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CLAVELL'S
Recantation.
☞ STand and deliuer to your obseruation,
Right serious thoughts, that you by my relati∣on
May benefit, for otherwise in vaine
I write, you reade, vnlesse from hence you gaine
The happinesse I meane you; blest is he
That will make vse of others ieopardie.
Be warn'd by me, so may you purchace hence
At a cheape rate my deare experience.
You must not looke from me to haue the straine
Of your Black-friers Poets, or the vaine.
Of those high flying men, whose rare Muse brings
Forth births, that Gossipt are by Lords and Kings.
For though I oft haue seene Gadd's-hill, and those
Red tops of Mountaines, where good people lose,
Their ill kept purses, I did neuer climbe
Pernassus Hill, or could aduenture time,
To tread the Muses Mazes, or their floore
Because I knew that they are lightly poore,
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And Shooters Hill was fitter farre for me,
Where pas'd releifes for my owne pouertie.
I neuer rode on Pegasus (for then
I had fled farther then pursuite of men)
If therefore you expect a loftie straine,
You wrong your selues, and me, your thoughts are vaine.
Perchance my Verse may amble, trot, or flie
As if my frights presented Hue and Crie
To dogge me still, nor (Poetlike) I faigne
My theame is Truth, my selfe the subiect plaine.
I cannot play the Satire; my disguise
Fairely pluck't off, I am nor grim, nor wise,
Nor curst enough to scourge, no Beadle I
To punish you with petilasherie:
I meane to paint my selfe, and not to be
The Chronicler of others infamie.
I will not ayme at Motes within your eyes,
For I confesse in mine a beame their lies;
Which I plucke out, and deale as punctually
As if I spake against mine enemie.
Let this inuite you then, these newest wayes
Of selfe inuectiue writing. Now adayes
Each one commends himselfe, and others blame
Of faults, when he is guiltie of the same,
Yea and of worser too, and seeming wise
As folly will the daintest Wits despise.
Such has beene my conceite, for I was prone
To blame each action, which was not mine owne,
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Belieuing what I did was good, maintaining
That my vngodly and worst way of gaining
Was more legitimate, and farre more fit
Then borrowing, and thus I argu'd it.
Who, in the way of loane, takes from his friend
Whom he findes kinde, and ready for to lend,
The maine of his estate, with an intent
(Premeditated basely) fraudulent:
Betrayes a trust, and in performance slacke,
Breakes both his word, his owne, and his friends backe,
Who findes no remedy; but who hath lost
His purse, repayd is at the Countries cost,
Besides the theefe sayes not he will repay,
Nor is't expected from him, and yet they
That borrow, will a thousand oaths let fly,
And wish they may be damn'd eternally
If that they faile, and thus the purse they fill,
Make light their oaths, and load their soules with ill.
But hence capitulation, hee's not free
From ill, that would by ill excused bee.
Such Sophistrie as this, and such beleefe
The Prince of darknesse Satan, that old theefe
Did prompt me to; he first perswades to sin,
Then firmely that we may continue in
The foule transgressions we commit: he tells
What faire excuse we may alledge; which quells
Our good intentions to desist: he saies
Vnto the quarreller it is a praise
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For to affront the meeke, and a great glorie
To boast thereof, and to repeat the storie.
The enuious, and the sullen minded man
That aimes at bloud, and ruine all he can,
He cherishes, and sayes it is but meet,
Bids him persist, and that reuenge is sweet.
Thus Satan pleads, thus he deludes vs all,
And then at last he glories in our fall.
☞But horrid Sire of Hell, I doe descry,
And finde thou art the Father of each lie,
That a delinquent has for his excuse,
And therein doth consist thy maine abuse
Vnto mankinde, immediatly next that
Temptation which made Eue to perpetrate;
For since that damned act of thine, 'tis true
We sinne by nature, but are borne anew
Through Christ, which blest regeneration
Has notwithstanding no relation
To those accursed, that doe want the grace,
For to appeale thereto: or haue the face
To iustifie themselues, and with a lie
As 'twere confront the sacred deity.
Had Adam too, not from his iust God fled,
Had he confess'd, as otherwaies he did
Denie what he had done, and had he cried
For mercy, when himselfe he iustified,
I doe beleeue the vengeance for his sin
Had not so lasting, and so heauie bin.
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Thus I debated with my selfe when I
Was first attach'd, and kept so priuately
That none must visite me, and euen then
Not being allowed to haue aduice of men,
To thee my gracious God I did appeale,
To thee (who knew'st before) I did reueale,
Confesse, acknowledge, and bewaile my sinnes,
Assertained that whosoeuer winnes
Mercy and fauour from thee, must repent,
That onely causes thee for to relent
And stay thy wrath, I said within my heart,
All idle wandring thoughts first set apart,
O God most mercifull thou knowest all,
What is, what was, and what hereafter shall,
If thy foreseeing knowledge doth descry,
That if I liue, I will liue wickedly,
And licking vp the vomit of my sinne,
The same or a worse way of ill begin
Now let thy thundring hand my curs'd dayes end,
But if my euill daies I shall amend,
And by a true conuersion yeeld thee praise
And glory, then, O then in mercy raise
Me from the snares of death, direct me to
Both what I am to speake, and what to doe.
Thus I besought my God; what comfort then
And ease came to my minde, neither my pen
Can write, nor you imagine, for that blisse
He onely knowes, by whom enioy'd it is.
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But whilst this contemplation did transport
My rauish'd minde, behold another sort
O thoughts assault me, that the Deuill might
Lose all his power in me in this great fight,
Me thought vpon a sodaine I beheld
My Conscience frighted with my sinnes, that yeld,
And cry'd, accusing me, my ills were such,
The glorie that I saw, I might not touch;
The World, on th'other side, by me offended
Inditing me, with euidence transcended
All trialls here, for who will nor con••esse,
Addes to his fault, and doth a new t••an••gresse.
The heauenly Iudge knew all, and could enforme
The Iurie how my passages were borne.
Then Satan that had tempted, next comes in,
And though he fashion'd, yet reueal'd my sinne.
So that I conscious, all amazed stood
Betwixt so much of ill, so much of good.
And as my comforts reached at the Crowne,
Frozen despaire assayes to plucke me downe.
At length my sinnes (me thoughts) like clouds did fly,
And vanish'd quite, and none accuser by
To peale against my pardon, which seal'd stood,
Writ in the Lambes deare innocence, and blood;
And all my ruines were restor'd in that
He that must iudge me is my Aduocate.
And thus prepar'd, induc'd, assur'd, I came
To my confession here, resolu'd to name
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And to particularize all my offences,
My ill got goods, and dearer times expences,
To satisfie sterne Iustice in each point,
Vnscruing my disguises ioynt, by ioynt.
Not caring though this freenesse might depriue
My being here, and take me from the liue
To mingle with the dead, if but from hence
My forfeit life might pay for mine offence,
I did not then vnto the Iudge at home
Deny those ills, which were perhaps vnknowne
To his enquirie, nor refuse to tell
What euer I had done that was not well.
And at the barre when death and iustice stood
Not greedy for, but challenging my blood
As debt to them: I did not faintly then
Before the faces of so many men
That witnesse my arraignment, or deny
My foulest deeds, nor could the feare to dye
About me houer with a face so grimme,
As not to ease my conscience of the sinne
I had committed, that my iudgement might,
How sad so ere, be equall yet, and right.
And that the glorie vnto God might be
More than the pitie was bestow'd on me.
Nor was it hope of mercie, that my youth
Might purchace fauour only for this truth,
Or that the Bench in policie might saue
Me from the clawes of death, in hope to haue
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Such freenesse from the like offenders still,
When they should see my plainesse thriu'd not ill;
And that the law because I vented all,
Would but my follies chide, not let me fall.
No, it was none of these, my wounded minde,
That could no rest, no ease, no quiet finde,
But in confession, plainly prou'd that I
Was lesse afraid of dying, then a lye:
I knew besides that in concealing so
I striu'd to keepe my ills, not let them goe.
