ANOTHER. Well, neighbour, we will have the horse examined Before an officer, and my boy Jack shall write What the horse speaks; and if the horse say a was driven In against his will, Then you may have the law of him, neighbour; For all the horses in the parish will be sworn For his horse. But I'll stand to nothing-- FARMER. Well, to prison with them, till they have paid your due; away with them. ONE POOR [MAN.] Nay, I pray, be more miserable to me, and I will give you forty shillings, when I have it. FARMER By the mass, the knave hath a pretty cottage: I'll see, and I can get that. [_Aside_.] Sirrah, You have an old cottage; if you will make Me that over by deed of gift, I am content To draw my action. ANOTHER POOR MAN. My house? why, 'tis my goods, My wife, my land, my horse, my ass, or anything That is his. No, you caterpillar, I will never make Away my house; I will die first. KNIGHT.[304] But tell me, sir, How much would you have of them for their trespass? FARMER. Marry, forty[305] shillings, and yet I befriend them. Why, sir, I hope you will not pay it for them? KNIGHT. But I will. Sirrah, bailiff, I will answer The poor men's debts, and come home to me for thy fee Anon. Go, old men; get you home, and praise God. ONE POOR [MAN.] Marry, Jesus bless you. Neighbour, how many such Good knights have you now-a-days? ANOTHER. Too few, neighbour; the more is the pity. But come, lets away. [_Exeunt_. KNIGHT. But who comes here? _Enter_ PERIN _and_ HONESTY. PERIN. God save you, gentlemen. The king greets you, and at this time Having some occasion to use money, hath sent to know What you that be knights and squires will lend his grace; And you, Master Farmer: be brief, sir[s,] for I cannot stay. KNIGHT. Sir, though housekeeping be some hind'rance to my willing mind, by reason that it robs me of that, which should bewray my loving mind both to my prince and country--money I mean, which at this time I stand in some want of--yet of that small store that I have, [I] am willing to impart the lending of the king twenty pound; and more, I assure you, I am not able. PERIN. Very well; and what say you, Master Squire? SQUIRE. I say that my revenues are but small, Yet I will lend his majesty ten pound. PERIN. Very well; but what saith the Farmer? What can he spare the king? FARMER. Marry, sir, I am a poor farmer, and yet I can afford to lend The king a hundred or two of pounds. And hear you, sir; [_Aside_.] If you prefer a suit I have to the king, I will give you forty angels for your pains: Besides, I will give you the keeping of a dozen jades, And now and then meat for you and your horse, If you come to my house, and lie a whole year. PERIN. Why, that's well said, and I commend Thy honest mind. Would all men were of thy mind: I warrant thee, thou art an honest man, And one that loves the king. But tell me, What wouldst thou have me do?