The lives of sundry notorious villains, memorable for their base and abominable actions together with a novel as it really happened at Roan in France.

CHAP. VII. The Life of Postell, a Scholar of the University of Paris.

POstell came of a good Family, and was sent to Paris for conveni∣••ncies of Study, where he was en∣••ered in the University, being al∣••ow'd a sufficient Pension from his Friends for his maintenance: but a∣••as, that was by him immediately, in ••he space of two or three days con∣sum'd at farthest; wherefore he was forc'd to betake himself afterwards ••o shirking and stealing for his sub∣sistance, running up and down a∣••ights about the streets, and in the morning he betook himself to his Chamber, as a Fox that had been hunting the Geese. The first that

was trapt by this Gamester, was Booksellers-man of the Palace, wh•• coming from carrying some Books t•• a Scrivener, and having not foun•• him at home, return'd in St. Iames•• street about eight at night, in th•• midst of winter. Postell having me•• him, ask'd him what Books he ca•• ried: the other shews him; where upon they chaffer, and he carries hi•• to his Chamber, which he had hir'•• near the Colledge of St. Barbe where being arriv'd, he gives him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 glass Pistol to change; in the mea•• time shuts his Chamber-door, and a•• the Booksellers man brought him th•• Pistol again, he would not stir to open it: but on the morrow hapned the mischief; for thinking to sell the Books he had bought to a Book∣seller, he addresses himself to the Owner, who stopt them; and had he not found his legs ready at his ser∣vice, he had e'en turn'd Bookseller in the Gatehouse. This one should

imagine was warning enough for him, had he not been so addicted to wickedness; in a word, 'twas so far from reclaiming him, that on the contrary, having heard a little after that a young Vintner had been lately married, and set up in St. Iames-street, he with his Gang frequented his house, and were received with welcome and credit. Postell ob∣serving that he left his Wife often alone, took that as an occasion to make love to her, imagining by his fair words to compass his designs. It hapned one day, that the Master of the house going to Supper to some of his Relations, Postell with one of his Camrades at night knocks at the door, which was presently opened; he began to carouse, looking for the good hour in which he might exe∣cute his intention; for the Mistris of the house being indispos'd staid at home, knowing besides that 'twould be late before she should return, had

she gone. As they were going abou•• their enterprize, the Master of th•• house knocks at door, a little mer∣ry, for they had made him drink where he was, as a man of his pro∣fession; he enters, and doubts not in the least his guests, but drinks with them, and thinks they would, as they were wont, go to their Lodg∣ings at last: But one of them pre∣tending to be drunk, sleeps at the end of the Table: Postell desired for his Friend a Chamber that Night, which the Vintner at first scrupl'd, but upon the consideration of being his guest, granted his request. About Midnight, when every body was in deep sleep, they rise and come from their Chamber, arm'd with Pistols, thinking to finde the Vintner's Chamber open, but it was lockt; they consulted a long time what to do, and how they might get into the Chamber; at length Postill told his Companion, he'd have him return

to his Bed, and pretend himself sick; which he did, and presently he began to knock on the floor, under which the Vintner lay, and to call for Wine to fetch him again to life, pretending that he had swoon'd away. The man of the house awakens in a maze, and brings some Vinegar for this Counterfeit; but Postell told him, he thought it most proper to give him some of his best Wine, and that he knew his Companions constitu∣tion; whereupon they went both in∣to the Cellar. Postell takes a Pistol with him loaded with three Bullets, charg'd with white Powder, and as the Vintner stoops to draw Wine, he discharges it and shoots through his Head, killing him dead on the place: the Candle was put out, and he was above a quarter of an hour, before he could finde the way out of the Cellar. In short, he got out, lights the Candle, and goes up stairs, tel∣ling his Companion what he had