And he that in excuses folds his shame
Retaines his sinne, although he saue his fame.
Hence then my ill companion, I no more
Will striue to hide thee, but vnlocke the dore
Where my offences lye, whose vgly shape
Shall nor the worlds, nor mine owne censure scape.
Of all the hainous facts man can commit,
There's none like this of mine, for it is right
Rebellion against God and man, so foule
That it deserues the losse of life and soule.
☞ Now you licencious Rebels, that doe make
Profession of this wicked course, and take
A pride therein, and would be term'd by me
Knights of the Rodes, or else at leastwise be
Stil'd High-way Lawyers; No, I doe defie
You, and your actions, I will tell you why;
But first plucke of your visards, hoods, disguise,
Masks, Muzles, Mufflers, patches from your eyes,
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Those beards, those heads of haire, and that great wen
Which is not naturall, that I may ken
Your faces as they are, and rightly know
If you will blush at what I speake, or no;
As well you may-but that you want the grace
Forlorned men, I pitty though your case,
Because it hath been mine, and gladly I
Would suffer death, to be a remedy,
And your example, onely that I know
It will doe better for to liue, and show
Vnto the world your basenesse, to preuent
Others that yet sinne onely in intent,
Conceiuing that it is a gentile course,
Not to be discommended, whilst non's worse,
Or baser on the earth, yet it is true
Some Gentlemen perhaps, before they knew
The poorenesse of this way, to serue their neede
Haue more then once attempted some such deede,
But now they see their warlike Prince take Armes,
They scorne to liue vpon their Countries harmes,
But will goe on, whence there may Honour grow
To blot out quite their fames first ouerthrow.
Expressing to the world, that want of Action.
As much as Moneys, made them know your faction.
Which though your courser natures follow still,
The Actiue spirit leaues, and knowes it ill;
But what are you, that nothing can reclaime
From giuing to your soules so foule a name?
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Who neither feare of heauens, nor earths iust Law
Can, into compasse of selfe knowing, draw?
Whose honours, strumpetted to this base course,
Haue made you of your selues, take no remorse?
But hugging your owne ruine, and foule shames,
Are proud in losing your repute and fames?
Now I consider better, 'tis not strange
That you this life will for no other change;
For you haue got by this vile course of sinning
A kinde of state, nere knowne to your beginning;
And from attending others, are become
The principall, and best men in the roome;
Where (like the Asse in trappings) you doe awe
The silly beasts, that Beere and Claret draw;
For they you Captaines, and Lieutenents call,
And tremble when a frowne you doe let fall,
For Peerelesse now your selues are masters growne,
That in mans memorie were Foot-boyes knowne;
And your dispaire as base as your condition
Makes you beleeue, if you should leaue perdition
In these attempts, you should againe be made
From being sunnes your selues, anothers shade,
And that your worthlesse spirits cannot rise
In any course, that walkes without disguise,
For bred on dunghills, if vnmask'd, you feare
You shall too much, in your owne filths appeare;
☞ And as the witch, and damn'd Euchaunters pay
Their tributes to the Deuill, and doe pray
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In a loose forme, vnto that beastly spirit,
From whom they doe their wickednesse inherit,
Haue their oaths, orders, and distinctions so,
As they that in a tract of goodnesse goe:
Such irreligious forme, and course you take
For your accursed, damn'd, Protectors sake.
And fearing that your acts were not enough
To make you his, an oath of such blacke stuffe
You haue compounded, as you meant to tye
Yours lues to sinne be your owne periurie.
For he that truth for sweares, but to his ills
Makes conscience of a vow, which conscience kills,
And so is periur'd as he sweares to be
True to vntruths, and false to honestie.
With this you tempt and binde vnhappie men,
Who doubting to be damn'd, are damned then,
And to those vowes still stiriuing to be true
Forsake all good, in being iust to you.
This hellish oath you minister, and now
Out ere they ride you charme them to their vow,
That if misfortune in your traffique doe
Betray you to the Law, and danger too,
You must not tell your Complices, nor name
How by this cursed trade, and life you came;
For if you are examin'd, when you fell
To these lewd courses? Then you are to tell
That you came vp here with a full intent
To goe for seruice; ere the forces went
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(Which you must ready be to name) you had
Spent ••ll your money; here must you looke sad.
And fetch a sigh or two, and then confesse
Onely for one supply, this wickednesse
You fell into so may you moue beliefe,
Whilst you are thought to be a poore yong thiefe
Lately seduc'd, and hence will pittie grow;
Then must you vow you will no more doe so:
Thus shall you cousin Iustice of her due,
Quickly get off, and to this course anew.
Nor must remorce of conscience touch you, for
Your sacrament relenting doth abhorre;
And (entred in) you must resolue to grow
Old in your Vice, and keepe your contract so.
For you are sworne to vse these courses still,
And so indeede are married to your ill.
But be assur'd our Lawes are of that force,
They will on easie suite graunt a diuorce.
Yet you not minding this, doe next agree
Both of the time, and where the place shall bee
Appointed for a meeting, scarce in this.
(Though in all goodnesse slacke) will any misse.
☞ So being come together, there you lie
In some odde corner, whence you may discrie
Such booties as shall passe, and then sayes he
That is the oldest theefe, be ruld by me,
And marke what I shall say, thus must you place
Your Maskes and Chin-clothes, thus then you your face
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May soone disguise, and what is he can sweare
Directly and precisely who we were;
And that your words may yeeld a differing tone,
Put in your mouthes each one a pible stone.
Now must we chuse a watch-word somewhat common,
As (what's acnocke) for feare least we should summon,
Their thoughts into suspition, then be sure
The word once nam'd, each man to deale secure
We that are strongest at the gripe will seaze,
Then be assur'd for to obserue me these;
With your left hand to catch the Bridle fast:
And let the right vpon the sword be cast,
The one preuents escaping, tother then
Quells their resistance, let our weaker men
That are not thus imploy'd, cry boldly stand;
And with their Swords and Pistols them command,
Whilst you afright we will perswade, so that
By faire or foule meanes they shall yeeld, that's flat.
☞Perhaps Whilst he is talking yet, one cryes,
Arme, Arme Camaradas, yonder comes a prize;
If vp the hill you meete, if downe they ride
You follow after, and then side by side
Each hauing singled out his chosen one:
And the Coast cleere, you ioyntly seize vpon.
And then in troth 'tis very strange to see
What different qualities in men there bee.
You shall haue able fellowes, strong, well set
As ere your eyes beheld, when they are met,
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And set vpon (great Boobies) tremble quiuer,
And cry like Children at the word Deliuer,
Though to affright them there's no weapon drawne,
Nor money in their purses to be tane.
Such cowards there are many, others then
That are as Pigmies to these taller men)
Though they are nere so threatned to be shot,
Or to be straight wayes murthered, feare it not;
But fight couragiously whilst they haue breath,
Not daunted at the present shew of death:
On disaduantages yet being caught
(Not yeelding though) by you strōg theeues are brought
With their sad fellowes, likewise in the lerch,
Out of the way, where you begin your search:
Then euery place about them you see sift,
That it is impossible that they should shift
A peny out of sight and if so be
You find some gold that's quilted priuately,
You call them villaines, and dishonest men
For their intended coozenage, happ'ly then
The Traueller cryes out he is vndone,
Because in that all his estate is wonne;
Which moues not, for your consciences are grosse,
You value gaine, and not the poore mans losse,
Then chop you Horses most familiarly,
Exchange you tell them is no robberie.
