The rogue: or The life of Guzman de Alfarache. VVritten in Spanish by Matheo Aleman, seruant to his Catholike Maiestie, and borne in Seuill

CHAP. II.

Guzman de Alfarache goes from Sarago•…•…a, and comes to Madrid; where he turnes Merchant, and is married. He breakes his credit, and turnes bankrupt. He treats of womens subtill trickes. And of the inconuenience of counter-writings; and of their remedy.

AS soone as I came home, I got me to the well, and seigning that I would refresh my selfe there a while, (because I would not haue my seruant acquainted with this disgrace∣full accident) I wil•…•…'d him to draw me vp two buckets of water. Which when hee had done; with the one, I washt my hands, and with the other my mouth, hauing almost rubbed off the skinne from either, and yet did not rest con∣tented and fully satisfied of my selfe, I had taken such a villanous conceit of this filthy odour, or rather ordure. I could not fall asleepe for my life, nor settle my selfe to rest all that night, for thinking on that truth which the wench had told me, that I should neuer while I liu'd meete with a quicker or a nimbler hand. See now whether she ly'd or no? I am sure I shall neuer forget her words,

so good cause haue I to remember them, for that which fell out afterwards. The Gracian Helen (I assure you) nor the Romane Lucretia, cannot be more, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 remembred by others, then shee by me. And yet, when I was thinking on her, the others conuersation would seeke to put that out of my head, one seeking to thrust out the other, so that I was as it were distracted betweene them both. I would haue had them (like nayles) to haue driuen out one another, that I might haue heard no more newes of them. And when I began to shut the doore of my remembrance to these, this same scuruy copped pibble stone came flying in at a by-window, the very conceit whereof, began a-fresh to turne my sto∣macke. What a bad night must we needs make of this, hauing to doe with so many? For if q 1.1 Duero, did compasse me in on the one side; Pen̄atajada, did girt me in on the other. But when my hat was come to its colour, & that I had con∣sidered a little better on the businesse, I said with my selfe; If this poore tricke (not for any great hurt that it did doe me, but only for that it was a tricke put vpon me) I can thus hardly digest, and that it makes my stomacke to rise, as oft as I thinke vpon it; how will my kinde kindred in Genoa, digest those gudge∣ons, that they swallowed? how brooke that famous iest, which sticks so close to their ribs? If such a r 1.2 toy as this, a meere trifle, not worth the talking of, moue * 1.3 my patience so much, how would it haue wrought vpon me, had it beene a matter of momēt? Thus did I passe away the night, thinking one while on 〈◊〉〈◊〉, another on that; what I should do with my selfe the next day, how bestow my time, what cloathes I should weare? or whether I were best to put on my great chaine, which I kept in store for high Holy-dayes, and great Feasts? •…•…hat part of the Towne I should quarter out? what words I should speake, to moue her affection? or what present I should send her, to oblige her vnto me? Then throwing all these things out of my minde, as if they had neuer beene in my thought, I should runne by and by backe againe (like a giddy-headed Spaniel) beating and questing vpon the old haunt, saying to my selfe: If it should be my good hap, to meet with this young crafty harlotry to morrow, what shall I doe vnto her? Shall I lay hands on her? No: Shall I take that from her, which shee filcht out of my pocket? Neither: What shall I do then? Shall I craue her bet∣ter acquaintance, and desire her friendship? Least of all. Embracing therefore none of these, I aduised with my selfe, and said; Why should I trouble my selfe to seeke after her? To what end? I know the goodnes of her hand already, and how quicke & nimble her fingers be, be it for Virginall, Harpe, or any thing else that you will put them to. Let her go; God be her good speed; and much good may it doe her with them, s 1.4 Allase lo aya Marta consus pollos: I could wish they * 1.5 had beene more for her sake. Well may shee thriue with them. For if shee had not stood in need of them, and beene in want, I assure my selfe, shee would neuer haue put her-selfe to so much danger. I began to looke a litle better into my selfe, and when I had well considered what I was, and knew mine owne condition, and the courses that I had run, I whispered my selfe in the eare, and said; What complaints will not the butcherly Wolfe frame against the poore silly Lambe, accusing him of troubling the water when he ca•…•…e to drinke, that he might pick a hole in his coat? A lusty strong M•…•…le can hardly carry the gold, the siluer, the pearle, the pretious stones, and the iewels, which I had parloynd, and come cleare away with them out of Italy, and yet sticke not to finde fault with this poore soule, for a thing of nothing, that shee tooke from me, being perhaps vrged thereunto out of meere necessitie. O the miserable condition of men! how apt, and how easie are we to complain•…•…? O how much a doe, doe we make about a little! How take on, as though we were vndone! What a little losse, and what a deale of lamentation? O the immense and infinite goodnes of God! How much do we offend thy diuine Maiestie? How little reckoning do we make of it? and yet how easily dost thou forgiue vs our offences? What vas∣salage, and base subsection is that, which men doe y•…•…eld to their owne passions?

And because the best of things, is the curbing of them, and to make vse of them in their time and place; I know very well, and am able from thence to reade this lecture both to my selfe and others; That we ought to haue as much compassion of those that offend, as we haue cause to enuie those that forgiue. For mine owne part, I will follow this lesson: Let her make her∣selfe merry therefore with the money shee got from me; for I forgiue her with all my heart.

Now whilest I was thus discoursing with my selfe, the day began to breake. The light, by little and little, had crept in through some chinkes of the win∣dowes, when together with it, a little sleepe likewise came creeping vpon my selfe, being willing to haue my senses clogg'd with those soft-lined fetters, in which I lay fast till nine of the clocke, and slept so soundly, that I could not say; This mouth is mine. Nor was I so glad that I had slept so well, as that I found my selfe thereby the better disposed to watch the night following, without be∣ing bound to pay that debt to nature, when my game was at the fairest, if for∣tune should chance to fauour me so much, as to offer me a faire occasion, to finish what I had begun. I rose vp well satisfied, wishing the houre were come, wherein I might goe to that desired place. I made me ready, and went to Masse, and visited the Image of our Lady of * 1.6 Pilar, which is one of the greatest deuo∣tions, that is in Christendome. I spent that day in walking vp and downe; I saw my Widow, who came to the window, to wash her hands. I could haue wisht, that those drops of water, which fell from her snowie fingers, would haue trickled downe vpon my heart, to see if they would haue beene able to quench the fire, that flamed in my breast. I had not the face to speake a word to her: No not so much as, God saue you.

I stood leaning against the corner of a wall, putting my selfe in a good hand∣some posture, looking on her with a wanton eye, a cheerefull looke, and a smi∣ling countenance. And shee likewise smilde, and talking with her seruants, who attended there on her, after shee had washt, they carryed away the towell, the bason, and the ewer, which when they had set them aside, they put their heads out at the window, and lookt vpon me. I hauing receiued this fauour, thought I had now brought my businesse to an end. I stretcht out my legs, and my brest, * 1.7 and lifting vp my head, and bearing vp my necke somewhat stiffe, I made two or three short turnes, throwing one corner of my cloake ouer my shoulder, set∣ting my hat on t'one side, laying my left hand on my sword, and resting the right on my side, treading my steps in state, and turning my rolling eyes vpon her, I walk't ley surely before her window, my eye being neuer off on her. Whereat they laugh't a good; and I rested well contented. They made them∣selues merry, and I was very well pleased. I assumed so much libertie to my selfe, and behaued my selfe so boldly, as if I had already obtained what I desi∣red; and as though the doores and windowes of the house had of purpose been set open for me to enter in. And all the while I was vsing this Courtship, and performing this my Loue-exercise, she stood me still, and did not once offer to wagge from the window.

Many Gentlemen past that way, well clad, young, able, and handsome: yet in my iudgement, none of them like to me, neyther in apparell nor person. In euery one of them I could haue found one fault or other; but in me, there was nothing to be excepted against. One came short in the handsome shape and fea∣ture of his foot; another wanted a well made legge, the calfe was too little, or the small too big; some were too tall, and other-some too lowe; some too fat, and others too leane: This, went a little limping; that, awry. All had one ble∣mish or other; I only, was compleat; I was I perse I; I was like a Rule, without exception. All in me, was in true Mood and Figure; In a full and perfect sym∣metry, hauing a iust and euen proportion of euery particular part, in respect of the whole frame. And being of best both grace and fauor in my person, I

was graced and fauoured more by her, then all the rest: for shee did not shew them the like countenance, as she did mee.

Night drew on, she left the window, but before she with-drew herselfe, she turned her eyes towards me, and so went in. I hyed me home to my lodging, being rich in hopes, and musing vpon that which in this case was fittest to be done: Mine Hoste came to me to keepe me company; but because I tooke no content in any thing but my contemplations, I intreated him to hold me excu∣sed, for that I had businesse to goe abroad. I supt, and taking my sword with me, I went out of doores in pursuit of my businesse: you shall see how euill is * 1.8 mans inclination: For notwithstanding that I had made, (as you haue heard) that discourse with my selfe, in fauour of that woman, which had cozened mee of a few Royals, and had put on a resolution to let it passe, and neuer to thinke more of it; yet my thoughts were much troubled therewith, and like so many Bryez or horse-flyes, did make me kick and stampe against my former determi∣nation, and would not let me be in quiet, but that I must needs goe and seeke her out. Whereupon, I gaue that night a hundred turnes about the very selfe same street, hauing a conceit with my selfe, that it would be my good hap to light once more luckily vpon her in the same manner as before. But not know∣ing well why, for what cause, or to what end I did it, but walked idly there vp and downe, till the houre was come. I had waited long, and when I saw to what little purpose, I thought to make homewards towards my lodging: and as I entred into the Cosso, by a crosse-way, right ouer-against my Mistresses house, I might discerne a pretty wayes off, two seuerall companies, one on t'one side of the street, and t'other on the other. Thereupon, I returned a little backe, and stepping into a porch, I beganne to thinke with my selfe; I am a stranger, this Gentle-woman of good ranke and quality, well descended, and rich withall. There is generall notice taken of her worth and meanes. This flesh u 1.9 need not to haue beene hung vp vpon the hookes for want of a Cat. No man will say that this was not a woman worth the looking after, but rather that there was a great deale of reason, that she should be wooed & sued vnto, and to be serued and ob∣serued by those that had the happinesse to see her. These (said I to my selfe) doe not wait here to giue or receiue an almes: I know not who they are, nor what they pretend; whether they be friends & all of one companie, or whether any one of them be interessed here; if by misfortune I should come amongst them, and that they should hedge me in in the midst of them, and make a ring about me, the would not onely muffle me with their cloakes, but make me as full of holes as a Sieue, a•…•… pricke mee in the body with their Rapiers points, as Bulls are stucke with darts, when they are bayted in the market-place, and perchance leaue me for dead. This Country is dangerous, the men bold and insolent; their weapons of aduantage, they many, and I a poore single man. And there∣fore (Guzman) x 1.10 looke to thy selfe. And if they be enemies, and haue a mind * 1.11 to goe together by the eares, it is not I that can part them, I shall neuer be able to make them friends, but indanger my selfe, and doe no good. Goe the world which way it will, fall backe, or fall edge, the best course for me, is to get mee home to my lodging, I am sure that is the safest way. And fitter it were for me to goe to mine Inne, and looke to my trunkes, and to get me out of Towne as soone as I can. For I neither know any, nor am knowne by any. Besides à qui∣en se muda, y 1.12 dios le ayuda. God helpes those that alter their euill condition. I * 1.13 betooke me to my heeles, and came in a trice to my lodging. Assoone I came in, I presently got me to bed, where I rested, with much more sleepe, and a great deale lesse paine, then the night before. For indeed, there is not any thing that doth sooner thrust these loue toyes out of our heads, then to see such kind of visions. Whereupon I resolued the next day to leaue the Citie, and so I did; * 1.14 By little and little I drew towards Madrid; And when I come to Alcala d•…•… Henares, I abode there eight daies, for that it seemed vnto me, one of the finest

