine? for I would eat vp euerie crum. Thou art an old miser doest thou keepe no better fare in thy house? Hast no great bagge pudding, nor hogges face, that is called sowse Hosp. My friend, Hospitalitie doth not consiist in great fare and ban- quetting, But in doing good vnto the poore, and to yeeld them some refreshing. Therefore if thou and Sinceritie will come and take part, Such as there is ile giue you with a free and willing hart. Exeunt Hospitalitie and Conscience. Simp. He speakes well coossen, lets go to dinner with him. the olde man shall not thinke but we will pleasure him. Faith he might haue richer fellowes to take his part, But he shall neuer haue better eating fellowes if hee would swelte his heart. Here be they that will eate with the proudest of them. For my mother said I could eate as much as fiue men. Nay I am sure the gift of eating is giuen to me, For our Maydes would neuer beleeue I put all the meate in my belly, But yonder comes a knaue, my lady Lucars cogging man. Giue me your letters coossen, ile prefer you if I can. Enter Dissimulation. Sinc. Dissimulation, out vpon him, he shall be no spokeman for me. Simp. Why then you are a foole coossen Sinceritie, Giue me am then, for I know hele do it for me. C Seeing A pithie and pleasant Comoedie sinc. Seeing thou wilt haue it, heere receiue it, but it greeues my hart that this dissembling wretch should speake on my part. simp. Heare ye sir, I would request to liuer this letter. to your good wholesome mistars lady Lucar. Dissim. Where hadst thou it tell me? simp. Mary of my coossen Sinceritie. Dissim. Why I haue nothing to do in it, tis not to me thou should come I haue not to do with Sincerities matters, tis my fellow Symonies roome. sinc. Thou art a kin to the lawyer, thou wilt do nothing without a fee, But thou, Fraud, Usurie, nor yet Symonie shall haue nothing of me. And thou wilt do it, do it, and thou wilt not chuse: Both thee and their dealing I hate and refuse. Dissim. Why, and I am not bound to thee so farre as knaue go, And therefore in despite of thee and thy coossen, there thy letters be. What, thinkst thou by captious words to make me do it? Let them deliuer your letters that hath a stomacke to it. simp. Faith coossen, hes such a testern and semblation knaue, that hele do nothing les some bribery he haue. Theres a great many such promoting knaues that gets their liuing. With nothing els but facing, lying, swearing and flattering. Why he has a face like a blacke dogge, and blusheth like the backe side of a chimney. Twas not for nothing thy Godfathers a cogging name gaue thee. Enter Lady Lucar. But here comes his mistrisse lady Lucar, Now coossen ile liuer your letter. Mistrisse lady Lucar, heeres a letter for ye. Lucar. Hast thou a letter for me? simp. Yes by saint Marie. How say you coossen, she reades your letter? And you can flatter, perhaps you shall speed better. sinc. Thou speakst the truth Simplicitie, for flatterers now a dayes, liue, Gentlemen-like, and with prating get praise. Lucar. Sir, I haue read the tenure of your letter, wherein I find, that at the request of Loue and Conscience I should shew my selfe kinde, And bestow some spirituall liuing on you, parsonage, or benefice, For you stand greatly in need, as appeares by this. And trust me would do for you, but it lies not in me, For all such matters are referred to my seruant Symonie. You must speake to him, and if you can get his good will, then be sure of mine, their minds to fulfill. sinc. Lady, I shall neuer get his goodwill for want of abilitie, For he will do nothing except one bring money. And if you graunt it not, then it is past all doubt, I shall be neuer the nearer, but go quite without. Dissim . Madam, ile tell you what you may giue, Not of the three Ladies of London Not hurting your selfe whereby he may liue, And without my fellow Symonies consent, Yf to follow my mind you are any whit bent. Lucar. Pray thee what is it? for thou knowest while for their house I am bargaining, And it be neuer so little, I must seeme to do something. Dissim. Why, haue not you the parsonage of S. Saint Nihil to bestow? yf you giue him that, Symonie shall neuer know. Lucar. Thou saiest true indeed: draw neare Sinceritie, Loe for their sakes I will bestow frankly on thee, The parsonage of saint Nihil ile giue thee to pleasure them withall, And such another to it, if thou watch till it fall. simp. My lady axes you when you will take possession of your house, and lend the rest of the money. Lucar. What are they so hastie? belike they spent it merrily. simp. Faith no, for they would eate it if they could get it, when they are a hungrie. But you may be happy, for you haue sped wel to day(speaking to Sincerity You may thanke God and good company that you came this way, The parsonage of S. Saint Michels, bir Lady if you haue nothing els, you shall be sure of a liuing, beside a good ring of Bels. Coossen, ile tell thee what thou shalt do, sell the bels and make