And next most desperately you make them sweare,
That they shall neither follow you, nor reare
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The Country with a hue and cry, so vext,
Robb'd, rifled, destitute, amaz'd, perplext,
You leaue them, and are gone, they know not whither
Nor scarce the number, but you went together,
And that's all they can say, here is poore light
To those that doe pursue, yet in your flight
You shew your cowardly feare, each Crow you see
Seemes like a Constable, and if so be
A Colt or Calfe within the bushes stirre,
You thinke you are beset, in hast conferre
One with another how you shall get gone
From that so imminent destruction,
Did not I see of late, after a prize,
A strange confusion on such poore surmize;
An Owle which into Sanctuarie gat
To shunne the ayrie quires wondring at,
Screend in a hollow Tree, so discontent
Began with fatall hoopes the ayre to rent,
At which you switch'd apace, fearing that hollow
Was of the Country, that your flight did follow,
Thus more a fraid then hurt you often are
The more the pitle, afterward you share
And doe deuide the spoyle, here let me show
Another piece of Knauery that I know,
You play the double theeues, you cheate, forsweare,
Reseruing the best part, from those you dare,
And curse your selues to Hell 'tis all; for I
Haue found you in your damned periury,
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☞ But makes no matter, vvhither more or lesse,
'Tis soone consum'd againe in vvickednesse,
Ill gotten goods can neuer prosper vvell,
Nor can they thriue that haue no place to dvvell,
The rolling stone can hardly gather mosse:
Those that liue on, doe alvvayes liue in losse.
You haue no trade, no calling, no vocation
Whereby to liue, and saue; you haue relation
To nothing that is good, vvastfull expence
Is of your lavvlesse gaines the recompence.
Thus to be furnish'd then, is iust as tho
A man should thatch his dwelling house with snow,
Which melts, drops, soulters, and consumes avvay
Euen the time of one sun-shining day.
For vvhen to Innes or Tauernes you doe runne
That note your vvayes, there are you tvvice vndone.
For vvell they knovv their bils you dare not chide,
If you presume your actions they must hide,
And so to make them rich, you forfeit all
That men may vvife, or good, or honest call.
And as you sinn'd in gaining, so are faine
To be in spending coozen'd, not complaine
Although yon knovv't, so thriftlesse is their vvay
That doe on ruines of their Countrey prey.
I had a treble income, by the meanes
Of such as vvere my men, and yet my gaines
Scarce counteruail'd my charge, yet vvas I vvarie
Not vvastfull in expence, but alvvayes chairie
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In that particular, to blinde mens eyes,
For feare that thence suspition might arise.
Yet (notvvithstanding all this thrift) I could
Neuer grovv rich by sauing, nor yet vvould
The somme I had, vvhen I vvas doom'd to die,
Pay for my buriall, and my Coffin buy.
Whence I conclude, though vve goe late to bed,
And rise betimes, and likevvise eate the bread
Of carefulnesse, the vantage vvill be small
Vnlesse God giues his blessing there vvithall.
Which he vvill neuer doe to such attempts;
Your vvicked and vnlavvfull course exempts
You from that gracious benefit, and tho
You doe subsist avvhile, God suffers so
To try if that you vvill reclaymed bee,
If not, his heauie vengeance shall you see
Out poured in abundance, then too late
You vvill repent you, cursing cruell fate
When 'tis past remedie, the Pots you knovv
That ouer often to the Riuer goe
☞At last come broken home, O then forsake
This life, least you your Inne the Prison make;
And here arriu'd, O Heauens; Hell not retaynes
More fuller tortures, torments, vvoes, and paines.
Which vvere enough to punish all offence
Though vvith the forfeit life, the Law dispence.
For here no sooner entred, but you meete
A thousand vvretched soules, that loosely fleet
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From place, to place, where sighing is their ayre,
Their comforts coldnesse, and their food despaire;
And euer as they see a Keeper come
They start, as fearing some new martyrdome.
Whilst the insulting Rascall swels to thinke
The crauen soule should from his power shrinke,
And standing on the tiptoes of poore pride
Screwes his ill fauour'd face, on tother side;
As the poore Prisoner with a dolefull looke
Seemes to petition some thing, (as the Booke
Of his sad face may tell) the Iayler vild,
His deuillish heart is from remorse exild.
The minutes of your rest (if rest there be
Within the wals of so much Iniurie)
Are frighted with your cares, or some rude noyse
Of sencelesse creatures, from whose drunken voice,
The night is quartred into Earth-quakes sad,
That you would thinke eu'n the whole World were mad
And you another humorist shall heare,
Cursing the Stars, the Earth, and all that's neere,
Another vild, and franticke in his oaths
His blasphemies 'gainst God and Angels throwes,
Cursing his cruell Creditors, and fate
That makes him begge his food within a grate.
Perhaps some pray, but if they doe, 'tis so
As if the good they meant they did not know,
But as their wants or customes doe prouoke
They in distraction, doe their Gods inuoke,
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Who heares as little, for such vowes as those
The best effects of true petitions loose.
Here are you mingled with the various straine
Of fainting need, and euery humour vaine,
And must of force endure the idle way
Of those that doe blaspheme and such as pray
At one selfe instant, here what other ill
Your owne corruption knew not, meete you still,
And if a little tainted when you came
Ere you depart y'are all compos'd of shame,
And grow as cunning now in all offence
As he that tempted Mans first innocence.
Nor is that humour which some Parents haue,
(Thinking their vilder sonnes they thus may saue
From vtter ruine or reclayme from sinne,
If but a prison once they are put in)
To be forgiuen; for in sauing so
They doe precipitate their ouerthrow;
The cause is easie, for examples ill
Purge not, but doe adulterate the will,
Too prone to giddie folly, and beside
They that enioy the ayre and Region wide,
When from a Kinsman or a friend confin'd.
They haue a Message, or a Letter sign'd
As if they had him sacrific'd to Hell,
Nor know him, nor the place where he doth dwell,
Or if they call his mention from the dead,
It is as faint as of those buried.
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So that the liuing deaths of prisoners bee
The feelingst Mon••me••ts of miserie,
But these are but the Interludes to those
Sad Tragedies writ in your ouerthrowes,
And as the quickest passage in your Scene,
To your Catastrophes, so slight, so meane,
That he that sees your ends, may truly say
The Prison was the best of all your play,
For there your fatall lodging, and sad roome,
Presenting to you your accursed doome,
May well instruct you, that abuse of aire
Hath brought you to this chamber of despaire,
Where when the tell-tale Sunne through crannies spies
Your day-bard carkasse, lock'd in miseries,
It snatches his free beames from your dull sight,
As who should say, you had abus'd his light
By doing that it was asham'd to see,
And therefore darknesse must your portion bee.
The night, which you can scarce distinguish then,
(Whilst your sad thoughts your errours may condemne)
Instead of sleepe, should with a thousand feares,
Sound your wak'd conscience larums in your eares,
Vnfold your guilts, and crowne your watchfull eyes
Not with a dreame, but sence of Miseries,
Then death, which or you feare not, or despise
Must coldly in your apprehensions rise,
And teach you truly what it is to die,
Not natures, but the sonnes of infamie.
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☞But such considerations haue long since,
With your worst thoughts, a cruell difference.
For you beleeue you haue deseru'd to bee
Admir'd, not scorn'd, for your past villany,
And that the actions, you haue done are such
As pace with honour, can endure the touch
Of cruell'st censure, whilst you fondly deeme
That men you braue, and valiant doe esteeme,
And so are bound with your ills to conniue,
And in despight of Law keepe you aliue.
So from the Gaole vnto the halter goe
Carelesse of now, or after ouerthrow.
Base vsurpation, and conceits as vaine
As are your liues, expenses, and your gaine.
For good and braue men censure right your sinne,
And pitty you, and the course you are in
Rather in common Pietie, then that
Your vilde defeatings should be wondred at;
And since you are discouered thus by mee,
If by mistake before a man might bee
So cheated with your boastings, and lowd talke,
Because he neuer knew the tracke you walke
With your disguises, now his Iudgement may
Be altered, betterd, or quite throwne away.
When all your fained worths, appeare to be,
But faint protectors of your infamy
Disabled in the poore things you commit,
Which neither are for worth, nor valour fit.
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Your ends besides (if nothing else) might draw
☞You into feare to breake the rigorous Law;
Vnhappie he that hangs vpon a tree,
The wretched guerdon of impietie.
Nor Dyes the shame with him that suffers so,
His family in such an ouerthrow
Participate and share, whose innocence
Are Dyed in scandall, but for his offence.
