Histoire des larrons, or The history of theeves. Written in French, and translated out of the originall, by Paul Godwin

THE HISTORY OF THEEVES.

CHAP. I.

Of an Inne-keeper Cheated.

DEspaire often con∣straineth us to imbrace Actions which we would reject, as pernitious to our soules health, if Passion blin∣ded not our Senses; but we are for the most part so wed∣ded

to our owne perverse wills, that we wil not vouch∣safe to deliberate with rea∣son, but rashly doe whatso∣ever is presented unto us by our vaine imaginations. This is the cause that man cannot so easily see what he is, nor whence he draweth his Ori∣ginall.

At that time when as Peace began to flowrish in this Kingdome, and that the fury of a long warre was appea∣sed. It happened that five or sixe cashiered Souldiers, not knowing what shifts to make, departed out of Paris, resolving among themselvs, that sithence unconstant For∣tune seemed to deny them sufficient Commodities for their sustenance, they would

use their greatest cunning and utmost endeavor to pro∣cure it. These people that before had plenty of all things, could not now brook a scarcity, and therefore re∣solved to make a correspon∣dency to their former for∣tunes, though by any indi∣rect meanes, neither were they long to seek: For as it often comes to passe, that when men perceive them∣selvs sinking into the deepest misery, even then they finde out a meanes of reliefe.: So now Necessity dictates un∣to these cheating fellows, an invention by which they for a time shift off these hun∣gry wants which were now ready to oppresse them. They in their way chanced to meet with a youth about

the age of tenne or twelue yeeres, who had been sent from about twelue Leagves distant from thence with a Letter to one in Paris, whom they staying, one among the rest (intending to practise his wit and to recreate both himselfe and companions by an invention (adviseth them to cloathe him after the best manner they could possibly, and telleth them, that as for the rest, he doubted not but that he should so well act his part, that they should all fare the better for his enterprize. They all follow his directi∣on, and at length by their joynt endeavours, they so well apparell him that one would have taken him for some young Lord, although there was a kinde of con∣straint

in his behaviour, and that by his actions he some∣times shewed of what stocke he was. The tree is knowne by the fruit, and the leafe partly manifests the kinde and the quality of the stalke. For Generosity appeareth as well by the outward behavi∣our, as it doth by Vertue which is the inward orna∣ment, and whosoever will cloathe a Rustick in the ha∣bite of a Gentleman, shall notwithstanding finde in him the effects of his rude breeding and incivility. This youth being thus revested, hatched conceits which lif∣ted him up even unto the clouds, he already thought himselfe one of the great Lords of France; yet for all his high conceits, they

become his Lawgiver; and after mountaines of golden promises, they command him upon paine of death, not to speake to any one upon any occasion whatsoever more then these two words Etiam and Maxime. Having thus grounded their intended de∣ceit, they went to take up their lodgings in one of the best Inns about Paris, where being arrived, they fained themselves to be of the house of the extraordinary Am∣bassadour of Holland, and told the Host, that without faile, within foure or five dayes the said Ambassadour would passe that way; and for an assured testimony of what they spake, they shewed unto him the young Gentlemen, saying, that he was Nephew

unto the Ambassadour: The Master of the house (who deeply considered not what they spake) beleeving them, entertained them very sump∣tuously with whatsover they demanded: and the no∣tice he tooke during their a∣bode in his house, that all of them in generall were (sub∣missively) respective unto their young Master. (whom they blazed to be the Am∣bassadours Minion) made him and the rest of the Inne verely beleeve, that the re∣verence which they shewed unto this youth was unfain∣ed, and what they spake was undoubtedly true.

Five dayes were now past wherein there was no newes of the Ambassador, but what they themselves made in the

house in the midst of their Jollities and Banquets. The Host knew not what to think of it, but not being able to sound the depth of their my∣steries, he causeth his doubt to reflect upon the reverence which he saw was yeelded unto this new made Gentle∣man; this withholdeth him from any outward shew of suspition, and feedes him with the hope of the future comming of the Ambassa∣dour. At length eight dayes being pleasantly slipped a∣way, and no Ambassadour appearing, our Vagabond Souldiers begin to dreame that it was now time for them to take the ayre. And to finish their well projected Enterprise, one of them sen∣deth forth his Masters Lac∣key

in fight of the Host, to give notice when the Am∣bassadour approached, (but he kept not his promise in comming, for he was not yet parted from his house (and had before privately com∣manded him to returne by three of the clocke the next morning, to give them no∣tice that their Master was drawing neere unto the Ci∣ty. This Gullery was well practised, the Lackey failed not to come at the appointed houre, and knocking at the Gate, delivered unto them the welcome newes of their masters approach: Where∣upon they all start up with speed, and having comman∣ded that their horses should be prepared, the Master of the Inne ariseth, calleth up

his servants, and all of them confidently settle themselvs in expectation of the Am∣bassadour: when their hor∣ses were ready, one of them came boldly unto the Host, and told him, that they must of necessity goe meet their Master, that he must prepare a breakfast against their re∣turne, which would be with∣in two or three houres at fur∣thest, and in the meane time they would leave their yong Master with him: so they all parted and forraged the Countrey, having merrily recreated themselves at the expence of their Host.

In the meane time they prepare all the Lodgings for the Ambassador; but noone being already past, and hee not appearing, the Host be∣gins

to perceive the deceit; He therefore ascends up into the Chamber, but was much amazed when he saw there no other then a Countrey Clowne in an old Hurden suite; the Host straitly ex∣amineth him, and demands who he is, who those were that came to lodge in his Inne? to which he answer∣eth not a word, and hardly could he draw from him, more then these two words, Etiam and Maxime: the Host notwithstanding who had been at extraordinary cost in entertaining them, could not be satisfied with Latine, he takes therefore my young Clowne, and with the smarting blowes of good rods teacheth him French; thus passed their

deceit, their well acted Co∣medy, thus ending in a Tra∣gedy.

CHAP. II.

A notable trick put upon a Phy∣sician.

THere lived in the famous City of Paris, a wise and renowned Physician na∣med Alcander, who had shew∣ed himselfe fortunately ex∣pert in divers Cures, where it seem'd that humane Art had not sufficient force to give a remedy; the fame where∣of made him then much sought after. Now, to en∣ter into the course of our History, you must under∣stand, that as this Physician

went to visite the sicke in di∣vers parts of the City, one of the most notable and boldest Theeves which were then in Paris, conceived that he should make a very good booty if he could en∣trap him, for he was repu∣ted a very rich and wealthy man, by reason of his con∣tinuall practise: this Con∣ceit breed a Resolution and this Resolution brought forth its effect; for on a Saturday about nine a clock at night, as the said Alcander went to receive severall sums of money from divers houses where he had finished par∣ticular Cures; this fellow who could not have chosen out a fitter opportunity, nor a more favourable houre for his designe, nor yet a more

subtill device to overreach Alcander, being confident that he had then good store of Monies about him, and that he could not escape him; Having long attended his re∣turne in a little bye street, and at length perceiving him afarre off, comes unto him in great haste, and with a fained voyce saith unto him, Sir▪ it is long since I have been so happy as to see you, yet I live not farre hence, and now your experience which I have still admired, hath caused me to impor∣tune you to visite my wife, who for this ten or twelve dayes hath had such a Flux of her belly, that she cannot finde any meanes to stop it, the longer it continueth the more it increaseth; I have

therefore made bold to come unto you; I came even now from your house, where I stayed expecting you for at least an houre; I humbly in∣treat you Sir, to doe me so much favour as to come with me: The seeming sincerity of his words, would have drawne on the most distrust∣full of the world to have be∣leeved them: Alcand•••• Who was accustomed to be indu∣ced more by gaine then faire words, affoorded him this friendly and comfortable an∣swere; Sir, God forbid that I should refuse to doe my en∣deavour in that little skill which I have in the know∣ledge and practise of Phy∣sicke; If I can effect any thing for the good of the Gentlewoman your wife, I

will attend you thither with as good a will as my charge requireth. Upon these com∣plements this notable Wag brings him from streete to street into his lodging, where having shut the doore, he takes in the one hand a Pi∣stoll, and in the other hand a great purse, and turning him∣selfe furiously towards the Physician, Behold here (saith he) my wife which hath for a long time been tormented with the Flux in her belly, it is you that must finde out a meanes to cure the disease, otherwise I my selfe am re∣solved to seek a remedy with this Pistoll. The Physician trembling, and much dismay∣ed, to see himselfe so sudden∣ly surprised in this sort, would have cryed out, but

the other holding the Pistoll to his breast, so terrified him, that he was constrai∣ned to forsake his owne Purse, therewith to cure that which had the Flux. This part of the Tragedy being thus acted, the Theefe would shew to Alcander, that he was not yet altogether voyd of courtesie, in restoring 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him some part of his monies, and promised him to conduct him to his lodging, holding still his Pistoll in his hand, lest he should have made an outcry: being come unto the house of Alcander, the Theefe knocks at the doore, and ta∣king his farewell of his Be∣nefactor, told him, that he now onely feared raine, and that he must needs lend him his Cloake, and fled: Alcan∣der

could never be otherwise paid for his Cure; for on the morrow this Rascall had changed both his Host and lodging.

CHAP. III.

A Tragi-Comedy acted by two 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

VVEe having alrea∣dy seen how fer∣tile man is in wicked inven∣tions, especially when an idle leasure in such sort sophisti∣cateth the understanding, that he remaineth as it were buried in an accustomed sluggishnesse. We may yet more amply see it described in this ensuing discourse, where we shall behold, and

as in a Table, see described the different Plots and Stra∣tagems by which these men have sought to maintaine themselves by an irreligious course of life, to the hurt of others, and their owne finall destruction.

About the end of IVLY 1611. when as the Court was not much troubled with rumours of Warrs; Theeves were much spoken of at Pa∣ris, among others, there were two who conceived they might shew a trick of activi∣ty to a young Mercer newly married, which they put in practise after this manner.

They both long since knew, that most commonly there was but one boy in the shop; so that watching a time when the Master was

out of the way, one of them went unto a Chyrurgion dwelling in the street, called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whom he cal∣ling aside, desired that when he brought unto him a youth of such and such a complexi∣on (describing unto him, the age, visage, and stature of the Mercers boy) he would be pleased to conduct him into his Chamber, for that he had a secret infirmity to acquaint him with, and that although he perhaps would at first bee bashfull and unwilling to de∣clare unto him his griefe, yet his parents would have him constrained to undergoe the Cure.

The Chyrurgion (who doubted not but that what he spake was true, his words being delivered with such a

naturall livelinesse (promi∣sed him not to neglect what he propounded, but that he would so deale in the busines that he should have cause to rest satisfied; and would not onely draw the boy to con∣fesse his infirmity, but would undertake perfectly to cure him: whereupon this crafty Knave (joyfull of this inven∣tion, which promised unto him good successe) came un∣to his Comrade, and told him of that which he had so well performed: consulting together how they should draw the boy who kept the hope to the said Chyrurgion, which they having contri∣ved, he who had begun the Plot, came into the shop, and asked to see some wares; but by ill fortune, as the boy o∣pened

them, the Mistris of the house came also, which made him doubt that hee should not finish his well projected enterprise; hee could then willingly have wished himselfe further off, and that he had not enter'd, since, as the case stood, no∣thing promised him a good issue in his affaires: Never∣thelesse, to forsake a thing so well forwarded, argued Co∣wardise, hee therefore at length resolved to try his fortune.

He causeth to be brought unto him all sorts of the best Stuffes, and bargained for a whole piece of that he best liked, saying, that his Master a very rich Chyrurgion (whose name he telleth, and the streete wherein he resi∣ded)

sent him to make choise of a piece; He therefore de∣sired the Mistris to permit the boy to bring the Stuffe away with him unto his Ma∣ster, and that then he should receive the moneyes accor∣ding to agreement: This young woman little doubt∣ing that her new Chapman would have deceived her) commands the boy to follow the Gentleman with the Stuffe, and remember, said she, to bring money for it, upon these words they de∣parted, and had no sooner turned their backes but this fellowes Companion meet∣eth them as it were by chance; and the better to act their parts, he demandes of his Comrade whence he came? he answered, from

his Master, and that he was sent to let one blood, but have you, said he, done that which my Master comman∣ded you? have you bought the Stuffes? The boy who heard all these words, verely beleeved what they spake to be true. Our two Vagabonds being parted one from the other, he who conducted the Mercers boy, tooke occasion to tell him that the other was his companion, and so wrought, that he made him more and more confidently beleeve what he said; now as for the businesse in hand, when you come to my Ma∣ster, said he, you may leave your Stuffe below in the shop, and may ascend with him into the chamber, where he will pay you your money,

perhaps he will seeke to a∣bate of the price, but for all that, when he knoweth that I have agreed with you for it, he will not fail to con∣tent you: The young youth being thus instructed, they at length came unto the house, and entred into the shop, where the Chyrurgion see∣med joyfull to see his new Patient, Is this (said he) the youth of whom you told me? Yes Sir, answered the other, you may if it please you take him into your Chamber to give him con∣tent, I pray you walke up said the Chyrurgion, at which words the boy leav∣eth the Stuffe he had under his Cloake in the shop, and followeth the Chyrurgion directly to the Chamber; the

other seeing the shop voyd of people, takes the Stuffe and runs away with it: The Chyrurgion in the meane time examineth the youth concerning his disease; and told him that there was no danger for him to discover it unto him, and that if humane remedies could give him ease, he hoped quickly to cure him of his malady.

The boy, quite amazed, not knowing what the Chy∣rurgion meaned, answered, That (he thanked God) he was free from any disease.

The Chyrurgion, who was intreated to presse him by threatnings if he would not make knowne his griefe by faire meanes, persisteth in his remonstrances, My friend, said he unto him, diseases the

more inveterate they are, the more difficult they are to be cured, the griefe that waxeth old, taketh root, and men are often constrained to make in∣cision, where (if applyed in time) there needed not more then an ordinary Plaister.

The youth, who expected nothing from him but mony (that being the best salve in these dayes) told him, That he came for no other cause but to receive money for his Stuffes.

The Chyrurgion percei∣ving that he used all his faire perswasions to little or no purpose, thought he might draw him to tell him his in∣firmities by threatning; he therefore began to waxe ve∣ry rough with him, but when he heard him speak of Stuffes

and Ware, he began to smell out the cheat, and asked him of what Ware he spake; the boy exclaimed wonderfully against him, calling him Cheater, and told him that he should pay for the stuffe: but in the end he was turned home without either Money or Stuffe. This may serve as a warning to young Appren∣tises, not to suffer themselves to be led by the faire words of any man, but to be carefull of their affaires, and to be watchfull of those things committed to their custody, by which meanes they shall deserve praise of all men, and avoyd many the like dangers which they shall run into.

CHAP. IIII.

A Cheaters selfe-invitation.

IMpudence is the ordinary portion of Theeves, and few are found among them, that are not infected with that vice.

Garandine, as impudent as crafty (and who for his thefts was executed at Roven) as he was one day at Paris, walking from place to place, as he was still accustomed, the better to entrap Novices; took notice of two Citizens, who having not for a long time seene one the other, em∣braced, welcomed, and mu∣tually rejoyced one in each others company: Hee who

still kept one eare for the Towne, and another for the Countrey, perceiving them discourse of their particular affaires, drew by little and little neere unto them, yet without seeming any way desirous to participate of their discourse; At length, after much talke, the one of these earnestly intreated the other to come the next day by eleven of the clock to his house, there to take part of a poore dinner with him, and to bring with him some friend to bear him company; the other faithfully promised him not to faile to endeavor the increase of his happines, by visiting him at the appoin∣ted houre, and withall, signi∣fied, that he much honoured him by his invitation.

Garandine, who had with an attentive eare hearkned to this loving invitation, was perswaded that hee might then performe some exploit: He resolves therefore to fol∣low his intended Host afarr off, and to learne the streete and place where he resided, to the end that he might not faile the next day to be there as well as he who was invi∣ted; which having taken no∣tice of, he failed not the next day at the prefixed houre, to take his walke about the place, expecting when he who was invited to dinner would come, that he might serve him for an Vmbra; as the ancients were accusto∣med, who when any were in∣vited to a feast, alwayes took one to accompany them.

He having at length per∣ceived the invited guest com∣ming afarre off, so ordered his steps that they both met at the same instant, just over against the very doore; wher∣upon, the Marchant thinking that Gerandine had been invi∣ted by the master of the house, contested in humility who should enter last; the o∣ther would not doe as the shadow which lead Socrates one day to a banquet and en∣tred before its Master, which was contrary to custome, this was the cause that he entred last: Where being both wel∣comed by the master of the house, they sate downe, and while dinner was preparing they entertained themselves in discourses of Newes, and relations of such things

as passed in Court. Garan∣dine in the meane time had not his eyes setled but in their unsetled motions, he gazed every way to spie out an opportunity to provide for himselfe before his de∣parture: The table being fur∣nished, while they wash their hands, Garandine cast his eye on the Bason (which was of silver, and well worth 200 crownes) and tooke notice that they had left it in the roome adjoyning, which was the Kitchin.

The Master of the house thought that his friend had brought Gerandine with him, and that he was of his ac∣quaintance; And the other on the contrary, thought that the Master of the house had invited him to dinner.

It must needs be that Geran∣dine had a good wit, and that he carryed himself very cun∣ningly knavish in this place; for he was examined by both, and answered very per∣tinently to all that was de∣manded. Dinner being en∣ded, and the cloth taken a∣way, they for a time recrea∣ted themselves with dis∣course, untill that Garandine having perceived that the servant was gone forth, and that the Mistris of the house was gone into an upper Chamber, Sirs (said he) I pray you excuse me if I am somewhat unmannerly, there are some urgent occasions which call me hence, but I will not faile to returne unto you within this quarter of an houre at most; and so having

taken his leave of them, he descended into the Kitchin, and tooke the silver Bason under his arme, and fled.

He was no sooner depar∣ted, but that the two Citi∣zens (but especially he who was invited) began to inquire who that honest Gentleman was? The other answered that he knew him not, and that he thought him to have been some friendly compa∣nion of his; whereupon, be∣hold them mightily astoni∣shed, they call the Mistris, to whom they relate the whole Story, but in the meane time they thought not of their Bason which was stollen, un∣till an houre after, when the servant was returned from the City it was found mis∣sing, and the Theefe known.

Thus got Garandine his din∣ner freely, but hee dearely payed for the Bason after∣wards at Roven.

CHAP. V.

The notable impudence of AMERTIS.

VVE may well tearm it an Iron or Lea∣den age, since we finde in it but hard-hearted and heavy actions, and not to be imagi∣ned by common senses of reasonable men; I may truly say, That the spring and fountaine from whence so many mischiefs proceed, is a certaine kind of ungracious Impudence, whereto we are all for the most part incli∣ned,

and which by our cu∣stome becomming habituall, changeth it selfe into a na∣ture in the end: We may see a notable example thereof in the person of Amertis, a man who had travelled through most parts of Christendome, a man who had great corres∣pondencies▪ both in his na∣tive Countrey and among forraine Nations, and one who was much practised in the affaires of the World.

As this man one day walk∣ed in the Hall of the Palace, with an intent to spie out mens actions, he saw a Mer∣chant of Lions, who was with one of his associates, talking about some Wares which he had formerly delivered unto him: Amertis seriously view∣ing the Marchant, and in a

deep contemplation, consi∣dering with himselfe whe∣ther he could invent some trick to surprise him; but as he ruminated on the executi∣on of his not yet resolved enterprise, he heard three or foure Gentlemen talking of him; the one said that hee was of Lions, and that hee knew him very well; the o∣ther said that he had made a Voyage into Italy with him, and that he yet owed him some Monies which he had lent the Merchant at Millan: To all which Amertis very attentively listened, so that at length, he by this and o∣ther discourse learned who he was, where he had beene, and about what time; to be briefe, with the memory he had, which was very quick,

he retained all that which he heard spoken of him.

Not long after, he came unto him (finding him among three or foure men of quality with whom he sometimes dealt) and saluteth him with a profound reverence; the o∣ther having never seene him, before, turneth towards him, and resalutes him with these words; Sir, excuse me, I pray you, I cannot call to minde the remembrance of you, and yet methinks I have seen you some where: Sir (replied he unto him) I have had the ho∣nour to make a Voyage into Italy with you; The Mar∣chant who could not remem∣ber all those who fifteene yeeres since had beene in his company, being twelve or thirteene in number, belee∣ved

that he said true, and tooke upon him to acknow∣ledge it.

Amertis conjecturing well of this new fained old ac∣quaintance, after much dis∣course of severall things which hee affirmed to have happened since they last saw one another, began to tell him, That he should doe him a very great pleasure if he could now helpe him to the hundred Crownes hee had formerly lent him; whereat the Marchant being much a∣mazed, and not knowing what Amertis intended by those words, answered that he ought him nothing; I can∣not beleeve, replyed the o∣ther, that a man of your rank and quality (who seemed al∣wayes to have esteemed ho∣nour,

and ever made professi∣on of an honest life) should now have so bad a Consci∣ence as to deny mee that which is my due, that were not only to violate the Rites of friendship and of all civill conversation, but also to sub∣vert that good opinion men have hitherto conceived of you both at Lions and in Pa∣ris; doe not you remember that I lent you this summe in Millan? you can by no just meanes deny it, you will in∣curre a generall blame if you should seeke to inrich your selfe with the goods of ano∣ther.