money, sinc. Thou maiest well be Simplicitie for thou shewest thy folly. I haue a parsonage, but of what? of saint Nihil, and Nihil is nothing. Then where is the Church, or any Bels for to ring? Thou vnderstandest her not, she was set for to flout, I thought comming in their names I should go without, Tis easie to see that Lucar loues not Loue and Conscience: But God I trust will one day yeeld her iust recompence. simp. Coossen, you said that some thing to me you would giue, When you had gotten preferment of Lucar to liue: And I trust you will remember your poore coossen simplicitie, you know to lady Conscience and ery body I did speake for you. sinc. Good Simplicitie hold thy peace, my state is yet nought, I will helpe thee sure, if euer I get ought. But here comes sir Nicholas Nemo, to him I will go, And see if for their sakes he will any thing bestow. Enter sir Nicholas Nemo. Nemo. You come from Loue and Conscience, seemeth me here, My speciall good friends, whom I account of most deare, And you are called Sinceritie, your state shews the same, you are welcome to me for their sakes, and for your owne name, And for their sakes you shall see what I will do for you, without Dissimulation, Fraud, Usurie, or Symonie: For they will do nothing without some kind of gaine, such cankered corruption in their harts doth remaine. But come in to dinner with me, and when you haue dinde, C2 you A pithie and pleasant Comoedie you shall haue. Presently go out. Sinc. You shall haue, but what? a liuing that is blowne downe with the winde. Simp. Now cossen dismember your frends, seeing two liuings you haue One that this man promist and another that lady Lucar gaue. Mas youl be a iolly man and you had three or foure more, Lets beg apace coossen, and we shall get vs great store. Do thou get some more letters, and ile get them scribed of mistars Loue and Conscience, And wele go beg liuings together, wele beg no small pence. How saiest thou coossen wut do so mich? If we can speake faire and semble, we shall be plaguie rich. sinc. Good Simplicitie content thee, I am neuer the better for this. But of force must leaue off, s oeing how vaine it is: Nor bootes it Sinceritie to looke for reliefe. So few regard that to me is a greefe. This was Nicholas Nemo, and no man hath no place. then how can I speed well in this kind of case? And no man bid me to dinner, when shall I dine? Or how shall I find him, where, when, and at what time? Wherefore the reliefe had and to be had is small, But to speake truth, the reliefe is nothing at all. But come Simplicitie, let vs go see what may be had, Sinceritie in these daies was sure borne to be sad. Simp. Come lets go to dinner coossen, for the Gentleman I think hath almost dinde. But if I get vittels inough ile warrant you ile not be behind. sinc. What if thou canst not get it, then how wilt thou eate? simp. Mary on this fashion, with both hands at once, ye shall see when I get meate. sinc. why his name was Nemo and Nemo hath no beeing. simp. I beleeue coossen you be not hungry, that you stand prating. Faith ile go do him a pleasure because he hath need. Why and hele needs haue meate eate, a shall see how ile feed. I beleeue he will not bid me come againe to him, Mas and he do, a shall find a fellow that has his eating. Exeunt ambo. Enter Vsurie and Conscience. Vsu. Lady Conscience, is there any body within your house can you tell? Con. There is no body at all be ye sure. I know certainely well. Vsu. You know when one comes to take possession of any peece of land There must not be one within, for against the order of lawe it doth stand. Therefore I thought good to aske you, but I pray you thinke not a- misse: For both you, and almost all other knowes, that an old custome it is, You of the three Ladies of London. Con. You say truth, take possession when you please, good leaue haue ye Doubt you not, there is neither man, woman, nor child, that will or shall hinder you. Vsu. Why then I will boldly enter. Exit. Con. Who is more bold than Usurie to venter? He maketh the matter dangerous where is no need at all, But he thinks it not perillous to seeke euery mans fall: Both he and Lucar hath so pincht vs, we know not what to doe, Were it not for Hospitalitie, we knew not whither to goe. Great is the miserie that we poore ladyes abide, And much more is the crueltie of Lucar and Usury beside. O Conscience, thou art not accounted of, O Loue, thou art little set by, For almost euery one, true loue, and pure conscience doth denie: So hath Lucar crept vnto the bosome of man, woman and child, That euery one doth practise his deare friend to beguile. But God graunt Hospitalitie be not by them ouer prest, In whom all our stay and chiefest comfort doth rest: But Usurie hates Hospitalitie and cannot him abide, Because he for the poore and comfortlesse doth prouide. Here he comes, that hath vndone many an honest man, And daily seeks to destroy, deface, and bring to ruine if he can. Now sir, haue