BAILIFF.
I have, sir, as you commanded me.
FARMER. Then to prison with them, till they have paid such damages, as the law shall award them.
ONE POOR [MAN.] Hear you, sir: if you should bid your boy break down a gap, and drive in my horse, 'twere little better than plain knavery; for my horse is as honest a horse as any is in this town.
ANOTHER.
Well, neighbour, we will have the horse examined
Before an officer, and my boy Jack shall write
What the horse speaks; and if the horse say a was driven
In against his will,
Then you may have the law of him, neighbour;
For all the horses in the parish will be sworn
For his horse. But I'll stand to nothing—
FARMER.
Well, to prison with them, till they have paid your due; away with them.
ONE POOR [MAN.] Nay, I pray, be more miserable to me, and I will give you forty shillings, when I have it.
FARMER
By the mass, the knave hath a pretty cottage:
I'll see, and I can get that. [Aside.] Sirrah,
You have an old cottage; if you will make
Me that over by deed of gift, I am content
To draw my action.
ANOTHER POOR MAN.
My house? why, 'tis my goods,
My wife, my land, my horse, my ass, or anything
That is his. No, you caterpillar, I will never make
Away my house; I will die first.
KNIGHT.[304]
But tell me, sir,
How much would you have of them for their trespass?
FARMER.
Marry, forty[305] shillings, and yet I befriend them.
Why, sir, I hope you will not pay it for them?