The Merchant being per∣plexed, not knowing what answere to make to his so impudent demand, told him, That perhaps hee had lent

him some Money in his Voy∣age, but that surely he had long since repayed; The o∣ther denying it, persisteth eagerly in his first demand.

Those that were with the Marchant, perceiving some appearance of truth in Amer∣tis words (not discovering the falshood that lay hid un∣der them) were of opinion that the Marchant wronged him, in refusing to pay him a due debt: And truely, a man who had never seen the pro∣ceedings and countenance of Amertis, would never have judged that he had intended deceit.

Upon this contestation they all retire to their seve∣rall houses, but Amertis pur∣sued his old friend, even unto his lodging, to the end he

might constraine him to re∣stitution; at length, being not able at that time to prevaile, he remits his cause untill the next morning, and then find∣ing him in an honourable assembly, he mooved him concerning his former de∣mand.

The Marchant being much discontented to see himselfe so hardly pressed by this im∣pudent affronter, before such worthy company, fearing to hazard the losse of reputati∣on, and undergoe an unjust censure for it, intreats one of his company to take this debt upon him in his name, that they might try how this busines would that way suc∣ceed; whereupon, he that had received the watch-word, seeing that Amertis was re∣solutely

bent to pursue the marchant, came in full assem∣bly and said unto him, Sir, you wrong your selfe, to take this man for him that ought you the debt whereof you speak, you are mistaken Sir, it is not he, but I that owe it, (and yet everyman knew that he had never been in Italy.)

Amertis, as crafty as a man could possibly be, tooke oc∣casion by the lock, and an∣swered him, Sir, it is very true as you your selfe con∣fesse before these worthy Gentlemen, that you owe me one hundred Crownes, for your part you cannot deny it, but this is not the debt, for I lent him this summe in Italy, and he must of necessity pay it. Thus he so strongly con∣vinced them both, the one by

probable circumstances, and the other by his owne con∣fession; that for feare of loo∣sing their reputation in so honourable a presence, and to be rid of his importunity, and future trouble, they were constrained to pay him the one halfe in hand, promising him the rest shortly after, which he with much intrea∣ty accepted of.

CHAP. VI.

A Marchant cheated by a pre∣tended Church-warden.

THere lived in Paris a certain Cope-marchant named Clarinde, who was ex∣treame rich, and so given to the vice of Avarice, that he

could seldome be at rest, or enjoy any other content then by numbring his almost numberlesse Crownes; some whereof he was accustomed to carry in a great Purse, which so heavily weighed downe his pocket, as if the burthen thereof intended to crush him even unto Hell be∣fore his time.

This Purse was noated by cheating Rascalls (who are never idle, but alwayes go∣ing from street to street to seeke advantages) who ha∣ving: oftentimes passed and repassed by the shop of this Clarinde, and considering with himselfe what plot he might put in practise to de∣prive him of it; after a revo∣lution of thoughts, resolved to make tryall of one of the

strangest inventions that e∣ver was heard of. He takes one of his Companions upon the New-bridge (for that is the place of their ordinary retreat) and cloathing both himselfe and his Companion like Husbandmen, they for a time consult whether it were best for him to enter or re∣tyre, for he saw many Chap∣men in the shop, which made him despaire of arriving at the period of his designes; for if he should have entred in among so many people, he could not have practised his invention with a cleere con∣veyance; againe, the habit which he had taken purpose∣ly for that intent, urged him not to desist from his inten∣ded enterprise, but to try the favour of fortune; and more∣over,

his Companion so farr pressed him, that he was sus∣pended as it were betweene two contrary opinions; In this case stood the Cutpurse, he durst neither goe forward nor backward; the neerer boldnes made him approach, the more the feare of being perceived willed him retire; at length he resolved to at∣tend, untill that the Chap∣men, who were then in the shop, were departed, and to this he was the rather indu∣ced, by the hope he had to increase the gaine by his de∣lay, for he conceived (as it prooved true indeed) that the Marchant having sold that which they in the shop were bargaining for, there would arise the more profit unto him, if he should have

the good fortune to obtaine his Purse: In the meane time his companion seemed much discontented, that he saw not as yet, the expected issue of that which his Comrade had so confidently undertaken; the other encouraged him the best he could, to attend a little while, untill that the shop were voyd, which he did, but with much impati∣ence.

At length, he that was Captaine in this exploit, ha∣ving noated that the Chap∣men were departed, came to advertise his Companion, that he should stand Sentinel on the end of the Marchants Bridge, there to receive from him what he brought; he in the meane time goes into the shop, where finding the Mar∣chant

alone, he causeth him to open divers Copes, tel∣ling him that he was a Pari∣shioner of Gentilly, and that being not long since chosen Church-warden, he was ap∣pointed to buy a faire Cope for the Parson of the Parish, he desired him therefore to shew him those that were good, and to use him well in the price. Clarinde, who thir∣sted inwardly with the gree∣dy desire of gaine, sheweth him divers sorts of Copes, among these the Cutpurse made choise of one to which he seemed to have a better liking then the rest, he there∣fore cheapens it, but before he would fully agree on the price, he tells him that hee would desire to see whether the Cope were well made,

and whether for size or length it would fit the Cu∣rate of the Parish, who he said was much about his sta∣ture; he therefore intreats him to doe him so much fa∣vour as to assay it; Clarinde (nothing at all doubting of that which his pretended Church-warden would do) puts on the Cope on his back, which the Church-warden having exactly view∣ed, seemed to dislike, for shortnesse, in that part where the Pouch hung; the Mar∣chant supposing the cause of this seeming shortnesse to be no other then the bearing out of his Pouch underneath, unhang'd it and laid it by on the Counter; his Chapman reviewing him, said hee now liked it well, but his Purse

better; with that he nimbly snatcht it, and ran away; the Marchant in his Cope (for he had no leasure to put it off) ran after, the one for his money, the other for his life; the Cutpurse, who had out∣run him about fourty paces, told the people by the way as he ran, that they must not by any meanes stay him, for that hee that ran after him was distracted, to others he said, that he ran for a wager; Clarind notwithstanding cea∣seth not his pursute, but his legs being too stiffe, and his joynts not well suppled, and the world gazing more on the fluttring of his gay Cope then on him or his Cutpurse, he at length lost sight of his Church-warden, and was constrained, with shame, to

returne to his house, with the losse of all the money which hee had received in eight dayes before.

CHAP. VII.

Polidamors entertainement among Theeves.

THe City of Paris hath alwayes been accoun∣ted the ordinary refuge and retreate of Theeves and Va∣gabonds, and (which one would admire) many of them maintaine themselvs so well, and go so compleate in their apparell, conforming their discourse and outward de∣meanor thereunto, that men would often take them for the chief gentlemen in court.

Let us now see what hap∣pened to Polidamor by the en∣terprises of some of these night-walking Vagabonds. Polidamor was an Advocate, as famous for his wisdome, as renowned for his elo∣quence, he onely was spoken of in the Palace and Courts of Pleadings; his name was the ordinary discourse of men of honour, and he was admired of all that knew him.

These plotters of Mis∣chiefe, who lie alwayes in Ambush, expecting their prey, hearing some talke of this worthy man, resolved a∣mong themselves to try their cunning to entrap him: The complot being resolved on, and they (knowing his lodg∣ing, which was not far from

the Cordeliers) often sought the opportunity to surprise him, but yet for three or foure times they failed; but at length, he comming onely attended on by a little Lac∣key, neere Saint Andrewes of Arts, three of them ha∣ving perceived him, present∣ly beset him, and there rifle him; but finding no store of money about him, they took from him a new Cloake of very fine Spanish-cloth lin'd through with Plush: Polida∣mor, who wonderfully vexed that he had been after such a sort un-Cloak'd, said unto them; Sirs, I humbly intreat you to affoord mee so much favour as to permit me (since you have taken away my Cloake) to redeeme it upon reasonable termes, I shall

willingly give unto you for it more then it wil elsewhere affoord you; if therefore my proposition bee acceptable unto you, to morrow, at what houre you shall please to ap∣point, I will bring you mony for it: the Theeves hearing him speake after▪ that sort, an∣swered him, That he should not faile the next day, by six a clock at night, to be in that place, and that then they would restore unto him his Cloak, but withall, told him, That they were already in∣formed of his lodging and quality, and therefore char∣ged him not to bring any one with him to serve him for a safe Convoy, for if he did, they vowed his ruine, and gave him just cause to de∣spaire (if he came accompa∣nied)

of ever returning to his house.

Polidamor, terrified with such threatnings, promised them not to faile to bee there alone at th'appointed houre, in the meane time hee was constrained to returne to his house without his Cloake, which he thought very un∣seemely in a man of his qua∣lity, and could hardly digest it, he being a man not accu∣stomed to such rude enter∣tainements; but in this case he must make a vertue of ne∣cessity by enduring it with patience, not knowing well how to remedy it.

On the morrow he takes his purse well furnished with money, and departs from his house about halfe an houre after five, and came to the

place where the former night he had lost his Cloake, there he for a time attended; at length, immediately after sixe, he perceived a Coach with three or foure Gentle∣men in it, Polidamor little thought those whom he ex∣pected were such kinde of people; these men seeing him stand at the appointed place, caused likewise their Coach to stop, whereupon, one of them privately enquires of him, whether he were the man from whom they had, the night before, taken away a Cloake lined with Plush? he answered, That he was the man, and that he came thither upon no other busi∣nesse, but to redeem it accor∣ding to his promise; Upon this answere, one of them

came unto him, and whispe∣ring him in his eare, deman∣ded whether he were accom∣panied, or not, and told him that if he were, his life was in hazard: he having vowed unto them that he was alone, was taken up by them, and placed in the midst of the Coach, where they hood∣winke him, one of them hol∣ding a Pistoll at his breast lest he should make an out∣cry; behold Polidamor great∣ly amaz'd and terrified, but he was much incouraged when they promised not any way to hurt him, or doe him mischiefe; they presently cause the boote of the Coach to be shut close, and com∣mand the Coachman to drive away with speed: Polidamor in the meane time remained

as it were in a trance, not knowing whither hee was conveyed.

Having swiftly hurried from street to street, they came at length to a most stately house, where the gate being presently opened, they enter; then began Polidamor to redouble his feare, and to expect the houre of his death, for he never thought to escape; at length, his eyes being uncovered, they led him straight to a great Hall, where hee found the Tables covered with all kindes of most exquisite meates, hee was mightily astonished to see himselfe in the midst of so many people, all in good order, and so well clothed, that a man would have judg∣ed them to have been of some

high quality: They told him that he needed not to feare, for that he was in good com∣pany, and that they had not brought him thither, but that he might doe them the ho∣nour to take part of a poore Supper with them, but Poli∣damor could have wisht him∣selfe at Supper elsewhere in a place of more security; for he could not devise, either in what part of the city he then was, nor conceive what they were with whom hee was to Suppe.

In the meane time, having washed their hands, every one tooke his place, and had they been Princes they could not have been better atten∣ded, yet they caused Polida∣mor to sit at the upper end of the Table, who had he been

further from both ends would have had a better ap∣petite; He notwithstanding made shew of eating with the rest, judging, that seeing he was in the middest of Wolves, he could not doe o∣therwise then imitate their actions; When they had all Supped, and that the Tables were uncovered and Cloth taken away, some of them came to discourse with Poli∣damor, and after a comple∣mentall manner, told him, That they were sorry that he had eaten so little with them; to which he knew not what to answere, for he feared lest by the rash utterance of some word which might be wrong taken, he should provoke them to anger, and to draw on his owne ruine, yet hee

took courage, and deliberate∣ly gave them respective an∣swers▪ While some of them were in discourse, one tooke a Lute, another a Violl, and so recreated themselves; At length, after much talke, he, who the day before had ta∣ken the Cloake from Polida∣mor, came unto him, and ask∣ed him whether hee had brought the Mony which he promised? Polidamor answe∣red that it was ready, and thereupon told out thirty pistols upon the end of the Table (the Cloak being well worth fourty:) This being done, they shewed unto him a little private Chamber, which seemed unto him a very rich Wardrobe, hanged round about with Coats and Cloakes of great value, there

they bade him cull out his; Polidamor was amazed to see such costly Cloakes, and be∣gan to take courage; and ha∣ving found his Cloak among the rest, he returned againe into the Hall, behaving him∣selfe towards them with all submissive respects, for he feared that hee should not part upon so good termes, neither did he; for when he was ready to depart, one came and told him, That the Coachman who had brought him thither, and was to con∣duct him backe, must be re∣warded for his paines with a pistolet, and that hee must likewise pay for his Supper with them: Polidamor, unwil∣lingly liberall, giveth them two pistolets more, and so took his leave of them: The

Coach was suddenly pro∣vided, whereinto he entring, and having his eyes bound up, he was brought unto the same place where they had formerly taken him up, there did they uncover his eyes and set him on foot, delive∣ring him a Billet, sealed with greene Wax, wherein was written these words in great Letters, THE GREAT BANDE HATH LET HIM PASSE. and withall, advised him if he met with any one that would offer him any kinde of violence, to shew un∣to him this Passeport; tel∣ling him, That by that means he should be permitted qui∣etly to passe, So Polidamor

parted from them, happy to have escaped out of their hands with life: But scarce had he gone into the second street, but he found three o∣ther Theeves ready to rifle him; and now he who at first made no account of the Bil∣let which they had given him, bethought himselfe that perhaps it might stand him in stead; he therefore pre∣sents it unto them, which was read by one of them that carried a dark Lanthorne, so they suffred him to passe and return unto his house, where his wife remained in great perplexity, not knowing what was become of her hus∣band; but her anxious feare was soone turned into joy by his presence, and into delight by the Relation which hee

made unto her of his adven∣tures. She, like a loving wife, not regarding the losse which he had sustained, see∣ing smile-frowning Fortune had shewed her constant in∣constancy, by converting his former losse and danger, into a safe returne.

CHAP. VIII.

A prodigious History of the treacheries of Valesio.

THose men who are per∣swaded that they can bring the greatest things to perfection, finde themselves most often entangled by their naturall imbecility and weakenesse, and most com∣monly, the mischiefes which

they contrive against their neighbours, and the evills which they project against them, take not successe but to their owne losse and dis∣grace; yea, those very darts which they most despight∣fully cast at others, doe often, by Gods justice, re∣verberate against them∣selves: Antiquitie furnish∣eth mee with many exam∣ples; but our latter Age hath noated out one above the rest, as prodigious and fearefull, as beyond the sence and common opinion of men.

There hath not past an Age wherein the great Cre∣ator hath not made some signes of his just indignation appeare, to punish the trea∣cheries of those that imbrace

actions so wicked and abo∣minable, as if hatcht in hell, rather then sprung from mans invention. The History which I now describe unto you is true, and happened not long since; the sequell whereof is as much to be ad∣mired, as his end, who was the cause of it, was prodigi∣ous and horrible.

Valesio was borne in Berne a Canton of Switzerland, and was sent by his father to the City of Lucerne, to bee there instructed; hee had a spirit full of subtilty, and fit to undergoe great matters, had he been honest∣ly enclined: In Lucerne hee for a time studied the Law, where during his abode hee often resorted to the house of an Inn-keeper, named

Lucio of Zurich, a man rich and wealthy, with whom he grew so familiarly acquain∣ted, that he could neither eat nor drinke but in his compa∣ny; he lodged over against his house, and it seem'd that heaven was not favourable unto him when he enjoyed not the company of this man; but his affection increa∣sed when it had taken foot∣ing within his house, and when hee became enamor'd with the beauty of his onely daughter: This yong Valesio being inflamed with an ear∣nest desire of injoying the feature of this maid, the oft∣ner frequented the house, un∣der pretence of visiting the Father, when as indeed his greatest happinesse consisted in beholding the beauty of

the daughter; their eyes had already given to each other friendly enterchanges, and had privately practised an alliance in their thoughts, by the encounter of their rayes; and their hearts quickly ap∣proved of that within, which their eyes had practised without; so that Valesio per∣ceiving his affection secon∣ded by a favourable Zephir, resolved to acquaint his Love with that which his heart as yet concealed; The father being advertised ther∣of, and perceiving that the inclinations and affections of these Lovers were mutuall, knit them together in marri∣age, under the sweete bonds of Hymen; happy, and thrice happy had they been, had they not abused it, but finish∣ed

the number of their yeres, without straying from the path of Vertue. They lived two yeeres and an halfe to∣gether, in all sorts of Tem∣porall delight; at the end whereof, the father died of a lingering feaver, happy in that he survived not to bee a spectator of the ensuing Tra∣gedy. By the death of Lu∣cio, all the inheritance fell in∣to the possession of Valesio, (for his wives mother decea∣sed long before.) He there∣fore resolved to take the same course of life, as his fa∣ther in law had done before him, being that he found the house so well furnished: The good entertainment which he at the beginning gave un∣to his guests, purchased him a good report of every one;

so that if any man desired to entertaine a friend sumptu∣ously, whither must they go but to the house of Valesio; there were they joyfully re∣ceaved, and used with all kinde of contentment; but at length, the swinge which Valesio had taken, made him so swell with pride, that he began to forget his family, that he might the better for∣get himselfe; the courtesie which he formerly shewed unto his guests, was now changed into most cruell ty∣ranny, which he often exer∣cised upon travellers, killing and massacring them like un∣to another Licaon: his house heretofore the receptacle and seat of courtesie, was now become the cut-throat and deadly place where poor

Passengers were entrapped; he hacked them most cruelly in peeces, and made Pies therewith (an unnaturall and monstrous barbarisme,) hee durst not have practised these cruelties towards the Citizens of Lucerne, for so his wickednesse had beene discovered: the delicate re∣lish of his meat which hee provided, drew unto him a multitude of guests, which they with joyful greedinesse devoure, whiles that he (Vil∣laine) laughs at their simpli∣city; little thinking, that he himselfe should shortly feele the just judgement of God, heavily lighting upon him for his monstrous and barba∣rous cruelties. A strange blindnesse in humane con∣ceits, which perswade them∣selves,

that there is no Divi∣nity to revenge or punish their heynous crimes and misdeeds; we so flatter our selves in our wicked prospe∣rities that we cannot beleeve we shall ever fall into those miserable punishments w^ch wee deserve. Valeio could never beleeve, that the Hea∣vens would reveale or re∣venge the death of those in∣nocent Soules, which hee had most barbarously slaine: but the Great mover of the Heavens could no longer suf∣fer so cruell crimes: the bloud of so many poore wretches unjustly shed, cried for vengeance before the glorious majesty of his face; and yet this great and merci∣full God staied for a time the furie of his justice, to hear∣ken

to the sweet requests of mercy, but hee (wretched Caitiffe) deferred so long re∣pentance for his heinous misdeeds, untill the weight of so many deadly crimes, drew the arme of the just vengeance of God to punish him, as severely and exem∣plarily, as the faults deser∣ved.

It hapned after the secret murthers of so many people, that a certaine Merchant of France returning from Bohe∣mia, was in passing that way desirous to see the Cantons of the Switzers, and particu∣larly the City of Lucerne; he therefore came unto this Ci∣ty, where being arrived he inquires for an Inne, and was directed to the house of Vale∣sio, as the best and most re∣nowned

Inne of the City; he goes thither, and was favou∣rably received and welco∣med by those cruell Syrens, who allured passengers un∣to them by the harmonious consorts of their voices, that they might afterward de∣voure them, and make them their prey: he having visited the City, and viewed part of the rarities thereof, (as the stately Monastery, and the River Russi, which passeth through the Towne, and runneth forth of a great Lake as doth the River Rhine, out of the Lake of Constance) was desirous to take his rest: Here the confidence which the guest ordinarily reposeth (ac∣cording to the custome of France) in the Master of the Inne, made the Merchant

disburthen himselfe of two thousand Crownes which he had in gold, and to de∣mand of Valesio, a place where he might put them in safe keeping: this Inne-keep∣er, who was alwayes double in his workes, had a strong and massie Cupbord and two Keyes which might easily open it; whereof he gave one unto the Merchant to put his money in safegard, but kept the other close unto himself, to serve his own opportuni∣ties: night approaching, he was tempted to bereave his guest, both of life and mo∣ney: but whether it were that God would otherwise dispose of him, or that his owne life was already come to its period; his wife who noated a comelinesse and

courtesie more then ordina∣ry in this Merchant, disswa∣ded him from so bloudy a designe, and urged him to imbrace another lesse cruell, but such as must cost him his life.

The Merchant rose early in the morning to view the rest of the City, which hee had not seen the day before. Valesio in the meane time ope∣neth the Cupbord, rippeth the bottome of the bag, and taketh a note in writing of the quantity of all the mo∣neyes in generall, and like∣wise of every sort of coyne in particular which he there found; then having neatly stitched up the bottome of the bag, he locked the Cup∣bord, and acted his part with such subtill dexterity, that it

was impossible for a man to discerne that it had beene touched: but he who pene∣trates into the depth of our most secret thoughts, easily discovered this craft, as may be noted by that which en∣sues.