and pleasantest places of any other that I had seene, since my comming out of Italy: and if the loue of the Court, had not clapt wings to my feet, I am verily perswaded, that I should haue continued there still, that I might haue inioyed that fresh and delicate Riuer, their plentifull prouision, their rare and singular wits, and many other good intertainments. But because Madrid was patria * 1.15 communis, the common mother to vs all, and a large field, wherein euery man * 1.16 might range at pleasure, I thought it no discretion, to forgoe the Sea, for a Riuer. And for lesser things, to neglect the greater. In fine, euery man may there follow that which hee hath most mind to. There no man knowes one another; no not so much as those that liue within the same doores, and lodge in the same house. This drew me thither, and thither I came. The face of the Court, as also of the towne, was quite changed, since I left it. There was no Grocer there to be heard of, no memory now, that there was euer any such * 1.17 man. I found the fields peopled with houses, children become men, young folkes growne ancient, the ancient old, and the old dead. The high wayes turned into streets, and the streets altered in their bredth and building; fin∣ding euery thing in good order, and farre better then when I left it. I lighted on a lodging, that liked me exceeding well; and so well, that I staid full eight * 1.18 dayes within doores, without putting so much as my foot ouer the threshold, being onely tide thus fast by the legge, by the good company and sweet con∣uersation of mine Hostesse. Who, besides her handsomnesse, had a good fa∣shion of behauiour, and a pleasing kind of entertainment. She was discreet in her cariage, and at boord knew very well how to demeane her selfe. Those few dayes that I staid there, shee made me very good cheere, and did with all possible punctuality, seeke to please and obserue mee, fitting my humour to a hayre.

While I continued there, I went casting vp of my accompts, plotting and deuising with my selfe, what course of life I should runne, how, and vpon what I should liue, and in conclusion Vanity weighed downe the scales. And first * 1.19 of all I beganne my businesse with gallantry and brauery; being euery day more fine then other. I made me two different sutes of cloathes, with long silke stockings, of the best Naple silke, neate ones they were, and strongly sow'd to my payn'd hose: And I tooke another sute out of my trunke for change; thinking with my selfe, that being thus well clad, and getting me a good horse, and taking two seruants to attend me, by shewing my selfe abroad in this good equipage, I might the easier vent my merchandize, and meete with those, that would buy these my iewels of mee. I put this in execution, and beganne to braue it, and to spend liberally. My Hostesse was not short, either handed, or * 1.20 witted, but a gentle courteous dame: she sought in all things to please my a 1.21 pa∣late. She had found out the beating of my pulse, and need not to be taught how to apply her selfe to my malady. It hapned, that amongst many of those her she∣friends that did often come and visite me, one of them brought along with her in her company a yong wench, well fauored, well behau'd, hauing a face like an Angel; and though she were in extreame both faire & beautifull, yet was she far more wily and subtile; it was a notable crafty carrion. To this wench, did I make loue; she shewes her selfe coy and disdainfull; gifts b 1.22 molifie rockes, and * 1.23 breake the hardest stones in sunder. The more I did regalar her, and the more courtesies I bestowed vpon her, the more kind she grew; of a Haggard, she be∣came a gentle Hawke; and though somewhat wilde and strange at first, yet now was shee taught to come to fist; I could play with her beake, cast her, * 1.24 and giue her stones, so that now she was manag'd, as I would haue her. I con∣tinued this friendship with her for some few dayes, in all which time, (as if she had beene some gutter to receiue all the raine that fals; or some Chimist, or Al∣chimist, to melt a mans money, and to extract quintessences) there was not that day that past ouer her head, wherein she did not begge or craue something of

me; peeling, and polling me, as much, as possibly she could; carrying her selfe therein so •…•…ily, & so cunningly, as if she had bin a woman of much riper year's, and well beaten to these kind of businesses; neuer a Courtizan of them all, could go beyond her. But she was the better Verste (I doubt not) in these things, in that she had so good a tutor of her Mother. Once (amongst the rest) I remember she intreated me, that I would buy her a gowne of crimson damaske, which a Broaker had to sell at the Puerta c 1.25 del sol, trimmed with gold lace, and richly em∣broidered, the price no lesse then 1000 Royals. This seeming in her an excessiue kind of liberty, that she had assumed to herselfe, to dispose of my moneys at her pleasure, (for albeit, I was not a little taken with her loue, and though I saw her crauing nature, yet I had not dealt so ill with her, but that I had bestowed on her aboue 100. Crowns one way or other, and that if I should suffer her still to d 1.26 vntap my vessell, she would sackme so dry at last, that she would not leaue one drop in al the hogshead) I would not giue it her, but grew somewhat angry with her; she sets light by it, was offended with my denyal, took it to hart, & thought hardly of me, and that I had vs'd her vnkindly. I would take no notice of it. The * 1.27 mother & the daughter, were both displeased with me. I said nothing, but lookt on, to see, what would become of this businesse. They came not at me, nor did I send to them. They entred into counsell with mine Hostesse. The Wolfe & the Foxe, had both laid their heads together, how they might intrap the poore harmelesse Sheepe; and all three did combine them-selues against me. Now here see their roguery, and what a villanous plot they had laid for me. When I was set downe to my meat, when I was iust in the midst of my dinner, not dreaming of any ill, that was intended towards mee, I might perceiue an Al∣guazil * 1.28 de Corte, make towards my lodging. Who, when hee came within hea∣ring, speakes out aloud, Body of me; Aqui morira Sanson, y qua•…•…tos, con el son; Here shall e 1.29 Samson die the death, and as many as be here with him. My end (said I to my selfe) is now at hand. I thrust the table from mee, and rose vp much troubled. Then said the Alguazil vnto me; Pacifie your selfe Sir, and rest you quiet, we come not to apprehend you for a thiefe. It cannot bee for any other thing (thought I with my selfe;) for he had nam'd the word thiefe before, and I did verily beleeue that he spake in a frumping and scoffing kind of manner; and that for this cause he was come thither to arrest me. That word * 1.30 strucke my heart so dead, that I was not able to speake a ready word, much lesse to saue my selfe by flight, but stood as still as a stocke. The Catch-poles had made good the doore, the window was of the least, & too high from the street, from whence I could not get downe so easily, but that they would take hold on me, ere I came to the ground; or if I escapt their hands, it was a thousand pound to a penny, I should breake my necke in the fall. At the last, for all my spirits were thus troubled within me, I did (as well as I could) aske him, what was his will with me? He (hauing much adoe to forbeare laughing, and hauing no share of the care that I was in) putting his hand into his bosome, pul'd out a Warrant, by vertue whereof the Alcaldes had commanded him to apprehend me vpon the breach of that law of theirs, de f 1.31 viciatione virginum, of cracking of maiden-heads, and the deflowring of a virgin. The deuill take thee for a wic∣ked woman as thou art, and me for an arrant villaine, (said I) if I know what thou wouldst haue, or what thou dost meane by this: And let mee neuer liue, if she doe not lie like a hundred thousand diuels. I sware vnto him, that it was a most sinfull and abhominable vntruth, and a testimony as full of falshood, as God is true. The Alguazil smiling vpon me, said, I beleeue you Sir, but told me withall, that he might not exceed his Commission, nor was it in his power to release me. And therefore wisht me to put on my cloake, and to goe along with him to prison. |Now I was in the bryers; I knew not how to winde my selfe out of them; my finall ruine was before my face; I had trunkes; what ones they were, you your selues can imagine; my seruants not knowne, I lay

in a lodging where they had made a g 1.32 bed for me, or rather a trap to catch me. I did feare this was but the Prologue to the Tragedy, that would come after, making this but a colour for the better cozening me of all that I had. If I left my trunkes there, they would haue beene as safe in the street; and if I should remoue them thence, I knew not whither to carry them; And to goe to prison is like vnto those, who goe to play in a Tauerne, that is seated on the top of some cold mountain; who begin in Cards, & end in drunkennes, falling asleepe with the pot between their hands. Thinking with my selfe, that though I went thither for a trifle, I could not tell, whether these mole hils would bee made mountaines; and small occasions breed mighty inconueniences. So that I was at a stand with my selfe, and knew not which way to take. I tooke the Alguazil * 1.33 aside, and intreated him, as he did honor one onely God, that he would not be the instrument of my vndoing. I told him, that wealth that I had, was like to run great hazard of being vtterly lost, and that he would be pleased to deuise some meanes, that they might not doe me so great a wrong; for that I assured my selfe they had a purpose to rob me, and they were minded to make a spoyle and a prey of me, and that this was onely their intent, and nothing else.