you tooke possession as your deare lady wild you? Enter Vsurie. Vsu. I haue done, and I thinke you haue receiued your money, But this to you: my lady wild me to bid you prouide some other house out of hand, For she would not by her will haue Loue and Conscience to dwell on her land: Therefore tis best to prouide ye? So shall you saue charges, for a lesse house may serueye: Con. I pray you hartily let vs stay there, and we will be content to giue you tenne pound a yeare, which is the olde rent. Vsu. Ten pound a yeare, that were a stale feast, Yf I should take the olde rent to follow your request: Nay after fortie pound a yeare you shall haue it for a quarter, And you may thinke too, you are befriended in this matter: But no longer than for a quarter to you ile set it, For my lady perhaps will sell it, or to some other wil let it. Con. Well, sith we are driuen to this hard and bitter drift, We accept it, and are contented to make bare and hard shift. Vsu. Then get you gone, and see at a day your rent be readie. Con. We must haue patience perforce, seeing there is no remedie. Exit Conscience. Vsu. What a foole was I to let it so reasonable? I might so well haue had after threescore, as such a trifle, C 3 For A pithie and pleasant Comoedie For seeing they were distressed they would haue giuen largely I was a right sot, but ile be ouerseene no more beleeue me. Enter Mercadore. Merca. Ah my good a friend M. Master Usurie, be my trot you be very well mette: Me be mush beholding to you for your good will, me be in your debt. But a me take a your part so mich against a scal shurle cald Hospitalitie: Did speake against you, and sayes you bring good honest men to beggery. Vsu. I thanke you sir, did he speake such euill of me as now you say? I doubt not but to reward him for his trechery one day. Merca. But I pray tell a me how fare a my lady all dis while? Vsu. Marie well sir, and here she comes if my selfe I do not beguile. Enter Lucar. Luc. What seneor Mercadore, I haue not seene you this many a day, I maruell what is the cause you kept so long away Merca. Shall me say to you Madama, dat me haue had such businesse for you in hand, For send away good commodities out of dis little countrey England: Mee haue now sent ouer brasse, copper pewter, and many odar ting, And for dat me sall ha for Gentlewomans fine trifles, that great profit will bring. Lucar. I perceiue you haue beene mindfull of me,for which I thanke yee: But Usurie tell me, how haue you sped in that you went about? Vsu. Indifferently Lady, you need not to doubt, I haue taken possession, and because they were destitute, I haue let it for a quarter my tale to conclude. Marry I haue a little raised the rent, but it is but after forty pound by the yeare: But if it were to let now, would let it more deare. Luc Indeed it is but a triffle, it makes no matter, I force it not greatly, being but for a quarter. Merca. Madona me a you vat you sall do, let dem to straunger dat are content, To dwell in a little roome, and pay mush rent: For you know da Frenchmans and Flemings in dis country be many, So dat they make shift to be ten houses in one very gladly. And be content a for pay fiftie or threescore pound a yeare, For dat which da Englishmans say twenty marke is too deare. Luc. Why seneor Mercadore, thinke you not that I Haue infinite numbers in London that my want doth supply. Beside in Bristow, Northampton, Norwich, Westchester, Canterbury, Douer, Sandwich, Rie, Porchmouth, Plimmouth, and many mo, That of the three Ladies of London. That great rents vpon little roome do bestow. Yes I warrant you,and truly I may thanke the straungers for this, That they haue made houses so deare, whereby I liue in blisse. But seneor Mercadore, dare you to trauell vndertake: And go amongst the Moores, Turkes, and Pagans for my sake? Merca. Madona, me dare go to de Turkes, Moores, Pagans, and more too, What do me care and me go to da great deuill for you. Commaund a me Madona and you sall see plaine, Data for your sake me refusa no paine. Luc. Then seneor Mercadore I am forthwith to send yee From hence, to search for some new toyes in Barbary or in Turkie, Such trifles as you thinke will please wantons best: For you know in this country tis their chiefest request. Merca. Indeed de Gentlewomans heere buy so mush vaine toyes, Dat me straungers laugh a to tinke wherein da haue deir ioyes. Fait Madona me will search all da strange countries me can tell, But me will haue sush tings dat please dese Gentlewomans veil. Luc. Why then let vs prouide things ready to hast you away. Merca. I voutro commaundemento Madona me obay. Exeunt. Enter Symonie, and Peter Pleaseman like a Priest. Sym. Now proceed with thy tale and ile heare thee. Peter. And so sir as I was about to tell you, This same Presco, and this some Cracko, be both my parishioners now, And sir they fell out maruellously about you: The same Cracko tooke your part, and said that the Clergie Was maintained by you, and