And the whole stocke, aboue an age in time,
Is blasted for this debt, he paid his crime.
And yet these sencelesse Caitiues who inherit
This way of dying by their owne demerit,
Laugh at this Iudgement, call it a fine thing.
Thus to be pulld to heauen in a stringe,
And that the Apoplex, fleames and Catarre,
More cruell to the soules of Christians are
Then hanging, for these passions take men hence,
Ere they can thinke of dying, or haue sence
Of their repentance, being snatcht away
Scarce with so poore a warning, as to pray.
But these haue Sermons, prayer, Sacrament,
Psalmes, and alwayes to bring them to repent,
And a great audience of the people by.
For whose faire warning th'are content to dy,
And thus their strong deluder drawes them on
To laugh at, and deserues destruction.
What should be their example, and afright them
Doe rather please, reioyce, content, delight them,
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☞But you fond men it may be doe suppose
Because I scap'd, that you shall neither loose
Your sorfeit liues, I wish the grace I found
May not to any of your harmes redownd,
I meane to your encouragement, you know
But of particulars no generalls grow,
One Swallow makes no Summer, though Noyes flood
Once ouerwhelmed all the liuing brood
That stroue against the streame, topping the rankes
Of the great Mountaines, and the lesser Bankes,
With euery Crawling creature (not one mist)
Though they Lent all their powers to resist,
Yet God hath promised (we haue vnderstood)
He will not send vs such another flood.
Things seldome are not vsuall: besides strong
The reasons are, that did my life prolong
You must conclude, that had the time not byn
The Iubily of mercy, when my sinne
Was cald in question, I had president
Bin not in writing, but in punishment:
For that great power by whom we gouern'd are,
To limit my ill courses (straind so farre)
Thus tooke me from my sinne, and did contriue
How by strange meanes I should be kept aliue,
For know, iust at that instant when the ioyes
Of great men, good men, old men, young men, Boyes,
Had but one obiect, like the heauenly spheares,
Whose harmony, one note, one burthen beares,
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Then when each face did like a Bridegroome smile,
And one entire contentment crown'd this Isle,
The Birds, the Beasts, the men, and euery thing
Presenting their glad Aues to their king,
Who like a Sunne new risen on the earth,
Disdaines to view a corner where's not mirth,
So threw a beame on me, whose lucklesse fate
Was then midst all this ioy disconsolate.
Then was my apprehension, euen iust then
As if my faults distinguish'd me from men
That were ordain'd for ioy, or mine offence
Deny'd my share in blisse of Innocence.
Yet this preseru'd me; Barabbas must be
At the great Feast from death and bondage free,
It was no fauour to the man, or crime,
That sau'd his life, his blessing was the time,
Nor could my glorious Sunne, that Rose so faire,
With blood infect or cloud the laughing aire,
Or die the Crimson of his Morne with red
Of Malefactors blood (so early shed)
His beauty is his owne, nor would he shine
At first in Iustice, though 'tis cald diuine.
Hence grew the Mercy, that my ioy so might
Be in respect of all mens tripartite,
For besides this I had an Aduocate
Whose vertue could the hardest penetrate,
And make compassion easie, for her smile
Could the sad browes of sternesse reconcile;
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Her sweetnesse can the angry Ocean calme,
And turne the Aspe his poison into Balme,
And stay the thunders heauy hand, iust then
When it is threatning ruine to all men.
The Tiger of her yong-ones robd would stay
But at her presence, and forbeare her prey.
The angriest things must at her sight appeare
As smooth as August, or the springing yeare.
She the rich partner of his royall bed
Who weares a triple crowne vpon his head.
Embrac'd him, cald him Lord, and at that word,
Who could denie a pardon to afford.
She ask'd, he gaue, and my deare fate in this
Got my free pardon, she a bountious kisse.
So sweetly seald was my remisse from death,
So ratified by this so royall breath.
Presume not yet on this, occasion so
Will not her liberall aide to all bestow,
One thiefe was sau'd, that no man should despaire,
But one, so that presumptions forfeit are:
He with his Sauiour died, blest time for him,
Who else had found no pardon for his sinne;
I in my Soueraignes glory was to die,
And that time set my life at liberty.
Note the occasions strange that set vs free
Me from this death, him to eternitie.
My Prince's crowning, his Redeemers death,
Assur'd his soule, and did restore my breath.
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But euery day is not Coronation; Nor
D••d many suffer with our Sauiour.
And mercy at such times as these extended.
To Iudgements turne, if grace be twice offended.
And now you thinke me happy being free
From death and shame by this benignitie,
But if you doe a little backe reflect
On the recharges of my foes, th'aspect
Of this sun-shining day, you cloudy find
And much foule weather in my face behind,
For now, as I haue seene a tired Hare
Of his owne swiftnesse in a faint despaire,
After whose fearefull feet, the yelping cry,
Of the whole kennell, follow eagerly.
Which spi'd, some Huntsman or some Shepheard neere,
Seeing the weary Wat halfe dead with feare,
In the Pursuers sight, in his safe armes
Folds the poore creature from their cruell harmes,
'Bout whom the angry chasers leape and bay,
Assaulting him that keepes them from their prey,
And with their fearefull noyses fright it more,
Then the poore beast was in pursuit before.
Euen iust thus is my poore life pursu'de,
Whilst I thought danger past, it was renew'd
For first they followed with much speed, and cry,
After poore mee (that fled but easily)
And when the King of Forrests and of Chafes
Thus found me destitute, before their faces,
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(Ready to be deuour'd) snatch'd me away
Iust then, as they were seizing on the prey,
And in his royall armes of grace embrac'd
My panting life, before so hotly chac'te,
And yet behold my Aduersaries rore
With lowder exclamations, then before.
And would with horrid clamours him constraine
What he preseru'd, thus to destroy againe.
Appeales and Caueats, and such things they bring
To force me from the bosome of my King.
On which diuinest altar whilst I hold
I cannot be vnto their furies sold.
And yet the rarest eloquence in Law
That I could to my causes handling draw,
I was enforc'd to craue; so strongly they
Did although pardon'd 'gainst my life inuay.
Here I a new must muster vp my friends
Wearied before; to crosse their irefull ends.
Make their endeauours such to saue me now
As if the King no Pardon did allow,
Thus though my life they cannot take, you see
They make me weary of 't by troubling mee.
Thus a Delinquent must of force endure:
He knowes not when he's freed; nor when secure.
Behold, the Map of your proceeding heere,
A Glasse in which to life, there doth appeare
The forme of all your actions; vvhich I knovv
Are vglier yet in substance then in shovv.
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As they are vilde, your Aymes are worse, your ends
As bad againe, yet these your Hope transcends,
For both in ill designes, it leads you on,
And will most faile, when most you trust vpon.
☞ Now then if that you are not quite bereft
Of likelihoods for grace, if there be left
Roome but for one good thought, if vnto sinne
You haue not sold your selues out-right, let in
This motion I shall make, behold your fact,
Summon your guilty conscience, which is rackt
And gladly would speake truth, that it might gaine
Ease to her selfe in her ensuing paine,
She would account, and be discharg'd, thereby
The worme a breeding would soone liue, soone die,
A hideous horrid sight it must needs bee,
When in their vgly shapes, you chance to see
Your monstrous sinnes appeare; yet happy men
You cannot euer be at all till then:
No nor then neither, if it be to late,
'Tis some mens cursed and vnhappy fate,
That they can ne're be touch'd at heart vntill
The damned bed-roll of their sinnes o're-fill
Their guilty conscience, in stead of prayer
In vaine as they conceiue, they then despaire,
Not able to appeale to Christ his passion,
They greedily lay hold on their damnation.
If not the feare of this your temporall death,
Let the eternall moue, the one's but breath:
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The other endlesse, euer-liuing paine,
Ere it be done, it still begins againe,
Pitty your silly soules, that else must frie
In burning lakes of Brimstome, neuer die
Where worse then Egypt's darknesse hems you in,
With seuerall tortures for each vgly sinne.