He was an honest man (which was no small good fortune, considering his calling) discreet, and courteous, he knew my innocency, as one that was well acquainted with the contrary parties course of life; and I promised to bee so thankfull vnto him for this his kindnesse, that he should haue no cause to com∣plaine, or repent him of the fauour he should afford me in this case. Hee told me, that I should not need to trouble my selfe any farther in the businesse, for I should find him ready to serue me in all that he was able. He left his seruants * 1.34 there to looke vnto me, and went to seeke out the aduerse party, that brought him thither, who was in my Hostesses chamber. He went to and fro be∣tweene vs, with offer of such and such conditions, to accommodate the busi∣nesse; and in the end, he threatned them, that if they would not come to agree∣ment, and make some reasonable end, he would sweare the truth in my fauour, and discouer their cheatings, and their rogueries, if they would not rest con∣tended with that which was fitting.

They, when they saw how ill their cause was like to goe with them, were * 1.35 willing in the end to put it wholly into his hands, and so this quarrell was en∣ded between vs, for two thousand Royals. For he hauing put the mother to her oath, she swore, that I had promised to pay for the gowne, and double the value of it in money, and that if this would not content her, she should haue more. But she I know rested well contented, and was glad with all her heart, that she went thus away with these two thousand Royals, because she knew they were not due vnto her. Well, I paid downe the money on the nayle, and wee went to the Registers office, and there had the bill dasht: So that the sute was now at an end. It cost me in the whole, a matter of two hundred Ducats; & within halfe an houre after all was dispatcht, it was darke night. But I would not stay a mi∣nute * 1.36 longer in that lodging, nor would not so much as haue set my foot within the doores of that wicked house, had it not beene to haue away my trunkes, and such other things as I had there. Which done, I presently parted thence, and went to seeke out another. I was not curious, but tooke the first that came to hand, till I could fit my selfe better, and meet with some quarter part of a handsome and honest house, with persons in it of some worth and credit. I bought me some moueables and such houshold-st•…•…ffe, as was necessary for my selfe, and my seruants, and prouided me pots and pans for the kitchen. Whilest I was making this prouision, it was my hap one morning to meet with the same Alguazil in the h 1.37 Descalças, and after wee had both heard Masse, at the said Monastery, we talkt together, and I sware vnto him by the blessed Sacra∣ment, that was there vpon the Altar, that I had neuer made any such promise to that woman; he told me, Sir, not onely in those things which I know, but

in those, which I know not, you might haue spared this oath with mee, much lesse was there need of it in a thing of this nature; for this is well knowne, to be a packt peece of knauery, and a plot laid of purpose to picke your purse. I know this young baggage; who besides this, which she hath now put vpon you, hath exhibited two other seuerall bils in the Court in this kind. The first, before the Vicar of this towne, against a poore i 1.38 Subdeacon, who came hither about a certaine businesse; he was the sonne of honest and rich parents, who for quietnesse sake, was content (good man) to haue his cloathes torne from his backe by them, and being stript of all that he had, went away (as they say) in his shirt, they leauing him as poore as Iob. Afterwards they commenced the like sute here in this towne, making a grieuous complaint against a Teniente, who was a Catalunian, and exceeding rich: They firkt him too, and fleeced him as well as they could; but this man hath deeply sworne, that hee will bee fully reuenged on her. And now hath she complained on your selfe to the Al∣caldes; And had it not beene, that I held it the lesser inconuenience to pay them that money, then to yeeld your selfe a prisoner, leauing your goods (as they say) at sixe and seauen, I assure you I would not haue giuen way vnto it, but haue executed my office. But of two euils, the least is to bee chosen. For albeit you would out of doubt haue beene freed in the end, yet would you not * 1.39 haue procur'd your liberty in haste; for much time must first haue beene spent in the proofes, and then in the replies to those proofes; vvhereas this vvay, though you were at an vniust charge, yet haue you by this meanes, auoided the prison, your shackles, your Visits, your Atturneys, your Proctors, & your Re∣gisters, bringing in this relation, and returning that relation, this information, and that information, al which is but vexation of spirit, & prolongation of time, trouble, charge, and discontent. The bargaine was driuen cheaper this way, and with a great deale lesse distaste. I vow this vnto you, as I am a Gentle∣man, and an honest man, that in all the time that I haue serued his Maiesty with this Uare in my hand, which is now going vpon the three and twentieth yeare, that of all the cases that I haue seene in this kind, I haue not knowne aboue three in three hundred, that haue beene iustly prosecuted in Court: For he that feeds vpon that dish, (vnlesse hee haue very ill lucke) seldome or neuer payes for it. But when such things come in question, the accuser hath commonly the better of the accused; the plaintiffe will bee sure to fare well, how ere it goe with the defendant; he hath that he lookes for, he cares for no more; for it is in this, as at Best k 1.40 be trusted, amongst Costermongers, the first speaker scapes scot-free. And these kinde of people will neuer giue ouer this tricke, till they haue lighted vpon one vnluckie bird or other, whom they may rob both of his credit, and his money, or get them such a husband as may supply their wants, and necessities. It is like vnto some botch or kernell, which first begins in the finger, but afterwards break s•…•…out in the arme-pit: And the cause of it is, because the delinquent either sodainly flies vpon the ac∣cusation, or is so poore a fellow, that he is not worth the looking after.

These young queanes, either walke the streets, to see if they can meet with a good chapman, or drop into some friends house, or keepe at home at their fathers or their mothers house: this, or that other young man, enters within doores, comes into the kitchen, where hee hath opportunity to speake vnto her, and she to answer him: They are all alone, the doores shut, time enough, will they want not, occasion is offered, and the bargaine driuen. But this is practised for the most part amongst the poorer sort; and the party hath no soo∣ner the sent of those rashers of Bacon, that are m•…•…king ready for him, but hee presently gets him out of the house, and comes there no more. Now, when their parents come to know it, that they may not lose the fruit of their labours, they giue her an admonition, or gentle reprehension. And afterwards they them-selues stand sentinell, and haue a nearer eye to the businesse, and so order

the matter for her, that shee may fall into such a mans hands, of whom they may * 1.41 make profit of this their merchandize. Whence, it oftentimes comes to passe, that he that is least in fault, l 1.42 smarts most. Then said I vnto him, I pray Sir tell me, if these things neuer happen, but in secret, and vnseene, none knowing thereof but them-selues, who dare to sweare, or can truly take his oath, vnlesse shee shreeke and cry out, whereby it may appeare, that he did offer her force and violence, or that the people came in and found them busseling together, or in the act it selfe? He told me, such an oath is not necessarie, nor in such cases doe they put the witnesse to proue, that he saw them together in that actuall man∣ner, for this were an impossibilitie, the businesse being carryed in that secrecy, as you propound it. It will serue turne, that he, or they, depose, that they were seene to talke together, or to haue beene in priuate together, or that hee was seene to kisse her, or to embrace her in his armes, or that he was in some cham∣ber with her, the doore shut vpon them, or that they had seene some such passa∣ges, by which it might well be presumed, that such a thing was either done, or in doing. For what with these circumstances, and her owne asseueration, stan∣ding stifly vnto it, that he had rauisht her, and forced her against her will, it be∣ing found vpon inspection, by a Iurie of women, that her mayden-head is crackt, and that shee is no more a Virgin, this shall be a strong and sufficient proofe against him. I my selfe (said the Alguazil) saw in this Court, a very ri∣gorous course taken in this kinde, and one of the strangest Cases, that I beleeue you haue scarce euer heard of the like heretofore.

There was once abiding in this Towne a very handsome and beautifull Gentle-woman, a stranger in this place, who came hither (being baited out of her owne Country) for no other end, then to seekè out some meanes to liue. Shee profest her-selfe to be a maid, and in that habit shee went a while vp and downe the Towne. A certaine Prince in this Court had a great minde vnto her; he pretends, and procures her loue; he giues her a ticket vnder his owne hand for to pay her eight hundred Ducats, in which writing, shee would haue it set downe, that there should be a respect had vnto her honour; specifying therein, that he bestow'd the same vpon her by way of dowry for her aduancement in mariage. The Prince did not pay this money at the day, shee put his bond in sute, he answers not vnto it, shee gets out an execution against him, and reco∣uers the money.

About some foure yeeres after (being fauoured by a certaine great person) shee prouided the like pickle for another, that was a stranger, who hauing had some dealings with her, shee picks a quarrell with him, and makes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 grieuous complaint against him. And howbeit the defendant alledged against her the originall writing, and the payment of the principall, together with the interest, yet they condemn'd him, and made him to giue her full satisfaction, so that the poore Gentle-man was forced to pay her soundly for her cut Melon, it was ar∣gued to and fro, that shee was, and was not a maid; but not to dispute, whether shee were or no: Sure I am, that shee recouered twice or thrice in Court, that which shee neuer sold; and in this manner did shee goe away with the bucklers. And therefore (Sir) you haue not beene ill serued in this businesse, but haue well woond your selfe out of the bryars. For in good faith (Sir) the witnesses did threaten you sore, were violently bent against you, and spake very bloody words (though the wench was not so.) And so we tooke leaue one of another, he going his way, and I mine. I did much wonder to heare such businesses to be so carryed. Insomuch, that discoursing thereof with my selfe, I began by de∣grees to fall into consideration of the sacred Councell of Trent, which so holily, so iustly, and so lawfully had made prouision for clandestin•…•… mariages; and by which there was a remedie found out for so many inconueniences, stopping so many gaps, and rearing vp so many walls, to keepe them out, and hinder their entrance. And I did likewise weigh with my selfe, that if the secular power,

would (as in iustice they ought) doe as much in these dayes in such cases, (as mine was) I verily perswade my selfe, that there would not be the fifth, nay not the tenth part of those lewd and naughty women, as are now (the more is the pitie) euery where abroad in the world, liuing to their owne, and others vndo∣ing. For really, and truly, there is no such thing as this force, which they so much inforce (that we may speake it vnder benedicite) but that which they call force, is rather an accord and consent of both parties. Nor is it possible, that one man alone should force a woman, if shee of her owne will, or with a kinde of vnwil∣ling willingnesse, graunt him not that which he desireth of her. And if she giue way, and rest contented with it, why doth shee question and trouble him for it? And here I shall take occasion, to tell you a true Storie, which hapned in a certaine place within the Signorie, or Iurisdiction of Andaluzia.

