AVARICE. Ha, ha, ha; no, nor father and mother, if there were ought to be got, Thou mightest swear, if I could, I would bring them to the pot. Whereof a like history I shall tell thee, Cruelty, In England, which myself played in the days of queen Mary.[26] Two brothers there were dwelling, young gentlemen; but the heir Had substantial revenues, his stock also was fair; A man of good conscience, and studious of the Gospel. Which the other brother perceiving very well, Persuaded him by all means, since he was so bent, To be constant in opinion, and not to relent, Which done, he gave notice to the officers about, How they should come with search to find his brother out; Who, when he was once in this sort apprehended, Shortly after his life in the fire he ended. The other had the most part of all his living-- How say'st, sir knave? is not this the near way to thriving? CRUELTY. O unreasonable Avarice, unsatiable with gain. AVARICE. What [of] this?[27] tush, it was but a merry train. CRUELTY. For lucre's sake his own brother to betray? Hence, Judas, with these doings I cannot away.[28] AVARICE. I was ever with him, still ready at hand, Continually suggesting of the house and the land. And yet to tell you the truth, as indeed the thing is, Of my conscience I think the best part was his. CRUELTY. By God's glorious wounds, he was worthy of none; But thou to be whipped for thy greedy suggestion. AVARICE. Heart of God, man, be the means better or worse, I pass not, I, so it be good for the purse. Ha, ha, ha! _Enter from behind_ PERVERSE, DOCTRINE _and_ IGNORANCE. PERV. DOC. If you love the purse so well, Avarice, as you say indeed, Then help me with your counsel now at a need. AVARICE. What, Perverse Doctrine, and Ignorance too, were you both so near? We had thought at our coming that no man had been here. IGNORANCE. We have been in this place ever since that you stayed, And we have heard also whatsoever you have said. CRUELTY. Welcome both, on my faith, and I am glad it was our chance To meet with you here, Perverse Doctrine and Ignorance. Why, how go'th the world? me-thinks you be sad. PERV. DOC. Marry, God have mercy, but there is small cause to be glad: For except you come speedily with your helping hand, No doubt we shall shortly be banished the land. AVARICE. Why so, Perverse Doctrine? CRUELTY. I pray thee, let me understand. PERV. DOC. Why so! you know: how, since heresy came lately in place, And New Custom, that vile schismatic, began to deface All our old doings, our service, or rites, that of yore Have been of great price in the old time before: Ourselves have been enforced almost for to fly The country, or else covertly in some corner to lie.