Character 25. Of your Town-talkers. Made Anno 1654.

YOur Town-talkers are a company in Town, who make a trade of talking of every thing; and they are such excellent Embroide∣rers of Lyes, as any ground will serve their turn, (nay, most commonly they'l do't without any ground at all.) They deal more by Conjecture then Almanack-makers; and will venture the repute of Liars twenty times, for thât of Prophet once. They wish more for Page  41 ill news, then Ingrossers of Corn do for dear years; and are sorry with Caligula, when no publick calamity happens in their times. They hunt with full cry, and run faster away with a Rumour, then a pack of Northern Hounds with a full scent; and their chiefest Game is who, and who! They make more Marriages then Iusti∣ces of Peace; and for Weddings, (now the Arches are down) they are the onely Bawdy Court. Instead of the Star-chamber they cen∣sure every one, and judging of others by them∣selves; no wonder they judge ill of every thing. Their talking is their disease, and they speak ill, because they know not to speak well. 'Tis the malignity of their nature, and we must have patience with it, as thêy must; if making bold sometimes with us in the Countrey, we this once make as bold with them in Town.