There was a Country Clowne, a good honest day-labourer, that had a pretty * 1.43 young wench to his daughter, with whom a young fellow fell in loue, that was a neighbours sonne of the same Parish; and in fine, hauing obtained what he de∣sired, when her father came to know of it, and that this young man had pluckt from her the fairest flower of her garland, he made haste to such a Towne (that was the Head-Towne of that Diuision) to make his complaint against this his neighbours sonne. The Alcalde hearkned with great attention to all that hee said, and after that the poore man had informed him at full of the case and had said all that he could, hee said vnto him: Well (my honest friend) you com∣plaine here of this young man, that he hath tickled your daughter, & plaid the wanton with her, wherewith you find your selfe agrieu'd; Is it not so (my good friend?) yes (and it please your Worship) said her father, it is as your Worship sayes; you say very true Sir. And I am much agrieu'd with it indeed, for that he did dishonour my daughter by force. Then the Alcalde, spake againe vnto him, and said; Tell me (I prithee) how old is thy daughter, and how old is the young fellow? My daughter (said the father) will be (next August) one and twenty yeare old, and the young man (as I take it) is some three and twenty. When the Alcalde heard him say so, in a rage he rose vp from the bench, and frowning vpon him, said angerly vnto him; And comest thou with this to me now? Haue I nothing else to doe (thinkest thou) but to heare euery idle foolish complaint? He twen•…•…y three, & she twenty one: Let me heare no more of this (my friend) goe get you home, and rest you quiet; here's a pretty accusation with all my heart: one, one and twenty, and the other three and twenty, they might very well doe the businesse, they could not choose, but well and willingly goe to it. If others, in the like case, should receiue the like answer, and that there were a Law made, whereby it were enacted, That no woman, from eleuen yeares vp∣wards, dwelling in a Towne, should pretend her-selfe to be forced; they would then be good perforce.

But vpon this subiect, may it please you to heare a singular accident, and a no∣table * 1.44 case in this kinde, which hapned (not long ago) in one of the principallest Cities of that most noble Common-wealth of Venice.

There liued in that Citie, an old woman, base in her birth, and poore in her meanes, who had a daughter, that was very louely, faire, and beautifull. And be∣cause shee had not wherewithall to marry her, this crafty Gabri•…•…a (being an old cunning Hagg) deuised with her-selfe to make sale of the puritie and virgini∣tie of her daughter, and that not once, but many and many times: and these her wicked proceedings did prosper well with her. For she would either be sure to haue that before hand, which they had agreed vpon, or by the fauour of some principall person, this, or that other man, was faine to compound with her, and to make his peace as well as he could. One day amongst the rest, this handsome young wench, being seene and well eyed by a young Gallant, and one of the principall Gentle-men of that Citie, a singl•…•…-man, and exceeding rich, vsed di∣uers meanes to winne her affection, and in the end obtained his purpose and af∣ter

that he had enioyed her, he did very liberally requi•…•…e her for her kindnesse. But the greedy old woman (who was couetousnesse it selfe) thinking this Lordly gift too little, made her moane to a particular Gentleman, complayning how ill shee had beene dealt withall.

He, as it were in a iesting kinde of manner (scorning and hating in his heart the vile and base humor of this wicked & accursed woman) said thus vnto her; Thou knowest Lena (for that was her surname) that the most illustrious, and most excellent Segnor Generale, will shortly be here; and thou likewise knowest, what vpright iustice he doth indifferently administer to euery one, without re∣spect of persons, and more particularly in such cases that concerne the good and honor of maydens. And therefore the best counsell that I can giue you, is, That you and your daughter Ricci•…•…lina get you both (as soone as he comes hither) vn∣to his Excellency, & plainly deliuer vnto him how Signor Co•…•…de N. hath forced and deflowred your daughter, and falling both a-weeping before him, yee fur∣ther declare vnto him, that after he had had his will of her, he was not so good as his word with her, nor performed the promise which hee made vnto her; which was, That he would eyther giue her two hundred crownes, or get her a good husband. And that therfore, seeing that he did not cumply with you nei∣ther in the one, nor the other, that his Excellency would therefore be pleased to take this your wretched and wofull case into consideration, and to doe you iustice. If you can doe this handsomely (as I know you are not to seeke, and can doe it better then I can aduise you) my life for yours, you will haue the day of him, and the businesse will go cleare on your side. It was not long after, that the Generall his Excellency came, before whose presence these women being brought, they opened this their false accusation. Vpon which relation of theirs, his Excellency was much moued, and caused the Conde to be sent for by one of his seruants: who, when hee came before him, was demanded, whether at any time he had had conuersation with Ricciolina the daughter of Lena? He without any more adoe, ingeniously confest, that he had. When he heard him say so, he bestow'd vpon him, such a lo•…•…ing and fatherly rep•…•…ehension, that the Conde be∣ganne to blush, and for very shame, could not for the present expresse himselfe, as he might, and would haue done in his owne excuse. Whereupon the Generall perceiuing this his tacite confession, caused Ricci•…•…lina to be called forth (who by his appointment staid in the next roome) and when shee was come, he grauely spake in this manner vnto him; Signor Conde, if we should punish faults with ri∣gour, a heauy punishment would light vpon you. But we, for that we loue your selfe, and all other offenders that come before vs, as our owne children, and ta∣king pity and compassion of your youthfull feruor, and those violencies that ac∣company such yong yeares, we doe pardon you that grieuous and most hainous offence of forcing this maiden, as farre forth as it may touch your life; but with∣all, wee condemne you, to pay the double of what you promised her, which comes to foure hundred crownes: which before you goe from hence, wee command that you presently disburse, and giue it to Ricci•…•…lina.

To this the C•…•…nde, his bloud now waxing warme, which before was frozen, with that respect and decency, which was fitting for him, replyed thus: Most Illustrious and Excellent Sir, I haue hitherto held my peace, it beseeming me so to doe, as one that is your most true, faithfull and obedient seruant, and most rea∣dy to submit my selfe to any reproofe or punishment, that you shall be pleased to inflict vpon me, in case this their accusation were true. And if your Excellen∣cy out of the greatnesse of your wisdome, shall be pleased to diue into the depth of these subt•…•…l womens hearts, and search them to the very bottome, your Ex∣cellenc•…•…e will soone discouer, how wickedly false these their accusations haue beene against me. And though I haue confessed, that I haue had conuersation with her, it was vpon couenant and agreement betweene vs, vpon such a price, which I punctually paid, giuing her more out of mine owne bounty, then she

could challenge of me. Notwithstanding, if it shall seeme good vnto you, that I disburse this money, I craue no longer time, then that I may goe home & fetch it, wherewith I shall presently returne, and put the money into your Excellen∣cies hands, to be disposed of, as you please; but not as in punishment of any such error by me committed.

The Generall hauing heard what the Conde said, replyed vnto him, Signor Conde, goe fetch the money, for I shall stay here till you come. And you Riccio∣lina, see you depart not.

Now, whilest the Conde was going home, and returning backe againe, his Excellency went a farre off, asking this and that other question, one while of the old woman, another of the young, and so talking to and fro of diuers things, at last, he said vnto her; Tell me (Lena) haue you euer carryed a good hand ouer your daughter? haue you alwayes lookt narrowly vnto her? Yes marry haue I Sir (said she.) And did you neuer (replide he againe) leaue her all alone by day or by night? No Sir, quoth she. How comes it then to passe (said his Excellency) that you would suffer your daughter to be forced and deflowred by the Conde? Why did not you defend her from that violence? And you (Ricciolina) hauing your mother in your company, why would you let him force you, and take that from you which (vnlesse you should in some sort consent thereunto) it were im∣possible for him to get from you? Both of them, then weeping, said vnto him; That the Conde was too strong for them, and that they were not able to resist his violence, and therefore besought his Excellency, that hee would not suffer her daughter to be thus abused, and both of them to be left open to such a deale of scorne and reproach: but that he would be pleased to doe them iustice.

By this time the Conde was come, and had told out vpon a little table of Iuo∣ry foure hundred Crownes; which by the Generall were giuen to Ricciolina, gi∣uing her this Item withall, Take them (daughter) and looke well vnto them, lest they chance to be taken from thee. And you (Lena) haue a care both of her and her money. And so God be with you, I haue no more to say to you.

When they were gone, his Excellency turning himselfe towards the Conde, said vnto him, Goe, get you after them, and see you take their money from them, either by loue or force, by fayre meanes or by foule. And looke that you giue me a true account of the passage of this businesse.

The Conde hearing this, moued with rage and disdaine, seeing how basely he had beene vsed by these infamous women, (not considering the condition im∣posed vpon him, nor to what end it was done) made hastily after them; nor did he goe alone by him-selfe, but made choyse of a seruant of his (amongst those many that he had) whom he tooke along with him. And so walking a good round pace, he ouertooke them a little on this side their owne house, and com∣ming vnto them, after that he had saluted them very kindly, and by little and little had insinuated himselfe into them, hee continued discoursing with them, till he had brought them home. Where, as soooe as he was come into the house, he beganne to demand his money of them. And when he saw he could not pre∣uaile with entreaties, he assayed to get it by force, and went roundly to worke with them. But Ricciolina, who had put the purse in her bosome, stoutly defen∣ded both it and her selfe, scratching the Conde with her hands, and biting him with her teeth; who with all the strength that he had, could not come so much as to touch, much lesse to take the purse from her. To make good this quarrell, the mother ran in, and tooke part with her daughter, and they did so help and ayd one another, with their nailes and their teeth, and by their loud out-cryes and shreekes, that although the house were a lone-house, farre from neighbors, and little frequented, yet notwithstanding many people vpon this great noyse and tumult, came running thither, and amongst the common route, one Gentle∣man, who pressing in, and seeing the Conde all bloody, who fought like a fierce Lyon, set vpon by two rather inraged Beares, then women, what with his

words, and what with his deeds, being assisted by others, he parted the one from the other. The Conde was so ouercome with choller, that hee laid about him like a mad man, and had so lost all patience, that doubtlesse hee had done much mischiefe, if he had not beene restrained by the company. He washt his face and his hands, and hauing wiped them with his handkerc•…•…er, he departed thence in company of that Gentleman, threatning those women, that he would be •…•…euenged on them: who, no lesse offended then the furious Conde, made no long tarrying, but hasted with all the speed they could to the Generall. But the Conde had got the start of them, and was there before them, hauing fully ac∣quainted his Excellency with all that had passed, shewing the scratches and the bitings which he had receiued from them: who had no sooner told his tale, but in come the women, vnsheathing their malicious & sharp-edged tongues, grie∣uously complaining of the Conde, who was there present, declaring, how first with fayre and kinde words, and afterwards by violent and forcible deeds, hee would haue taken their money from them, threatning besides to kill them.