Where howles, and hollow groanes the coapes-mates be
To this eternall night of Miserie.
Where frosts, fires, drownings, sulphur, choakings come
Encreasing still, ne're ending; here's your doome.
And these the torments that prepared are,
Of which (vild men) you must expect your share.
If you will still persist, and not giue o're,
'Tis then in vaine for to perswade you more.
I'le cease my faire meanes therefore, and will try
If I can fright you with an Hue and Cry,
Here would I name both you, and your abode,
But that you varie those, on euery rode,
Yo'are East, now West, and next North-Country men,
And then your names as oft you change agen.
Thus to informe then, were to put in doubt,
Not to giue light to men to finde you out.
You in another kinde I will describe,
That euery man shall know you as you ride,
Or to auoid you how, or his purse lost
I teach you a true rule how he shall coast,
And dogge you as you ride, how to be sure
To take you, when you thinke your selues secure.
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☞ Because I liu'd by spoyle of Passengers
Thus will I recompence them, this worke's theirs
Meant for their good, the guerdon for my gaine
Is to aduise, how they may not sustaine
A farther losse, come be you rul'd by me,
And well obserue, these your instructions bee,
When as you carrie charge, let no man know
Nor of your money, nor yet when you goe.
You haue a humour when you are to ride
Your Neighbours Kinsmen, or your friends you bid
To sup, or breake their fasts, only to drinke
Healths to your good returne, you little thinke
There's any harme in this, yet I haue knowne
A Father thus betray'd by his owne Sonne,
A Brother by a Brother, and a friend
Most deare in outward shew, to condescend.
And lay the plot with theeues, bid them prepare
Such a prize comes, whereof he takes a share.
Whilst, but for him they neuer had bin met.
Another kind of men there is, that set,
Ten times more dangerous, you often choose
Some one to guard you for feare you should loose
Your money by the way, yon doe relye
Both on his valour, and his honestie,
Now as you ride together, if he see
You light on any other company,
He rounds you in the eare (as if he tooke
The greatest care) and sayes that yon mans looke
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He likes not, you perswaded slacke your pace,
So that alone he brings you to the place
Where his confederates lie, and then surpris'd
(As 'twas by him and them before deuis'd)
They hacke, and hew against each others sword,
Till threatned to be shot, you giue the word,
And bid him yeeld, (which he seemes loth to doe)
Nay more he is inform'd which way they goe,
And as you follow with an hue and Cry,
He will be sure to leade you quite awry.
☞ Oft in your Clothiers and your Grasiers Inne,
You shall haue Chamberlaines, that there haue bin
Plac'd purposely by theeues, or else consenting
By their large bribes, and by their often tempting,
That marke your purses drawne, and giue a gesse
What's there, within a little more or lesse;
Then will they gripe your cloak-bags, feele there weight
There's likewise in my Host sometimes deceit,
If it be left in charge with him all night,
Vnto his roaring Guests he giues a light,
(Who spend full thrice as much in wine and beare)
As you in those, and all your other cheare)
These inconueniences doe oft arise
For want of heed, and care, be therefore wise.
☞ Forbeare to ride vpon the Sabbath day,
In which God sayes, Remember, rest, and pray▪
As we our seruants oftentimes command,
When many businesses they take in hand▪
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That chiefly one by no meanes they forget
Aboue the rest; iust thus much in effect
Imports the word Remember, though our law
Be not of force enough to keepe in awe
The Sabbath-breaker, yet God in the way
Oft meets with him, and giues him as a prey
To high-way theeues, that day they rather choose
Then any other, fittest for their vse,
For then the roads are quiet, and they know
None ride but those haue great affaires to doe,
Which to effect, 'tis thought, they haue about them
Great store of Coyne, and this makes theeues misdoubt them.
And as the Cut-purse is in prime of play,
When men at Church doe most deuoutly pray,
So are the High-way Cutters; for the Deuill
Is not content to tempt them to doe euill,
But teaches them presumption in the Act,
Which well he knowes doth aggrauate the fact.
Lastly, if you are rob'd on that high day,
It is not fit that then the Country pay
Your money backe againe, that remedy,
The Iudge in conscience will to you deny,
What reason is it men should leaue to pray,
To wait vpon your theeues that run away?
☞ Noe, ride at lawfull times, and you shall meet
Store of good company for you to keepe;
Associate though with none, vnlesse with those
That you finde rather willing for to loose
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Then haue your company; for they that still
Presse to be neere you, though against your will,
Are somewhat dangerous; but I will show
How you shall finde if they be theeues, or no;
Take but occasion for to make some stay,
Then marke; if that they keepe not on their way
But slacke their pace, or else alight and goe;
Or if perchance they doe refuse to doe
As I haue said, iust then, before your face;
Follow some halfe hower after, a slow pace;
If so you ouer-take them, then take heed,
For that's the very tricke of theeues indeed.
Next of a theefe, the vsuall markes be these,
(Which as you ride you may obserue with ease)
They muffle with their cloakes, or else their coate
Hides all their clothes, that so you may not note
What sutes they haue, a Handkercher they were
About their neckes, or Cipresse, which they reare
Ouer their mouthes, and noses, with their hand
Iust at the time, when as they bid you stand;
Perhaps since here I haue discouered this,
They will now leaue them off, that you may misse
Your obseruation, be you therefore sure
As soone as they come riding somewhat neere
To gaze full at their faces, you shall see
Them turne their heads away, as if so bee
They had spide something on the tother side,
Which if they doe, then keepe your distance wide,
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But now they will not may be, yet may you
Haue by these meanes a full and perfect view,
And know them when you see them next, or whither
Their great bush beard, and face, agree together.
This aboue all I wish you for your good,
By any meanes shun him that weares a hood,
Beware of them that whisper, and those men
That are inquisitiue, for surely then
They but examine you that they may know
By circumstance, whe'r you haue coine or no.
☞ You and your friend perchance doe ride together,
Your company's increased by another,
A seeming honest man, and you are glad
Where's two to one suspition none is had.
You call him fellow-trauellor, and he
Reioyces in your honest companie,
About some two miles riding there o'••e-takes
Some three of his companions, then he shakes,
Trembles, and quiuers, and seemes sore afraid,
And cries, directly friends we are way-laid,
If you haue charge about you let me know,
That I may cocke my Pistoll as I goe,
By those, and such like words, he will soone find,
Whether, or no, your Purse be richly lin'd,
And whil'st you thought, there had been three to three,
Your Iudas is on t'other side you see.
☞ Had you not need be wary, iudge I pray?
Let me perswade you, doe not ride by day
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With any summe you are afraid to lose
But in the night, but then take heed of those
Base Padding Rascalls, for their kill-calfe law
I am not priuy to, I neuer saw
Them, nor their actions, then I cannot show
How to preuent the thing I doe not know.
But thus much I assure you, you are free
From any horsmen you shall meet, or see,
For they beleeue that none will ride at night,
But onely those whose Purses are too light,
And hardly worth the taking; next they must
Keepe lawfull howers, for feare they through mistrust
Be apprehended, that's their chiefest eare;
And then againe, I know they hardly dare
Aduenture in the darke; for they can spie
Neither aduantage, opportunitie,
Nor whether you haue Pistolls, nor yet know,
Whether that you be likely men, or no,
And you haue time your money to conuey,
And much more benefit by night, then day.
But since God hath ordain'd this time to rest,
And not to trauell in, I doe my best
So to aduise you, that you shall be sure
What time so e're you ride, to be secure.
☞ This is a generall rule, and obseruation,
Your high-way theeues doe alwaies keepe their station
Vpon your greatest roads, that out of those
That do passe by, they may both picke and choose;
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And so they cull the likeliest out of many;
But on your petty By-roads, where scarce any
Are wont to trauell, they nere vse to bee,
You may be safe from any ieopardie
If here you coast, which I aduise you to
Rather then on your great high roads to go.
