[405] Sir Harris Nicholas’ “History of the British Navy,” vol. i. p. 21.
[406] In our own day we see the scorn of trade being rapidly softened down. Many of our commercial houses are almost as important as a department of State, and are conducted in much the same way. The principals of these houses are often considerable landholders besides, have been educated at the public schools and universities, and are frankly received as equals in all societies. On the other hand, the nobility are putting their younger sons into trade. At this moment, we believe, the brother-in-law of a princess of England is in a mercantile house.
[407] Avarice, in “Piers Ploughman’s Vision,” v. 255, says:—
“I have ymade many a knyht both mercer and draper
That payed nevere for his prentishode not a paire of gloves.”
[408] Neatly, properly.
[409] Shields, i.e. écus, French crowns.
[410] Agreement for borrowing money.
[411] Know not his name.
[412] From Mr. Wright’s “Domestic Manners and Customs of the Middle Ages.”
[413] If.