Page:The Anatomy of Tobacco.pdf/122

 play the host most gallantly—at another's expense. Off with such blood-suckers from the face of the earth! say I—"a twenty devil way," as old Chaucer hath it. So much for borrowing.

Next let us take begging, which differeth from borrowing in that he who begs neither pretends nor intends to pay back that which he has borrowed, but sues of your mercy and kindness to grant him his request. And this way of obtaining tobacco is practised chiefly by such lewd folk as do loiter about the streets and market-places "seeking what they may devour." And since any one who has reached this point of my discourse must be of far too obstinate, pigheaded, and determined a nature ever to come to begging tobacco it were unprofitable to continue the matter further; and whether it be profitable or not, this is all I shall say on the question.

Next cometh buying, which meaneth to give the coins of the realm in exchange for that thou buyest. Now, buying may may be regarded in three ways—firstly,