FRAUD.
Nay, fellow, thou knowest that Simony and Usury hath an ill-matter
in law at this time;
Now, if thou canst handle the matter so subtle and fine,
As to plead that ill-matter good and firmable at the bar,
Then thou shalt show thyself worthy to win Lady Lucre.
Therefore tell me if you can or will do it, or no:
If you do it, be sure to get my lady's goodwill, ere you go.
DISSIMULATION.
By my honesty, well-rememb'red: I had quite forgot;
'Tis about that a fortnight ago fell out, the matter I wot.
LAWYER.
Tush, sir, I can make black white, and white black again.
Tut, he that will be a lawyer must have a thousand ways to feign:
And many times we lawyers do one befriend another,
And let good matters slip! tut, we agree like brother and brother.
Why, sir, what shall let us to wrest and turn the law as we list,
Seeing we have them printed in the palms of our fist?
Therefore doubt you not, but make bold report,
That I came and will plead their ill-cause in good kind of sort.
FRAUD.
Of troth, how likest thou this fellow, Dissimulation?
DISSIMULATION.
Marry, I like him well: he is a cunning clerk, and one of our profession.
But come, sir, go with us, and we will prefer you.
ARTIFEX.
Good Master Fraud, remember me.
FRAUD.
Leave thy prating: I will, I tell thee.
ARTIFEX.
Good Master Dissimulation, think on me.
DISSIMULATION.
Thou art too importunate and greedy.
FRAUD.
Come after dinner, or some other time, when we are at leisure.