The Marchant having sa∣tisfied his curiosity, and seen (in passing) that which was most worthy of noate in the Towne, returned to his Inne; and having payed what they demanded, he took forth his bagge and went to horse-back. Valesio presently think∣ing that he had in vaine ope∣ned the Theatre (and begun the Play) if he finished not the Tragedy, breakes open the bottom of his Cupboord, and presently begins to raise Hue and Cry after the

Theef, pretending that the Marchant had robbed him; His neighbours were instant∣ly in an uproare, (for he had so long worne the cloake of Dissimulation, and outward∣ly behaved himself, that eve∣ry man esteemed his word as an Oracle) insomuch that many of his best friends pre∣pared themselves for pur∣sute; the Host sheweth them which way his guest went, they hasten after and over∣take him two Leagues from Lucerne; they seize on his person, as on a malefactor; ac∣cuse him of theft, and bring him backe bound hand and foot into the Towne; where∣at he being amazed, seemes, by his silence, as it were to confesse the deed: They lead him before a Justice, who sen∣deth

him to prison. That part of the Tragedy being acted, they prepare his In∣ditement; and the Host shew∣ing his memoriall, intreateth them not to examine him un∣till they had perused his noate; He makes it apparent that his Cupboord was bro∣ken; and upon the opening of the bags, the Judges found therein the same summe and sorts of Coyne specified in the Hosts noate. The most wary and wisest Judge might have been incumbred, and o∣vershot themselves in so in∣tricate a businesse. The Evi∣dence of the deed being thus almost sifted out (in mans judgement) caused the poore Marchant to be shut up in a strait dungeon, and there to be laden with Irons.

Thus this poore innocent groaned in darkesome caves, not knowing any meanes of his delivery: Wretch that I am (would he say) must I needs perish in this obscure place, not having so much as intended that whereof they accuse me? What Celesti∣all powers have I so offen∣ded, that I should be reduced to such misery? was I borne under so cruell Constellati∣ons that my own innocence should betray me, and be∣reave me of my life? O great God! who in thy just judge∣ments canst penetrate into the depth of this secret and unjust accusation, Wilt thou suffer my fault to be made criminall in this sort? And must I be the shuttle-cocke and sport of treason? Re∣venge

and reveale this their injustice, (I beseech thee) and suffer me not to perish in this depth of misery. As he pronounced these words with an extreame griefe and unexpressable passion, a De∣vill appeared unto him in an humane shape, wearing on his head a red Cap, and ap∣proaching him, inquires, what his griefe was, and tels him, that if hee would give him his soule, he would deliver him out of those Fet∣ters wherein he was wrong∣fully shackled? Many in these dayes, and alwayes have bin, who would have redeemed themselves out of these tem∣porary paines, to have cast themselves into the eternall, therby to have regain'd their over-valued liberty; but this

Merchant having firme hope in the Divine Providence, answered, that he was resol∣ved never to commit so hei∣nous a crime, and that he had rather dye innocent of the offence, whereof they accu∣sed him, then to live guilty of renouncing his Creator. This Devil, destinated by the Almighty for to be a punish∣er of Valesio's wickednes, not∣withstanding offereth him his service, & promiseth him certainly to procure his li∣berty, provided, he would follow his advice; he then told him, that the very day whereon they would bring him to execution, he would be present to defend his cause that he should therfore bold∣ly make choice of him for his advocate, against the Im∣postures

of his Host, that he should know him by his red Cap, and that he by so do∣ing should be by him cleere∣ly freed from his innocent danger. Now it is to be no∣ted, that when any among the Cantons of the Switzers, wil condemn a man to death, the Senate pronounceth his sentence in the midst of the Assembly upon a Scaf∣fold, and giveth permission to the condemned to make choise of any of the compa∣ny to defend his cause: this custome hath beene ancient∣ly practised, and yet is con∣tinued unto this day.

The day being come, wher∣on this Criminell should be punished, he was brought un∣to the place of execution, where an infinite number of

people attended him, all of them being verely perswa∣ded that this crime (whereof he was falsly accused) should be rigourously punished, for an example to others for en∣suing times: They bring him on the Scaffold, his Host being there present, and pronounce the sentence of his death, demanding of him (according unto custom) whether he had any one in the Company that would plead for him; he, in this mi∣serable plight lookes about him, and espying the red Bonnet among the rest. Al∣though (sayes he) my inno∣cence speakes sufficiently of it selfe to justifie my actions, having alwaies lived honest∣ly, and in good credit, yet since I may claime the liber∣ty

of your custome, I make choice of him in the red Cap, whom you may there see, to justifie me: upon these words every one looking upon the Man, of whō he spake, could not tell what to imagine, for he looked not like a Switzer, either in habit or counte∣nance, he ascends upon the Scaffold, causeth the Host to approach, begins to de∣clare the naked truth of the matter, confronts, and con∣futes the witnesses, strikes a feare & terror into the hearts and consciences of his accu∣sers, and plainly layes open the wickednes of Valesio. The people in the meane time wonder at his boldnesse, and admire his eloquence, he at lēgth declares the fraud, ma∣king it appeare the bags were

ripped: then he brings the Judges to the Inne, where he discovers unto thē the place where they were accustomed to hide humane flesh; Valesio notwithstanding insisteth on the contrary, and by super∣ficiall reasons, indeavours to palliate his wickednesse, still affirming that the Merchant had stollen the said money from him; the Devill willing to catch him in his trap, said unto him, sithence thou assu∣rest with such probabilities that this innocent is guilty of death, and that he hath rob∣bed thee, wilt thou on thy faith sweare that hee hath done it? The Host presently, the better to confirme the justnesse of his accusati∣on, said, it was hee alone which stole away my mony,

and if it were not so as I have affirmed, I wish to God that the Devill may carry me a∣way both body and soul; the Devill without prolonging the matter, takes upon him a most horrible shape, snatch∣eth him up, and carrieth him away through the midst of the wide ayre: thus payed he for treacherosly accusing the poore innocent, and so inhu∣manely massacring those, who he should have kindly entertained.

The Marchant was pre∣sently set at liberty, with his Monies restored unto him, the Judges desiring pardon for committing so great an errour, in so rashly condem∣ning him; For which, he de∣sired no other satisfaction at his departure, but an Act to

be recorded, and a Certifi∣cate made of the present Hi∣story, to leave to posterity, the never dying remem∣brance of the infamous trea∣chery of the ever dying Va∣lesio.

CHAP. IX.

A young Cut-purse made free.

THat I may recreate your mind after the former sad relation, I shal here relate unto you, a bolde deede and pleasant History, performed in the Churchyard of Saint Innocents in Paris; the trueth whereof many of the neigh∣bouring Marchants can yet witnesse, and it was in this manner:

There was a young Boy newly arrived at Paris, who had associated himselfe with divers Vagabonds and Cut∣purses, there did this Boy re∣maine for the space of fif∣teene dayes, without doing any thing that might be ter∣med notorious: at length, (as every thing hath a begin∣ning) the assembly of Rogues resolved, sithence that hee would be of their society, to make him free: for in this trade, it is not as in others, wherein men must bee first Scholers, before they be Ma∣sters; or Aprentices, before they become Freemen: here is but a word and a blow, one nip takes a Purse, and in the subtilty thereof con∣sists the perfection of the Trade.

Now there was one a∣mong the rest of the com∣pany, who was enjoyned to take this Boy abroad, and to appoint him some kinde of triall, whereby they might bee assured of his courage and aptnesse to the performance of exploits. He therefore takes forth his new Comerade, and brings him from one part of the Towne to the other, still expecting an oportunity of doing mischiefe; at length being come into the Cloy∣ster of Saint Innocent, they perceived an old Woman kneeling on a Tombe, there praying for the soules departed; whereup∣on this old Hang-man told the Boy, that if he would become Master of his Trade

and bee of their fraterni∣ty, he must with a resolute subtilty go and cut the old Womans purse; to whom the Boy answered, that it was impossible for him so to doe without being percei∣ved, and therefore desired to goe try in some other place where there were a throng of people, that hee might the better performe what he intended without e∣vident dange, for that to at∣tempt cutting off her purse, she kneeling by her selfe, there being store of people in o∣ther places of the Church, which might easily appre∣hend him, was as hee said, meere madnesse: but the old Fox so urged him by per∣swasions and threatnings, that he was at length con∣strained

to undertake it; so the Boy approached the Tombe, and kneeled downe close by the old wo∣man; she (nothing doubting of the intended roguery, but contrarywise thinking that Devotion had brought him thither) held on in her pray∣ers, and was not a jot inter∣rupted in them: Now the young Rogue was in great perplexity of minde, not knowing whether it were best for him to adventure, or not; which his guide mis∣doubting (by reason of his long stay) came and made a signe unto him to dispatch; whereupon, the boy incoura∣ged with the hope of his be∣ing free by that exploit, slie∣ly cut her Purse; and so with a slow pace withdrew him∣selfe,

and being very joyfull of what he had done, came unto his guide, who expe∣cted him in the Cloyster: but when as the old Villane had look't into the Purse, and found but little in it, he told his young Companion, that he had not yet passed Master of his art, for that he would shew him one trick of his Trade, which he had not yet learned; whereupon he took him by the hand, and griping him fast, cried out unto the Woman, that that young fel∣low had cut her Purse; the Woman presently looking about her, found her strings there, but her Purse gone: as soone as the people heard it, they hastned towards the Boy; but the newes was no sooner spread, but the Boy

was gone, yet not so far, but that whole troopes followed him, who being overtaken, was soundly beaten with Cudgels, every one throng∣ing to see the young Cut∣purse; among others, there were divers Merchants of the street, who came out of their Shops with little Pou∣ches by their sides, which the old Villane taking notice of, thrust himselfe into the thickest of the throng, and there cut off foure or five of their Pouches: the Merchants at length perceiving, that while they were expostula∣ting with the Boy, some o∣ther cut their Pouches, which they wondred at, and well noating the behaviour of the old Theefe, they upon the sudden found him cutting off

another: this made all the people to forsake the Boy, and to follow him, by which meanes the Boy escaped; but the old Cutpurse was by one of the nimblest footmen overtaken, who trusting too much to the hold which he had of one of his eares, suffe∣red him likewise to escape from him; for this crafty old Hang-man, having formerly lost his eares, for some such mischievous exploit, procu∣red others to be so artificial∣ly made, that they seemed as naturall as others: by one of these was he taken, which easily comming off, gave oc∣casion of wonder to those that pursued him; and the meane while that they stood wondring at that, he escaped to the Grove, into a throng

of people, who were there assembled to see an Executi∣on of one who was broken on the Wheele; from which place, he carried two Purses more to his fellowes, where hee found his young Cut∣purse much discontented, that he had so treacherously dealt with him: Thus passed this young Boy Master in his Trade, after he had beene well beaten, though not so well as he justly deserved.

CHAP. X.

The Life and Death of little Iames.

IT is hard for one in these dayes, to find out a young

man endued with a staid wis∣dome; for they suffer them∣selves to be so violently hur∣ried by the heat of their owne passions, that vertue is most commonly over-maste∣red by vice, and reason, by a selfe-will inclination: the chiefe cause of this is, that vice escapes too oft unpuni∣shed, and that Parents doe commonly slacken the reines of their authority, permit∣ting their children to doe whatsoever they vainely de∣sire: so that this age being too apt and subject to ruine of it selfe; if it be moreover encouraged to evill, by the over-fond permission of Pa∣rents, it is no wonder, if at length vice predominate.

O wonderfull and perverse Age! How many Monsters

dost thou produce? How ma∣ny children are in these times borne Viper-like, to gnaw out the bowels of their Pa∣rents, causing them to cu∣stome themselves in sorrows and mournefull lamentati∣ons?

When wee have once lost that dutifull respect wherein we are obliged towards our Parents, how quickly do we lose that which we strictly owe unto God? As may ap∣peare exemplified in the in∣suing History, of one Iames, who being about the age of fifteene Yeares, forsook his Parents (who were too care∣lesse of his education,) with a full resolution, to betake himselfe to a debaucht kinde of life: and finding a fit op∣portunity, stole from his Fa∣ther

a great some of money▪ and so fled. Not long after hee enrolled himselfe as a Souldier, under the com∣mand of a Lord, who at that time conducted a great Regi∣ment: (this was in those first troubles, wherein France, for a time, lost the sweet repose of peace, by the dissention of some great Peares in the State, who were retired from the Kings service to Canto∣nize it in divers Provinces of the Kingdome.) While he was in the Army, he com∣mitted a thousand insolen∣cies: and though but little in age and stature, yet he grew to that height of wickednes, that he was therein inferiour to none. He seldome stayed long in a place, and where he remained least, he sometimes

left the greatest marks of his cruelty: those who suffered most by him, were poore Country people: some wher∣of, he would cause to be stretched out before a fire, and so by scorching and burning the soles of their feet, would force them to confesse where their money lay: hee would slash and cut the flesh of others, who would not suddenly bring unto him his appointed ran∣some; and would also some∣times ravish those Maids hee by chance met: he grew so couragious that no man durst doe him an affront: for in foure yeares wherein he liv∣ed in the Arrmy, he had slain five in single combat; who not being patient enough to indure his bravadoes) had

challenged him; of which murthers he soone obtained remission, (being much fa∣voured of some Great ones) and so escaped unpunished.

The Army being at length cashier'd, he was constrain'd (being never bred to labour) either to steale, or beg: hee therefore betook himselfe to the Forrest of Senlis, where he robbed divers Passengers; thence hee went as farre as Cleremont, with five or six of his Companions, who being armed with Pistols, there robbed the Waggon of Ami∣ens: thence he betook him∣selfe to Paris, where he com∣mitted so many thefts, that he was at length, by the So∣ciety of Cutpurses, chosen Ringleader of their Compa∣ny: he carried himselfe so

subtilly in his affaires, that his most trusty companions could never know where his lodging was; only when they met together, he would ap∣point them a rendivous wher¦to meet the next day; and would often punish, and sometimes stab, those who the day before had executed no enterprize of noate. He would sometimes be clothed in the habit of a Physitian, in which he would often go to the houses of sick persons, and having noated the en∣tries, they should not faile the next day to finde themselves robbed: he would hide him∣selfe sometimes a whole day together, in a House, and at night would open the doores to his Compani∣ons; at other times he would

cause himselfe to be follow∣ed by foure or five Tagrags, and would hastily come to the house of some Counsel∣lor, when he thought most of the houshold servants were elsewhere imployed, and ha∣ving earnestly demanded to speak with him, the Coun∣sellor should no sooner ap∣proach, but little Iames (for so they called him) would have a Pistoll at his brest, and then force him to furnish him with what money he de∣sired.

He, with two or three of his Companions, being one day in the faire S^t. Germain, perceived a certain Atturney cheapning a silver Basin of a Goldsmith, who not agree∣ing on the price, put the mo∣ney (which hee had offered

downe for payment) into his pocket; whereupon, little Iames shewing this Atturney to one of his Comrades com∣manded him to dive into the bottome of his pocket for that Gudgeon, and that o∣therwise they two should not bee good friends; which the other refused to doe, as impossible without eminent danger; he thereupon called unto him another, from whom he received the like deniall: He seeing that nei∣ther of them would obey his commands, conceived a mor∣tall hatred against them; and intending shortly to bee re∣venged, he said unto them, You will not undertake this enterprise, to ease me of ima∣ginary difficulties, but assure your selves (if I loose it) you

shall soundly pay for it: he having thus spoken left them, and came unto the Attourney, who was then bargaining with another Goldsmith, because he could not agree on the price with the first: and finding an opportunity, by reason of the throng then about him, thrust him with such vio∣lence, that his Hat fell to the ground, which while the Attourney tooke up, he gently put his hand into his Pocket and tooke his Purse, so that the Attourney having afterward agreed with the Goldsmith for the Basin, found no money to pay him, which was like to have caused dissenti∣on, in regard that the Gold∣smith would have forced

the Basin on him. Little Iames having thus acted his part, returned unto his Companions, and shewed them the Purse, whereat they rejoyced, but this their joy was short: for Little Iames hating them deadly for their disobedience, led them to a by-place, called Mount Pernassus, where hee commanded the one to stay for him; and having drawne the other about a Flight-shot from thence, told him in great fury, that he could hardly forbeare to kill him, whereupon his Comrade desired to know the cause of his anger, and the reason why hee spoke such words; but Lit∣tle Iames perceiving that he saucily reasoned with him,

suddenly drew forth his Sword and ranne him tho∣row: thence he came back to the other, whom he had commanded to stay for him on the Mount; but lest his companion should suspect any harme or ill intent from him, he drew neere unto him with a smiling countenance; when the other asking him where his Comrade was, he snatcht forth a Poniard, and stabbing him therewith, he said, behold, there he is, go thou to him.

He once killed a begging Frier; and having taken on him his habit and Letters of Order, came unto the Friers at S. Vincents, where he was by them for the space of fif∣teene dayes kindly entertai∣ned: and being resolved to

furnish himselfe before his departure, he brought with him from Paris divers sorts of Pick-lock instruments, with which hee (while the rest of the Convent, were a∣bout midnight (as their cu∣stome is) at Mattens,) excu∣sing himselfe for his absence (as being constrained there∣to) by in-disposition of bo∣dy, pickt open a doore where their money lay, which hee having taken away, cunning∣ly shut the doore and went to bed: the next day he arose early, and taking his leave of the Superiour, returned to Paris; where by his begging from doore to doore, hee greatly distressed those that were of that Order: for when any of them went forth to beg provision, they were an∣swered,

that they were ser∣ved already, and that they had given it to one of their fellowes, whereat the Fry∣ers were mightily amazed, and could not conceive by any meanes who it was that so grosly abused them: by this meanes did Little Iames commit sundry great thefts within the Citizens houses, he having free entrance, by reason of his habit: but it came to passe at length, that the Fryers of Saint Vin∣cents having found out his arch knavery, desired some Officers within the City to search for him; but their labour was in vaine; untill it hapned that one of those Fryers (not long after,) entring into a certaine house for an almes, met this Iames

comming forth of the same House; whereupon hee in∣treated the Servants to lay hands on him, which they did; and having lustily bea∣ten him, were about to have led him to a Justice: but by the comming of some of his Associates, who guar∣ded him, hee was rescued; Little Iames taking an especi∣all notice of them, came the the next morning, (having changed his habit,) neere unto the place where those Servants dwelt, and crafti∣ly enquires their names, and the names of their Pa∣rents; which having fully un∣derstood, he appointed 2. or 3. of his companions to meet him at a house not far from thence, at w^ch time he wrote this Letter unto one of the

Lackeys which had beaten him, whose name was Francis Maire, the Contents of the Letter was as followeth;

Sonne,

I Am come purposely into this City, to acquaint you with some affaires which have lately happened in our parts: you have lived long here with little profit, I have found a Match fit for you in our Countrey, which you must not neglect; It is not alwayes time to sow, we must sometimes reape: I would willingly have come unto your lodging, but that perhaps (in so doing) your Master would have suspected that I came purposely to entise you away; wherefore I should bee glad to see you at my lodging, whither this bearer will conduct you; I will in the meane time cause a Breakfast to be pro∣vided

for you against you come; and if you bring a friend with you, he shall be welcome, and his entertainement shall be the best we can provide.

Farewell.

Having sealed this Letter, he directs one of his young Cut-purses unto the house where this Maire dwelt; who having received it, failed not to come with his Compani∣on; where being arrived, he was informed that his father was gone into the City, and had left command for them to goe to Breakfast, and not to stay for him: They there∣fore, being earnestly intrea∣ted to sit down, did; but they had not sate long, before lit∣tle Iames entred and saluted them, but they at first knew him not, untill he withdraw∣ing

himselfe into an inner∣roome, presently came forth in his Fryers habit; then were the Lackyes in ex∣treme perplexity, and would have forsaken the Table; but Little Iames and his com∣pany suddenly seazed on them, and stripping them naked, he first lashed them with Stirrop-leathers; then with a more then barbarous cruelty, caused their skins to bee gashed, and after, (they being all bloudy) hee put them into a great Tub of feathers, where they had little ease; nothing could their cryes availe them, by reason that the House stood in a by-place, farre from a∣ny common resort; and af∣ter having done them ma∣ny other injuries, hee at

mid-night sent them away feathered like so many Fowle; and immediately he and his company forsooke the house.

Having discoursed of the manner of his Life, let us come now unto his Death; and see, whether it bee as tragick, as the actions of his life did prognosticate. The fame of this notorious Theef augmented daily in Paris, and twenty Leagues round there about; so that the Pro∣vost thought it a part of his duty to make diligent search after him, hee gives strict order therefore to his Troopes deligently to give attendance, with whom hee made a Rode towards the Forrest of Fountaine-bleau, it being the common place

where he lurked: but the sub∣tilty of little Iames deceived him; for he having intelli∣gence of it, disguising him∣selfe like a country Plough∣man, passed through the mid∣dest of them, and came to Pa∣ris, without being knowne: but in vaine escapes he who drawes his punishment after him. For he being one day in a Tennis Court, was ear∣nestly noated by some of the Provosts men, who were going to play, which excee∣dingly daunted him: yet without seeming to feare or suspect any thing, he passed by them; but the Officers presently following him, saw him enter into a house where a yong Wench dwelt, whom he had debaucht, and and at that time maintained:

whereupon, they besetting the house, and one of them knocking at the doore, hee himselfe came to the Win∣dow, and demanded their businesse, (although hee too well knew their intent:) the Officers, without using many words, began to break open the doore; when little Iames on the other side, arming himselfe with a fierce resolu∣tion, foreseeing that he could not escape death, resolved to sell his life at a deare rate, and to that end he barrica∣doed himselfe within the house, turning the Table and Stooles topsie turvie against the doore.

