The cleargie was of two sorts, the one shewing themselues as they were wealthie, seemlie, & comelie; the other pretending that which was not, pouertie, barenesse, and scarsitie: but both were of one mind, and deuised all the waies they could to saue their pursses. The first being called, alledged that they were dailie at great charges and expenses in keeping of hospitalitie, in mainteining themselues, their house and familie; besides extraordinairies which dailie did grow and increase vpon them: and by that meanes they were but bare and poore, and praied that they might be borne withall, and pardoned for that time.

The other sort alledged, that their liuings were but small and slender, and scarse able to mainteine themselues withall, which compelled them to go bare, and to liue a hard and poore life, and therefore (they hauing nothing) praied that they might be excused. The bishop when he had heard them at full, and well considered thereof, verie wittilie, and with a pretie dilemma answered them both, saieng to the first: It is true, you are at great charges, and are well beseene in your apparell, well mounted vpon your faire palfreies, and haue your men waiting vpon you in good order; your hospitalitie is good, and your dailie expenses are large, and you are for the same well reported amongst your neighbours; all which are plaine demonstrations of your wealth and abilitie, otherwise you would not be at such voluntarie charges.

Now hauing store to spend in such order, there is no reason, but that to your prince you should much more be well willing & readie to yeeld your selues contributorie and dutifull, and therefore you must paie. To the other sort he said: Albeit your liuings be not of the best, yet good, sufficient, and able to mainteine you in better estate than you doo imploie it: but it appeareth that you are frugall and thriftie men; and what others doo voluntarilie spend in apparell, house, and familie, you warilie doo keepe, and haue it to lie by you; and therefore it is good reason that of your store you should spare with a good will and contribute to your prince; wherefore be contented, for you shall paie. And so by this pretie dilemma he reduced them to yeeld a good paiment to the king.