Then said the Generall vnto them; He hath not taken them from you, hath he? No (and it like you Excellency) said they. How came it then to passe (quoth he) that he tooke them not from you? They answered, Sir, we did so well bestir our selues, with our hands, our nailes, our teeth, and the shreekes that we made, to call in company, that he mist of his purpose and could not doe it.

Very good (said the Generall) and you Ricciolina, if your mother had not come in to help you, could you (thinke you) haue made a shift so to withstand the Condes courage, that he should not haue taken the purse from forth your bo∣some? Yes indeed Sir, said she: for I feare him not, nor any thing he can doe, I care not a straw for him, for I thinke my selfe euery way as strong as he; yet is it not meet, that men should come in this violent manner into poore womens houses, to take that from them which is none of theirs. Then (said the Generall) you did both of you, helpe and defend one another, as well as you could. Yes Sir, said they. It is very well (replyed the Generall) I like well of it, and I must needs say, you haue borne your selues well in the businesse. But where is the purse? I haue it here in my bosom•…•…, said Ricciolina. Let me see it, said the Generall. The young wench presently pluckes it out of her bosome. Then said his Excel∣lency vnto her; Pou•…•…e them out (laughte•…•…) there vpon the board, and tell them anew, to s•…•…e if you haue all, and that the Conde hath not taken any of them from you, She did so, and found the number iust. Whereupon, she told his Excellency they were all there, and not so much as one crowne missing. Then the Ge∣nerall (who was a very wise and discreet man) perceiuing the Condes goodnesse, and these other womens wickednesse, spake and said: Sign•…•…r Conde, Take you your money againe, you haue fought hardly for it; it is yours, put it vp.

Then, turning to this young queane, looking sternly vpon her, he said vnto her; Thou lewd and filthy baggage, if thou hadst defended thy selfe as well as thou didst thy money, the Conde could not haue forced thee; but it seemes thou wast very wel conte•…•…t that he should haue his pleasure of thee, and hauing con∣sented to his will, you we•…•…e not forced (Minion) as both you and your mother haue falsly accused the Conde, to whom we iustly award his re-hauing of his 400 Crownes. And as for you, get you gone, and let me heare no more of you, and be glad that you scape so, for if you were well serued, and punished according to your deserts, I should send you to Bride well, and haue you well whipt, & ring your mother out of Towne, for an old wicked B•…•…d. The Generall hauing pro∣nounced this so iust a sentence, the businesse was ended to the great content∣ment of all that heard it, and to his owne no small commendation.

But to come into o•…•…r •…•…ld way againe: No force of man can preuaile against * 1.45 the woman that is vnwilling. But say such a thing might once in a thousand yeares chance to happen; me thinkes it is no reason, that a businesse of this na∣ture should be compounded withall for money, much lesse inioyne them ma∣riage,

(vnlesse he had formerly giuen her his word and faithfull promise before witnesses) but that in this case, the fittest meanes, were personall punishment, either more, or lesse, according to the qualitie of the delict, and that the cause might be handled before the Kings Atturney General, that there might be no hope of pardon left, to such boysterous offendors. Assuring my selfe, that by this meanes, men would haue more feare; and women more shame: and would not, so often, as now they doe, commit such like sinnes, and treacheries, as these. For, this refuge being taken from them, and hauing no hope of remedie, or helpe left vnto them, they would leaue this lewd course of life, and not be so hastie, to vndoe both them-selues, and others. If a wench goe to it with a good will, why should shee vrge, it was against her will? Or if perhaps shee haue not where-withall to liue, why should shee picke a liuing out of such disgracefull, and dangerous deceits? There are a thousand other, and farre more honest wayes, for a woman to liue by, then these.

But here pitie (me thinks) comes in, and pleads thus; A lack, poore women, * 1.46 they are weake & simple, and suffer them-selues to be ouercome through their too much facilitie and aptnesse of beleefe, and mens too much falshood in their promises; and therefore they ought to be much fauoured and pityed by vs. * 1.47 I confesse this plea to be true. But if they were either taught, or knew before hand them-selues, that this their facilitie is a fault in them, and that they ought not to be so easily wonne, they would learne the better to keepe their cabinet close, and not to depart with so pretious a iewell, but vpon very good tearmes. And this foolish confidence of theirs, hath vndone many a woman, and is like to vndoe more, vnlesse they looke a little better to them-selues. This destroying confidence of theirs, is like vnto faith, without good workes, which hath sent thousands packing to Hell. Let no woman therefore (if shee be wise) depend vpon mens promises, be they neuer so faire: for they promise with passion, per∣forme with delayes, and seldome or neuer satisfie expectation. That woman therefore, I say, that shall trust any mans faith or promise, and shall vpon such false assurance, surrender vp her Copie-hold into his hands, let her blame no bodie but her-selfe, if shee be afterwards cozened, and deluded by him.

There is another kinde of iniustice in the world, somewhat neere in this na∣ture, which would require some reformation. You shall (which I haue seene oftentimes) haue two fellow-seruants lodge together in one house, who being agreed vpon the businesse, and both very willing to enioy each other, shee (like a silke-worme) continues her three m 1.48 sleeps with him, till at last their Master comes vnawares vpon them, and takes them in the manner: Who, thereupon, layes hold on this his vnfortunate seruant, who neither tasted the creame, nor the cheese of this milke, but only that sowre whey, which is cast out to the dogs and the swine: He puts him in prison, where he keeps this poore soule so long, till at last growing desperate, he is driuen to marry her; and the more to in∣crease his miserie, they condemne him in a pecuniarie punishment, which he, and all his whole linage, if they were sold to their shirts, are not able to pay. When he sees him-selfe thus vndone, being first forced to marry whether hee will or no; and then to haue all that little that he hath, to be taken violently from him, and torne as it were out of the very throat of him, he goes one way, and shee another: He runnes about the Country, and turnes rogue; and shee stayes at home, and turnes whore. I pray see, what a proper mariage this is, what a wise and worthy sentence, and the great good that comes of it?

O, if there were some prouision made for the reforming of this abuse, I doubt not but it would doe very much good, and proue profitable for the Common∣wealth. I paid the punishment of that sinne, wherein I had not offended; and the price of that meat, whereof I had not tasted: I had prouided me a house, put * 1.49 all things in order, and withdrew my selfe thither, with all that I had; for I was much afraid, lest I might be serued with the same sawce by another Hostesse, as

I was by this. And because I was likewise iealous, that the Collar and Girdle, which my Vnckle had sent me, being peeces of that great value, as they were, might, by the fame that went of them, come to be discouered, I was the wil∣linger to retyre my selfe to an house of mine owne, where I might with secrecy all alone by my selfe deface the same, and so alter the fashion, that they might not be knowne. I did so; taking out the pretious stones, and the pearles that * 1.50 were in them, with the point of my knife, laying euery thing apart by it selfe. I did put all the gold into a great Crisoll, but not all at once, for it would not hold it; six or seuen such pots, being scarce able to containe it, which in the end I made a shift to melt; and preparing it with a little sublimate (for I had some superficiall knowledge in that kinde of Art) hauing all my tooles, and moulds in a readinesse, befitting such a businesse, I did (when I found my selfe best at leysure) cast the whole masse into seuerall ingots, or little barres of gold. And I thought I did very wisely therein, lest by sauing their workmanship, my selfe might haue made worke for the hang-man; and by keeping them in fashion, beene my selfe in no fashion: and therefore thought it better to spoyle that, then that should spoyle me. With these stones, I began to turne Ieweller, first in∣forming my selfe very well of their true worth and value, causing some of them to be set in Crucifixes, some in rings, some in pendents for the eares, and other some •…•…n Iewels, as they would sort and fit best, differencing the setting and in∣chasing of them, as I saw cause: so that of the same gold and stones, I made di∣uers and sundry peeces: whereof I sold some for ready money, others I lent out at weddings with good gaines, and others I rifled away at dice; insomuch, that I lost little of that which I might otherwise haue gained, had I preserued their fashion, and with a great deale lesse feare of danger to mine owne person. My stocke began to increase a pace, I knew how to sell at deare rates vpon trust, and how otherwise to afford a reasonable good penny-worth: I could tell how to turne and winde my money to the best profit; and I wanted no credit, because I was flush of money.

There was close a•…•…ioyning to my house, certaine ground, that was to be sold for the building of houses vpon it. I thought good to buy a plot thereof for to build vpon, that I might haue a house of mine owne to put my head in, making choyse rather of a little corner of mine owne purchasing, then to goe euery m•…•…neth chopping and changing of our lodging, lugging our bedding on our backs, and being at a continuall charge in remouing of our houshold stuffe. Well, I agreed with the owner of the Land, I paid him his full price in good Royals, holding the same for euer, the Lord reseruing only for himselfe a yeare∣ly rent of two Royals. I built a house vpon it, wherein I spent before I was aware (and now there was no turning backe) aboue three thousand Ducats. It was a neat pile, handsomly contriu'd, and of good receipt, and stood finely for * 1.51 pleasure and entertainment. There did I liue, with that poore trading that I had, like a Fucar; and there should I haue ended my dayes like a Prince, if my hard fortune, and greedy ill lucke had not crost me, by the vnhappy encounter of a crafty knaue, with a couetous wretch. For my house being so well furnisht, my person so well respected, and my reputation standing on such good termes, as it did, there was not a foole wanting, who had a moneths minde to make me his sonne in law: Who had a conceit, that I was all good meat, and that I had not (like the grape) some stonie kernels in me, that were to be taken out, and throwne away, as good for nothing.

