Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/96

 Coun. I am glad, Sir, you will take a poor countryman's word for so round a sum as I acknowledge is owing to you You are a merciful creditor. GOD send me always to deal with such chapmen! But how will you set down my payments?

Cit. Marry thus, father. As I have discovered unto you what cold doings we have had during this frost in the city; so, I pray, let me understand from you what kind of world you have lived in, in the country.

Coun. The world with us of the country runs upon the old rotten wheels. For all the northern cloth that is woven in our country will scarce make a gown to keep Charity warm. she goes so a-cold. Rich men had never more money, and Covetousness had never less pity. There was never in any age more money stirring, nor never more stir to get money. Farmers are now slaves to racking young prodigal landlords. Those landlords are more servile slaves to their own riots and luxury. But these are the common diseases of every kingdom, and therefore are but common news. The tunes of the nightingale are stale in the middle of summer, because we hear them at the coming in of the spring: and so these harsh notes which are sung in every country do by custom grow not to be regarded. But your desire, Sir, is to know how we spend the days of this our frozen age in the country.

Cit. That I would hear indeed, father.

Coun. Believe me, Sir, as wickedly you must think as you can hear in your City. It goes as hard with us as it doth with you. The same cold hand of WINTER is thrust into our bosoms. The same sharp air strikes wounds into our bodies. The same sun shines upon us; but the same sun doth not heat us any more than it doth you. The poor ploughman's children sit crying and blowing their nails, as lamentably as the children and servants of your poor artificers. Hunger pinches their cheeks, as deep into the flesh as it doth into yours here. You cry out here, you are undone for coals: and we complain, we shall die for want of wood. All your care is to provide for your wives, children, and servants in this time of sadness: but we go beyond you in cares. Not only our wives, our children and household servants are unto us a cause of sorrow: but we grieve as much to behold the misery of our poor cattle in