The newes being spread that little Iames was within the house, made diverse peo∣ple flock together to see the

issue; among others, many of the Guard hastned thi∣ther, and endeavoured by Ladders to enter through the Window; but Little Iames having charged two Pistols and two Muskets with them, watching his opportunity, when their thoughts were at the highest, humbled eleven of them to the ground: his Wench at the same time charging as fast as hee dis∣charged: and by that last of∣fice, testified the greatnesse of her courage and affection. As for him he was so anima∣ted with rage and dispaire, that he often thrust out his head at the Window, endea∣vouring to hasten his assured death, by the honourable blow of some Musket, to e∣escape the dis-honour of the Gallowes.

The people assembled more and more, and about an hun∣dred persons had now en∣compassed the House, armed with Muskets, Pikes, and Halberds: little Iames, after he had discharged divers shot, at last fell into a scarcity of Bullets, which being percei∣ved, some mounted upon the Ladders, whilst others broke open the doores: every one admired the desperate stout∣nesse of this Theefe, in resist∣ing so many people: but hee resisted in vain, for his houre was then come; yet would he not for a long time yeeld himselfe, but would have killed himselfe, had not his Wench hindred him: at length, the multitude entring he was forced to yeeld to the fury of the people, who

drag'd him to prison, where hee lay not long before hee was condemned to bee bro∣ken on the Wheele.

The day of his death being spread abroad, caused a mul∣titude of people to be assem∣bled in the place of executi∣on; every one wondring to see one so yong to have per∣petrated halfe so many vil∣lanies. Some pittied his youth; others rejoyced to see him cut off so timely: as for me, I must confesse I was not a jot moved with pitty, but was glad to see him pu∣nished according to his de∣serts. Behold here, the Life and death of this notorious Rogue; whereby it may be considered, how much it be∣hooves Parents to chastise their children in their youth,

and not to suffer them to live in too great a liberty.

CHAP. XI.

The Story of Pallioly and his Choake-peare.

WE may compare youth to a young twigge, whose tendernesse yeelds to the least motion, and is easi∣ly bended either to the right or left hand; being made fruitful or barren, according to the industry or negligence of the Owner. So is it with youth, if he once findes the path of vertue by the care of his Parents, he may be made continue and increase in the same: but contrary acts pro∣duce contrary effects: and

wee cannot expect a greater comfort and joy from those that are vertuous, then sor∣row and griefe from those that continue in a vicious course of life. I would there∣fore advise all Parents and Guardians, to be exceeding carefull and wary in the edu∣cation of their Children; e∣specially to beware of the poyson of ill example; not suffering them to frequent the company of such as are debaucht: for we naturally follow, with eagernes, those actions which we see autho∣rized by former presidents.

Pallioly was a pretty well favoured youth, a fit lodging to entertaine vertue, as no doubt he would have done, had not the over fond affe∣ction of his Father, permit∣ted

him to make choice of those courses which are most opposite to vertue, and best pleasing our sensuall appe∣tites and inclination. His in∣genuity was such that had he beene trained up vertuously, his wisdome might have made him as famous as his wit, wrongly imployed, hath now made him infamous: he was borne neere unto Tho∣louse, where he remained not long, but out of a vaine curi∣osity, and curious vanity, he first (forsaking his earthly father, that hee might the better forget his heavenly,) betook himselfe towards Pa∣ris, where he abode not long, before his riot and excesse had wholly emptied his Purse of coyne; and his wits being quickned by necessity,

he studied to supply his want by this following device. Hee first makes a paire of hands of Wax, and fastens them to his shoulders so ar∣tificially, that he could when he pleased put them through his Cloak: with these hee goes to the Church of S. Me∣deric, where he understood that a great concourse of people would that day be, by reason of a learned Man that then intended to preach: being come into the Church, hee espies a Gentlewoman with a silver Watch by her side, who was praying in the body of the Church among many others, who every mi∣nute expected the Preachers comming out of the Chan∣cell: by her he kneeles, pla∣cing a Book on these his arti∣ficiall

hands, and seemes to fix his eyes on both: The Gentlewoman wonders at his rudenesse, in comming so neere her, and conceives it to be only want of breeding in him: she casts her eyes on him, and sees him with a Book in his hand and pray∣ing: modesty permitted her to look, but not too earnest∣ly to gaze on him; she there∣fore without mistrust holds on her devotion, and he his; she hers to God, and he his to the Devill, as appeared by the sequell; for while she at the elevation of the Host bowes downe to the ground, and in humility kisseth it, he nips off the Watch; and ha∣ving likewise hypocritically kissed the ground, departed.

Not long after, he goes to

a Smith of his acquaintance, a very skilfull man in his Trade, and one wholly at his beck, and gives him instructi∣on how to make a kinde of Instrument, in the likenesse of a little Bowle; which by the helpe of small springs within it, might open and in∣large it selfe; so that being clapt into a mans mouth it could not be removed with∣out the Key purposely made to that end: this being fini∣shed according to his minde, and brought unto him, he termed a Choke-peare; he might have termed it a De∣vils Peare, for never was there a worse tasted fruit. Eridas a rich Citizen, dwel∣ling about the Royall Ex∣change, was the first who made triall how hard this

Peare was of digestion; for Pallioly knowing, by common report, that he was rich, chose out his opportunity when all his houshold ser∣vants were busied in country affaires, and none at home with him but one Lackey; and then being accompanied with three or foure such spend-thrifs, as himselfe, he came to the house, and bold∣ly desired to speake with Eridas; the Lackey suppo∣sing them to have been Gen∣tlemen of worth, by reason of their decent apparell, went unto his Master, and told him that there were some Gentlemen below that desired to speake with him: but Eridas comming unto them, and desiring to know their pleasure, was taken

aside by Pallioly, who in no lesse brief then rough terms, told him, that they were poore Souldiers pinched by poverty, whose wants must be releeved by his excesse, that it was needlesse for him to endeavour resistance, for nothing should satisfie him but money, and of that, no small quantity: Eridas (who loved his money as his life, and nothing so well as his life but money, being loth to lose either, and fearing the losse of both,) began to cry for helpe; but at the instant one of them griping him by the throat, made him so gape for breath, that it was no hard matter for the other to give him the Peare; which being entred, his mouth ope∣ned so wide, that he was for∣ced

by reason of sharp points of iron which were on each side of the Peare, to gape as wide (in expectation of ease) as possibly he could. Thus remained poore Eridas like a Statue, not being able to speak a word, or expresse his griefe, but by signes, whiles they having taken the Keyes out of his pocket, furnished themselves with money, and so departed. Eridas being rid of his guests, would wil∣lingly be rid of his torment to: he to that end goes unto his neighbours with a wide mouth, & endeavours to ex∣presse by his signes, what he was not able to utter in words: they are ready to laugh at his action, before they know the cause of his sorrow▪ but finding by his

signes and other circumstan∣ces, in what intollerable tor∣ment he then was, they seeke to excuse their former igno∣rance of his paine, by dili∣gent endeavouring his ease: but when neither their Will, or Art, could invent a means to ease him, there comes a Porter with a Letter (and therein a small Key inclosed) written to this effect:

Sir,

THat you may perceive how tender I am of your welfare and how farre from desiring your death, I have here inclosed, sent you a key, wherewith you may open the instrument in your mouth; I know it hath put you to some tor∣ment, yet I pray you judge chari∣tably of the cause, and conceive that I remaine

your well-wishing servant.

Not long after, he tooke a∣broad

with him a youth (that was not as then become free, nor throughly experienced in his profession) and walk∣ed with him to the Market∣house, where he perceived a plaine Countrey-fellow sit∣ting in a corner of the street, compassed about with divers pots, whereof some were full of rare Fruits, and others emptied by sale: Pallioly ta∣king notice of it, and espying the fellows purse, indifferent∣ly well stufft, hanging about his neck and put into his bo∣some, he commands the Boy to fetch him that purse if he would be admitted as free of his Society: the Boy thinkes the purse is in too safe keep∣ing for him to compasse it, he therefore flatly refuseth to fetch it, as a thing impos∣sible

to be done, without be∣ing perceived; whereupon Pallioly bids him learne of him, and without farther de∣lay goes to the fellow, and tels him some thorn had fal∣len in betweene his shirt and his back, and desired his help to pull it out, for that it much troubled him, and so bowed himselfe downewards; the country man in the meane time puts his hand in at his choller, and while he seekes to finde the straw that so troubled him, Pallioly cuts his Purse, and takes his leave with thanks.

The Boy being encouraged by his good successe, shortly after endeavoured the like exploit; but being caught in the action, was so soundly beaten, that hee was scarce

able to returne home: at length, Pallioly having com∣mitted divers the like thefts, was constrained, for safety of his life, to flye his country; and after a long exile, was killed with a Musket-shot, being too good a punishment for his many mischiefs.

CHAP. XII.

The wicked Servant.

IN the City of Paris there dwelt a Citizen named Melander, a man both honest and rich; two qualities sel∣dome meeting in one and the same person: amongst other good qualities wherein hee excelled, he was a great Ar∣chitect, and much sought af∣ter

for his skill therein: This man had a servant which was married named Alexis, a rude and surely fellow, whom his master Melander, for the space of six yeres, retained in his service, in regard of his skill in the same Art: The great love and favour which his master bare towards him, puffed him with the wind of pride and Ambition, which did so powerfully reign in him, that despising the due respect wherein he was ob∣liged towards his master, he contrived his ruine in this manner.

Melander had a house neer Paris, wherein he sometimes recreated himselfe for the space of sixe weekes toge∣ther; Alexis who was mar∣ried and had many children,

mooved with a covetous desire, resolved to rob his Master of what was most precious in it: but as often as this thought presented it selfe, so often did he reject it, because hee knew not how, safely to contrive the execu∣tion of so bold and bloody an enterprize, untill that ha∣ving, by the Devills entise∣ment, associated himself with some of the most notorious Rogues in Paris, he intreated them to meet at a place by him appointed, where hee would open unto them a mat∣ter that might conduce both to their owne profit and his: These Rogues hearing him thus speake, promised not to faile meeting him at the time and place appointed; where meeting to the number of 5,

(one whereof was a Tapster, another a Mason, and the o∣ther three neerely allyed) They being set at dinner, and having drunk till their brains were well heated, Alexis thus began to discover unto them his intended plot, saying; Sirs, I have a Master both rich and wealthy, and me∣thinks, seeing that we are poore, we may finde a means by him to raise our fortunes, by secretly murthering him and seazing on his goods and money: these words being heard by his Companions, some approved his councell, others disliked it; but at last it was concluded betweene them, that Alexis should bee chiefe conductor in the en∣terprize, as being best ac∣quainted in the house, and

that the other five should o∣bey what hee commanded: whereupon one of the five, upon the set day, brought a Boat down the River to car∣ry away the booty (for the House of Melander was sea∣ted neere the River) and fast∣ned it to the bankside; hee came by night with his com∣panions led by Alexis to the said house of Melander, who was at that time there, it be∣ing the time of Vintage.

When they were all come to the doore, Alexis knock∣ed and the servant (in regard it was late) demanded who was there, but hearing Alex∣is answer, and knowing his voice, shee misdoubting no cause of feare, presently ope∣ned it; yet was she much per∣plexed when she saw five o∣thers

enter with him at so un∣seasonable a time. No soo∣ner were they entred but they killed this servant, not giving her so much time as to crave helpe either of God or man.

They having thus begun, Alexis in a furious haste lead∣eth them up into a Chamber, where Melander meets them, and demands of Alexis what furie had so farr transported him as to make such a ran∣sacking of his house; To which Alexis (having his eyes and eares shut from the respect which he owed unto his Master) answered, that he was resolved to kill him, and that therefore he should re∣commend himselfe to God: Melander in this extremity knew not what to doe, but

being resolved, in his old age, to sell his life to them at a deare rate, he suddenly en∣deavoured to seize upon an Halbert which was at his beds head; but Alexis with his Companions, to prevent it, rushed upon him, and gave him 20. or 30. blows with Clubs, wherewith they dasht out his brains: behold these barbarous cruelties commit∣ted by a servant; yet that w^ch followeth seemes inhumane.

Melander brought with him into the same house one of his daughters, exceeding fair, to looke unto his houshold-affaires: this maid was mari∣ageable, and might have been well matched, had not the cruelty of these Rogues cut the threed of her life: Shee lay in the next Chamber

to that of Melander, when hearing the out-cry of her Father, she hid her selfe be∣tweene the bed and the wall, thinking so to avoid her in∣suing death: Alexis notwith∣standing (who was well ac∣quainted with every corner of the House,) having slaine Melander, came into the maids chamber, and having espied her, commanded his Com∣panions to draw her forth, who held her whilest he like a bruit beast, ravisht her; and not content with this, hee caused his Companions to doe the like. To expresse this action fully, and the la∣mentable meanes she made, seeing her selfe brought into this so miserable estate, re∣quires the Pen of one more eloquent. These her lamen∣tations

might have broken an heart of Adamant, but it was so farre from molifying of theirs, that they procee∣ded yet further; for without compassion of her tender age, beauty, or Sex, they there bereaved her of her life.

Then Alexis being thus master of the House, caused the doors to be barricadoed, and so fell to ransaking and rifling the whole house, pre∣paring themselvs to be gone the next night: they spent the next day in jollity and mirth; but night being come, they having loaded the Boat with the best housholdstuffe, and themselves with money, in all, to the value of two thousand pounds, they about midnight departed, not be∣ing perceived of any; which

made Alexis confident of his safety: but God, who seeth both things past, things pre∣sent, and things to come, would not permit so impious an act to scape undiscovered; it being in vaine for humane wisdome to thinke to avoide the irrevocable Decree of the Almighty.

Two dayes passed where∣in was no news of Melander, the Vine-dressers wondred to find no body at his house, which made one of them goe to Paris to see whether hee were not there; where meet∣ing with Alexis (who now lay rioting and swaggering in Taverns) he asked him for his Master, at which demand he seem'd to wonder, saying, That hee supposed to have found him at his Countrey-house,

and as if he had been much troubled at the news; he suddenly forsook his com∣pany and hastened towards the house of Melander, where he with foure or five others (having for a long time knocked at the doore, and no body answering) broke into the house, where, upon their first entrance, they found the maid (stretched forth) dead upon the floore, whereat they were amazed, but Alexis chiefly seemed to take on, crying out that there had been theeves in the house: thence they ascended up into the chamber, where they found Melander likewise murdered: Then did Alexis fall down and kisse the corps of his dead master; saying, Alas, alas, What doe mine

eyes behold! Is it you my deare master that are so mi∣serably murdered, whilest I by my too long absence could not yeeld thee suc∣cour? Ah miserable and un∣fortunate Alexis, How great is this dayes losse? Thou hast lost all thy support and fortune, on which thou hast grounded the anchor of thy hopes; thou hast lost that which thou hast most affe∣cted; and to be short, thou hast lost thy most kinde and dearly beloved master. O God, thou revenger of mur∣der, punish this crime, and suffer not the authours to lie concealed. He spake this with so cunning a dissimula∣tion, that those who were present, seeing his Croco∣diles-teares, beleeved that

those bewailing lamentati∣ons proceeded from his sin∣cere love, and extreme affe∣ction. Then searching the rest of the chambers, they found the poore daughter of Melander likewise massacred, whereat he again powred forth a torrent of teares, per∣swading the standers by that his griefes were much in∣creased by this wofull spe∣ctacle.

The bruit and rumour of this massacre was quickly spread abroad, which caused a great concourse of people to come see so bloudy and seldome heard of tragedie: Alexis in the meane time re∣maines in the house as ma∣ster of the same; receives all those that come to see it, and by his unusuall sadnesse, en∣deavours

to cloke his trea∣chery, and to make it an ar∣gument of his fidelity; but some wiser then others, pry∣ing further into this busines, began not onely to doubt of his fidelity, but secretly see∣med to accuse him to be au∣thour of the murder; some said that those teares were but fained, and that so many sobs and sighs in a meere ser∣vant, no way allied unto him, could not proceed but from a deep dissimulation: others excused him, and said, that Alexis having for a long time been in the service of Melan∣der, with hope by him to bet∣ter his fortune, had just cause exceedingly to grieve at this losse so disadvantagious to his good; but among all, some pleaded so strongly a∣gainst

him, that he was by their advice seized upon and imprisoned; at which he be∣ing much astonished, called the heavens to be witnesses, and revengers of their tyran∣nie; vowing that he had ne∣ver the least thought of so barbarous a cruelty; but they notwithstanding having im∣prisoned him, prepared his enditement, and made dili∣gent enquiry where and how he had spent the last two dayes; but the murderers had so secretly managed their af∣fairs, that no man could de∣pose any thing against them, God onely and their own consciences accusing them, so that the prisoner was for that time set at liberty.

He was no sooner dismist, but he began to blaze abroad

his innocencie, and accuse them who had imprisoned him of injustice: six moneths were already past wherein this crime was as it were smothered in silence, and buried in oblivion, and the murderers were confident that it would be no more questioned; but they were much deceived in their opi∣nion, for not long after, foure of the said murderers (which were the Father, sonne, sonne in law, and a Mason, as we have said) met in a certain village neere Paris, and being willing to renew their anci∣ent leagues, they went to the next Taverne, where they began to carouse and be mer∣ry; but as they were in the midst of their mirth, there came ten or twelve of the

Marshalls men, who being wearied (with some pursuit which they had made) came by chance to refresh them∣selves to the same place; and being entred, they put off their coats, meaning to sit down at the end of the same table; then the marks of their office appearing, put these cruell confederates in such a feare, as if a thunderbolt had fallen among them; and all their bold mirth is now tur∣ned into whispering, and their joy into sorrow, they are hungry but cannot eat, and a cold trembling so pos∣sesseth them thorowout, that they seeme rather dead then alive, imagining these men pursued no other but them∣selves.

These officers called for

wine, and intended onely their owne recreation, mea∣ning nothing against them; but they much wondred that upon the sudden those that sate neere them had taken their flight, and left their wine and meat on the table, departing without paying the shot. All which the offi∣cers well noting, demanded of the Host, what was the cause of their sudden flight; to which the Host said, that he could not chuse but much wonder thereat, and told them what kinde of people they were, and how well fur∣nished with money, being formerly very poore and needy people.

Then the officers consul∣ted together, and concluded that there was something

more then ordinary in the matter, and that these men (their consciences accusing them of some offence by them committed) and fearing them as officers, had taken their flight, and that it was requisite they should be pur∣sued; which being resolved on, they presently put in exe∣cution: and parting them∣selves, some one way, and some another, by their dili∣gence and speed overtook them, they then stayed them in the Kings Name, and per∣swading them to confesse the cause of their flight, they told them that if they would not by fair meanes, they would constraine them by force, and thereupon took the eldest of them and gave him the Strapado, which

made the old fellow quickly confesse that they had all foure deserved death, name∣ly, by the murdering of Me∣lander: at the which his com∣panions grew inraged, he with the rest having before resolved to endure all the tortures that could be infli∣cted upon them, rather then they would confesse: more∣over, the said old man con∣fessed that he had been the cause of the deaths of three∣score persons, whom he at severall times taking into his barge, under pretence of pas∣sing them over the River, had tied stones about their necks, and having so drow∣ned them, at night took them up, and so stripped them: he moreover related unto them, that he had one day most

wickedly killed a boy about the age of seventeen yeers, who had no more then twelve pence about him, and that of all the thefts and mur∣ders he had committed, he had never grieved but for that, as being the cause of the death of one of the most comely and hopefull young men that ever he saw.

Alexis having notice of their taking, (for it is to be noted, that of foure which were pursued, one escaped, and advised Alexis and his companion, who was a Ma∣son, to take their flight) Ale∣xis fled into England, and the Mason into Touraine, where we will anon overtake them. The officers having thus done their devoire, led the offenders unto Paris, where

they were condemned first to have their hands cut off, and their bodies to be bro∣ken on the wheele before the house of Melander, which was performed in the sight of a multitude of people.

One of those (which were thus broken) confessed, that he was accustomed in the woods neer Paris, to strangle the passengers with a cord, which he for that purpose carried about him; and that when any demanded of him whither he went, he would answer, he went to buy a calf, shewing unto them the cord.

