SIMONY.
And please-woman too, now and then?
PETER.
You know that homo is indifferent.[187]
SIMONY.
Now, surely, a good scholar in my judgment!
I pray, at what university were ye?
PETER.
Of no university, truly. Marry, I have gone
To school in a college, where I have studied two or three places
of divinity.
And all for Lady Lucre's sake, sir, you may steadfastly believe me.
SIMONY.
Nay. I believe ye. But of what religion are you, can ye tell?
PETER.
Marry, sir, of all religions: I know not myself very well.
SIMONY.
You are a Protestant now, and I think to that you will grant?
PETER.
Indeed I have been a Catholic: marry, now for the most part, a Protestant.
But, and if my service may please her—hark in your ear, sir—
I warrant you my religion shall not offend her.
SIMONY.
You say well; but if I help you to such great preferment,
Would you be willing that for my pain
I shall have yearly half the gain?
For it is reason, you know, that if I help you to a living,
That you should unto me be somewhat beholding.
PETER.
Ay, sir; and reason good; I'll be as your mastership please:
I care not what you do, so I may live at ease.