FRAUD.
If you mean us, we may be even with ye too.
SIMPLICITY. Tut! I knew ye an ostler, and a thief beside: You have rubb'd my horse-heels ere now for all your pride. But, ladies, if ye be the three ladies, which of ye dwelt in Kent Street? One of you did, but I know not which is she, ye look all so like broom-wenches. I was once her servant: I'll ne'er be ashamed of her, though I be rich and she be poor; yet if she that hath been my dame, or he that hath been my master, come in place, I'll speak to them, sure: I'll do my duty. Which is Lady Conscience?
CONSCIENCE.
Even I am she, Simplicity.
SIMPLICITY. I am glad ye are out of prison. I thought ye had forgot me: I went a-begging for[256] you, till the beadles snapp'd me up: now I am free, and keep a stall of ballads. I may buy and sell. I would you had as good a gown now, as I carried once of yours to pawn to Usury here.
CONSCIENCE.
Gramercy, good Simplicity. Wilt thou be with me now?
SIMPLICITY.
No, I thank you heartily; I'll beg no more. I cannot with ye, though
I would, for I am married to Painful-Penury. Look now, my proud
stately masters, I may if I will; and you would, if ye might.
FRAUD.
No, not dwell with such a beggar as Conscience.
SIMPLICITY.
No, Fraud ne'er lov'd Conscience, since he was an ostler.
USURY.
Who cares for Conscience but dies a beggar?
SIMPLICITY. That will not Usury do: he will first take threescore pound in the hundred.