upon nothing, to feed out of Flint, and ever since has my
belly been much beholding to my brain. But, now, to return
to you, old Skirmish: I say as you say, and for my part wish
a Turbulency in the world, for I have nothing to lose but my
wits, and I think they are as mad as they will be: and to
strengthen your Argument the more, I say an honest war is
better than a bawdy peace, as touching my profession. The
multiplicity of Scholars, hatcht and nourisht in the idle
Calms of peace, makes 'em like Fishes one devour another; and
the community of Learning has so played upon affections, and
thereby almost Religion is come about to Phantasy, and
discredited by being too much spoken off-in so many and mean
mouths, I my self, being a Scholar and a Graduate, have no
other comfort by my learning, but the Affection of my words,
to know how Scholar-like to name what I want, and can call my
self a Begger both in Greek and Latin: and therefore, not to
cog with Peace, I'll not be afraid to say, 'tis a great
Breeder, but a barren Nourisher: a great getter of Children,
which mus either be Thieves or Rich-men, Knaves or Beggers.

SKIRMISH.
Well, would I had been born a Knave then, when I was born
a Begger; for if the truth were known, I think I was begot
when my Father had never a penny in his purse.

PYE.
Puh, faint not, old Skirmish; let this warrant thee, Facilis
Descensus Averni, 'tis an easy journey to a Knave; thou
mayest be a Knave when thou wilt; and Peace is a good Madam
to all other professions, and an arrant Drab to us, let us