We will now return to our Renegadoes; he which was at Tours, having escaped the danger which threatned him, had changed his name, and lived by his trade, being

welcome among others of the same profession in those parts, by reason of his great skill therein: he being at length become amorous of a young maid in the countrey, by the consent of her parents married her: Behold him at the height of his desires; but yet so troubled in his conscience, that he could not rest, for the bloud of those innocent souls, which he had shed, ceased not to cry for vengeance: but the mischiefs which troubled him, happen∣ed chiefly, in that he (either in malice or jollity) so char∣med the Cod-peece-point of one of his neighbours, that he could not make use of his own wife, which being done, he came about three or foure dayes after unto the married

man, and told him that he partly knew that his point had been knit with a char∣ming knot, and that if he would give him a reasonable reward, he would untie it: The man who desired no∣thing more then to be freed of this infirmity, yet without thinking that the Mason had charmed it, promised to give him twenty shillings in pre∣sent, and twenty shillings more when he was eased thereof; of he received the twenty shillings, and his neighbour being cured, he demanded of him the other twenty shillings according to promise; who then called him Sorcerer, and told him that he was a Witch, and had bewitched him, and deserved to be burnt; the Mason not

being able to beare such lan∣guage, called him in question for scandalizing his reputa∣tion.

The Judges having seri∣ously considered the matter, by a common consent agreed that hee was the sole cause whence proceeded this evill; which being after a sort prooved (for that about ten dayes after the marriage, the said Mason had publikely bragged unto some that hee had done it, which was proo∣ved against him) he was con∣demned to be whipt through the Market-place and then banished; which to avoid, he presently appeales to the Parliament of Paris, whither he was sent, and where hee found his death: The time being come wherein he must

be recompensed according to his merit; for being come to Paris, he is heard of by some of the inhabitants of the said Village, who pre∣sently gave notice and ad∣vertised the heires of Melan∣der, who so eagerly pursued him, that by the deposition of the former witnesses, he was forced to confesse the deed, and so was judged to the same punishment as his companions, which last Exe∣cution was done, in the yeere 1616. five yeeres after the murder of Melander.

There remaines now one∣ly Alexis who passing by Ca∣lis, it happened (as theeves cannot forbeare misdoing) that he entred the house of a rich Merchant, and stole from him a great summe of

money, while he was at Masse: he is thereupon taken, and condemned to be hang∣ed. Thus were they (by the Divine justice) deservedly put to death, who so cruel∣ly had murdered Melan∣der.

CHAP. XIII.

The dangerous adventures, and miraculous escapes of Colyrias.

COlyrias was descended of a good family in Gui∣en, and of a father whose vertue might have been a pa∣terne unto him in his actions, had he not been withdrawne by the over-commanding

power of the destinies. This young man (his father being dead) was committed to the tuition of his Vncle; who slacking the severity which at first he shewed, soone after permitted him to follow his licentious desires, as do most Tutors and Guardians of children in these dayes; they are forward to receive the benefit of their place, but backward to performe the duty. This is the bane of youth, when Parents are too indulgent to their children, and Tutors or Guardians to their charge, suffering them freely to exercise whatsoe∣ver is dictated unto them by the pravity of their owne dispositions.

Colyrias was of such a gad∣ding humor, that he resolved

(without his Vncles consent) to make a Voyage towards Bourdeaux; and for that pur∣pose pilfred from his Vncle a round sum of money, and therewith privily departed: He had not sojourned there long, but he was taken with a desire of seeing Paris, but before he arived there, hee took up his lodging in a Town, seated upon the Loire, at an Inne, the Host where∣of prooved a meere Cut∣throat: here Colyrias with two others, by him acci∣dentally met, having supped together, were conducted all to one Chamber where were three Beds; every one makes choise of his owne, and having lockt the Cham∣ber doore, they all be∣tooke them to their rest:

But the Host having a se∣cret doore which entred in∣to the same chamber, about midnight, when he thought that a deepe sleepe had sea∣zed upon their senses, soft∣ly entred, and comming into their chamber approa∣ched their beds; Colyrias being by chance awake, saw them passing along the midst of the chamber, and at length staying at the next bed, which made him jealous that they had some attempt against their lives: hee therefore began by snorting, to make shew that hee was in a deepe sleepe, although hee were indeed much perplexed with the apprehension of an ensu∣ing mischiefe.

The Host having visited

the bed of his compani∣ons, came and handled his flesh also; and having so done, hee heard them say, that his flesh was but tough, and that the other two would proove dain∣tie meat, they then went to the others beds, and (like bloudy miscreants) misera∣blie killed the companions of Colyrias; whereat hee was so amazed, that hee knew not what course to take, for hee expected the same entertainment, as had his poore companions; yet beyond his thought was the Host more mercifull to him, then unto the others, for having disposed of the bo∣dies of his companions, he came unto him, and ha∣ving taken away from him

his moneys, which amounted to twenty pounds and up∣wards, causing him to arise, he conducted him thorow a gallery, wherein he had made a trap, in the forme of a draw-bridge, which by the meanes of a barre of iron fa∣stened under, it would rise and fall with the least weight that came upon it; Colyrias being come upon it, immediatly fell down into an unfrequented street, where while he with teares lamen∣ted his hard misfortunes, two theeves perceiving him, demanded of him the cause of his complaints, whereup∣on he declared unto them all his former accidents, where∣unto they answered, that ill fortune indeed had given him just cause of sorrow; but

that patience ought to serve him as a buckler against so many miseries; and that they so much pitied him, that if he would he should partici∣pate of their better fortunes: upon this promise he fol∣lowed them, little thinking that he had fallen out of the frying pan into the fire; but being come into the next street, they there for a time stayed, expecting an oppor∣tunity to take some booty, they then going up another street, came unto a well, where one of them, desirous to quench his thirst, found that the buckets were want∣ing, which made him intreat Colyrias to descend into the well for water; but he fear∣ing that they would play some scurvy trick with him,

at first refused; yet at length, constrained by their earnest intreaties, he adventured it: he was no sooner down, but the watch appeared in sight of his companions, whereup∣on they forsaking the rope by which Colyrias held, fled; so that had it not been that Colyrias had taken footing upon a stone, which jutted forth of the side of the well, he had there perished: as soon as the watch came unto the well, one of the compa∣nie being desirous likewise to quench his thirst (it being in the heat of Summer) think∣ing that the bucket had been in the bottome of the water, began to draw at the rope; Colyrias (thinking that his companions had drawn) ac∣cording to their promise,

seazing upon the rope, was by little and little lifted up; but he finding the weight heavier then was usuall, called unto his companions for help; saying, That sure∣ly there was something more then water in the buc∣ket; at length, by their uni∣ted forces, they drew up Colyrias; when they saw him appear at the top of the Well, they being ter∣rified, ranne away as if the Devill had been at their heels, so suddenly loosing their hold of the rope, that if he had not cast his hand quickly upon the mouth of the Well, he could not have escaped the danger of tumbling in a∣gain.

It happened that about

four or five dayes before the arrivall of Colyrias, that the Bishop of the Diocesse being dead, was buried with a Ring and rich Crosier staff in the presence of these his compa∣nions, which made them ear∣nestly desire by some plot or other to steal them: and to that end desired the assistance of Colyrias, whereunto, though unwilling, he was constrained to give his con∣sent: they then came unto the Church door, which being opened by Picklocks, they entred, shewing him the Tombe, and threatening him with death if he refused to go in, or failed to bring unto them the Ring and Crosier: whereupon, they having with iron-crows, and other instruments, lifted up the

stone of the vault, he entred; and putting his hands upon the Coffin, pulled up the planck that covered him, and taking the Crosier and Ring away, he came unto his com∣panions, and told them, that as for the Crosier, he had brought it; but as for the Ring, it was not to be found in the Coffin; thinking by this means to keep the Ring for himself: but they, who had been at the Bishops Fu∣nerall, and knew assuredly that the Ring was inclosed in the Coffin, so threatened Colyrias, that he was con∣strained to go into the Vault the second time; where, ma∣king as if he searched far∣ther, and having told them, that certainly it was not there, they forthwith let fall

the stone, and buried him in the sepulchre with the Corps of the dead Bishop; Colyrias had already escaped two imminent dangers, but now thought assuredly, he should never escape the third, but that he should pe∣rish in the vault.

Whilest he was in this great perplexitie, there came two Priests, who being pos∣sessed with the sacrilegious desire of robbing the Bi∣shops sepulchre, lifted up the stone, and one of them being about to enter, Co∣lyrias caught hold of his legs, who imagining that the dead Bishop was revi∣ved, and had caught him by the legs, being filled with fear and amazement, he strived to withdraw his legs,

and so drew our Colyrias, who imagining his conceit, ranne after him to the place where he entred, and got forth, and having escaped out of the Church, he ha∣sted out of the town with the Ring, that was worth two hundred crowns, so that he returned home with some recompence for the many dangers and mise∣ries that he had already suf∣fered.

CHAP. XIV.

One often cheated.

IN the yeer 1615. there was in the town of Ami∣ens, a young man whose name was DORILIS, who

forsook his Parents by rea∣son of some private quarrels which he had with his Bre∣thren, but before his depar∣ture, he stole out of his fa∣thers Cabinet, the summe of twenty pounds and upwards; and having so done, went to∣wards Paris, but as he tra∣velled, he overtook a Mer∣chant that went to the fair of S^t Germain, with whom he kept company untill they came unto their journeys end; but they there leaving one the other, took up their severall lodgings. This Do∣rilis being of a sottish and stupid nature, and little ac∣quainted with the crafts and subtilties of the world, be∣ing newly arrived at the Ci∣tie, went from street to street to view the excellencie of

the buildings and other rari∣ties: his gazing about made him soon taken notice of by some Cheaters, who as soon as they saw him, judged it an easie matter to entrap him; one of them to that end comes towards him with a great Packet, with this su∣perscription;

Let this be delivered with trust to the Ladie Robecour, dwelling at Aberis, &c.

And having delivered unto him this Packet, he earnestly intreated him to tell him to whom it was directed, signifying that is was his chance to finde it, and that there was somewhat inclosed in the same.

Dorilis, who could not dive into the depth of this miste∣ry, read the superscription, and at the request of him, who delivered him the Pac∣ket, openeth it; and therein findes a small chain of gold, with these words;

Madam,

HAving by your Letters, un∣derstood of the happy suc∣cesse of your marriage, and that you have so soon perfected so good a work; it would have seemed that I had not participated of your joy, if I should not have te∣stified it with this chain, it is but of small value in respect of your merits, it cost onely fifty crowns, this is a small gift in comparison of that which my af∣fection would have offered. Ne∣verthelesse oblige me with your acceptation, and I shall truly rest Your Kinsman

A. de Robecour.

Dorilis having read this Letter, wished to have been so fortunate, as to have found it; whereunto the o∣ther answered, that if he had a liking unto the chain, he should have it upon rea∣sonable tearms, what it cost appeareth by the Letter, and therefore in regard it was not fit for his wearing, he would part with it for the one half that it cost: at length Dorilis after some ar∣guing gave him ten crowns for it.

This first encounter was but a forewarning of his future mishap; He never∣thelesse, not suspecting any deceit, blessed the houre wherein hee lighted upon this good fortune: not long after, as hee was passing

thorow the Faire, he espi∣ed some gamesters playing at Dice, whereupon he drew to∣wards them, and desired to bee halfe with one of them that played, whereby hee quickly gained a Noble; this provoked Dorilis to play for himselfe, thinking thereby to better his fortune: but these two Cheaters (who had at the beginning fained them∣selves to be strangers one to the other) having perceived that he setled himself to play, handled their false Dice so cunningly, that they suddenly gained from him three pounds, and had with∣out doubt got more, if the earnest desire of seeing the Faire had not withdrawne him. Thence Dorilis pro∣ceeded farther into the Fair,

when he (according to his rude custome) gazing about him, espied a Lottery; where∣unto he drew neer, and be∣held the Adventurers; where being noted by some Cheat∣ers, who had complotted with the Master to be per∣mitted to gain when they would, he was by one of them intreated to participate with him in this Adventure, which after Dorilis (fearing again to be cheated) refused, upon this answer, the Chea∣ter having drawn, openeth the Billet, and findeth there∣in a silver Bason; which he having received of the Ma∣ster of the Lottery, shewed to Dorilis, reproaching him for refusing to be halfes with him in the Lot, and so to have gained the one half of

the Ewer, whereupon▪ Dori∣lis induced by this mans ima∣ginary gain, begins to draw Lots, and ceased not untill he had emptied his purse of twentie crowns, and yet received not the worth of twentie pence, notwith∣standing all this, he was not any whit dejected, being confident that his Gold chain would make him a saver.

After he had beene in divers parts of Paris, and had seene all that which was most worthy of note in the city, he returned un∣to his Inne, where he no sooner entred, but he per∣ceived that he had lost his purse: then did the long way which he had to go, the hazards of sicknesse which

he might fall into, and a thousand other misfortunes came into his minde, yet did the finding of his chain in the other pocket, in part qualifie the extremity of his griefe, but Fortune had de∣stinated him more crosses: For as he was in the Inne bemoaning his misfortunes, a Cheater, that was in the next chamber, hearing him, came, and seeming to pitie him, perswaded him by any meanes not to suffer griefe to have the predomination; telling him that teares were but in vaine, since they could not redeem that which was already lost, and promi∣sing to him if occasion requi∣red, the assistance both of his purse and person; and using many other good words,

perswaded Dorilis to Suppe with him, which hee condi∣scended unto; so that Sup∣per being ended, when he ex∣pected that he who had invi∣ted him would have paid for his Supper, he upon the sud∣den found his friend depar∣ted (who under pretence of going to make water had left him) and having long ex∣pected his returne in vaine, his former losses made him jealous of his Cloke, which he searching for found want∣ing: Now was his onely hope in his chaine of Gold; but that being offered as a Gage for his expences, was rejected as counterfeit: then was hee wholly oppressed with sorrow, but not with∣out just cause, for he on the morrow was constrained to

exchange his rich apparell for farre meaner, thereby to discharge his former expen∣ces, which made him (like the prodigall sonne) to re∣turne home something wiser, but farre poorer then when he forsooke his father.

CHAP. XV.

A strange Robbery of a Mer∣chants Shop.

IN the Country of Burgoin there lived one named Ra∣pigny, who from his youth made a practise of Theeving, for which he had been often questioned: But this interior appetite of Robbing had so possest him, that he forsooke his Countrey of Burgundy to

goe unto Paris, where hee thought hee might with more safety exercise his slights; during his abode there, he committed so ma∣ny robberies, that his name became dreadfull to the ci∣tizens, and their whole dis∣course was of his notori∣ous deceits; few of the ci∣ty had seene him, his com∣mon walkes being in the night, and those that did see him, did little think that he whom they saw, was the man of whom they so much talked.

One day being desirous to put one of his inventi∣ons in practise, He being like a Tradesman apparel∣led, came unto a rich Mer∣chant named Syriander, and told him that he understood

that he returned much ware into the Countie of Burgun∣die to one Master Vernon, a man with whom hee was well acquainted; wherefore he (having fained that hee had a Trunk full of Com∣modities to send to the same man) signified that he should be much obliged unto him, if hee would bee pleased to convay his also thither, whereunto this Merchant (little mistrusting his quali∣ty) condiscended.

Rapignus having thus farre proceeded, caused a Trunk to bee brought unto him so cunningly contrived, that it might bee easily unlocked by one within; he therefore causeth a little boy (an Ap∣prentice in his theeving trade) to be put within it, and

having charged him upon his life not to speake or make any noise in the Trunk, but about mid-night to come foorth, and having opened the shop doores, to give en∣trance to his companions, he locked him therein; and having so done, he caused this Trunk to be brought to the house of Syriander, who not doubting of what was inclosed therein, received it, and placed it in his shop.

Evening was already past, and night, the favourer of theeves, had with her black mantle overspread the earth, when this young Boy (per∣ceiving by the quietnesse of all things, that the houshold servants were long before retired, and therefore in all likelihood in a deep sleep)

gently opened the Trunk wherein he was inclosed, but comming to the door found not the key therein as he ex∣pected, at which being much perplexed, he was about to give over his enterprize, and to retire into his shell; but he at length bethought him∣self of opening the shop win∣dows, which he performed with much dexterity, none awaking at the noise; and having let in his compani∣ons, who there attended him, every one furnished himself with a parcell of the best wares in the shop, and so de∣parted. The theft was soon found out, but it could not be known who the Actours were till four yeers after, one of them being to be exe∣cuted at the Greave for some

other robberies, confessed the fact, and discovered his companions, who were ser∣ved in the same kinde.

CHAP. XVI.

The cunning escape of a Chea∣ter out of prison.

IT is not long since a theef was brought into the Bi∣shops Prison in Paris, who had committed divers rob∣beries, among the rest, he had (but 15. dayes before) stollen to the value of 100^l. in je∣wels, from a Goldsmith, for the cōpassing wherof, he pra∣ctised this ensuing device.

He had formerly taken no∣tice that there was in this Goldsmiths shop a small

casket of Rings, and Dia∣monds, which he much desi∣red the fingering of, but be∣ing barren a long time of a∣ny invention, whereby he might gain it, at last he went unto a Joyner, to whom hee gave directions for the ma∣king of a casket like unto that which the Goldsmith had; which being made ac∣cording to his minde, he one day having perceived that there was at that time in the house but one servant, and a little boy, son to the Gold∣smith, entred into the shop carrying this Box under his cloke; when he came in, he desired them to shew him choice of Rings, whereupon the patern of this new casket was presently fetcht, but he perceiving that he could not

easily bring to passe his in∣tended project whilest that both of them were in the shop, he delivered the boy a piece of gold to change, and in the mean time causing the Box to be opened, he chea∣pened the Rings; and seem∣ing to mislike of the price, he desireth the servant to shew him others, but whilest he turned his back to fetch them, this fellow taking his opportunity, suddenly ex∣changed Boxes, putting his Box in the place of the other; then faining that he could not tarry to look upon the other Rings, in regard he promised to give a friend the meeting where he knew he was by that time expected; he desired the Apprentice to keep the money (which the

other was not yet come with) till he came again, and so departed: But he joyned not long in this cheat, but within fifteen dayes after was taken, and had no doubt at that time been executed, had he not had some extra∣ordinary means to escape; as thus, he sent a boy to one in the city, an Abettour of his stollen goods, to entreat him that he would make for him an Hare-Pie, and accom∣pany him at the eating of it, which he (mindfull of his former familiarity) perform∣ed; and having brought it to the Jayle, where his friend was, did there sup with him & the Jaylor. Having supped, his friend called him aside, and told him that the cause of bespeaking this Pie, was

to prevent any mistrust which the Jayler might have had, had he not seen this; he having so said, proceeded to a second request, which was to work his delivery out of this place, by a plot which hee would suggest; whereunto this Citizen pro∣mising his best endeavour, he signified unto him that the only way for his escape, was by sending unto him another Pie made like the former, where in stead of flesh, should put a long rope, and some Picklock instru∣ments; which being made, and sent according to his appointment, he opened it, and taking forth the things inclosed, made so good use of them, that hee the same night escaped; but having

escaped, hee was the same night apprehended, for a robbery suddenly commit∣ted after his departure out of prison, and being brought to the same place, was shortly after, for this and his former robberies, executed.

CHAP. XVII.

A Theefe caught in a trap.

A Certain Gentleman of Poictiers, named Mo∣rindor, came to Paris about the dispatch of some busines of importance, which he had at Court; and had brought with him store of moneys, as well to discharge the ex∣pences of his journey, as also to disburse for other particular occasions, where

being arrived, another gen∣tleman of his Countrey sent unto him, by an expresse messenger, to intreat him that he would be very care∣full of a great suit which he had then depending in the great Chamber.

Morindor, who would not disoblige his friend, tooke this cause in hand; and al∣though he were somewhat hindered by his own parti∣cular occasions, he notwith∣standing ceased not to solli∣cite in his friends behalfe: but whilest he passed and re∣passed thorow the Palace, and that he thus sollicited, both for his own and friends right, he was perceived by two Cutpurses, who resol∣ved among themselves, up∣on the first opportunity, to

shew him a trick of their acti∣vity; and to that end, they divers times drew neer him, but durst not adventure, a hand into his pocket, by rea∣son that he knowing that the Palace was alwayes frequen∣ted by such a base crew, was very circumspect to avoid all such mischievous acci∣dents: but the subtilty and sleight of these Cutpurses, surpassing his care and dili∣gence, he was at length sur∣prised, for he being one day in a throng in the great Chamber, was rudely thrust by these fellowes, and while hee looked about to see whence that thrusting and violent motion proceeded, one of them thrust his hand into his pocket, and stole thence his purse, which hee

knew not till two houres af∣ter, when he (intending to have paid for some bookes, which he had bought in the Gallerie of Booke-sellers) missed it; but could not on the sudden guesse at what time hee was so robbed by them, what in this case to doe hee knew not; nature had indued him with more wit then to chafe & fume at that he could not remedy, or by impati∣ence, for loosing a little, to injure him who gave him all.

At last (he being well ac∣quainted with the craftinesse of the times) he resolved to be revenged, wherfore he being willing to requite them, went to a Smith, of whom he bespake a springe to put into his pocket which might shut of it selfe, and suddenly

catch whatsoever touched it: The Smith, being tho∣rowly experienced in his Art, made him one of the fairest, and most ingenious pieces that could be devised, and that with such Art and cunning, that it far exceeded the manner of Morindors ex∣pression; who having con∣tented the Smith, caused it to be placed in the same pocket from whence his purse was stollen; & having so done, he walked in the Palace foure dayes, but on the fift day, he viewing the portraictures of the kings which are upon the Pillars in the Hall, was per∣ceived by the same cutpurse; who incouraged by the easi∣nesse of his first purchase, he resolved to adventure again, then drawing neere to him,

and watching his time when the people came thronging upon him out of the great Chamber, he gently put his hand into his pocket, but it no sooner entred, but this spring disbanded, so that where he thought to take, he was taken.

