been changed into a compulsory payment of money when Moliere wrote.
In Racine's _Plaideurs_, act ii. scene vii., Petit Jean takes
literally the demand of the judge for _epices_, and fetches the
pepper-box to satisfy him.

ARG. Two hundred pistoles!

SCA. Yes, and you will save by it. I have made a small calculation in
my head of all that justice costs, and I find that by giving two
hundred pistoles to your man you will have a large margin left--say,
at least a hundred and fifty pistoles--without taking into
consideration the cares, troubles, and anxieties, which you will
spare yourself. For were it only to avoid being before everybody the
butt of some facetious counsel, I had rather give three hundred
pistoles than go to law. [Footnote: What would Moliere have said if
he had been living now!]

ARG. I don't care for that, and I challenge all the lawyers to say
anything against me.

SCA. You will do as you please, but in your place I would avoid a
lawsuit.

ARG. I will never give two hundred pistoles.

SCA. Ah! here is our man.