☞ But aboue all which way so e're you ride,
A Butts length distance at the least diuide
Your selues from one another, so keepe on,
For I assure you they nere set vpon
A scattered troope, for feare of somes escaping,
Which may endanger their immediate taking,
Besides, their company they doe diuide
And set at seuerall stands, and should you ride
All in a cluster, they will sally out
Before, behinde, and compasse you about.
Now if that following, they attempt, you spie
Their drift and resolution presently
By their deuision, and haue time to shun
The thing intended, ere it be begun.
Besides, they dare not doe but altogether,
That they may be at hand with one another,
To helpe where there's occasion, say they should
Aduenture desperately, they neuer could
Bring you together, nor aside the way,
Without much trouble, and a greater stay;
And peraduenture, ere halfe this be done,
Vnto your rescue there are others come.
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Now I coniure you that ride by the while,
Let neither threats nor faire words you beguile
Nor yet diswade, from yeelding your reliefe
To those you find in action with the thiefe,
I doe remember I haue often beene
Thus wickedly imploy'd, whilst I haue seene
Some others riding in to this our fray,
I only wish'd them to keepe on their way,
With such perswasions, I found suted best
With their amaze, see fairely thus distrest
And to our mercies, they haue left those men
That very eas'ly might haue rescu'de beene.
☞ Now thus much for preuention, here you see
From point to point, a plaine discouerie,
Of the theeues policie, I shew'd you how
You may auoyde it, let me tell you now
What you haue next to doe, If you espie
(As you may guesse by my discouerie)
That there are theeues amongst you, doe not gaze
On this, and tother side, nor in a maze
Affrighted stand, as if your only hope
Were some to rescue you, that will prouoke
And not dishearten them, then minde it not,
But be as though all feare you had forgot,
And looke as bigge as they, and if they proffer
Be sure to draw, as soon's they make their offer
Remember then the cause you haue in hand,
Your reputation, and your money stand
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At gage in this, and if you dare not fight,
It grieues me much to doe you thus much right.
They, (if they find you resolute and stout)
Dare euen as wellbe hang'd, as fight it out,
Not out of cowardize, but that they know
To their discomforts, that in fighting so
They striue against a Countrey, Iustice, Law,
Right, equity, and these keepes them in awe.
They studie most, how they may bugbeares seeme,
And who are rob'd, but those that doe esteeme
Their threats, vnlesse you yeeld without delay,
We shoot you thorow, they perhaps may say;
But who thus threatned, yet resisting still
Can say vnto me that he fared ill.
Some though are somewhat resolutely bent,
Tis true, yet is it farre from their intent
To shed your blood, for they in doing so,
Should worke their owne immediate ouerthrow,
They could not then subsist, for though they passe,
Sought after slightly for the monies losse,
Should they take life and all, they could not ride
To any place where they might safely bide,
But through continuall search they would be found,
And then pay dearly for each bloody wound.
This the euent would be, which they well know,
Rather then hurt you, they will let you goe,
And stay a while vntill they meet with some
Which their faire words, or threats will ouercome.
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Besides, the right is of your side, and though
You are o're-match'd, God may enable you so
Those Caytifes may be vanquish'd by your hand;
Then what good seruice you shall doe your land,
Your Prince, and Common-wealth, you may suppose,
Euen in the act by apprehending those
Who liue vpon the spoile, then hold them play
And yours shall be the honour of the day.
☞ But 'tis a fault of yours, you doe consent
And yeeld too patiently, you are content
Not onely to be rob'd, but let them goe,
And basely wish they may escape, that so
The Countrey may be lyable, for why
If they not taken be with hue and cry,
You must haue all restor'd, and what care you:
One thing more I will tell you, which is true,
You often double and misname the summe,
You know the hundred willing is to come
To composition with you, if they doe,
You cousen both the theeues and Country too.
And when you tell the story, then although
You say they were fiue, six, or at least fower,
You were rob'd fairely, and but two to two,
And that you fought it out aboue an hower,
And then you cut and slash your harmelesse clothes,
And say that in the fight 'twas done by those
That tooke your money, which God knowes you gaue
Without resistance 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they scarce did craue.
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Doe no more so, nor striue that men may deeme
You valiant, for it is a poore esteeme
To be accounted, if you be not so;
And they haue farre a harder taske to doe
To keepe opinion, falsly vndergone,
Then those haue none, for to atchieue to one.
Be what your Images, doe represent,
Men nobly spirited, 'twas God's intent
When he created you, not much vnlike
His Image most diuine, that you should fight
In a iust cause, because he is all iust,
And herein failing you betray God's trust,
Neglect your dutie, and doe animate
Not curbe, the vild'ones, that doe perpetrate.
☞ But now suppose through negligence you fall
Into their clutches, and surpris'd with all
You are vnthought of, 'tis no fault of mine
You might haue taken better heed in time.
Thus yet I will aduise you, if you see
That you must yeeld and ouer-mastred bee,
Striue not at all, but giue the fairest words
Your best inuention and your wit affords,
Wish that you had more monies, and withall
Deliuer some, and so perhaps you shall
By searching of your selues, and freenesse too,
Without a further re-examining goe.
But if they make an offer, doe not you
Seeme to dislike, what they doe meane to doe
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Then will they sift you soundly, doe not hold
Your hand vpon your money, they are told
Thus where it is, and surely they will guesse,
They haue not all by your owne fearefulnesse.
I haue obserued many times, when I
Had tane such money, as did satisfie,
Out of the pocket hauing no intent
To make a further search, but only meant
To lead the Passenger aside the way,
(Because I knew what danger 'twas to stay)
Fast'ning my clutches on his arme, or thigh,
With a sad looke, he would begin to cry
He was vndone, if I tooke what was there,
Thinking I felt (because my hand was neere)
His greater summe, which I by that should find
Hid in his sleeue, or in his shirt behind.
But now then, if they find not such a summe
As was expected, they will bid you come,
Into some corner, then protest, and sweare,
If patiently a while, you will sit there,
You shall haue all restor'd, that they mistooke
You like are, but not those, for whom they looke
On these fond hopes you rest, vntill that they
Haue watch'd their time, and seiz'd another prey.
To which you now are accessaries growne,
But see where are their promises become?
(Nor meant thev otherwise) those rifled to
They take their Horses and away they goe,
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And leaue you destitute, so with the rest
To tell the storie whether fared best.
☞ Yet loose no time, but on with all the speed
That possible you can, and then take heed,
It much concernes you, for when they espy
That you pursue, the formost cunningly
Falls into some by lane, 'tis vndescride
For you suppose they altogether ride,
So whilst you thinke, you keepe at distance farre,
Anew amidst them you surprised are.
Here's their maine plot, you are forewarn'd, But say
You cannot ouertake them, and that they
Haue left the roade, and you in a great doubt,
So that you know not how to finde them out,
Let me direct you, I will instance thus,
Suppose on Colebrooke way you lose your purse,
The Theeues to Vxbridge roade, or Stanes will ride,
And not to faile will there all night abide,
This is the chiefest Maxime in their law,
The Subt'lest surely that I euer saw,
It stands by reason, for they know full well
None vse to trauell thus athawrt to tell
The Passages, or to describe the men
They rest at pleasure, and are gone agen
Ere that the lazie-tithing hue and Cry
Comes to enquire, and the authority
Of some poore silly fellow, who is plac'd
In that meane office, that he may be grac'd
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For double-diligence, oft as he goes
Through wretched wilfulnesse attaches those
That nere ment harme, yet being apprehended,
They often lose their liues, though ne're offended.
But to deale safe and sure, without delay
Scoure you the next great right and left hand way,
And if at night you misse, a carefull spy
Next day shall surely see them riding by.
