no more straw] The use of the straw was, either to binde the clay together, lest it should be too brittle; or to cover it that it might not be chopt with heat, or winde; or to harden it, (by burning in the furnace) or at least, to kindle the fires of other fewell: this was brought to their hands till now, by those on whom the taske of brick, (whether by tale or heap) was not imposed; now the same men must so divide the service between them, as to do both, and yet no abatement of their labour in making, or burning brick, will be allowed. as heretofore] Heb. as yesterday, or the day before yesterday: So in the next vers. and vers. 14.