Volume Vi Part 85 (2/2)

DILIGENCE _goes out for a marking-iron, and returns_.

FRAUD.

How now, my hearts, think ye we shall speed? [_Aside_.

POLICY.

Diligence, come hither.

USURY.

I cannot tell what you shall, but I am sure I shall. [_Aside_.

DISSIMULATION.

I am as like as any of ye both.

USURY.

Fraud!

DISSIMULATION.

Whist, man; he's Skill. [_Aside_.

USURY.

Skill, why dost thou seek to serve Lady Love?

What profit will that be?

FRAUD.

Tut, hold thee content: I'll serve but a while, and serve mine own turn, and away.

POMP.

Master Usury, come hither. You desire to serve me: you have done Lady Lucre good service, you say, but it was against G.o.d and Conscience you did it: neither ever in your life did ye anything for Love. Well, to be short, serve me you shall not; and I would I could banish you from London for ever, or keep you close prisoner; but that is not in me; but what is, or may be, that straight you shall see. By Policy's counsel this shall be done. Diligence, bring that iron. Help me, my lords[280].

POLICY.

Give me the iron. Pomp, Cousin Skill, help to hold him.

[FRAUD _lays hold on him, but_ DISSIMULATION _slip away_.

Sirrah, Policy gives you this mark, do you see; A little x standing in the midst of a great C, Meaning thereby to let men understand, That you must not take above bare ten pound in the hundred at any hand: And that too much too; and so be packing quietly, And know that London's Pomp is not sustained by Usury, But by well-ventured merchandise and honest industry.

USURY.

I would I had never seen ye, if this be your courtesy.

[_Exit_ USURY.

POLICY.

Now, Cousin Skill, _alias_ Filthy Fraud, No kinsman to Policy, nor friend to the state: Instead of serving me, Diligence, take him to Newgate.

Ask me not why, sir: but, Diligence, if he do strive, Raise the street: he's unweaponed, and thou hast a weapon on.-- And now, lords, when ye will, about our affairs let's be gone.

PLEASURE.

Agreed; but what's become of Fair-semblance, my man?

POMP.

<script>