Grant Now they leaue this custome, all their art,
Their wit, inuention, neuer can impart
The like againe, I vow, I doe not see
Whither they can betake them to be free:
But by the way know thus much, if they light
On a great summe, then will they ride that night
Vnto their Rendeuous here in the City,
Which is too sure a shelter, (more's the pitty,)
But follow my aduise, and marke me well,
For here a cunning plot of theirs I tell,
If you are rob'd out in the Easterne quarter,
When you with hue and cry the theeues make after,
Ride not to London in the roade you were,
Nor raise those parts, you will not finde them there,
But hie to Westminster, Holborne, the Strand,
And for a speedy search there giue command,
If Northward they light on you, straightwayes ride
And search both Southwarke, Lambeth, & Banckeside,
Thus they doe alwaies plant themselues, for so
They haue the Citty betwixt them and you.
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And ere your search comes at them (by the way
Which often dyes) there's time at will to stay.
I haue obseru'd (and it is still in vse,
Nor will it ere reforme the vild abuse
It hath a leuell at) a needlesse care
Wherewith all sorts of people troubled are,
And charged too, when any one hath lost
His purse to theeues, then at the Countries cost
There is a watch prepar'd to guard that place
Where the poore man by them surprised was;
This is like shutting vp the Stable doore,
When as the Horse was stolne out before,
'Tis not to be suppos'd the thiefe will come
And make a needlesse breach, to thanke the Groome
For feeding of the best; loe then iust so,
Nor meane the high-way theeues that way to goe
Where there is waite laid for them, say they should;
I doe protest here; I did euer hold
(And found it by experience) that high-way
That had a watch vpon it, best for prey.
For first the honest Trauellers suppose
It is impossible, that they should lose
Their money being guarded thus; and hence
They grow more carelesse, doubting none offence
Can any wayes betyde them; whilst alasse
A thiefe may doe his list, and freely passe,
The watchmen neere the wiser; for they stand
Setled at one place by a strict command.
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It is indifferent when the theefe layes hold,
His booty singled out, he will make bold
To seize him any where; all places are
All one alike to him, he will not care
So that the coast be cleare, and then how can
He be distinguish'd from an honest man?
I neuer past by, but the watchmen gaue
Me courteous language, wishing me to haue
A speciall care I was not rob'd; whil'st I
Was a chiefe actor of that villanie.
But now suppose they had examin'd me,
I would haue answer'd them so courteously,
That they could not suspect. Now what are they
That are appointed watchmen for the way?
Poore, silly, old, decrepped men, that are
Fitting for nought else, but to loyter there;
Haue not I seene a dozen such, all stand
(With each of them a Holbert in his hand)
Amaz'd, affrighted, and durst neuer quatch,
Whil'st we before their faces all; did catch,
Assault, seize, rifle such as did passe by,
When we were gone (perhaps) then would they cry
Theefes, theefes, (to little purpose) I haue knowne
Some that by way of parly, thus haue growne
Familiar with the watch, and as they found
A fit occasion, they haue tane, and bound
The silly fellowes hand, and foot; then stood
Like a safe guard set for the Countries good,
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With browne bils in their hands, and so made bold
(As with authority) to stop, and hold
All that did come that way, I doe suppose
A watch of Holbarteers were good for those
Foot-padding-night theeues) but for these you see
Such care, and trouble all in vaine will bee.
But if you will needs haue it so, choose then
Strong, able, stout, and resolute young men,
Arme them with Bow, and Arrowes, Muscets, Shot,
And with a Horse or two, that they may not
Be thus abus'd, but if occasion be
May follow on to purpose; but by me
And mine instructions here, I hope you shall
Be well secur'd, and need no watch at all.
☞ I thinke it fitting now for me to show
Vnto the Inne-keeper, how he shall know
Such guests from other men, my Host take heed,
To winke at such faults were a fault indeed,
Respect then rather honesty, then gaine.
Know well your seruants whom you entertaine,
Trie them, that you may trust, their helpe in this
Subtill discouery, most needfull is.
Your Ostler must obserue, and he shall see
About their horses, they will curious bee
They must be strangely drest, as strangelyfed
With Mashes, prouender, and Christians bred;
If this be wondred at, they cannot hold,
Their goodly qualities they must vnfold,
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Crying, they doe deserue it, and that they
By their good seruice will their cost repay
With ouer-plus, or some words more or lesse,
By which relation he may shrewdly guesse.
And then they will be asking, who is he
That ownes that horse? and whose those horses be
That stand beyond him? what their Masters are?
What kind of men? whither they ride? how farre?
And when? so by his answeres they surmize
Which of them all will be their likeliest prize.
Next of their Cloak-bags let him notice take,
They onely carry them for fashion'd sake,
For they are empty ones, in pollicie,
Because their horses should not laden be.
Your Chamberlaine shall finde, when as they come
Vsher'd vp by him to their Lodging roome,
He shall be sent away, let him giue eare,
And not to faile, he shall be sure to heare
The gingling of their money, Let him pry
Behind some secret Cranies priuily,
And he shall see them share, what they haue got,
And euery one to take what is his lot.
This they by no meanes will deferre, for feare,
Who has the purse, should cheat them in the share;
This done, they hug each other, next they call
Their rauish'd sences home, and then withall
They knocke againe for him, who shall be sheut
For not attending, though enioyn'd he went.
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Now must he draw a cup of curious Sacke,
Then next mine Hoast your company they lacke,
With farre-fetcht complements they will salute
And bid you welcome, marke from their dispute
What you can gather, you may somewhat guesse
By their mens sawcy peremptorinesse,
For seruants when their Masters ills they know
Cease their obedience, and presumptious grow.
Enquire a part, each ones particular name,
And let your seuerall seruants doe the same,
And you shall finde them tripping, they well may
Forget the new names, that they tooke that day;
At supper time let some one hastily
Knocke at your gate, as with authority,
You shall obserue a sudden fearefull start,
Marke then their lookes (the Index of the heart)
And you shall finde them troubled, looke you sad,
And aske if yonder Constable be mad?
Bid them say quickly, what their danger is,
Then promise no authority of his
Shall enter there, if they command it so,
By this, into their priuate thoughts you go,
They will confesse for succour, needs no more,
'Tis euident what you but thought before,
But say hereafter they should carelesse grow,
Then are they taken with the lesse adoe.
Now say they come about the noone of day,
You shall well know them, by their needlesse stay,
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Their carelesnesse of time, for they but bait,
That they may stand at gaze, and fitly wait
For honest passengers, when they haue spide
A likely-moneyd booty by them ride,
Then will they bussle, and make hast away
With farre more speed then tedious was their stay.
And cry yon rides their Vncle, or their friend
With whom some earnest businesse they pretend;
When in an Inne, they must all-night abide,
They cunningly, sometimes themselues diuide
And come as seuerall companies, thereby
To crosse the number in the Hue and Cry.
Besides thus parted, they are sure to know
If otherwise then well, the squares should goe,
They of each other will no notice take
Of you (mine Host) they will enquirie make
What their companions are? what Countrimen?
Whether you know them yea or no? and then
If they can finde you haue a Ielousie
Shrewdly suspecting either company,
Hauing discouered your opinion
With all conuenient speed, they will get gone,
But if you doe (as well you may) mistake them
And that for honest trauellers you take them,
They (as by chance) will in your kitchen meet,
And as meere strangers, one another greet,
There will they drinke together, ere they goe
From thence, so louing and so kinde they grow
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That they willsup togeather, marke them well
And you their cunning knauery shall smell.
Still strangers to each other will they bee,
Whil'st any of your house are there to see;
But see, and be not seene, and you shall finde
Them all familiar in another kinde,
They will Embrace, reioyce, laugh at their plot
And at mine Host that he suspects it not.
The fairest Innes they vsually frequent,
Out of a wary-politicke intent,
Presuming, for disparaging the man
They will not search his howse, and there they can
Rest vnmolested, but since this you know
Let not the subtile theefe, escape you so.
☞Loe here I haue vnclasp'd this obscure booke,
And full Quotations on those secrets tooke,
That the plaine eye of Iudging reason, may
Discouer such abuses of the way,
And as 'tis said, that true repenters must
Their secret sinnes, and all ills from them thrust,
Lest the vild tainture of one crime behinde
Contaminate againe the sinfull minde,
Thus haue I left no nooke, no cranny small,
Which men may cunning or pernicious call
Vn-open'd here, before the curious day
As cleere and plaine, as is the Champion way.