This also is another great folly (and I feare me too much in vse) that men should be so simple, as to marry their daughters, to the sonnes of vnknowne pa∣rents. Take heed, take heed, I say, how thou bestow'st thy childe: Thinke vpon that old, but sound counsell of our fore-fathers; Al hijo de tu vezino, metelo en tu * 1.52 c•…•…sa: n 1.53 Match thy daughter with thy neighbours sonne: Thou knowest his breeding, his disposition, his behauiour; what his honestie is, what his wis∣dome,

what his means: but neuer admit thou a new-commer, or receiue him for * 1.54 thy sonne in Law, who is a meere stranger vnto thee: For such a one, though thou see him to day in his owne house, may to morrow be led thence to the gallowes if he chance to be knowne, and found out what he is.

This silly foole was a kinde of trucker of commodities as well as my selfe; * 1.55 and o 1.56 birds (you know) of a feather, will still flocke together. He clung so close to me, that he glew'd me vnto him: He marryed me to his daughter, hauing no other childe in the world: He was rich, shee was faire, and of a good and grace∣full behauiour. He promised me with her, three thousand Ducats, and I was well contented with it. He, who was a subtle fellow, and knew the dapps of the world, and could winde a penny to the best aduantage, had no ambition to seek any higher, then to finde out a man of my making, that knew how to employ my money to profit. And in this he had reason: For better is a poore sonne in Law, that is a good husband, and knowes when to saue, and when to spend a penny, then one that is rich, and a great waster. And there is no wise father (I assure my selfe) but would rather haue a man without money to his sonne in Law, then money without a man. This man had a wonderfull great affection vnto me, we were agreed on the point, the conditions were drawne, the wri∣tings sealed, and the mariage solemnized.

Now I am a marryed man, now am I entred into an honest and honourable * 1.57 calling, I haue a mistresse now in my house, well contented with her choice, much made of, and well serued. Some dayes passed ouer, (which were not many) when as my father in law, carrying vs home with him one Sunday to dinner, after that the cloath was taken away, we three being all alone, he said thus vnto me; Sonne, being now growne old, and hauing in my life time past through many troubles, and for that I see thou art yet but a yong man, and stand•…•…st now but at the foot as it were of the hill, that thou mayst get vp to the top, with the greater •…•…ase, and that thou maist not tumble downe backward when thou art halfe wayes vp, I will deliuer thee my opinion, as one who is so much interessed as I am in thy good; otherwise I should saue that labour, and not giue thee any part of that which I now pretend to doe.

First then I would haue thee to consider, that if thou shalt diminish one far∣thing * 1.58 of thy stocke, which thou windest and turnest in the world, it will quick∣ly be consumed, be it neuer so great. You must likewise haue a care to vphold and maintaine your credit; And if you meane to bee a Merchant, you must carry your selfe like a Merchant; laying aside all that which is not integrity and plaine dealing, for there is no negociating now adayes, but with it and with money; changing, and re-changing as the market goes; making, ac∣cording as you see the times are, either more or lesse gaine. I shall stand still by you, and be euer ready to giue you my helping hand, and hold you vp by the chinne, that you may not sinke, if it be in my power to beare you vp. But if at any time (which God forbid) the Dice should turne, and that lucky chance which we looke for, should not come, take physicke in time, purge your selfe while you are in health, of your bad humors, and by a prouident forecast, pre∣uent all future sicknesse. This said, he caused two bils of debt to bee brought in, and two counter-bils of credit, and going on in his discourse, hee said thus vnto me; One of these writings shall be to this effect, that you acknowledge your selfe to be indebted vnto mee in the summe of foure thousand Ducats, which I haue lent vnto you; against which (to saue you harmelesse) I will make a Counter-bill, wherein I w•…•…ll confesse a full satisfaction and true payment of the said debt, in such ample manner as you your selfe shall be pleased to deuise it. Both which wee will safely keepe to helpe our selues at a pinch, if need should require; though it were much better, that no such occasion should offer it selfe, nor come (as I hope it neuer shall) within our doores. The other wri∣ting sh•…•…ll be, that I will procure my brother to sell vnto you an annuall rent that

he hath, of fiue hundred Ducats, de p 1.59 juro, and it shall be done in this manner; There will not one cash-keeper or other, be wanting vnto vs, who (out of the acquaintance and friendship that is betweene vs) will be willing to make show o•…•… •…•…o much money, to the end that the publike Notary, may a•…•…ow and testifie the payment thereof; or else we will take it there, and they shall lend it vs in banke, paying for the vse thereof fifty Royals; and when this bill of sale shall be made ouer vnto you in as absolute manner as Law can deuise it, you shall re∣turne the same backe againe vnto him, giuing him full power to dispose there∣of, and by a writing vnder your owne hand, you shall acknowledge that this was but a feigned thing, put ouer vnto you onely in trust, and that really and truly, those fiue hundred Ducats, are, and were alwayes his, and that you can by no meanes pretend any lawfull claime vnto them. I liked very well of it; supposing, it might doe me much good, but could doe me no harme.

I did as he directed me, who had beene an old beaten Souldier in these kinde of businesses, had taken all the degrees of a cunning dealer, and knew the true tracke, wherein he was to trade, by which trickes and deuices, he had wrought him-selfe into a fortune, and come to be so rich as now he was.

This foundation, being thus laid, I continued my trading a pretty whiles, b•…•…ing alwayes in all things, very circumspect and punctuall: And because I was not ignorant, that the credit of those that are great dealers in the world, doth depend much vpon ostentation, faire showes, and flourishes, I did make the world beleeue, that my house, my wife, and my selfe, were in a fulnesse of plenty, and wanted nothing that was for ornament or necessary vse. And in particular, my word, in all my dealings, was like a clocke, it strucke alwayes true, and neuer went false. My wife had a hole q 1.60 bored through her hand; all ranne out to waste, that was powred into it; an angre had likewise pierced her temples, whereby her hogges-head had taken the vent of vanity. And I (kind foole) seeing the world thr•…•…u'd with me, and that my gettings were great, be∣gan to giue way to her idle desires, & to humour these her womanish appetites, giuing her greater liberty, then in discretion I should haue done; and she for her part took so much on the other side, stretching euery inch to an ell, that she spent excessiuely, and beyond all manner of measure in the accompanying & enter∣taining of her friends, in her banquets, feasts, and other inter-mealary-intertain∣men•…•…s, b•…•…sides the great pompe of her apparell, iewels, dressings, and a thou∣sand * 1.61 other the like gallantries, with as many bobs, and other r 1.62 dingle-dangles, hanging at euery one of these, as the Polypus hath tales; All these things con∣curring with that dear•…•…h and scarcity which be•…•…ell vs in these our first yeares, and that small correspondence which we had in trading, it being a dead world, I began at length to know mine owne weaknesse, and was taken on the sodaine with such a swimming and giddinesse of the head, that I was scarce able to stand on my legges, and lackt little of falling like a lumpish piece of Lead, flat to the ground: So true is that saying;

s 1.63 No man knowes, (saue who by proofe doth taste) * 1.64 What a good house, and a bad wife waste.

If now in these dayes, there were made a Law; that whereas in Castile they allow the halfe of that which a man hath to his wife, in way of dowry; that the husband should not onely not giue her that, but should rather take some of their wiues drowry from them; they would then labour to get something, at least, seeke to saue what the husband gets; Whereas now they take no farther care, then how they may waste and consume what the husband painfully brings in.

When I was a single man, I had wealth and trading enough, to haue made * 1.65 my selfe a rich man in a short time; but now, by hauing a wife I was growne poore, and rea•…•…y to goe downe the winde. And because my Father in Law was onely acquainted with my booke of Accounts, and knew as well as my

selfe, what was owing to me, and what I did owe vnto others, and was true and trusty therin vnto me. I could not want credit; & the rather, for that all men did verily beleeue, that those 500 Ducats of yearly reuenue were mine owne. With this prop I bore vp the burthen of my debts, till my back was ready to break, & when I could endure the waight of them no longer, I sodainly sunk like vnto a building that is raised on a false foundation. Now the time of my paiments drew neare; & though time of it selfe doth naturally still run along, yet to those that owe money, it flies away with a swift wing, & seemeth shorter, then otherwise perhaps it would. I saw my present ruine before mine eyes, & was so perplexed with the very thought thereof, that I could not take any rest, nor knew in the world what to doe. In this perplexity of mind, I got me to my father in lawes house, that I might break my griefs vnto him, and communicate my cares with him; He comforted me the best that he could, and wisht me not to be dismaid, for that we had a salue for this sore in our owne hands, & that the remedy for this malady, was here at home within our owne doores. He takes his cloake, throwes it on his shoulders, and away hee and I goe together to one that was Escriuano de Prouincia, the publike Notary of that Prouince, an especiall friend of his, and carrying him to Santa Cruz, which is a certaine Church adioyning to the Market-place, and stands right ouer against the prison, and those Offices belonging there into, there we made in secret vnto him a priuate relation, how the case stood with vs. Then said my father in Law vnto him; Sen̄or N▪ This businesse shall be many Ducats in your way; you know very well how I dealt with you in my last troublesome sute, and how fairely things were carryed be∣twee•…•…e vs on both sides; and I must also truly confesse vnto you, that by your good meanes, all the decrees and sentences that were published in that cause, came forth in my fauour, turning greatly (for the which I must euer thankeyou) to •…•…y profit and credit, which makes me hope (presuming vpon your wonted lou) for all good from your hands. My sonne in Law, owes by a former writing to th•…•…s of mine a 1000 D•…•…cats, and this is already presented, and diligences vsed ther•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in another Office; yet we are both of vs very willing, that all this busi∣ness•…•… hould be brought before your Worship, & that you should haue the orde∣ring of it; in consideration whereof, we hope you will deale well with vs, & vse vs f•…•…endly, being so much your seruants, as we are; for I shall not only my selfe req•…•…e this your kindnes to your own good content & liking; but my son, that is hee with me, shall, when our businesse is dispatcht, bestow 200 Crownes on yo•…•… to buy you gloues; and I will passe my word vnto you for him, and shall see yo•…•…ly paid. The Escrivano told vs; All shall be done to your mind, & as well as you your selues would haue it. Let this bil, said he, of 4000 Ducats be first pre∣sened, & we shall accord the debt for ten in the hundred, by means of a friend, to •…•…hom we will giue an account of this pretension, to the end that he may doe it •…•…on any reasonable consideration, that we shall giue him, and for the rest lay •…•…he care vpon me, and leaue it to my charge. My father in Law, presented hi•…•… •…•…wne bond: In conclusion, I was carryed to prison, al my goods were seazed * 1.66 o•…•… my wife shee brings forth the Indenture for her Dowry, taking so much cath to them-selues, that there was a great deale of stuffe wanting to make vp 〈◊〉〈◊〉. For both of them, hauing possest them-selues of my house, my b•…•…s, and my moucables, there was nothing now left for mee to take hold on •…•…h my teeth. And for my Iewels, and my moneys, they were sold, and spent, •…•…d that little that was remayning, was too farre out of my reach to come at it.

