Note 49 — ACT II.
Reading edition
In Lanthorn and Candlelight (1609) Dekker mentions this extraordinary commodity:—“After a revelling, when younger brothers have spent all, or in gaming have lost all, they sit plotting in their chambers with necessity how to be furnished presently with a new supply of money. They would take up any commodity whatsoever, but their names stand in too many texted letters in mercers’ and scriveners’ books. Upon a hundred pounds’ worth of roasted beef they could find in their hearts to venture, for that would away in turning of a hand; but where shall they find a butcher or a cook that will let any man run so much upon the score for flesh only?” (Works, ed. Grosart, iii. 231.)