Morindor, who felt the springe disband, seemed not to take notice of the Cutpurse, but began to take his walke from the one side of the Hall unto the other, thence into the great Cham∣ber, the Galleries of the Pa∣lace, and so about; the Cut∣purse (though unwilling) was forced to follow him foot by foot, for hee could not withdraw himselfe hee was so straitly fastened in the springe; sometime Morin∣dor

taking a short turne, would suddenly thrust away the Cutpurse, as though he came too neere him; then did the other, with an hum∣ble countenance, entreat him not to disgrace him further, but to accept of some indif∣ferent satisfaction from him. To which Morindor seeming deafe, continued on his walke, so that it was not long before that many of the Palace perceived it, who gladly flocked together to see him led after that sort. At length, Morindor having for a long time walked from place to place, and by the shortnes of his turns lengthe∣ned the pains of the Cutpurse: Hee turned himselfe, and with a cholericke visage said unto him, What makes you

follow me step by step Ma∣ster Theefe? It was you Sir that stole away my purse, and you shall deerly answer it: At these words the other fell on his knees, and beg∣ging pardon, faithfully pro∣mised to restore it, if hee would release him; but Mo∣rindor would not take words for deeds, but kept the Cut∣purse thus shamefully impri∣soned, untill his Purse was brought unto him by one of the theeves Comrades, who had thither accompanied him: Thus was the deceiver deceived.

CHAP. XVIII.

The Story of Amboise la Forge a notable Cutpurse.

AMboise la Forge was brought up in Picardie, and as he increased in yeers, so did he in wickednesse; he began with Pins, and ended with Pounds, which had weighed him downe to hell, had not his present repen∣tance, and temporall punish∣ment, by Gods mercy pre∣vented the eternall, which we charitably conceive, be∣cause as the one halfe of his life was spent in evill, so the the other half was worn out in punishment; The one you shall see in the beginning, the other in the end of this en∣suing History.

This young fellow being past his childish tricks, as stealing Pins, Points, and the like, begins his youthfull pranks thus:

He goes one night to a Far∣mors house, and there (ha∣ving formerly noted where his Poultry usually roosted) steales a Turkey, two Ca∣pons, & foure Pullets; which he having conveyed away (by his Companion in evill) he the same night breakes o∣pen a Bakers shop, furnisheth himselfe with a sufficiency of Bread; and afterwards, pas∣sing by a Taverne, and per∣ceiving the Grates of the Cellar to be large, made shift to wreath himselfe in, where having found three or foure good Flaggons, he fills them with Wine, and having made

himself frollike, refills them: The next morning hee goes early unto this Farmor, Ba∣ker, and Vintner, and kindly invites them to dinner, they wonder at his free entertain∣ment, and wish each of them, that what they had lost the last night had been there likewise, as more fitting for their bellies then for those Rogues that stole it: On that condition, replyed Amboise, you would (I beleeve) for∣give them their riot; where∣unto they cheerefully answe∣red, with all their hearts; but (said one of them) farewell it, what we have lost there, wee have gained here: Tis true indeed (said Amboise) for what I stole from each of you, your selves have among you eaten, which I wish may

do you much good: at which words, each of them tooke the more especiall notice, of what they were entertained with; and the Farmer found that he had the like Poultrie, as he that night had lost, and the Baker the like bread, and the Vintner the like wine ser∣ved in in the like Pots; all which being considered, they found that his words were in earnest, and so they tooke them; for they suddenly ri∣sing, would have forsaken the room, in the heat of cho∣ler, but he perswades them that they could not eat their meat in better company, imi∣tating therein the young Greek, who having perceived particular notice that his Ci∣tizens had lost the battell, came into the market-place,

and proclamed that they had got the victory, upon which false rumor, he caused among the citizens a publike joy for three dayes, but when the pi∣tifull newes of their over∣throw was brought by some souldiers, fled from the bat∣tell, every one was ready to kill this false messenger, who had caused them to be filled with joy, in a time when they had just cause to be drowned in tears and sorrows: but he answered them, that they had more cause to thanke him, then to murmure against him, because that he had changed their cause of discomfort, in∣to comfort, and their mourn∣ing into a publike rejoycing.

But this first exploit of youth, was nothing in respect of what he did after, for it

was not long before he came to one of the fairest women of the Parish, and sought ear∣nestly to entice her to lewd∣nesse; but what he could not by faire words effect, hee at last obtained upon the pro∣mise of twenty Crownes, which he (as then being not able to give) compassed by this meanes: He goes spee∣dily to a rich Churle of the Parish, and desired to know of him, whether hee could help him to five Crownes in Gold for Silver; whereunto he answered, That he had so much, but was loath to part with it: whereupon la 〈◊〉〈◊〉 promised him two shillings on condition that hee would bring it to his lodging, and let him have it in exchange for as much Silver as it came

unto: This Clowne (think∣ing on the gaine which hee should make by the ex∣change) condiscended to fol∣low la Forge unto his lodg∣ing, where the money being told out on a Table before two others of la Forge his Society, he suddenly takes it up, and casts down an acquit∣tance of five Crownes in lieu of it, and having so done de∣parted; The Country-fellow followed him and demanded his money, but la Forge an∣swered, That he owed him long since that money, and that now paying it, hee had given him an acquittance for his discharge, and desired to know what he would have more. By this meanes he got the five Crownes, and by those Crowns he attained e∣ven

to the glutting of his lustfull desires, for it was not long before he grew willing to surrender up that costly place to another; yet it vexed him that he had parted with his mony on so light termes; and bethinkes himselfe on a course how he might regain his 5 crowns so ill bestowed; to that end, he comes to his Lemman, & told her he was pursued (for a small debt) by a company of Sergeants, and that he should be constrain∣ed, either to pawne, or sell, a cloake worth foure or five pounds, unlesse she would furnish him with five or six crowns; he signifies, that if shee would assist him, hee would leave his cloke, and ever rest indebted unto her: she conceiving that she could

not possibly loose any thing by the lending him the mo∣ney, as long as she had so good a pawne; wished him to bring his cloke, and hee should not fail to receive the money, both which was done accordingly. La Forge soone after had notice that this Gossip had invited some of her friends, lately mar∣ried, to a feast; thither hee comes, and desires the hus∣band of this dainty dame, to help him to a cloke which his wife had borrowed for him when he went to the wedding of his invited guests; The good man of the house answered, hee heard not of it, and for his part he had no use of it if his wife had borrowed it: hee there∣fore asketh his wife whether

she had borrowed any such cloke for him, or not, which she (suspecting that he meant to cheat her of her cloke and money) flatly denied even in his presence, whereat la Forge being inraged, deeply swore that she had it, and therefore desired him that he would be pleased to looke in her trunke, and hee made no doubt, but that hee should there finde it: the good man being amazed at the confi∣dence of the theefe, went and looked in her trunke accord∣ing to his desire, and there found to his great discon∣tent, and her disgrace, what he there looked for; the greatnesse of which discre∣dit, in the presence of her best friends, so grieved, that she pined away with extreme griefe.

After this he goes towards Paris, and by the way overta∣king a young Scholer going thither to see his friends, he discoursed with him until he came to the corner of a great wood; then he resolutely told him, that either he must part with his suit of clothes or his life; the poore young man soone made his choice, and quickly gave his clothes that he might after live to enjoy others; so this our ra∣scall entered into Paris all new, where he was not long, but by reason of his many bold, and impudent prancks, he was thought fit to be cho∣sen Captaine, or Ringleader of the infamously famous crew of Cutpurses, Chea∣ters, and the like; the which place that he might the bet∣ter

seeme to deserve, he took upon him to cheat, or by some other way to surprize, one Messager, a crafty fel∣low, who could never bee circumvented by any; al∣though that divers of his predecessours had endeavou∣red with the hazard of their necks, and some with their lives to have done it. He ha∣ving heard of the warinesse of this fellow, began to con∣sider with himselfe, that he was not to be surprised by any ordinary way, wherfore setting his wits on the ten∣ter-hookes, hee at length o∣verreached him thus.

La Forge understanding that this Messager was accusto∣stomed daily to go over the new Bridge, he came thither very well apparelled, & long

expected his comming; at length hee perceived him viewing the Samaritane, and the little garden below it, whereupon he tooke occasi∣on to give him the Bonjour, and to entertaine him with other discourses concerning the affairs of the time; Messa∣ger nothing suspecting him, because of his rich apparell, as they were in talke, there draws neer unto them, one of la Forges companions, being very well acoutred, and pla∣ces himself on the other side of Messager. La Forge seeing his companion come (with∣out whom he hoped not to effect any thing) casts his eyes downe towards the river, and wisheth them to take notice what a won∣drous strong Boate there

was that did not sinke with such an extreme weight of iron, his companion who stood on the other side of Messager, said unto him, I pray pardon me sir, if I say that you have a bad eye-sight, for you mistake wood for iron, that Boat is laden with Bil∣lets, and not with Iron; for it is impossible that it should beare so much Iron and not sinke: Sir (answered la Forge) I thanke God, my sight is very good, and I know that there are some Boats laden with Faggots, Billets, or the like; but that Boat which I point at with my finger, being the second Boat from the banke, is laden with I∣ron, and I dare lay a good wager that that which I say is true.

Messager, who saw plainly that the Boat was laden with Wood, was silent, yet smiled to himselfe at so great a mis∣take, little dreaming where∣unto their contestation ten∣ded.

At length their contention grew so hot, that they seem'd like to have fallen from words to blowes; in the end it came to a wager of ten Crownes, which was depo∣sited into the hands of Mes∣sager, untill it were decided by a neerer view; They ha∣ving so done, call unto them the Boat-man and enquire of him wherewith his Boat was laden? hee answeres, with Wood: but la Forge, the bet∣ter to cover his intent, would not beleeve the Boat-man, but would passe from Boat to

Boate (the better to colour his intent) by touching that which was the subject of his wager; which having done, he confessed that he had lost, and seemed wonderfully dis∣contented at his so great mis∣take; the other laughing and winking on Messager, told la Forge, that being he had won his money, he would bestow a Breakfast on him if he plea∣sed to accept of it: which motion being embraced by la Forge, they both intreat Messager his companie, in regard that he was present at the Wager; which he at first refused, excusing himselfe by reason of some businesse of importance that he had to dispatch in the City; but at last they perswade him to go with them.

They then enter into one of the most noted Ordina∣ries, bespeake dinner, and whiles it is preparing, drinke healths at his cost that won the wager; at last, towards the latter end of dinner, be∣tweene the Peare and the Cheese, the other Cheater began to challenge la Forge, to play with him three casts at dice for the worth of ano∣ther breakfast, but la Forge refused it, as having no great skill in gaming, but wished Messager to have a bout with him, which he likewise refu∣sed. This their plot not suc∣ceeding according to their expectation, la Forge signifi∣eth unto Messager, that hee was to goe within two dayes towards Lyons, and was well provided of moneys for his

journey, but that it was in sil∣ver, which weighed heavily, and would prove trouble∣some in his journey; he desi∣red therefore to know whe∣ther he could change 10. or 12^l. of silver into gold, and offered him 2^s. 6^d. for the change; Messager considering the promised gaine, told him he should have his desire, and presently drew forth a little bag which he had in his poc∣ket, and begun to tell out his money at the end of the ta∣ble, whilst la Forge counts his at the other end; at length the ten pounds being ready told, Messager came and told him that the money was rea∣dy told, and desired his in exchange; la Forge telleth the silver over againe, to see whether there was the

full summe, or any over∣plus; and watching his op∣portunity, drawes together likewise the others gold, in the meane while that the other Cheater heapes up his money, and drawes three Dice out of his poc∣ket, saying, that hee had wonne all; la Forge his companion cryes out, by my faith it was a brave cast; other Cheaters, who by la Forge his appointment were in the next Chamber, inquire concerning the cast, and asked whether la Forge had played, who present∣ly protested, and feare∣fully swore, that hee had gained ten pounds at one cast; MESSAGER stands as mute as a Statue, and being much amazed knew

not what to say; but seeing them seaze on his money, he began to cry out that they were theeves; the Host ha∣stened to the cry, but la Forge and his companions tell him, that it is bootlesse to cry af∣ter hee had lost his money, for if that he had been afraid of loosing it, he should not have hazarded it; thus would they have forced Messager to beleeve that he had lost his money at dice, when it was at Noddie; neither could his words, or other meanes pre∣vaile, for want of competent witnesse, what they had in possession could never be re∣covered from them. This la Forge within one fortnight after this feat, was taken by the Marshalls men, and for this, and other the like

cheats and robberies, was condemned for ever to the Gallies.

CHAP. XIX.

A Relation of the notable Cheats performed by one Mutio.

MVtio was borne in the Countrey of Chartres, who before that he attained unto mans estate, did vainly forsake both his father, and fathers house, and came to Paris; where he soone met with those who first brought him to poverty, and then in∣to sharking courses; in which he had not long continued, but that he chanced to take notice of one Charles D' e∣stampes,

who dwelt in the U∣niversity, and had a brother in his countrey and towne of Chartres, a married man, and very rich, but without children. He (well knowing this brother of his, and as well the very place where he dwelt, as the rest of the whole countrey) comes unto this Charles D' estampes, and tells him that he came from Chartres to bring him both good and bad newes, the bad newes consisting in the death of his brother Francis, for whom hee could not but grieve: the good, in that he had made him his Heire and Overseer of his whole Will. The Merchant hearing this newes was much afflicted for the death of his bro∣ther, whom hee dearly lo∣ved,

and but little comfor∣ted for the estate hee left him, in respect that he had a sufficiencie before: but friend, said hee to Mutio, Have you no letter for me? How came you to heare this newes? Sir (said Mutio) to tell you the truth, I came late yesternight into the ci∣ty, without as much as one crosse or farthing, being robbed within five miles of the city, and was constrai∣ned, for my yesternights ex∣pences, to pawne my dou∣blet, wherein was sowed a Letter from one of your Uncles, which I should have taken forth, but that mine Host finding my Doublet to bee hardly worth my expences (which were somewhat the larger

by reason of my weary jour∣ney) hindred mee that hee might so be certaine of his pay; he names his father un∣to him, and answers him ve∣ry discreetly any question concerning his friends in those parts; which D' estam∣pes considering, delivers him five shil. to redeem his dou∣blet; being very desirous to see the letter; Mutio departs, and about an houre after re∣turnes, bringing with him a letter with this superscripti∣on;

To my Worthy friend Ma∣ster Charles D' estampes, Mer∣chant, Dwelling in the Harp-street in Paris, these deliver.

The Contents were these;

Good Cousin,

I Much grieve that I am in∣inforced (by this Bearer) to certifie unto you the too certaine newes of your Brother his sud∣den and unexpected death; hee was not above three houres sicke, in which short time he (greatly mistrusting the approach of death) by will set∣led his estate, and hath made you his Heire and Executour, I would therefore advise you to hasten into the Countrey, as soone as conveniently you can, as well to settle your owne af∣faires, occurring by your late fallen inheritance, as also by your presence to lighten the hearts of those that are much dejected for your Brothers de∣parture: if in the meane time you will write or send; you may safely doe it by this

Bearer, who is very trusty in what he undertakes.

Your very loving Vnckle D'estampes.

The Merchant having read this Letter, communicates it to his wife, who being of a covetous disposition, al∣though shee were without children, conceived more joy at the wealth fallen to her and her husband, then sor∣row for her brothers death; wherefore she kindly enter∣tained him that brought the newes, which made Mutio hope well for a happy suc∣cesse of his enterprise: for he was resolved, that if he were admitted to lodg in the house he would open the door unto

his companions, and so make them way to take thence what they thought fit, as he afterwards did: for hee be∣ing entertained within the house, did in the night open the shop window, and cast forth a good piece of cloth to his companions, and having so done, did on the morrow hasten to bee pack∣ing: but it happened, that before hee was either gone, or discovered, that the Mer∣chants wife grew very sicke, which made Mutio quickly conceive, that this her sick∣nesse would slacken her hus∣bands voyage, he therefore returns to Chartres to use the same cheat to the Merchants brother, as he had done to the Merchant himselfe, whi∣ther being come, hee wrote

a Letter directed to Master D'estampes to this effect;

Brother,

SInce the time that I had the opportunitie of writing unto you last, Fortune hath taught me to what a depth of sorrow she could depresse a laguishing wo∣man; for death (envying the prosperity which I enjoyed, and the joy that I possessed, by so lo∣ving a husband, hath now bere a∣ved me of him) by an accur∣sed Plurisie, which maliciouslie seazed on him on the Wednesday, and killed him on the Thursday; it is a kinde of cruelty that I my selfe am constrained to write the cause of my sorrow; but in respect that he hath made you his Exe∣cutour, and hath likewise in his Will disposed of one part of his estate for your childrens good, I

thought it a part of my duty, by giving sudden notice of it, to expresse my deare affection to him, and love to you: I shall with you desire to see my mother, and to enjoy hers and your company to my comfort. Hasten there∣fore, for untill your arrivall, I shall account my selfe

Your forlorne sister, Eliz. D'estampes.

Mutio having penned this Letter, goes with it unto the brother of Master D'estampes, and signifying that he was his brothers servant, presen∣ted him the Letter; the con∣tents whereof, being by him read, wonderfully grieved him, for that he dearly loved this his brother, and for his

sake kindly entertained this his pretended servant: Hee and his mother prepare themselves mourning ap∣parrell, and dispose and or∣der their affaires at home, a∣gainst their intended journey to Paris, whither hee and his mother are now resol∣ved to goe: in the meane time Mutio is not idle, but watching his opportunity, (whiles most of the house were at Church, and the rest not suspecting him) pilfereth two or three rich Diamonds out of a small Casket, which he (being his Crafts-master) so neately closed againe, that it could not be suddenly dis∣covered.

To conclude, hee framed such a simple and harmelesse countenance, and thereto

used so naturall a behavi∣our in his demeanour, to∣wards this younger bro∣ther, that both he and his mother take their journeys towards Paris; the one to proove the Will, the o∣ther to confort her dis∣consolate daughter: so that now there are two severall men parted from severall places, and going to diffe∣rent places about one and the same cause, both of them enjoying their perfect health, both each by other thought to bee dead, and both of them building Ca∣stles in the aire, with the conceited wealth left by the one unto the other: neither of them as yet per∣ceiving the cunning theft of Mutio.

It was not long after the departure of Mutio out of Paris, before the wife of Charles Destampes, began to recover; her husband there∣fore begins his intended journey toward Chartres, to settle his brothers affaires, whiles he likewise was on∣ward toward Paris: Now it happened, that he (being ei∣ther better horsed, or setting forth sooner then his bro∣ther) came with his mother unto an Inne being in the mid-way betweene both places; and because they were very weary, they there tooke up their lodging; and having supped, went into two severall beds in the same chamber; Charles on the other side comming from Pa∣ris somewhat late into the

same village, and inquiring for the best Inne, was dire∣cted to the very same place; where hee having supped, was brought into Cham∣ber, thorow which he (that had occasion to go to or fro thorow his brothers Cham∣ber) must of necessity passe.

It happened, that this man about midnight, heard his brother speake unto his mo∣ther (for there was but a thin wainscot partition betweene them) so that it was easie for him to heare what they said; the voice hee heard, made him apprehend that it was surely his brothers spirit; but afterward considering that it might be some other that had the like voice, hee blowes out the candle, and resolves to settle himselfe to sleep.

About an houre after, the younger brother who lay in the other Chamber, being troubled with the Squerte∣go, called up the Chamber∣laine to bring him a Candle, which being come, hee takes his Cloke and passeth close by the bed where his brother lay, talking by the way unto the Chamberlaine; his bro∣ther awakes at the noise, and began to be in a terrible fear, for now he thought he heard him speake more distinctly, and saw a glimpse of his vi∣sage. The other holds on his way, but in his returne towards his Chamber, hee became so curious, as with his Candle to take a more full view of him that lay so neere him, who opening his eyes knew his countenance,

and shrinkes under the cloths that he might no more bee troubled with his sight, for his whole body trembled by reason of his extream feare.

Young D'estampes being a∣mazed to see his brother there whom hee certainely held for dead, let fall the Candle and ran away as fast as his legs could carry him; he hath the same conceit that his brother hath, and thinkes that he saw, to bee his Spirit, so that both of them were wonderfully troubled at their strange visions: the young man tells his mother what he had seen; she being as other women, of a weak spi∣rit, confirmed his opinion by telling him, that he had left some vow unperformed, w^ch was the cause that his Spirit

walked; so that the extremity of feare presenting divers objects to their thoughts, they continued all night wa∣kening in great perplexity; at length, day appearing, the elder brother ariseth first, and dresseth himselfe in his mourning apparell, the younger likewise forsakes his bed at the same time, be∣ing both dressed, this man o∣pens the door thinking to go downe, and there to inquire of the Host who it was that lay in the adjoyning Cham∣ber, but seeing his brother in his mourning clothes, hee amazedly retired; and the o∣ther, being no lesse afraid, goes downe, and having in∣quired who they were that lay in the inner Chamber, he was answered, that they

were of Chartres, & that they were one man and one wo∣man; then began he to take courage, thinking it might be that the newes of his bro∣thers death was false; but then he wondred why (if it were his brother) he should mourne: To conclude, the Host interposing betweene both parties, the two bro∣thers came and imbraced each other, greatly wonder∣ing at so strange an accident; Each of them relate unto the other the roguerie of Mutio, in delivering fained letters: so having spent together some time in mirth, each re∣turned to his owne home; where the one found that Mutio his fingers had bin bu∣sie among his jewels, and the other among his best stuffes.