When my Creditors saw me cl•…•…pt vp, they came all vpon me, entring their •…•…ctions against me, presenting their bils and their bonds before diuers & sundry •…•…otaries: But when this bond of ours was brought forth, all were to yeeld to hat, as one that commanded all the rest, and had already past the Office, as be∣•…•…g the most ancient debt, & therefore ought to be seru'd first. For the Alcaldes, •…•…eeing it was res iustificata, a good and authenticall bond, and proued so to be,

gaue order that should be first satisfied. When they saw what an ill hand they * 1.67 had of it, and that they could not come to finger my goods, they presently went about to imbarque those my 500 Ducats of that annuall rent, before specified. But the true owner then appeares, & defends his owne right, my wifes Vnckle clayming those, as belonging properly vnto him. Then they fell to Law about it, whose bills, and answers, together with other writings, processiue, iustifica∣tiue, obligatiue, testamentiue, partitiue, acquisitiue, renunciatiue, and infinite other the like, being as the body of a great Armie, when they were all ioyn'd together, came to no lesse then two thousand and fiue hundred sheets of paper. Euery one, that came to demand them, for to carry them to his Aduocate, when he saw, that he must, before he could haue them, pay so much money to the No∣tarie, he did tremble at it. And albeit there were some, that were at the charge; yet there were other some, who seeing that they were like to haue a cold sute of it, and that they should but throw away their money in vaine, would not be at the cost to take them out, but did rather desire to come to some indifferent termes of agreement, & to sit downe with losse, then to be at any more charge, and in a cholericke humour, to cast the * 1.68 cord after the cauldron. They well per∣ceiued, that albeit they had taken out a Copie of the Processe, they were as far to seeke of their money, as before; And therefore seeing there was nothing to be got by the bargaine, their losse remedilesse, and their debt desperate, they did helpe to negociate for me, and to come to composition with me. I deman∣ded tenne yeares tearme; and some of them were well contented with it. Then began my Father in law to stirre in the businesse, and because his was the grea∣ter debt, he wrought so with them, that the lesser debts followed the example of the greater, by which meanes I came out of prison, and was set at libert•…•… the Escrivano hauing well lickt his fingers on both sides: whosoeuer lost, I am sure he got well by the bargaine. After all these stormes, my ship, and goods sunke, I made a shift at last to get a land, I came swimming to the shore in a paire of li•…•…ē linings, being stript of all the rest, yet were these linings well linde with •…•…uer. I had a great deale of wealth of diuers poore men remayning still in my •…•…ds, who had trusted me with all that they had, being deceiued by that credit •…•…ich I had abroad in the world. I did in this, as I vs'd to doe in all the rest of my acti∣ons; I was no changeling; onely I proceeded herein with a little more credit, and a better kinde of name, which my other had no colour for. For albeit •…•…is was no better then theft (to speake the truth of it) and plaine robberie; y•…•…t I continued still with the name of Merchant, and not of Thiefe. By this, I go•…•… ex∣perience of that, which I knew not before. This roguish tricke, till now •…•…d I neuer vnderstand what it was, nor did so much as once enter into the reck•…•…ng of it. This seemed vnto me cautelā damnosissimā, a very hurtfull warinesse, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cau∣tion too too cautelous, which ought narrowly to be look't into, and some g•…•…od remedy in this case to be prouided. For by these their counter-writings, the•…•… is no debt certaine, no assurance good, nor any true security to be had; being •…•…e most preiudiciall thing that can be to a Common-wealth. For, from thence •…•…e occasioned most of your Law-sutes; by meanes wherof, many of poore, com•…•…o * 1.69 be rich; & many of rich, to be poore; being thereby vtterly vndone, & driu•…•… to beg their bread from doore to doore. And it being the intention & purp•…•…e of a good Iudge, to auerre the truth betweene litigant and litigant, and suc•…•…s wage law one against another, & duly to administer Iustice to euery man arig•…•…t; yet is it not possible for him in this case so to doe, because things are so intric•…•…e and so intangled one within another, that they which are most innocen•…•…, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 oftentimes most deceiued, and by consequence most wronged. And the r•…•… son of it is, because when a man doth plot a deceit or cozenage in this kind, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 goes warily to worke, & beats his braines how he may secure him-selfe, posse sing him-selfe before-hand of the ports and passages that lead vnto the truth, t•…•… the end, that the way thereunto may be barricado'd & blocked vp, that no bo•…•…

may come vnto it. So that this light being taken away, the Iudge remayneth blinde, and that mans false play, which is not yet found out by Iustice, triumphs ouer truth, and go•…•…s away with the victorie. I know there are same, that will not sticke to say, that your counter-writings, for commerce and negotiation, are very necessarie; b•…•…t I mast be so bold with these men, as to tell them plainely, that they are not. For he that is willing to help another m•…•…n with his credit, let him stand (a Gods nam•…•…) as a surety for him, & not as a cloaker of his knauerie. That which I learned in Barcelona, the first time that I was there, & now with∣in * 1.70 these two day•…•…s, since my returne from Italy, is; That to be a M•…•…rchant, is a dignitie, and an honourable calling; and no man can haue that title, vnless•…•… he be first presented before the Pri•…•…, & the C•…•…nsuls; where he puts in securitie to deale faithfully & truly in the Trading, that he sh•…•…ll vndertake. And yet in Ca∣stile, where there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such a Machina of merchandizing, such a great Trade dri∣uen, where there is Co•…•…ractation for whatsoeuer commodities, the huge store∣house of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth in a manner afford, they take this noble pro•…•…ession vpon them, when as they are neither men of ab•…•…tie, nor able to put in good se∣curitie for that which they deale for; but are only •…•…ich in shi•…•…ts and tricks, and more cunning in deceiuing those, who giue them credit, then skilled in an ho∣nest course of Trading. Euery one now, will take vpon him to turne M•…•…rchant; whereas in other parts of the world, he that enters thereinto, had need of a good stocke to begin withall, & a greater euery day then other, if he meane to conti∣nue in that course. And if perchance it so fall out, that (through want of a strong braine, or a strong purse, or both) their businesses fall out contrary to their expe∣ctatiō, & succeed otherwise then their false imagination did suggest vn•…•…othem, making vse of these their counter-writings, they remaine in better and richer estate, then th•…•…y did before. I need not to instance in particulars, because it is ex∣emplified vnto vs by daily experience. With their breaking, they pull a great many others after them, especially all those, that haue trusted them with their goods; who consume that little t•…•…t is le•…•…t them in s•…•…ing fo•…•… their owne. And if pe•…•…ad 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 they be O•…•…ficers, or Husband-men, the Lord with their losse, lo∣seth likewise his part; wanting those by this meanes, which should follow his profi•…•…, and •…•…eceiue his ren•…•…s, and his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the Common-wealth thereby rob'd of the •…•…rauell & paines of th•…•…se 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & industrious day-labo•…•…rers, & honest husband-men; who being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in sutes or Law, cannot apply them∣selues to follow the plough, & to manure & d•…•…esse their land as they were wont to do. Lesse harme it were a great deale, that a few, and those b•…•…ggage-people, should not be rich, then that a great many good & honest men, should be oner∣throwne, and vndone by them. I•…•… •…•…t were not for these Co•…•…ter-writings, and fraud•…•…lent deeds, men might more securely trast one another, and there would be much better dealing in the world: For then a man m•…•…ght haue certaine knowledge of his estate and meanes, whom he trusts, without hauing other owners step forth, and challenge all that he hath to be theirs. And because it may be, that at some time or other, there will be order taken for the remedying of this so great a misc•…•…iefe, I will onely briefly tell the effects (that I may be as good as my wo•…•…d) of this harmefull coz•…•…age, if they d•…•… not the sooner leaue off these their da•…•…nable fraudulent trick, and de•…•…ses. For qu•…•…stionlesse, many men would deale more honestly and plainely, then now they doe, if these f•…•…bs and giggs, were not put into their heads by oth•…•…. And hence i•…•… i•…•…, that many thing•…•… lose those good effects, which otherwise they wo•…•…ld take, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that these strange owners are not made knowne in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, w•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no•…•… only inue•…•…, but exe∣cute what they haue de•…•…ised, cheating •…•…he Creditor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that just debt which is due vnto him. I cannot choose but speake my mind•…•… and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the•…•…e be no ca•…•…e taken for 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of this gr•…•…e 〈◊〉〈◊〉, I •…•…not d•…•… withall. It shall su•…•…ice me, that I haue herein s•…•…tisfied t•…•…at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and dutie, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in •…•…is c•…•…se is required at my ha•…•…. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 likewise looke t•…•… thei•…•… obligations; and see∣ing,

they neither want age, nor discretion to looke into these things, let them not also be wanting in their good will, to redresse that, which is so necessarie for the seruice of God, and of their King, it concerning so much as it doth the generall good of the Common-wealth.

When a poore Merchant is minded to enter into great trading, he intreats (for the increase of his credit) some kinsman, or friend of his, that he will make ouer some land of good value, or other his goods in trust, for the which hee makes him a Counter-writing, wherein he acknowledgeth, that notwithstan∣ding these parcels of lands or goods seeme to the world to be his, yet really and truly it is not so, and that he shall be ready at all times to resigne them vp into their hands, to whom of right they belong, whensoeuer they shall demand the •…•…ame of him. And so with the credit of this seeming stocke of his owne, he gets farther credit of others, & takes vp vpon trust, what he will him-selfe. See now, what a kinde of people we are, and what true dealing there is amongst vs! How like vnto those Moores and Negro's of Ghinie, an ignorant and barbarous kinde of people, who with counterfeit beads, false eare-rings, bells, and other the like bables, which children weare about their necks, doe with the bare sound, gay show, and glorious glittering of these glassie commodities, cozen and deceiue vs. If their trading thriue well with them, it is well; for then the Creditor shall receiue what is due vnto him: If ill, they haue a trap, wherein to catch their Creditors, and all goes ill with them. Then he, that made ouer his goods vnto him in trust, comes by a Counter-writing to recouer them, and all the rest are defrauded of their due.

