Mes. God bless the good duchess, and all that love the
King, I say, gentlemen, an't like ye.
De L. Pray, sir, what news abroad, or at court?
Mes. News, quotha! Indeed, sir, the truth is I am a
Shoemaker by my trade; my name is Latchet,
And I work to some ladies in the house here,
Though I say't myself; and yet the times were
Never harder, nor leather dearer.
De L. This winter will make amends;
You shall have horsehides cheap, horsehides dog-cheap.
Latch. Cheap, quotha! Why, sir, I'll tell you, (for you
Look like a very honest gentleman), I am put to
Find a pike myself; and must, the parish swears,
Or lose all the shoes in my shop.
De L. 'Tis very brave! Why, you look like a champion;
And have a face the parish may confide in.
Latch. Fide, quotha! sir; be judge yourself, if ever
You knew the like. I have been at the trade
This forty years, off and on; and those children's
Shoes, I have sold for sixpence or a groat upon some
Occasion, we now sell for twelvepence, as they say.
De L. Then the misery is, you get the more.
Latch. More, quotha! Pray, sir, a word. You are a
Courtier, if I may be so bold. They say we must
All be fain to shut up shop, and mortgage
Our wives to the soldiers. D'ye hear any
Such talk, sir?
De L. Some buzzing: but the blades will not accept 'em
Without special articles and a flock of money and
Plate, to keep the babies they shall beget valiant.