New.
Now, master Crosby, I see you have a care
To keep your word, in payment of your money.

Cros.
By my faith I have reason on a bond.
Three thousand pound is far too much to forfeit;
And yet I doubt not master Banister.

New.
By my faith, sir, your sum is more than mine;
And yet I am not much behind you too,
Considering that to-day I paid at court.

Cros.
Mass, and well remember'd: What is the reason
Lord Cromwell's men wear such long skirts upon
Their coats? they reach down to their very hams.

New.
I will resolve you, sir; and thus it is:
The bishop of Winchester, that loves not Cromwell,
(As great men are envied as well as less)
A while ago there was a jar between them;
And it was brought to my lord Cromwell's ear
That bishop Gardiner would sit on his skirts:
Upon which word he made his men long blue coats,
And in the court wore one of them himself;
And meeting with the bishop, quoth he, my lord,
Here's skirts enough now for your grace to sit on;

Which vex'd the bishop to the very heart.
This is the reason why they wear long coats^{6 note}

Cros.
'Tis always seen, and mark it for a rule,
That one great man will envy still another;
But 'tis a thing that nothing concerns me:—
What, shall we now to master Banister's?

New.
Ay, come, we'll pay him royally for our dinner. [Exeunt.

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