SIMPLICITY.
Ten shillings, every penny.
USURY. That argues you are guilty. Why, could ye buy so many rings and buttons of gold, think ye, for ten shillings? Of whom did ye buy them?
SIMPLICITY.
Of an old Frenchman, the old French disease take him!
USURY.
And where dwells that old Frenchman?
SIMPLICITY.
In France, I think, for he told me he was to go over the next tide
or the next day:
My wife can tell as well as I,
If ye think I lie.
For she was by.
USURY. A good answer: he dwells in France, and you dwell here; and for uttering copper for gold you are like to lose both your ears upon the pillory, and besides lose your freedom.
SIMPLICITY. Nay, if I lose my ears, I care not for my freedom: keep you my freedom, so I may keep my ears. Is there no remedy for this, Master Usury?
USURY.
None, except you can find out that old Frenchman.
SIMPLICITY.
Peradventure I can, if you'll let me go into France to seek him.
USURY.
So we may lose you, and never see him. Nay, that may not be.