Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/101

 the stripes of sundry plagues and calamities which for these many years have been seen sticking in our flesh, may work in our bodies such amendment, and in our souls such repentance, that the rod of the divine Justicer may be held back from scourging us any longer.

Coun. I gladly and from my heart play the clerk, crying "Amen." I have been bold and troublesome to you, Sir.

Cit. You teach me what language to speak to yourself in. I would neither of us both had ever spent an hour worse.

Coun. Indeed, time is a jewel of incomparable value; yet, as unthrifts do by their money, we are prodigal in wasting it; and never feel the true sweetness of enjoying it till we have lost all. But sithence I have waded thus far into conference with you, and that it is our agreement to barter away news one with another, as merchants do their commodities, I must request one kindness more at your hands.

Cit. What is that, father? I am now in your debt, and in conference I must see you satisfied.

Coun. I hear, Sir, strange report of a certain lottery for plate of a great value here in London. Is it true?

Cit. It is true that there is a lottery, and it is set up by strangers.

Coun. I remember that, as I take it, in the eleventh year [1568-69 A.D.] of Queen ELIZABETH, a lottery began here in London; in which, if my memory fail not, there were four hundred thousand lots to be drawn.

Cit. You say right. So much still lies in my memory.

Coun. Marry, that lottery was only for money, and every lot was ten shillings [= £5 in present value]. It was held at the west door of Saint Paul's church. It began upon the 11th of January [1569] and continued day and night till the 6th of May following, which was almost four months: and the common burden of that song, when poor prizes were drawn, was Twopence halfpenny.

Cit. That was a prize poor enough, I'll be sworn. Nay, father, then was there another gallant lottery about the eight and twentieth year of the same queen's reign, which began in the middle of summer [1586 A.D.], and was for marvellously rich and costly armour, gilt and engraven.

Coun. That lottery I heard of, but never saw it: for I was then in the country.