As it evidently appeareth by the usurers of Landerousse, who not long since hanged themselves because the price of the corn and wines was fallen by the return of a gracious season.

To this Pantagruel answering nothing, Panurge went on in his discourse, saying, Truly and in good sooth, sir, when I ponder my destiny aright, and think well upon it, you put me shrewdly to my plunges, and have me at a bay in twitting me with the reproach of my debts and creditors.

And yet did I, in this only respect and consideration of being a debtor, esteem myself worshipful, reverend, and formidable.

For against the opinion of most philosophers, that of nothing ariseth nothing, yet, without having bottomed on so much as that which is called the First Matter, did I out of nothing become such (a) maker and creator, that I have created--what ?--a gay number of fair and jolly creditors.

Nay, creditors, I will maintain it, even to the very fire itself exclusively, are fair and goodly creatures.