Note 277 — Chapter IV · THE PEASANTRY (continued)

The word “usury” denoted in the Middle Ages and in the sixteenth century not merely exorbitant interest on a loan, but any oppressive bargain, including the raising of prices, the beating down of wages, and the rack-renting of land (see e.g. A Discourse on Usurie, by Thomas Wilson, 1584). The phrase “a great taker of advantages" comes from a complaint by the people of Hereford against an unpopular divine who lent money at interest and rack-rented land (S. P. D. Eliz., cclxxxvi. Nos. 19 and 20), and the phrase “weapon bodeth peace" from an account of an agrarian dispute in Lancashire—it is the sort of grim joke that stubborn and humorous people would appreciate—in L. and P. Henry VIII., vol. xiii., Pt. II., p. 535. “On Sunday night Wheateley sent his daughter to bid him to come to Parson’s Close to mow Mr. Tempest’s meadow there. Had heard that whoever should mow the meadow should be beaten off the ground, and sent to ask if he should bring a weapon. Wheateley sent word again 'howe weapon boded peace, therefore bring his weapon with him.' Brought his bow and shafts.”