done. The Woman of the House seeing a man, took him for her Hus∣band, not mistrusting he was mur∣thered. Postill goes to bed to he•• and she receives him for her Hus∣band, and bids him put out the Candle; but as he turn'd to draw the Curtain, she perceiv'd he had no Beard, and presently cries out: where∣upon Postill's Comrade throws him∣self into the Chamber, and stops her mouth with the Bed-cloaths, and so accomplisht their brutish Appetites, and afterwards kill'd her with six stabs of a Dagger. It chanc'd that the Maid-servant was not at home, having got leave of her Mistris to be at one of her Brother's Wedding; so that these Murtherers knowing they were alone in the house, ransackt and pillag'd the best they could lay their hands on, breaking open Trunks and Boxes, till they met with four hun∣dred Pounds, which the Vintner had borrow'd of his Wives Father,

to buy Wines in Burgundy. Furnisht with this Booty, they gently open'd the door, at three of the Clock in the Morning, having carefully shut all after them, as if there had been nothing done. In the morning every one was astonish'd to see the doors fast, it being a well-custom'd house, the Master of it having the reputa∣tion to be no Water-dasher, there be∣ing few of them in Paris: For of a Pint, they'll make a Quart, and of a Pottle a Gallon. The Neighbours did not at all mistrust mischief, think∣ing that this their keeping the door shut, was out of some particular hu∣mour; but at last they were doubt∣ful of the worst, and therefore sent word to his Relations, who broke open the door, and found the Mistriss bleeding in her Bed; whereupon all the Neighbourhood were in an up∣roar: the Commissary comes there, drawing up a particular account of what they had seen. All people ac∣cus'd

the Vintner as guilty of mur∣thering his Wife, saying that he came home drunk the night before; and seeing he could not be found, what could be more probable? This was told his particular Relations, who could not tell what to think on't, as knowing not how to acquit or con∣demn him: But this they affirm'd, that to their knowledge he never had (a thing very rare) any quarrel with his Wife, being not of a cholerick temper. Whilst these debates were managed, the Commissary, whose business it is to take care of those matters, orders the dead body to be carried to the Chatelet. But before he doth so, the Parents of each of them desir'd him to search the house; which they had no sooner done, but they found the Vintner dead on the ground. The shriekings and lamen∣tations are doubled on every side, and none could imagine th'author of these Villanies.

So these two Rascals went clearly. off with these spoils, and lay conti∣nually in Bawdy-houses, till they had consum'd it all, and then were fore'd to put themselves on new shifts. Postill had a rich Uncle, a Citizen of Paris, who knew not of the ill courses of this his Nephew, giving him always a favourable re∣ception in his house. He finding all his Money gone, so contriv'd his bu∣siness, that he at last got the Key of the Trunk in which his Aunt used to store up her Money: she not ima∣gining that any of the house had it, much less her Nephew, caused a new one to be fitted to the Lock. He being willing to make use of an oc∣casion when offer'd, watches one Sunday till they were gone out of doors to Church, leaving no body at home, but a little Girl their Kins∣woman and the Servant-maid: Po∣still seeing his Uncle and Aunt safe at Church, returns, where he sindes

the Maid washing the dishes. He who knew the customs of the house hastens her to the Sermon, telling her that 'twas already begun: she no doubting his designes, believes him and so they go out together, leaving the little Girl at home: Postill fol∣lows her to Church, where being entred, he presently whips out and returns, knocking at the door, which was presently opened, telling her, that he had left his Beads behinde him; whereupon he marches up stairs, and pretends to look 'em, and opens the Trunk with his Key, and takes out a little bag, wherein was Two hundred Crowns, and so goes out of the Chamber, putting every thing in its place, as if he had never been there.

Six or seven weeks after, his Aunt having occasion to look into the Trunk, and missing this bag, was much amazed, telling her Husband; who did not know whom to impeach, ex∣cept

a certain necessitous person that frequented the house: who knowing himself innocent, and yet not withstan∣ding accus'd as guilty, did not know what to do, but takes notice of all co∣mers & goers; and at last was given to understand by some of Postell's Com∣rades, that he spent his money like a Prince, and that his Incomes would not answer those Expences: where∣upon he informs his Uncle; who in∣quir'd narrowly into his Nephews life, and found what was told him was too true: But not being willing to shame him, as being his Kinsman, gave him wholsome and severe Admoniti∣ons, and withal, notice to his Father and Mother. The Father being much afflicted at this his Sons deportment, came to Paris, and would have had his Uncle severely punish him. His Uncle being angry at the loss, would not expose him; and thinking that he might one day be reduced, he pro∣mising an amendment to his Fa∣ther,