This fellow shortly after was taken in the company of some Cutpurses, and for his villanies being found guilty; first burned with the Kings marke, and then con∣demned to the Gallies at Marseilles.

CHAP. XIX.

A Facetious Relation, how one Maillard cheated a Gold∣smith of a rich piece of Plate, &c.

NEcessity is the mother of inventions, (said a Philosopher) not without good reason, for when we are once falne into this laby∣rinth, our owne mishaps doe quicken our wits, and furnish

us with some pollicy where∣by to save our selves (if it be possible) from the lowest de∣gree of misery. An example whereof, we will shew in the notable exploits of Maillard, whose ill education increased his natural propēsion to wic∣kednesse, and whose present wants enforced him to work his wits for a Remedie. The first action he did after his arrival at Paris, was to enroll himselfe among the crew of cutpurses, and (with them to frequent the new Bridg their Rendevous) he chiefly associa∣ted himselfe with two of the most subtill of the troupe; from thence hee came to the Cordeliers, where hee in∣sinuated himselfe into the acquaintance of one of the Friers of the house that

hee might cause him to act a part in a Comedie.

Good Father (said he) I have a brother that within these few dayes hath concei∣ved such griefe and melan∣cholly for the death of his wife (whom he loved as his owne soule) that it hath al∣most distracted him; some∣time hee telleth us that hee seeth her Ghost, and that it talketh unto him; wherefore I am come purposely to in∣treat you to use your indea∣vour to draw him back into the good way, and to settle his distracted senses; other∣wise I feare that the Devill (who still presents unto him a thousand fancies and Chi∣mera's) will set him wholly, and irrecoverably beside himselfe: tomorrow I will

bring him unto you, that you may give him admonitions, and withdraw those thicke clouds of sorrow which dar∣ken his understanding: A∣midst his ravings, and idle talke, hee cryes out, that hee is robbed, and demands his Money, Plate, and other things to bee restored unto him; wee have given him some Physick to purge these melanchollie humours from him, but to small purpose; how ever, I hope that your advice, and holy admoniti∣ons, will more effectually worke upon his understand∣ing: You may bring him hi∣ther (said the Frier) I will use my best endeavours to settle his minde; this pro∣ceeds out of a drynesse of the braine, caused by his ve∣hement

and extreame griefe: Upon these words Maillard returnes, being very glad that hee had laid his nets so handsomely to catch the first Partridge: hee there∣fore returns unto his Come∣rades, and certifies them of his plot and purpose: the next morning very early, he takes one of his companions with him, being clothed in the habit of a Priest, goes unto the Exchange bridge, and there cheapeneth a silver Chalice which was worth eight pounds: The Gold∣smith doubted nothing of the deceit, supposing that his companion being like a Priest should have payed him for it; they having agreed upon the price, Ma∣illard desires him to send it

by his man along with them to the Covent of Cordeliers, and that there he should re∣ceive his money; they thence went strait to the Cordeliers, about nine of the clocke in the morning, and by the way entertained the Gold∣smiths man with so good discourse, that hee never dreamed ought of the en∣suing deceit: Being come to the gate, Maillard seeming to be well acquainted with the house, rang the Bell, and demanded to speake with such a Father; the Porter answered that hee was at Church with a Gentleman: Sir, then said he to the Gold∣smith, you may leave the Plate with the Porter, whilst we goe heare Masse, and as soone as it is done, you shall

receive your money; to the which he being willing, de∣livered it to Maillards com∣panion, who gave it to the Porter; so they went into the Vestry, where the Frier was putting on his Cope to say Masse, Maillard taking his opportunity, steps un∣to him, and tells him that that was his brother of whom hee had spoken the day before.

The Frier dreaming no∣thing of the deceit, turnes to the Goldsmith, my friend, saith hee, have a little pati∣ence till Masse be ended, and I will satisfie you.

The Goldsmith imagining that he should certainly re∣ceive money after Masse, was content to stay and take his place in the Chan∣cell;

whither Maillard and his Comerade bare him company till the time of offering: But not being willing to let goe the pre∣sent occasion, hee whisper∣ed the Goldsmith in the eare, that they would goe before to the next Taverne (which they named) to drinke a quart of wine, and there they would expect his company: content (quoth the Goldsmith) and so they parted. The Goldsmith yet doubted not of any deceit, or fraud, in their discourse, or carriage, but thought it sufficient that hee had the Friers words for his satis∣faction, and that hee had seene the Plate delivered in∣to the hands of the Porter of the Covent.

Maillard (meane while) comes with his Comerade unto the Porter, and askes for the Chalice which hee had left with him, faining that he would goe say Masse in a Chappel neer adjoyning, at the request of some de∣vout ones, as the manner is in Paris: The Porter beleeving that according to the usuall custome hee would goe say Masse, delivered him the Chalice, who immediately departed, and being out at the gate, you may conceive, they lost little time in going, for they were not troubled with the Gout.

The Frier (the mean while) who knew nothing of the deceit, having said Masse, came into the Vestrie, whi∣ther the Goldsmith follow∣ed

him pricking his ears like an Hare, and preparing his Bag and Gold-weights to receive money for his Cha∣lice, to whom the good Frier (drawing him aside) began this discourse.

My friend (saith he) is it long since your wife died, and that you have been trou∣bled with this malady? for I must know the cause and be∣ginning thereof, that I may the better apply a Remedy.

What wife (said the Gold∣smith) I am not married, this is not the matter that brought me hither: I know well (said the Frier) that you are not married, for then you would soone have forgot your former wife, and it is not likely, being you bare her so great affection,

that you would so soon seeke a new one, but it is good to know the time since she died, that I may the better ease you of your griefe.

But Sir (said the Gold∣smith) I suppose you take me for some other, I have no Wife, neither yet intend to have one; I come onely for to receive money that is due unto me: My friend, said the Frier, I knew very well you would demand money, ne∣verthelesse I doubt not but to restore you to your perfect minde: Have you beene at Confession since you percei∣ved your selfe troubled with this disease? Have you pur∣ged your conscience from the evill deeds you have done, by Confession and Re∣pentance? for sometimes

God doth afflict us for our sinnes and offences; excuse me if I search so narrowly into your affairs, it is not but for your good. Sir, reply∣ed the Goldsmith, excuse me if I must needs say one of us wants his sences, and is not in his right minde; I have nothing to do with your Tale of a Cock and a Bull, I de∣mand eight pounds which you are to pay me, or deliver my ware again, notwithstan∣ding all these crafry shifts and mockeries.

Have patience my friend (said the Frier) I will do my best to give you content, but what I say unto you is for your good, you ought not to be so Cholerick; and to tell you my minde in few words, I think it most necessary that

you first seeke remedy for your Soul, and after, that you take Physicke to cure your Body; for all these violent passions proceed from an in∣disposition and drynes of the Braine. You pay me fairely said the Goldsmith, Is this the money that you mean to give me? Good Sir, either pay me my 8^l which we a∣greed for, or else restore un∣to me my Chalice; It is not reason that you should detain my masters goods, and fobb me off with an idle discourse.

The Frier all this while not discerning any signe or token of distraction in him, began to suspect some deceit; and to this, the absence of Maillard added more cause of suspiti∣on: Of what Chalice speake you, said he, have you given

me a Chalice? I demand mo∣ney (answered the Gold∣smith) for the Chalice, for which you sent two Gentle∣men to whom you spake be∣fore Masse; the price agreed upon was 8^l wee have left it with the Porter to deliver to you; if you desire a further proofe you may speake with the Porter himselfe, or send for those that came with me, they are not farre off, for they stay for me at the next Taverne, where I promised to come unto them.

The Frier hearing this dis∣course, began to change his tune. It is true (said hee) that he which came halfe an houre agoe unto me, came also unto me yesterday, and certified me that hee had a brother much troubled in

minde, because of the losse of his Wife, whom hee so dearely loved, that he began (through griefe and melan∣cholly) to bee besides him∣selfe, often imagining that he saw her and talked to her Ghost; and that I would do a worke of Charity to use my endeavour to settle him a∣gain in his right minde: Wherefore I crave pardon for this my frivilous dis∣course, for I supposed you to bee the man of whom hee spake; but as for the Chalice of which you speak, I know nothing of it, perhaps hee took me for the Guardian of Compeigne who much resem∣bles me; you may do well to goe to him, I will goe along with you to him: Whither being come, the Guardian an∣swered

that hee knew no∣thing of the businesse, and that for his part he had gi∣ven no order to any to buy a Chalice.

The Goldsmith at this be∣gan to doubt of the deceit, and goes unto the Porter to demand his Chalice; who answers him, that it was true they delivered one unto him while they went to Masse, but the Priest who delive∣red it unto him, had taken it to go say Masse, and that questionlesse he should finde him in some Chappell neere thereabouts: Whereupon, all in a rage, hee began to threaten the Porter to sue him: but hee told him, hee could not any way hurt him, for that he had delivered it to him that gave it into his

hand: After many angry words had past betweene them, the Goldsmith was constrained to goe search a∣bout in the Taverne and Chappels neere adjoyning, to finde out either the Priest or his Companion; but hee might as well search for a needle in a bottle of Hay, for at last he returns home with∣out either Chalice or money.

Hereby may yong Novices take warning to beware how they trust to outward shews, lest they dearely pay for it in the end.

Thus Maillard came cleere off with his Cup worth eight pounds, of whom you shall yet heare related further ex∣amples of deceit; that being forewarned, you may bee ar∣med against the like dangers

to avoyd them: whereof one is as followeth:

Maillard having shared his former prey, and soone spent his part, (according to the vulgar proverb, Lightly come, lightly goe,) was againe driven to his shifts, but resolved to play at small game rather then sit out. And having learned that a Citizen of Saint Anthonies street had a Farme at a place called Tu∣ron, not very farre from Paris: he goes thither, and learnes divers particulari∣ties; as the name of the Far∣mer and his servants, &c. Now he returns to Paris, and gives notice to his Compa∣nions, of his intended plot: and having chosen his time, apparells himselfe in the ha∣bit of an husbandman, and

taking a Goad in his hand, as if hee were some brave Carter in a leatherne jacket, comes unto the Citizen, and after a clownish manner, sa∣lutes him with these words; God give you good mor∣row, sir, I thinke your Wor∣ship does not know me, it is but eight dayes since I came to live with your Farmer, Martin Clare, at Turon: but alas, sir; a shrewd misfortune hath befallen us: The Citi∣zen and his wife being much troubled with these words, began to feare that the house was burnt, or the Farmer dead, or some bad accident had happened; and hastily demands what was the mat∣ter: Sir, answered Maillard, a sad mischance happened unto us; as your Farmer and

my self were coming to Paris with a Cart laden with Corn to sell, as ill hap would, be∣cause of the bad way, my Master got up upon the Cart, but as we came to the end of the Towne, beyond Saint Martins in the suburbs, one of the wheeles brake, so that my Master falling, hath broke his leg quite asunder; this accident hath much troubled me; but making a vertue of necessity, I was forced to take one of my horses, & to carry him to the Bone-setters neere S^t. Mar∣tins Crosse, the whilest I got his sonne to looke to the Cart; and having given order to have two new wheeles made, meane while my master sent me hither to intreat your Worship that

you would bee pleased to come unto him, for he is in great danger.

The Citizen hearing this sad news rose up, shewing by his lookes that he was much grieved for this sorrowfull mischance, his wife also seemed much troubled, and would have beene content∣ed to have gone with her husband to see him; but he was unwilling, and goes himselfe along with this sup∣posed Carter, talking with him (as hee went) about his lands at the Farme, where∣in Maillard so satisfied him, that hee thought him to bee an honest and understanding fellow.

But as they came neere to S^t. Martins, and were turning into S^t. Honore street, Maillard

began to give him just in∣structions where to finde his Master, and where the Bone-setter dwelt, telling him that hee must returne to his horses, and haste to have the Wheeles fitted to his Cart; saying, that hee wanted money, as ill hap was, to pay the Wheel-wright, wherfore de∣sired him, that if he had two or three and twenty shillings about him, to let him have it, otherwise hee should come too late to the market; saying withall, that he would not make two mishaps of one, and that his Master would pay him againe. The Citizen without any difficulty deli∣vers him 20^s. saying that that was all hee had about him, and goes on his way

with all speed supposing to finde his Farmer in great danger of death, and little misdoubting of the deceit, for Maillard had named unto him his grounds, how and where they were seated, and what store of Corne they were like to yeeld that yeer, and many other particulars, which he had learned at the Farmers owne house.

Maillard returnes, and not contented with the twenty shillings hee had cheated of the Citizen, resolves to doe the like to his wife: he ther∣fore makes all possible haste to the Citizens house, where hee found the wife dressing her selfe, and saith unto her, Mistris, your husbands wor∣ship hath sent me hither, (he is now with the Bone-setter,

who gives us good hope and assurance of the recovery of my Master) hee desires your worship to send him twenty shillings to give the Chyrur∣gion in hand towards the Cure, my Master will pay you assoone as his Corne is sold.

The good woman being glad to hear that the Farmer was in good hope of recove∣ry, makes no scruple, but de∣livers him twenty shillings; so he departs the house, and goes to his companions, to whom he related his adven∣tures; but hee did not long glory in his wickednesse, for the Goldsmith, from whom he had cheated the Chalice, chanced to espie him in Saint Germains Faire, lying in wait to entrap others, and by him

was himself entrapped; and for that, and other the like cheats and robberies, hee was broken upon the wheele as hee most justly deserved; Divine Justice seldome suf∣fering any long to escape, who so unjustly lay hands on the goods of others, and lead their lives, as it were, in deffiance of his Com∣mandments, who hath said, Thou shalt not steale, but shalt love thy neighbour as selfe, and doe unto others, as thou wouldest bee done unto.

CHAP. XXI.

The multiplicity of Theeves.

THe antiquity of theeves I have already spoken of, I will now speake of the moderne, and those daily conversant among us.

The Taylor steales, de∣manding a third part of cloth more then needes to make a suit; and when hee that causeth it to be made, suspecting his honestie, would bee present at the cutting of it out, he troubles him, and so dazles his sight, with the often turning and winding the breadth and length of the piece, that he makes his senses become dull, with his long attention;

in the meane time, the Tay∣lor taking his opportunity, casts the cloth into a false pleat under the sheares, and so cuts it out as single, when the piece is double, where∣by hee makes a great gaine; besides what he extracts out of silver or gold Lace, But∣tons, Silke and the like; of which, a good part hee con∣demnes to his Hell, from whence there is no redemp∣tion.

The Weaver steales, in de∣manding more Warp then the cloth requires, weaving fifty yards in stead of fourty five, and with the abun∣dance of divers broken threds, he makes one conti∣nued, which is worth unto him the eighth part of what he robs.

The Shoemaker restores with his teeth that which he stole with his cutting knife, biting, and stretching the Spanish Leather, to the end that out of what is given him to make one paire of shoes, hee might gaine at least an upper leather unto himselfe, and if the leather be his owne, he puts therein a scurvie sole, and sowes it with rotten threed, to the end that it may weare out the sooner, and hee gaine the more from his ei∣ther simple or prodigall Cu∣stomer.

The Physician, and Chi∣rurgion steale, the one pre∣scribing, and the other ap∣plying medicines which may increase the disease, to the end, that prolonging the time

of Cure they may increase their fees.

The Apothecary robs with a Qui for a Quo, sel∣ling one Drug for another, and taking that which is best cheape, without considering what humor it should purge, or what vertue the drug hath which he applieth: by which he robs the Physitian of his reputation, and the patient of his life: and if by chance there is asked of him an oyle which he hath not, hee will not faile to give some other instead of it, that hee may not loose the credit of his shop.

The Merchant robs, in ta∣king extraordinary use, and exceeding the just price of his Commodity; and some∣times by writing downe in

his booke a debt, which hath beene already paid.

The Notarie and Clerke robs with an (&c.) a whole inheritance, for a little mo∣ney; will by false writing give away a mans life by a voluntary mistake, writing guilty for not guilty.

The Lawyer and Atturney robs, selling an hundred lies to their poore Clients, ma∣king them beleeve that their Cause is good, although they apparently see he hath no right to that he claimes: And it often comes to passe, that one Atturney agreeth with another, to sell the right of the parties, and di∣vide the gain between them∣selves.

The Judge robs men of justice, becomming passio∣nate

on the behalfe of that man, who by some present, hath beforehand corrupted him; and violently wresting the text of Bartol. and Baldus for his owne gaine.

The Grocer, and such as sell by weight, rob; by nimbly touching with the little finger, the tongue of the beame, whereby he turnes the scale which way he pleaseth, and so cheats the buyer of his weight.

The Booke-seller robs, by selling an imperfect Booke, for one perfect; by recom∣mending a Booke to his Cu∣stomer for good, which hee knowes to be dull, and lies heavie on his hand, and also by selling a Booke of an old Edition in the stead of a new.

The Vintner robs after di∣vers sorts, mingling and confounding one wine with another, besides the water which hee puts in it, and when the wine, being often baptized, hath lost his strength, hee hangs in the vessell a little bag full of Cloves, Pepper, Juniper, and other Drugs; with which hee makes it yet seeme good and right.

The Butcher robbes, blowing the pieces of flesh with a quill to make them seeme a great deale fairer, and that they may yeeld more then they are worth.

The Perfumer robs, by sophisticating the perfumes, and by multiplying the muske with the burnt liver

of a Cow, the Amber with Sope and Sand, and Civet with Butter.

The Scholer robs, stealing from Saint Augustine, and A∣quinas, &c. the best of their workes, and utters their do∣ctrine as his owne, seeming an Inventour of that hee is not.

Thus you see all rob, and every Tradesman hath his way and particular craft, for the deceitfull working of his owne ends.

CHAP. XXII.

A Facetious Relation of a Pa∣risian theefe condemned to the Gallies at Marseilles.

SIr, you may perhaps thinke that wee live dis∣orderly, without either Lawes or Discipline, but you are therein mistaken; for wee have first our Captaine or Superiour, who ordaineth and disposeth what Thefts shall bee committed, by whom and how: under his Command are all sorts of Theeves, Highway Theeves, Tirelaines, Skipjackes, Pick∣lockes, Church-robbers, Cutpurses, Nightwalkers, Boudgets, &c.

High-way Theeves rob on great Rodes, and Deserts, with great cruelty and ty∣ranny; for they seldome commit a Robbery without a murder, fearing to be dis∣covered to the Justice: The meanes and slights they use in their Exploits, are di∣vers; for sometimes, as in a Citie, they dog a man for a fortnight together, untill hee departs out of Towne, and the better to intrap him, one of the com∣panie goes disguised in the habit of a Merchant to lodge in the same Inne, with cloake-bag or packe stuffed with old cloth, gi∣ving out, that hee is a strange Merchant, and that hee is fearefull to goe on his intended journey alone;

with this his dissembling hee discourseth with the poor Merchant or Passenger, and so drawing from him cunningly what hee desires to know; as whence he is, whither hee goes, what sort of merchandise he car∣ries, or what other busi∣nesse brought him thither, and at what time hee de∣parts; thus hee gathereth by his discourse, of the rich∣nesse of his Bootie: where∣of hee gives notice to his Consorts, who attend him in some place fitting their purpose; others hide them∣selves behinde some well growne bushes, and when they perceive afarre off a Passenger comming, then they cast into the way a Purse, or a Budget, or some

such thing, to the end that when he alights and staies to take it up▪ they may lay hands on him and all hee hath: O∣thers keeping themselves a little from the high-way, faine a lamentable voyce, by which they urge the Passen∣ger to stay and see what the matter is; and whiles the Plaintiffe dissemblingly re∣lates unto him his grief, the Ambush breakes foorth and strips him to his shirt.

The Tirelaines take their names from the Theft they commit, which is to steale Cloakes in the night; and these use no other subtilty then meere occasion. They goe alwayes three and three, or foure and foure together, between nine and ten in the night; and if they finde oc∣casion

in the mid-day they will not lose it: They goe forth to steale Clokes, most commonly, in the darkest nights and most rainie; and to those by places which are not much frequented, that the cryes of those they rob may not cause their appre∣hension: They are somtimes accustomed to bee clothed like Lackeys, and to enter where there is any Maske or great Feast, faining that they seeke for their Masters; and with this liberty they finde an heape of Cloakes (which the Gentlemen, or o∣thers leave in the Hall, assu∣ring themselves that no bo∣dy would there offer to touch them) and so in the sight of many they boldly take them away.

