LUCRE. Fraud, Dissimulation, Usury, and Simony, Now truly I thank you for proffering your service to me; You are all heartily welcome, and I will appoint straightway, Where each one in his office in great honour shall stay. But, Usury, didst thou never know my grandmother, the old Lady Lucre of Venice? USURY. Yes, madam; I was servant unto her, and lived there in bliss. LUCRE. But why camest thou into England, seeing Venice is a city, Where Usury by Lucre may live in great glory? USURY. I have often heard your good grandmother tell, That she had in England a daughter, which her far did excel; And that England was such a place for Lucre to bide, As was not in Europe and the whole world beside. Then, lusting greatly to see you and the country, she being dead, I made haste to come over to serve you in her stead. LUCRE. Gramercy, Usury; and I doubt not but that you shall live here as pleasantly; Ay, and pleasanter, too, if it may be. But, Simony, from whence came ye, tell me?[164] SIMONY. My birth, nursery and bringing-up hitherto hath been in Rome, that ancient religious city. On a time the monks and friars made a banquet, whereunto they invited me, With certain other some English merchants, which belike were of their familiarity; So, talking of many matters, amongst others one began to debate Of the abundant substance still brought to that state. Some said the increase of their substance and wealth Came from other princes, and was brought thither by stealth: But the friars and monks, with all the ancient company, Said that it first came, and is now upholden by me, Simony; Which the English merchants gave ear to: then they flattered a little too much, As Englishmen can do for advantage, when increase it doth touch; And being a-shipboard merry, and overcome with drink on a day, The wind served, they hoist sail, and so brought me away: And landing here, I heard in what great estimation you were, [And] made bold to your honour to make my repair. LUCRE. Well, Simony, I thank thee; but as for Fraud and Dissimulation, I know their long continuance, and after what fashion. Therefore, Dissimulation, you shall be my Steward, An office that every man's case by you must be preferred. And you, Fraud, shall be my rent-gatherer, my letter of leases, and my purchaser of land, So that many old bribes will come to thy hand. And, Usury, because I know you be trusty, you shall be my secretary, To deal amongst merchants, to bargain and exchange money. And Simony, because you are a sly fellow, and have your tongue liberal, I will place you over such matters as are ecclesiastical. And though we appoint sundry offices, where now ye are in, Yet jointly we mean to use you together ofttimes in one thing. ALL. Lady, we rest at your command in ought we can or may.