The Parliament demands—and I must pay them,

Forsooth, for liberty to wear my head.

Enter Tax-gatherers.

Collector. Three groats a-head for all your family.

Piers. Why is this money gathered?—’tis a hard tax

On the poor labourer!—it can never be

That government should thus distress the people.

Go to the rich for money—honest labour

Ought to enjoy its fruits.

Col. The State wants money.