was received again into favour: but being not able to live without his accustomed pleasures, turn'd to his Debauch again, addicting himself more than ever to his old Cronies; among whom it was at length resolved to get a fresh Stock, for their Purses had been a long time empty: They thereupon take a house, under pre∣tence of making it a house for En∣tertainment, where they shewed themselves very courteous and noble; so that a great many young Students, newly come to town, visited them. They had on their parts returned all the civility imaginable, until they had found out who had the most mo∣ney; and their usual course was to draw them along with them to their house; where being entred, after the usual Compliment, set themselves to play: The money being laid down on the table, one of the Comrades, seeming to come in as a stranger, would snatch all and run away.

One of the Gang, a great Debau∣ché, being not able to continue his courses without supplies, resolves with himself on a Murther: Where∣fore he goes one morning to one Mr. Gantier, dwelling in Paris; a man of unblamable Conversation, and who had been Tutor to this Scholar, and resolves to kill him and plunder his house. Coming therefore to the door of this Gantier, the Chamber∣maid, who knew him, let him in; where entering, he findes Gantier a∣bed. This good old man asked him how he did, and what progress he made in his Studies; and for answer he stab'd him with his Dagger. This Servant which let him in was a well∣bred maid, and Kin to Gantier, and kept his house, and who was promi∣sed in marriage to a good honest Tradesman; she coming into the Chamber and hearing the noise, had her throat cut by this Villain: which done, he opens the Trunks, and findes

there Plate, and some small matter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Money, and so departs. But think in to conceal his horrid fact, sets fire o•• the house, hoping that the house be••∣ing in a flame, these two Corp•• would be consum'd: but the fire b•• the Neighbours diligence was p•• out, and these two poor creatur•• were found most cruelly murthere•• The Villain findes his mind so harrass'•• and tormented by the thoughts 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what he had done, that he could no•• by any means get into his Lodging being laid hold on by some Neigh∣bours who knew that he frequente•• Mr. Gantier's house, not knowin•• though that he was the Author o•• these Villanies; but being taken there was the things before-nam'•• found about him; and being had be•• fore a Justice, he was committed, an•• within a short time hang'd and burn•• at la Greve.

As soon as ever Postell and his Com∣panions had notice of his being taken

they get as fast as they cou'd out of the City; but this our Rascal cou'd not leave the Town without some Rogues trick. He was wont to be often at a Tavern neer his Lodging, and was usually respected as one of the best Guests; which he being sen∣sible of, makes bold to request of the Vintner to lend him his horse for two or three days, pretending to go see his Father: which was lent him without difficulty. Postell being thus gone from Paris, goes to Beauvais, where he sells the horse to an honest Merchant; who thinking he had gotten an honest bargain, trucks him away for another more to his minde. He with whom he had exchang'd came some while after to Paris, where thinking to sell the horse, he was known by the Inne-keeper who had lent him to Postell: whereupon he seizes the horse, and proves that he was his. The other returns to Beauvais, where the Mer∣chant who had bought him of Postell

was forc'd to return the money. Po∣stell had shifted his abode, and wa•• march'd to Abbeville; and comin•• neer to a Wood, it being late, and h•• having neither Sword nor Stick to de∣fend himself, met with two Thieves who being exceeding earnest afte•• their Prey, thought they had foun•• what they had lookt for, seeing Po∣stell. He being confident enough i•• himself, wou'd not retreat, but keeping on his way, comes up to him, who demanded of him his money, swearing Damn 'um and Sink 'um, that if he did not presently deliver, he was a•• dead man. He being not accustom'd to give but to take, could not relish this Summons; but without being a whit afraid, made answer he had none; and at the same time laying suddenly his hand on one of the Thieves Swords, who stood not well on his guard, he wrench'd it out of his hand, giving him with it such a blow on the arm, that the pain took

