a question

apple   Wed Nov 30, 2005 2:06 am GMT
1.Could anyone help me paraphrase the following sentence? I can't understand the meaning of it.
"You've had your penny-worth."
2.Did anyone read the article of "The Boston Merchant" by S.M.Morison? Can you tell me some resources online from which I can get some background knowledge about the merchants/ commerce in Boston around 1790?

Thank you.
Guest   Wed Nov 30, 2005 3:43 am GMT
1. I would write it as: "You've had your penny's worth.", meaning I've spent enough time and effort on you.

I can't help you with 2.
a question   Wed Nov 30, 2005 5:40 am GMT
The context of "You've had your penny-worth" is that:
In a market , some boys are sucking cider and perry from barrels through a straw until the owner shouts - " hey, You've had your penny-worth!"
So what does that sentence mean in this context?
Uriel   Wed Nov 30, 2005 6:24 am GMT
Apparently that the boys paid a penny to have a certain amount of cider, and they have exceeding the amount that the owner thinks is worth a penny. They are helping themselves to extra.