No act, or vse which theeues discouer might,
No Art, to make the honest know them right.
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Lest by retaining ought, it might be deem'd,
My true recanting is not, what it seem'd.
But marke my cautions well, and you will know
That these way-riflers must some new way goe
Imagination, or their practice yet
Could neuer reach to, or before you set
Preuention of their worst assaults, their drifts
In their attempt, and their best scaping shifts.
Nor can I feare, but since so freely I
Haue here dissected such impietie,
Anatomizing euery hidden Nerue
That for the strength of such occasions serue,
The charitable world will hence allow,
That I those men and actions disauow
I make so plaine and hatefull, nor againe
Will I my honour in those puddles staine,
Nor can it be suppos'd by enuie, that
Any relap's of mine be aimed at,
For mine owne writ, must then in Iudgement stand
And signe me vnto death, mine owne false hand;
The Iurie, and the Iudge, in Euidence,
Shall no enquiry need for mine offence,
This booke alone against all pittie's plea,
Turnes all excuse into Apostrophe,
Whil'st dumbe as death, with double shame I must
'Count both my ruine, and my sentence iust.
Now let detracting censure, pawse, and stay
And turne rank'rous spleenes another way,
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And know that now in Censure, they doe more
Then I haue done in all the rest before,
When my determin'd Innocence shalbee
A Iudge seuere against their cruelty;
☞And such whose most vnnecessary eye,
Into forbidden acts of others pry,
And when the man they curiously haue read,
Must then attempt the secrets of his bed,
To poyson all his blessings, nicely draw
The Curtaines, whose concealings no man saw
Without a rude intruding, for the bed
Of lawfull couples being iniured
By base detractions, leades that troubled sence
Into the fullest foulnesse of offence;
And so my pillowes partner, to whose truth
I owe the best reforming of my youth,
As if she must be sharer of my wrongs,
Though ne're arraign'd▪ was yet condemn'd by tongs.
As if of force because shee's mine, she must
In spight of all her vertue be vniust,
But I imagine rather this surmize,
Doth from the common ground of ill arise,
Or from that Enuy, Sathan left behind,
When he infected our first mothers mind:
Shew me the man whose tendrest, dearest loue,
And whose affection in a straine doth moue
Beyond community, vnto his wife,
Who but in her, has neither soule, nor life,
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And giue me reasons why his should transcend
The debt I owe to mine vnequall friend?
Then will I yeeld my dotage, his loue rare,
And thus our obligations I compare.
First, vnto you whose marriages intent
Haue to the fortune of your choice extent
More then the person, or those faire deserts
Which make the blessedst contracts of the hearts,
And loue the purchase more of her estate
Then her perfections, you ne're leaueld at;
You who were neuer caught with darting eies,
Whose best affections in her treasure lies,
And neuer had your soules with loue refin'd,
Peruerting the true vse of either kind,
Can yet in this your portions dotage, not
Exceed the Income I by mine haue got.
For when I was adiudg'd, and doom'd to die,
She onely by strange importunitie
Melted the hearts of all resolu'd against mee,
Who pittying her, set my lifes danger free,
In this my life, my fortune, and my all,
I may her portion, and her blessing call.
And last for other tyes, which doe obliege
Such as to loues faire fortresses lay siege
The simpathizing liking, and those parts
Of loues religion, which locks louers hearts
Was throwne on me, and these who can disproue,
Must either haue no heart, or know no loue:
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In pitty then, to Citharaea's Shrine
All you that sacrifice your thoughts diuine,
Since we are pleas'd, let none our peace molest,
Nor breake the Vnion of so sweet a rest,
With nice inquiry, after things, you must
Confesse you haue no businesse with, that's iust,
And we shall be, if you but leaue vs so,
More happy, then 'tis fit for you to know.
☞Yet for my selfe, beleeue I haue the sence
Of mine owne youth's abusing, and offence
Which I haue wrought against the Common-weale,
Whose wounds by this relation I may heale,
If my aduice be follow'd, you will see
The soule vnlac'd of high-way subtiltie.
That who shall suffer now, in such offence,
Has none to blame but his owne negligence,
I doe besides my pretious youth lament,
My reput's forfeit, honours lauishment,
The deare mispences of my fairest time,
Conuerting all my blessings into crime,
My wit, my Iudgement, strength, courage, and all
Vnto my Countries mischiefe, mine owne fall.
Nor doe I thinke it halfe enough that I
Barely confesse mine owne impiety,
And talking onely to the people shew
Those guilts, perhaps before I speake, they know
Or with a superficiall glosse thus seene
To flatter men into a faire esteeme
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Of my best promis'd actions, whose euent
Might proue the speakers of a worse intent;
No, naked as first Adam's Innocence,
I strip the deform'd shape of mine offence,
Dislodging from my heart that banisht spirit,
That can no dwelling there againe inherit,
And on iust cause diuorc'd from such a bride,
Can hardly now it's memory abide,
Me thinkes thus purg'd, I hate the very roome
Which that vild Inmates lodging was become,
And as the bodies glorified, scorne
The thoughts of ioyes wherewith their frailty's borne.
Despising as it were the fullest things
Which the dull earth to our admiring brings;
So my refined soule, and my cleare minde
Can in these vild companions no peace finde,
But troubled at the old acquaintance grow,
Thught-sick, that e're such practice they did know.
Or as the Epicure, whose working wish
Is dreaming still vponsome curious dish,
On which, his waking thoughts, and sleepe imploy'd
Are busily, vntill it be enioy'd.
Which purchac'd, his discretion is farre lesse
Then was his couetere he did possesse,
For gluttonizing his o're-charged chest,
He neither can vngorge, nor yet digest,
Till surfeited to death, he loaths it more
Then ere he did embrace, or loue before.
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So I whose easie youth, with fond admire,
Was drawne, at first this ill course to desire,
Hug'd it in dreames, and in my waking fits
Doted vpon't, to my worse losse of wits,
Whil'st esteem'd none braue, or good, but this,
But now I know how farre I was amisse.
And surfeited, as 'twere to death indeed,
From which by rare ingredients I am freed.
I loath my stomacke-queller, and abhorre
What I in too much louing sufferd for,
Nor can profession free me from the doome
Of cruel'st censure and opinion,
These actuall ills of mine freely confess'd
Must be in act recouer'd, or exprest
My faire intentions cannot be, nor I
Sau'd from the taxe of my first infamie.
☞ O may my fate so well prouide as now
That power which knowes, may helpe me in my vow,
And crowne my resolutions with some way
Which of the world, and heauen recouer may
All my lost honour, by some acts of mine,
That may proue farre more welcome to the time.
Then my disastrous courses, and expresse
I am much better then I dare professe.
And that great king, whose mercy, goodnesse, grace,
Hath fixt my tottering life in a firme place,
Whose royall bounty do's I know expect
From my so great enioying, some effect
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Which may a thankfull tribute pay to him,
And speake the full redemption of my sinne.
You, mightie Sir, to whom my life I owe
As debt to that great grace you did bestowe,
May now command it prostrate at your feet
In any danger, (I shall haste to meet)
That so by seruing in your enterprise,
You may perceiue how true a sacrifice
Ile make againe, of what you gaue so free,
And that's the offering must accepted bee.
I hope (great Sir) it is not your intent
That I shall spend my dayes in Banishment,
For happier farre is he condemn'd that dies,
Then him you saue t'exile from your faire eies.
For what auailes the blinded man to see,
If that a dungeon must his prison bee?
Where doubly curs'd to be debarr'd from light
He dwells, that knew't not, whil'st he wanted sight,
O let me liue, where euery day I may
My most religious offrings truely pay;
And that the life you gaue me, be not made
A trouble to me, whil'st my thoughts inuade
My discontented soule with torments strange;
Not that I must my aire, and Country change,
Or (bard inheriting thereby) forgoe
The temporall fortunes I am borne vnto.
But that the Shryne I worship should not see
The constant sacrifice is made by mee.