than the value of five pounds, for the forbearance of one hundred pounds for a year, and so after that rate for a greater or lesser period. All bonds and promises to pay money, upon which a greater sum is taken, shall be void ; and every one who shall accept and receive by means of any cor- rupt bargain, loan, exchange, chevisance, shift or interest of any wares, merchandise, or other thing or things whatsoever, or by any deceitful way or means, or by covin, engine, or deceitful conveyance, any money or other thing, above the sum of five pounds, for the forbearing of one hundred pounds for one year, and after that rate for a greater or lesser sum, or for a longer or shorter term, shall forfeit treble the value of the moneys, etc., and other things lent.'^ And • 1 Alh., 340. ' For the details of the law as it stands, under this statute, vide post.
52 HISTORY OF trSUET.
this rate is still the law of England, except that express acts of Parliament^ have empowered the Governor and Company of the Bank of England, and the South Sea Company, to borrow money on such terms, and at such rate of interest, as they