Dialogues of the Dead (4.1)

Ferryman, what do you say to settling up accounts? It will prevent any unpleasantness later on.

Very good. It does save trouble to get these things straight.

One anchor, to your order, five shillings.

That is a lot of money.

So help me Pluto, it is what I had to pay. One rowlock-strap, fourpence,

Five and four; put that down.

Then there was a needle, for mending the sail; tenpence.

Down with it.

Caulking-wax; nails; and cord for the brace. Two shillings the lot.

They were worth the money.

That’s all; unless I have forgotten anything. When will you pay it?

I can’t just now, Hermes; we shall have a war or a plague presently, and then the passengers will come shoaling in, and I shall be able to make a little by jobbing the fares.