away all sense: which having done, ••e sets upon the other, who less va∣••ant than his Companion, betakes ••imself to his heels; but Postell pur∣••'d him so neerly that he made him ••ield himself to his mercy, who gave ••im his life, after severe checks for ••etting upon his Master. He returns ••o the other whom he had first struck, ••hreatning to kill him if he delivered ••ot his money. He wou'd have ex∣cused himself, as having none; pro∣••nising him, that if he wou'd go along with him to the first house after they had come out of the Wood, he wou'd help him to some. Postell not think∣ing that the other was laying an Am∣bush for him, follows him; so that having went through the Wood, he enters with this Thief into an Inne, the Master whereof was a meer Rogue, and of correspondence with these Rescals.

Being very well used by this Inne-keeper, who said he was kin to this

Thief who had conducted him thithe•• he receives Ten Crowns; and pro∣fessing plainly what he was, he wa•• the more kindly entertain'd, it being agreed he should stay and dwell there and have every thing necessary, and go partners in all booty.

A while after this, a Gentleman o•• Picardy, a very discreet and valian•• person as any in his time, return'd from England, after having staid some time at Calais; and having taken the Road of Amiens, he rides through•• Abbeville; where he would not stay being willing to reach farther: so that he went through this Wood, and wa•• forc'd, by the nights approach, to pu•• in at this Inne.

Being in his Chamber, after having had every thing fitting, he perceive the Servant to weep as she was making his bed, and was secretly informed by her of the danger he was in. A∣mongst other things, she told him. 'Twas the Inne-keepers oustome to

ring a Bell, at the sound of which ••veral Rogues came running; when ••esently one of them feigning to be ••ervant to the Inne, comes to the Chamber where the Guests are, and ••aking as if he would snuff the Can∣••le, would put it out: upon which ••he other Villains would enter and ••ll upon them, and so most cruelly ••urther them, there being none that ••ould escape them.

This Gentleman considering with ••imself what to do, causeth the Maid ••o bring him a Lanthorn, and puts a Candle lighted in it, and hiding his ••anthorn under a stool, lays ready his Arms, and stands upon his guard.

When scarcely had he sat himself down, but a great boorish fellow en∣••ers, who very officiously, as Servant of the house, so snuffs the Candle that he snuffs it out; but the Gen∣tleman causes presently his man to bring out the Lanthorn, repels the Villains, who came pesle mesle upon

him, killing some of them, and puts the others to flight; seizes on the Inne-keeper, and delivers him into the hands of Justice.

Postell saves himself, and returns a∣gain to Paris, and lodgeth with a Gen∣tleman, a stranger, in the Suburbs o•• St. Germaine. This person had a con∣siderable sum of Money, together with a great Chain of gold, and seve∣ral Rings, which he ever carried abou•• him. Our Rascal, willing to ge•• them from him, so prevailed with him, that he got him to walk with him towards the Wood of Vincennes▪ where, being amongst the Vines, he sets upon him, and having seized on him unawares, he cuts two of his fin∣gers off his hand, and gives him two stabs with a Dagger into his back, thinking that he had kill'd him. Thi•• done, he takes the Money and Rings and returns to the City. The Gen∣tleman (who pretended himself worse than he was) makes a shift to rise and

crawl to the House of a Peasant near ••y, who took what care he could of ••im.

From thence he was carri'd assoon as ••ver he could bear it, to Paris, where ••e sends for the Provost of the Island, ••nd relates what passed, describing ••o him, as near as he could, the per∣••on; he made search for him about ••ll the University, and was at last ••et withal as he would have leaped ••own from the Colledge of de Lysieux ••to the Ditches.

He was carried to the Chatelet, ••here being put on the Rack, he con∣••esseth these and several other Villa∣••ies, for which he was Sentenced ••o be broken on the Wheel; but, ••owsoever it came to pass, he died ••x hours (whether he poysoned him∣••elf or no, or by some other means) ••efore the Officers came to fetch him ••o Execution.