Peace. I say the universal people doth best obtain A2,v.
Whereas Peace is ever abiding.
Envy. Thou liest! so God me help and halidom!
For then were surgeons clean undone.
Of them that will fight, and break a pate,
They get good living, both early and late;
And what sayest thou by men of law?
Their living were not worth a straw
And every man should live in peace!
Peace. That is not for the commons increase;
For by peace they profit in many a thing.
Peace setteth amity between king and king;
In time of peace merchants have their course
To pass and repass.
Envy. Thou liest, knave! by the mass!
For under colour of peace much subtlety hath been wrought;
And ships are taken the merchants dear have bought—
Was that for their promotion?
Nay, in time of war,
Such a knave durst not stir.
By the mass! were it not for shame thou shouldst bear me a blow.
Peace. Hold thy hands, thou lewd fellow!
Thou art of evil disposition
Thus against peace to repugne;
The which from heaven descended down
To bring man out of captivity.
Envy. A, whoreson! why dost thou lie?
When were thou in heaven? tell me by and by!
How camest thou down? with a ladder or a rope?
Peace. It were no sin to hang thee by throat;
Thy words be envious, not grounded on charity.
Envy. Sir! one thing, I pray you, tell me.
Peace. What is that?
Envy. Have ye any wife, or no? A3,r.