Part 21 (2/2)

_The Prior._ The land is worth much more than four hundred pounds. It were a pity if he did not redeem it.

_The Abbot._ Thou art ever crossing me! Speak no more about it! Where is the Lord Justice?

[Ill.u.s.tration]

_Lord Justice_ (_enters_). Here I am. I have just come from London to do justice on that Knight. Where is he?

_The Abbot._ The Knight has failed to come with the money and this is the day when the land falls to me.

_Lord Justice._ I dare swear he will not come and thou shalt have his lands. I now declare that the knight, Sir Richard Lea, has failed to keep his promise and his lands are--

_The Knight_ (_entering and kneeling before the Abbot_). Rejoice with me, Sir Abbot. I am come to keep my day.

_The Abbot._ What dost thou say? Hast brought the money?

_The Knight_ (_to try the Abbot_). Not a penny, but--

_The Abbot._ What dost thou here without the money?

_The Knight._ To ask your kindness and patience, Sir Abbot, for a longer time.

_Lord Justice._ The day has come. Thou losest thy land, Sir Knight, since thou canst not pay.

_The Knight._ Good Lord Justice, help me against my foes! I will surely pay, but must have more time.

_Lord Justice._ I am sorry for thee, Sir Richard, but the law is plain.

Either pay your debt or lose your land.

_The Knight._ Sir Abbot, I pray thee, have pity.

_The Abbot._ Get the land when thou canst, thou gettest no pity from me.

_The Knight._ By my faith, then, if I get not my land again, thou shalt pay dearly for it.

_The Abbot._ Get thee gone, false knight! Darest thou threaten me?

_The Knight._ False knight I am not, for I have fought well for my king.

_Lord Justice._ Sir Abbot, the day is not yet gone. What wilt thou give the knight to hold his peace?

_The Abbot._ A hundred pounds.

_Lord Justice._ Make it two hundred.

_The Knight._ No, nor nine hundred. Ye shall not have my land! Here, Sir Abbot, are the four hundred pounds. Had you been less covetous, I would have given interest. Now, get you gone, all of you; and learn to deal more justly and kindly with those in need. [_They go out._]

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