Bed-maker. What news, Mr. Marvell?[91] Has the Parliament lengthened out the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act?
Deputy Turnkey. No, you fool; something better than that.
Exec. Two or three hundred prisoners for high treason. Drink a bumper to their sudden arrival. They’ll be your tenants very speedily.
Bedm. How! Two or three hundred! Where shall we stow them?
Dep. T. Never heed that we shall find room for them, provided they have wherewithal to pay for it.
Exec. Pay for it! Most of them have very great estates, and are topping gentry, so there is no question we shall all of us make a penny by them.
Dep. T. I for fees to lighten their irons.
Bedm. I for keeping their chambers sweet and clean.
Exec. I for civility money in placing their halters’ knot right under their left ear, and separating their quarters at the place of execution with all imaginable decency.
Bedm. But with fine gentlemen such as these are said to be, what is their crime?