XIV Antony the “Cook”
Nugo. Antonius in Fruit Lane, near the Three Jackdaws. Haven’t you heard that in a former year he “cooked”?36
Grac. What did he cook, please? Is this so great an evil? Doesn’t it go on in every kitchen daily?
Turd. He “cooked” his accounts (rem decoxit).
Grac. What accounts?
Turd. His business with others, and couldn’t meet his creditors.
Grac. Hasn’t he paid back his creditors?
Turd. He has betaken himself to a place of retreat, and made over his books one by one at a quarter of their cost price.
Grac. Is this what you call “cooking,” when nothing could be more raw. But how did he lose the money?
Turd. I have heard lately from his father with regard to that, but I have not yet fully understood the matter. The father said that he had made most prodigal borrowings, which would skin him and swallow him up to the bones.
Grac. What do you mean by “borrowings” and what by “skinning”?
Turd. I don’t quite know, but I believe it has something to do with theft.