"Silas! they were woolstaplers; and they must have exercised their
wits in dealing with tithe-proctors and parsons, and moreover with
fellows of colleges from our two learned universities, who have
sundry lands held under them, as thou knowest, and take the small
tithes in kind. Colin Clout, methinks, from his extensive learning,
might have acquired enough interest with the Queen's Highness to
change his name for the better, and, furthermore, her royal license
to carry armorial bearings, in no peril of taint from so unsavoury
an appellation."
Master Silas did interrupt this discourse, by saying, -
"May it please your worship, the constable is waiting."
Whereat Sir Thomas said, tartly, -
"And let him wait." {55a}
Then to me, -
"I hope we have done with verses, and are not to be befooled by the
lad's nonsense touching mermaids or worse creatures."
Then to Will, -
"William Shakspeare! we live in a Christian land, a land of great
toleration and forbearance. Three score cartsful of fagots a year
are fully sufficient to clear our English air from every pestilence
of heresy and witchcraft. It hath not alway been so, God wot!
Innocent and guilty took their turns before the fire, like geese and
capons.
Pages:
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63