vpholden very worshipfully. So sir, Presco he would not graunt that in any case, But said that you did corrupt the clergie, and dishonor that holy place. Now sir I was weary to heare them at such great strife, For I loue to please men so long as I haue life: Therefore I beseech your maistership to speake to Lady Lucar, That I may be her Chaplaine, or else to serue her. Sym. What is your name? Peter. Sir Peter. Sym. What more? Peter. Forsooth Pleaseman. Sym. Then your name is sir Peter Pleaseman. Peter. Yea forsooth. Sym. And please woman too now and than, Peter. You know that homo is indifferent. sym. Now surely a good scholler in my iudgement, I pray you of what Uniuersitie were ye? Peter. Of no Uniuersitie truely. C4 Mary A pithie and pleasant Comoedie Mary I haue gone to schoole in a Colledge, where I haue studied two or three places of Diuinitie: And all for lady Lucars sake, sir you may stedfastly beleeue me. Sym. Nay I beleeue ye but of what religion are you can ye tell? Peter. Mary sir of all religions, I know not my selfe very well. Symo. You are a Protestant now, and I thinke to that now wil grant Peter. Indeed I haue beene a Catholicke, mary now for the most part a Protestant. But and if my seruice may please her, harke in your eare sir, I warrant you my religion shall not offend her. symo. You say well, but if I helpe you to such great preferment, Would you be willing for my paine, I shall haue yearely halfe the gaine. For it to reason you know that if I helpe you to a liuing, That you should vnto me be somewhat beholding, Peter. Yea sir, and reason good, ile be as your mastership please, I care not what you do, so I may liue at ease. Sym. Then this man is answered, sir Peter pleasman come with me, And ile preferre you straight way to my ladie. Peter. Oh sir I thanke ye. Exeunt. Enter Simplicitie with a basket on his arms. Simp. You thinke I am going to market to buy rost meat, do ye not? But see how you are deceiued, for well I wot, I am neither going to the Butchers to buy mutton, veale nor beefe, But am going to a bloudsucker, and who is it? faith Usurie that theefe. Why sirs, twas no marckle he vndood my father that was called Plaine dealing, When he has vndone my Lady and Conscience too with his vsuring. Trust him not sirs, for hele flatter bonacion and sore, till he has gotten the Bakers vauntage, then hele turne you out of doore. Enter Dissimulation. Dissim. Simplicitie, now of mine honestie very hartily well met, simp. What Semblation sweare not, for thou swearest by that thou couldst neuer get: Thou haue honestie now? thy honestie is quite gone: Mary thou hadst honestie at xi of clocke, but it went from you ere noone: Why, how canst thou haue honestie, when it dare not come me thee? I warrant Semblation, he that has lesse honestie than thou, may defie thee: thou hast honestie sirreuerence, come out dogge, where art thou? Euen as much honestie as hath my mothers great hoggish sow: No faith thou maist put out mine eye with honestie, & thou hadst it here, Hast not left it at the alehouse in gage for a pot of strong beere? Pray of the three Ladies of London. Dissim. Pray thee leaue prating Simplicitie, and tell me what thou hast there? Simp. Why, tis nothing for thee, thou doest not deale with such kinde of ware. Sirra there is no beceit in a bag pudding, is there?nor in a plaine pud- ding pie: Sirra ile tell thee, I will not tell thee, and yet ile tell thee, now I mem- ber me too: Canst tell, or wouldst know whither with this parlament I go? Faith euen to sickswill thy fellow Usurie I am sent, With my lady Loues gowne, and lady Conscience too, for a quarter- rent. Dissim. Alas poore lady Loue, art thou driuen so low? Some little pittance on thee ile bestow. Hold Simplicitie, carry her three or foure Duckats from me. And commend me to her euen very hartily. simp. Ducke egges, yes ile carry them, and twere as many as this would holde. Dissim. Tush thou knowest not what I meane, take this, tis golde. simp. Mas tis gold indeed, why, wilt lend away thy golde, hast thou no more need? I thinke thou art growne plaguy rich with thy dissembling trade, But ile carry my ladie the gold for this will make her well apaid. Dissim. And sir; a,carry lady Loues gowne backe againe, for my fel- low Usurie Shall not haue her gowne, I am sure so much he will befriend me. simp. But what shal Conscience gown do, shall I carry it backe again (too? Dissim. Nay, let Conscience gowne and skin to Usurie go. If no body cared for Conscience more than I, They would hang her vp like bacon in a chimney to drie. simp. Faith I told thee thou caredst not for Conscience nor honesttie: I thinke indeed it will neuer be the death of thee. But ile go conspatch my arrant so s oone as I can tell ye, For now I ha gold, I would faine haue ome gd meat in my belly, Exit. Dissim. Nay ile hie me after, that I may send back lady Loues gown. For I would not haue Loue bought quite out of towne. Exit. Enter Hospitalitie.