When a man will not pay what he owes; before the day of payment comes, that this debt is due, the debtor selleth, or absolutely passeth away all his whole estate in trust by some fraudulent deed, or counter-writing in that kinde. And it afterwards so falleth out, that before the day of payment come, the debtor, who made this cautelous prouision, dyes; whereby the true Creditor cannot come to recouer his owne. For the party, whom the debtor trusted with his goods, doth couer and conceale this Counter-writing; so that the Feoffe in trust carryes away all his goods, and the deuill the deceased downe to the pit of hell.

When a man hath a purpose to deceiue with his person, to get him a wife with a good dowry, the better to cozen both him-selfe and others, he runs the like course. He gets him-selfe to be trusted with a great deale of wealth; and anon after that he is marryed, his debts begin to grow vpon him, and liuing at a greater charge then before, he is not able to pay what he owes. So the owner of these goods recouers his owne, and the new marryed couple fall into want. This his cozening of her, comming at last to be knowne, their loue begins to coole each towards other, and oftentimes they goe together by the eares, for that the wife will not consent that he shall sell away her dowry, or any way be charged with her husbands debts.

All which inconueniences, would finde a speedy and easie remedie, if there were an expresse command giuen, that there should be no such kinde of fraudu∣lent deeds, and Counter-writings at all; and if there were any, that they should be of no force or validitie in Law, and that any Act in that kinde should not stand good. And for the present, any such deed or deeds, to be published and made knowne within such a certaine time, vpon paine of taking the others debts vpon him. If this course were taken, men might then certainly know, what a mans estate were, and whether he were of that sufficiencie to be trusted, and to take vp vpon credit. And I dare be bold to say, that thereby one halfe of your Law-sutes would be excused; for that most of those, which are here in Castile, are of this nature, or at least, haue their ground and beginning from thence.

Notes

• q 1.1

  Duero. Rio famosissimo en Espan̄a. Por el qual se dixo. yo soy Duero, que todas las aguas beuo. Covarr. v•…•…rb. Duero.
• r 1.2

  Quando a∣queste assi due∣le, que hara con guindas?
• * 1.3

  Prouerbe.
• s 1.4

  Alla se lo aya Marta con sus pollo•…•…. Los pollos de Mar∣ta, piden pan, y dan les agua Marta la pia∣dosa, &c. Co∣varr. pag. 541.
• * 1.5

  Prouerbe.
• * 1.6

  Pilar de Sara∣goça, One of the famousest Char∣ches in the world, for that our bles∣sed Lady appea∣red there to the Apostle S. Iames, and willed him to build a Church there to her ho∣nour. Padre Pi∣n•…•…da lib. 10. Monar. Eccles. cap. 25. sect 4.
• * 1.7

  The Spanish po∣sture, when they court their Mi∣stresse.
• * 1.8

  Prouerbe.
• u 1.9

  Esta•…•…e la car∣ne en el 〈◊〉〈◊〉 por talta de gato. Allu∣ding to those wo∣men that are re∣tyr'd, and chaste; not so much out of their owne will, a •…•…or want of opportunity, and a naturall re•…•…ct, and shamefast feare, that the would m•…•…y not take no∣tice of their in∣continency. Casta est quam nemo rogauit. Ovid. leg. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And anon after. Aut si rusticitas non vetat, ipsa rogat. Also we say; Que alguna 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ga∣rabato; when with her beauty, and other good graces, she draws as it were with hookes, your gal∣lants hearts after her. Coverr. verb. Garabato.
• x 1.10

  The Spanish phrase is, Guar∣te, no sea nabo.
• * 1.11

  Prouerbe
• y 1.12

  A quien, se muda, dios le ayuda.
• * 1.13

  Prouerbe.
• * 1.14

  Alcala, an Vni∣uersity not aboue a dayes iourney from Madrid.
• * 1.15

  Prouerbe.
• * 1.16

  ^z Dexar vn mar, por el arroya.
• * 1.17

  Madrid much altered in a few yeares.
• * 1.18

  Guzman takes a lodging in an Inne.
• * 1.19

  He turnes Gal∣lant.
• * 1.20

  Prouerbe.
• a 1.21

  The Spanish phrase is, Daua∣me can̄as a las manos.
• b 1.22

  Dadiuas, ab∣landon pen̄as.
• * 1.23

  Prouerbe.
• * 1.24

  Guzman makes loue to a young wench.
• c 1.25

  A place so called, in the high street of Madrid neare vnto •…•…an Felipe.
• d 1.26

  The Spanish phrase is, No quedarà bolo en hiesto.
• * 1.27

  Vnkindnesse growes betwixt Guzman and his wench. A plot to cozen Guzman.
• * 1.28

  Prouerbe.
• e 1.29

  Aqui morira Sanson, y quan∣tos con el son; A kind of Rodo∣montado, or proud menacing. An Algu•…•…il comes to arrest Guzman.
• * 1.30

  Guzman much dismaid.
• f 1.31

  The Spanish phrase is, Por el virgo de justilla.
• g 1.32

  It is an vsual phrase 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spaine to say; Esta hecha su cama. Such a mans bed is a making; when there is some matter a working against him for his hurt.
• * 1.33

  Guzman treats in priuate with the Alguazil.
• * 1.34

  The Alguazil wrought to fa∣uour Guzman.
• * 1.35

  Guzman com∣pounds his bu∣sinesse.
• * 1.36

  Guzman leaues his lodging.
• h 1.37

  A monastery in Madrid. The discourse that p•…•…st betwixt Guzman and the Alguazil at the Descalças.
• i 1.38

  The Spanish word is Caual∣lero de episto∣la, because it is the subdeacons office to sing, or reade the Epistle of the Masse. Covarr. 358.
• * 1.39

  The incenueni∣ences of impri∣sonment and Law-sutes.
• k 1.40

  The Spanish phrase is, Echar la buena barba, A s•…•…ort whereat one •…•…ayes for all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he and his fel∣lowes cate, by asking the seller this question, Who is the ho∣nestest man of all vs? which is signified, por la barba. By allu∣sion, it is spoken of those, who with set•…•…p eches, and flattering phrases gull a man of his money. The fashion of your Spanish qucanes.
• * 1.41

  Pr•…•…rbe.
• l 1.42

  The Spanish phrase is: Quien menos culpa ti•…•…ne, à lavar la lana. And it is spoken by way of pr•…•…erbe; V•…•…s lavarey•…•…s la lana. de aquel, qu•…•… le •…•…a caydo la suerte mas trabajosa Co∣molos, que tra∣baja•…•… en l•…•…s la∣vaderos; que v•…•…os son apar∣tadores. Otros ti•…•…nen l•…•…s mas oficios, que no son pocos: y los que lavan la la∣n•…•… tienen may∣or trabajo, por andar en el agua todo el dia, desnudos. Covarr. 113. A tale of a can∣•…•…g que•…•…ne.
• * 1.43

  A Tale of a Coun∣try Clowne.
• * 1.44

  A digression to another storie of the like nature.
• * 1.45

  T•…•…ing R•…•…es.
• * 1.46

  Women, weake creatures.
• * 1.47

  Their facile na∣ture, and mens false promises, haue wrought them much •…•…e.
• m 1.48

  Your Silke-wormes make three sleepe: Awaking after their first, to feed; then falling againe to sleepe, till they begin to worke their balls. Neuer leauing off, till they shut vp them-selues in those balls, and consume them-s•…•…lues, vngorging all that sli•…•…∣nesse, whereof they forme the ball. Covatr. pag. 327.
• * 1.49

  Guz•…•…an. pro∣uides him a house of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.50

  Guzman alters the fashion of his Iewels.
• * 1.51

  Guzman turnes Merchant.
• * 1.52

  Prouerbe.
• n 1.53

  Al hijo de tu vezino, metelo e•…•… tu casa.
• * 1.54

  The care a fa∣ther ought to haue in the be∣stowing of his daughter.
• * 1.55

  Prouerbe.
• o 1.56

  Acude cada vn à su natural.
• * 1.57

  Guzman mar∣ries a wife.
• * 1.58

  Guzmans fa∣ther in law his aduice.
• p 1.59

  Iu•…•…o, is a •…•…y∣all rent raised vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉, •…•…wnes, and o∣ther places of the •…•…ingdome, so •…•…uea à, ure, which the Kings haue to sus•…•…e thems•…•…lues with∣all, •…•…nd to pay the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his •…•…ts of •…•…ce. An•…•… from •…•…ence it had the name of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. This kind of Tribute is due vnto the Kings of Spaine, for their ayde and mainte∣nance. Covarr. ve•…•…b. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• q 1.60

  Muger, de ma•…•…o 〈◊〉〈◊〉 This phrase 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taken in the worser part. Cova•…•…r. pag. 478.
• * 1.61

  Prou•…•…rbe.
• r 1.62

  Trac•…•… •…•…as rabos que vn polpo. Covarr. pag. 600.
• s 1.63

  Nad•…•…e sabe, si no es el que lo lasta, lo que seme∣jante ca•…•…agasta.
• * 1.64

  Prouerbe.
• * 1.65

  Gu•…•…man begins to sinke.
• * 1.66

  Guzman com∣mitted to prison.
• * 1.67

  Prouerbe.
• * 1.68

  Echar la soga, tras el caldero. Caldero, is com∣monly taken for a bucket, which serues to take water out of a Well. Now, echar la •…•…oga, tras el caldero, To fing the rope after the bu•…•…ket, is, when we haue lost one thing, to throw the other after it. This prouerbe is taken from one, who going to draw water out of a well, the buck•…•…t slipping from the rope, and falling into the Well, in a rage throwes the rope after it, where∣with, if he would but haue had the patience, he might haue •…•…ot vp his bucket againe. Covarr. verb. Caldero. Guzman relea∣sed.
• * 1.69

  Against fraudu∣lent conueyances.
• * 1.70

  The order in Barçelona, that is take•…•… with your Me•…•…hants.