The Skipjacks take their names from Shipboyes, who mount nimbly, by Cords, to the top of the highest Mast: Those who beare this name, rob by night, mounting light∣ly by a Ladder of Cords, at the end whereof are fastened two little nooses, or hookes of Iron, to the end that cast∣ing it to the window it may take hold and fasten, and that they may easily get in and out of the house, and car∣ry away what ever comes to their hands, and having per∣formed their exploit, they readily fasten a small Corde to the very point of the two little hookes, which being drawne, after their descent, raiseth up the hookes, so that the Ladder falleth without a∣ny trace or marke of theft.

Picklockes, are those that carry sundry kinds of Instru∣ments with which they open all sorts of doores.

Church-robbers, are those who lie lurking in some Pue when Evening Prayers are ended, and the night follow∣ing, having furnished them∣selves with what purchase they can get, at last pick open the Church-doore, or breake through one of the windows and so depart.

Cutpurses are the commo∣nest Theevs of our Common wealth, whose chiefest Art consists either in neatly cut∣ting, or nimbly, yet warily taking a Purse out of ones Pocket, without either being perceived or suspected: these (most commonly) frequent Churches, Sermons, Faires, &

other publique Assemblies, that in the middest of the throng they may the safer act their feats of activitie; they are accustomed to goe well apparelled, to the end, that if they approach any Gentleman of quality, they may have the lesse cause to suspect them: they for the most part seeke out stran∣gers, such as are the High and Low Dutch, who are ac∣customed to stand gaping and gazing with open mouth on some rarities, being trans∣ported with such wonder and amazement, that in their study and trance, their shirt might almost bee taken a∣way from them: They al∣wayes goe two to take a Purse, and as soone as hee that is appointed for the

feat, hath performed it, hee gives what he hath taken to his companion, who stands by him; so that if he bee ta∣ken, hee may more boldly deny the act, and justifie his innocencie before the world.

I will tell you the industry which I once used; the last yeere there came unto the City of Lyons, a Merchant of Italy, rich, courteous, and of good carriage, who being noted by our spies, I was commanded to undertake him. I arose early that mor∣ning, that I might not loose any occasion, and having followed him thorow divers streets and Churches, (for hee was very zealous) wee came unto an assembly of Merchants, which are accu∣stomed

to meet about ele∣ven of the Clock; I seeing him there alone approached him, and began to enter into a discourse concerning a Traffique which might prove very commodious and profitable to him; to which my discourse he attentively listened, and after much dis∣course, the company great∣ly encreasing, while my Companion seconded my discourse, and he attentively hearkened unto him, not observing me, I softly put my fingers into his pocket to search, or try, its depth and widenesse, and quickly found that it was capable of my whole hand, so that at the first adventure I got his Purse, and at the second, a Silver Watch fastened to

a small Chaine of Gold; with which I might have beene well contented, if The every had any limits, but bēing resolved to adventure the third time, to try whether I could draw from thence a dainty fine wrought Holland Handkercher (which I had seene him use but a little be∣fore) but I could not bee so dexterous in this third feate, nor my Companion so sweetly eloquent in his dis∣course, but he felt me, and hastening with his hand to his pocket could not but meet with mine; whereat be∣ing much troubled, and find∣ing his Purse and his Watch gone, he seized on my Col∣lar, and said I was a Theefe: I now foreseeing the danger which might happen to me

by my rashnesse, gave my Purse and Watch to my Comerade under my cloake as soone as I had stole them. Wherefore being assured that he could not finde about me that wherewith he char∣ged mee, I laughed at what he said, and gave him the lie a thousand times: The Mer∣chant notwithstanding, held mee fast, demanding his Purse with a loud voyce, in so much that by reason of the noise, much people were gathered about the place; but my Comerade tendring my honour and safety, and fearing the danger I was in, hastened to a Cryer, which hee found not farre off, and procured him to cry, that if any one had lost a Purse and Watch, they should come

to such an Inne, and there they should heare of them, and upon a reasonable re∣compence for the finding, and the markes told, hee would deliver them; scarce had this good Italian heard the cry, but he leaves me, in∣treating me, with great hu∣mility, to pardon his rash censuring of mee, which I did at the intreaty of those that were by, and so left them: He as swift as a Roe∣bucke hastens to the Cryer, tells him the making of his Purse and Watch, and ma∣keth it appeare that hee lost them, but hee who had cau∣sed him to make the Cry, was not to bee found: And thus I narrowly esca∣ped the danger that I ran into.

The Night-walkers, are those who take their walke about the Towne towards the beginning of evening, and finding some doore o∣pen, they softly enter, hi∣ding themselves in some ob∣scure place, till midnight, when they cast out at the windowes whatsoever they finde within the house. I once adventured to doe the like; but to my cost. It happened that on an Holy∣day, after Evening Prayer, going to seeke my fortune, it was my ill lucke to spie a doore halfe open, thorow the which putting my head, I perceived that all my body might enter; which having done, I went along a Ladder un∣to a great Chamber, very

well furnished, and being confident that I might lie safe under a bed which was therein, untill the houshold was all retired to their rests, I tooke that course: after I had layen some foure houres on the ground, I sud∣denly heard a noise of peo∣ple comming up towards the Chamber, and present∣ly by the light of a Candle, which they brought with them, I espied the feet of two or three servants, who covered a table with a great deale of care, and (as I found afterward to my cost) it was there the Ma∣ster of the house intended to sup: The Table being furnished with divers sorts of meates, foure or five persons sate them downe

thereto, (besides Children that were in the house ming∣ling their supper with divers Discourses: I was at that time so affrighted, that I ve∣rily thinke (if the noise of them and their Childrens voyces had not hindered it) they might easily have heard the shaking of my thighes one against another: by ill luck there was a little Dog in the house, which went up and downe gnawing those bones which were cast under the Table; and one of the Children casting downe a Bone, a Cat which watched at the end of the Table (be∣ing more diligent then the Dog) took it and ran with it from the Dog under the Bed; the Dog runs after the Cat, snarling at her, and endea∣vours

to take away the bone; But the Cat, by the helpe of her clawes, so well defended her selfe, that having given the Dog two or three scrat∣ches, so angred him that they made a fearefull noise, which made one of the Lackeys take up a Fire-shovell out of the Chimney, and cast it so fiercely under the Bed, that if it had hit my nose with the edge, (as it did my Breech with the handle) it had taken it away cleane: but with much adoe hee made the Cat go from under the Bed, yet did the Dog remaine behind, grumbling and barking, with such eagernesse, that neither cheering him, nor threatning could appease him; at which they who served at the Ta∣ble, being offended, began to

beat him, and cast him almost into the fire, leaving me as if I were breathing my last: The confusion that the Dog wrought being ended, there was another that began to increase in my guts, with such violence (by reason of the apprehension and feare that I was in) that being con∣strained to sneeze thrice, I could not but offend my Breeches twice. These two noises meeting, and by their conjunction augmenting, cau∣sed those at the Table to a∣rise and see what this was; so that I was taken with the present offence, and was sub∣ject to the rigour of their vengeance; no Plea that I could make being sufficient to defend mee: They stript me starke naked, and binding

my hands and my feet, began to scorch mee with their Lights, not without a great deale of laughter and scorne; and having satisfied their fu∣ry, they delivered mee into the hands of the Justice, from whom I parted signed and sealed.

The Budgets, are Theeves which runne themselves into divers inconveniencies and dangers, for they sometimes cause themselves to bee in∣closed in some Bale, Ham∣per, or Trunke, as if they were some merchandise, and to bee brought and left in some rich mans house, to be convayed to some countrey Chapman to whom they fain they would send it; to the end that in the night, every one being asleepe, hee may

with his knife or key make way out, and so rob the house; which tricke I once acted to my great disgrace; for a friend of mine faining that hee had foure Bales which hee desired to have conveyed into the countrey, inclosed mee within one of them; and having so done, convayed them to a Gold∣smiths shop to be there kept (as for a friend of the Gold∣smiths whom hee had named to him) untill the Carrier ar∣rived: The Goldsmith little mistrusting any roguery to be intentended, willingly re∣ceived them into his house, in regard that the time was not long that they were to trouble the house; but it un∣fortunately happened that in the night, when I thought

to have performed my in∣tended exploit, three or foure Apprentices who had made a match to spend an houre or two in mirth, en∣tering the shop, setled them∣selves some on one Bale and some on another; and that wherein I was inclosed, was not so free, but that I soone felt a burden, yet not so great, but that I could indifferently well beare it; but having drunke themselves merry, they at the last betooke them to their rest, which was no rest to me, for whereas they were severed before, they now made choice of that Bale wherein I was inclosed, for their bed, & theron slept so profoundly, that a man might have drawne them a

mile from their Couch and not have wakened them: At length (being almost stifled with excessive waight) I mo∣ved a little, and perceiving the immobility of that which was on me, I verely thought that they had put on me ano∣ther Bale: with which con∣ceit, and the extreame tor∣ment that I suffered, I drew my knife, and cut a hole through that wherein I was inclosed, and made a large gash in the Buttocks of him who lay upon me; whereup∣on he arose like Lightning, and cry'd out unto the neigh∣bours for help, thinking that one of his companions wold have killed him: the cry was so great, that it not onely rai∣sed divers of the neighbours, but also hastened the Officer,

who entring, found the poor fellow that was hurt, and the rest in great perplexity; he examines the man that was hurt, without taking notice of the Bale, thinking it need∣lesse to enquire in what part he had received his wound, but to know the person that gave it. The Goldsmith, considering the circumstan∣ces, began to thinke that the abundance of blood which he had lost had surely spoil'd the Stuffes; and approaching the Bale, he found it open; and putting his finger there∣in, to feele in what case the Bale was, he lighted on my Beard; I lay still, in hope that hee would not guesse what it was: but he taking a Candle in his hand, drew neere againe, and holding

downe the candle more nar∣rowly to search what was in it, the scalding liquor of the candle fell upon my face, which forced me to stirre a little; whereupon he sudden∣ly cried out, theeves, theeves, so I was instantly apprehen∣ded, and at length, after a sound whipping, condemned to serve in the Gallies for ten yeeres, and thus was I re∣warded according to my misdeeds.

CHAP. XXIII.

The gratefull theefe.

AS I studied the Laws in the University of Orle∣ance, I learned of a Scholer of Touraine this ensuing Histo∣ry, he having formerly heard

it from the mouth of him to whom the chance happened.

A young man of Poictou, named Cyran, sonne of a Merchant was sent to Tours by his father to dispatch some businesse which ap∣pertained to traffique. This young man was naturally pitifull, and from his youth inclined to give almes without distinction of per∣sons. The honour of the King of glory which may bee much advanced by workes, ought to bee en∣deavoured with judgement: for at length discretion is the touchstone of humane actions, and it is not enough to doe good, a man must doe it, and it must be done to purpose. Almes is one of the most excellent and

most acceptable actions w^ch those to whom God hath given meanes can doe, (for as the Divine Psalmist hath sung; He that hath distribu∣ted, and given to the Poore, his justice shall remaine from age to age, and his horne, (that is to say) his power shall bee exalted in glory) but it must bee performed with a judicious distributi∣on, otherwise it will bee a confused scattering, rather then a charitable disposing: And it may bee done to such, as to whom to give were no better then to put a sword into a madmans hand, or to give meanes to men to commit Riotous excesse: it is true that Vertue consists in a meane, equally distant from erronious extreames:

and as to give inconsiderate∣ly, is rather a profuse pro∣digality then a true liberali∣ty; so also to take heede of too many circumstāces when one gives an Almes, argueth rather a pinching niggard∣linesse then a good judge∣ment: And likewise, as wee must not too narrowly sifte the qualities of those per∣sons to whom we shew our Charity, so must wee not bee altogether blindefold in our gifts; And among these uncertainties, we must so frame our intentions, as not to consider onely to whom we give, but also for whose sake, even for his sake who hath promised to require the least Alms given for the love of him. There are Iliades of hard hearts

which finde fault with the greatest part of these poore creatures who beg of them. This man (say they) is strong enough to gaine his living; that is a counterfeit, this not too old, that not too young, all are in their judgements unworthy; and this is onely to have in shew a just pretence to keepe in their purse that metall (wherewith they make their Idoll) without purchasing the name of covetousnesse: There bee others which have open hands, and more for ho∣nour then for pity give, or through pity cast away in∣differently to all, without considering that it is to nou∣rish the lasinesse of a great many vagabonds, who stand

more in need of a spiritu∣all almes by a good re∣buke, then of a temporall, which they abuse in lewd and strange deboistnesse: But who can have a spirit so truly discerning, sithence there is nothing in the world more deceiving then outward appearance. For example, there runne tho∣row the streets of Townns, and thorow the Countreys, a multitude of vagabonds, who under the name of poore souldiers (that are go∣ing towards their own coun∣trey) demand almes, when oft times such are notorious theeves, who in begging seeke nothing more then fair occasions to commit foule thefts, murders, pillage, and the like; these men have

God altogether in their mouthes, and the Devill in their hearts; and yet as God did heretofore draw fire out of the mud, when Ismael re∣turned from the Captivity of Babylon, so from among these Bandetti he retires one good theefe, as you may under∣stand by that which ensueth.

Cyran passing thorow the streets of Tours (which ap∣peareth as a flower in the midst of the garden of France) meets with a poore souldier, who though but meanly apparelled, yet kept still a good countenance. This souldier demanded of him an almes, with such a kinde of disgracefull grace, that hee found himselfe in∣wardly excited to give him one; but being extraordina∣rily

moved, he put his hand into his pocket, and thinking to have taken thence once Sol, he lighted on a piece of five, which he with a good will gave him, and with words of honour and con∣solation, wisheth him a good returne into his countrey, and a better Art then that of warre, where there is ordi∣narily nothing to bee gained but knockes: The souldier after a modest and civill manner answered, Sir God give me grace and power to doe you some good service, conformable to the desire I have thereunto: you have shewed mee your bounty in my pinching necessity, which I never shall be unmindfull of, for therein you have done little lesse then saved

my life; after these words of Complement they parted. Some few dayes, after the af∣faires which hindered this Poictevin at Tours, being fini∣shed, he takes his leave, and thence returnes towards his Countrey; but as he crossed a Wood, behold there sud∣denly rushed out three Theeves, whereof the one seazed on the Bridle of his Horse, and another setting a sword to his throat, com∣maunded him to alight and to follow them into the thic∣kest of the Wood; a rude en∣tertainement, and an imperi∣ous kinde of command, yet such as must bee fulfilled; most commands presuppo∣sing a necessity of obey∣ing. When they had lead him into the most uncouth

and obscure part of the Wood, they there rifled him, and tooke from him all the Money that hee had, which amounted to the sum of one hundred Crownes, or thereabouts; and having likewise deprived him of his Cloke and best Wares, they began to deliberate whether they should kill him, or not? Let us said one of them, I know (by his language) that hee is one of this Countrey, and therefore may raise Hue and Cry after us, and so disco∣ver us: 'Tis well said (an∣swered another) if such men had killed him whom they stript in such a Forrest, they would not now have made so many wry mouthes up∣on a Gibbet at poor wearied

passengers. The third (who was the man to whom Cyran had some few dayes before given the almes of five sols:) Companions said hee, what good will his life doe us, his bloud will cry louder against us for vengeance then his voyce: we shall have a Ser∣mon, replyed one of the others, those that use the trade that we exercise, ought to stop their eares against these considerations, which are good for none but old men and children; the dead bite no more, neither doe they speake a word, the voyce of blood hath no eyes, and hee will bee well nigh rotten before a∣ny can possibly finde him in this place.

Friends (replyed the good

Theefe) I beg of you his life, for it I will willingly forsake that part of the boo∣ty due unto me: I will tell you a very good course to spare his life, and yet to provide for our own safetie; let us binde him to some tree, and so leave him un∣to Gods protection, so we shall not bee defiled with his blood. This advice was by his earnest perswasions followed, and Cyran was bound to a tree w^th the head∣stall of his horse, and his own garters, the theeves taking away his horse and furni∣ture; but the good Theefe bowing himselfe toward Cyran, (as if hee had beene busied in tying him) said soft∣ly unto him, Friend take cou∣rage, I will come this night

to unbinde thee, I have not forgot thine almes; Comfor∣table words, but proceeding from the mouth of a Theefe, therefore not greatly to bee relied upon; yet hee made a vertue of necessity, and that hee might not seeme despe∣rately ungratefull, he thanks him for a benefit not yet re∣ceived: thus he remaines fast bound all the rest of that day, trusting in the mercy and providence of God, and expecting the uncertaine e∣vent of the Purse-takers most certaine promise: but at night he entred into the horrour of death, when in the duskenesse of the eve∣ning hee heard the yeelling and howling of the Wolves which were in that Forrest; two of them were so bold as

to approach him, but having for a time viewed him, and being somewhat distrustfull of their strength they pre∣sently retired, but it was not long before they returned with greater forces. This beast is not onely cruell, but also so subtile and cau∣telous, that even when men make curious invented Gins to catch them, yet can they very seldome take, or en∣trap any of them: This beast feares the stock of a Peece, hee shunneth snares, hee lookes about him, hee hearkens, considers, and nar∣rowly observes the least mo∣tions, all which is marvellous to be found in a beast that hath not reason. Poor Cyran thinking himselfe to have now seen the last of his daies,

heartily recommended him∣selfe to God, as a man that was at the point of yeelding up his Ghost; for they had long since sented him, and now at length began to assaile him in troopes, en∣deavouring to make of him a Supper for themselves: but suddenly, with most fear∣full yeelling, they sound a retreat, wherwith the whole Wood resounded; and the Ecchoes multiplying, made Cyran thinke that there were a whole Legion of Wolves which came to devoure him: They had now perceived the approch of him whose com∣ming poore Cyran had long expected; surely if his suc∣cours had been delayed but a very little longer, his comming had been too late;

and it is likely hee should have found poore Cyran dis∣membred by the Wolves. But God, who sendeth aide in tribulation, and whose assi∣stance comes alwayes oppor∣tunely, sent him at an instant (when his long expectation was turned almost into de∣spaire) to deliver Cyran not only from the feare of death, but also from the death of feare; for already had ter∣rour seazed on his heart, and he thought there was no way but inevitable and pre∣sent death: but behold now the extreamity of one passion turned into another; Griefe and Despaire turned into Confidence and Joy, Cyran no sooner saw him, but he became confident of his de∣livery; hee had na sooner

conceived this latter hope, but hee enjoyed his long desired liberty by this good Theefe his willingly unty∣ing those knots which hee had before so unwillingly knit. I leave it to you to judge, with what excessive words he testified his thank∣fulnesse to the good Theefe, who had in one day given him his life twice; first from retyring him from the throat of those roaring lions the other Theeves, and secondly from the ravening Wolves, who are Theeves living up∣on prey. Cyran was desi∣rous to make him some part of requitall for this great benefit; and the better to expresse his desire, hee offers the Souldier to use him as his brother, if hee would

but reside with him, and forsake that miserable kinde of life, which could not but leade him to a very shame∣full end, and would give him so much of his estate as hee should have just cause to bee contented therewith. To leave this course of Robbing (replyed the Souldier) is my full resolution, I have long since inwardly concei∣ved such an earnest hatred thereof, that it continually seemes an hell unto me: My intent is to become religi∣ously penitent for those ma∣ny mischiefes which I have wrought in following this accursed mistery: I never in all my life killed any man, but have beene present at divers murthers, I began to Rob, being prest thereunto

by necessity; but continued in it through a kinde of wic∣ked pleasure that there is in taking, although it served but to feed our unlimitted deboistnesse: now finding no sure place of retreat in France, where I am alway in danger of the Law, I am resolved to passe into Italie, and having visited Loretto and Rome, to cast my selfe in∣to some religious house; and if I cannot bee there admit∣ted, to retire my selfe into some Hermitage. I humbly intreat you to pray unto God for mee that hee may continue in me his inspirati∣on, and give me grace to exe∣cute this good designe. This poore Theefe thinking that the curtesie already done unto Cyran, had not extended

unto a full requitall for his former Charity, laboured to perswade him to accept of his part of the hundred Crownes which was taken from him; freely offering unto him a hundred Franks. But Cyran not onely refused it, but freely forgiving him, protested that if hee would take the paines to accompa∣ny him to the next Towne, he would inlarge his bounty towards him.

The penitent Souldier (for I make it a matter of Consci∣ence to call him Theefe after so godly a change) either mistrusting a subtilty in the Offer, or being fully sa∣tisfied for what he had done, (refusing it) heartily thank∣ed him, and after their mu∣tuall imbracements having

made a mixture of their teares: Cyran took one way, and the Souldier the other, whom hee never saw after. But the two others he saw a∣bout two moneths after, be∣ing discovered by the Cloke and horse of Cyran, and being accused of other Robberies, fell into the hands of the Provost Marshall, who justly gave them a quick dispatch, they being fastened to the Bough of an accursed tree, commonly called a Gibbet, where they never descended but by the pendant.

The good successe of Alms shines with such lustre in this Relation, that if there were no other motive to exercise liberality towards the nee∣dy, then that centuple which is in the Scripture promised

in this life, it were sufficient to draw it from the hands of Covetousnes it selfe, sithence there is no usury so excessive as to take a hundred for one: to which, if you adde the in∣finite worth of eternall life, who will be so hide bound as not to give with a free will that NOTHING, or flitting toy of things transitory, to attaine unto that great ALL, and that one necessary thing, most blessed ETERNITY.

FINIS.