CHAP. V.

AS soon as I had resolv'd to travel the Country with them, they fitted me for their company by stripping me, and selling my proper garments, and cloathing me in rags, which they pinn'd about me, giving a stitch here and there, according as ne∣cessity required. We used not when we entered our Libkin or Lodging to pull off our cloths; which had I been forc'd to do, I could never have put them on again, nor any, but such who were ac∣customed to produce Order out of a Bable of rags. Being now ale mode de Tatterdemallion, to compleat me for their purpose, with green Wallnuts they so discoloured my face, that every one that saw me, would have sworn I was the true Son of an Egyptian. Before we march on, let me give you an account of our Leaders, and the rancks we were disposed in. Our chief Commander was called by the name of Ruffeler, the next to him Upright-man, the rest in order thus:

• Hookers, (alias) Anglers.
• Priggers of Prancers.
• Pallyards.
• Fraters.
• Prigges.
• Swadlars.
• Curtals.
• Irish-toyle.
• Page  39Swigmen.
• Jarkemen.
• Patri-Coes.
• Kitchin-Coes.
• Abram men
• Whip-Jacks.
• Counterfeit-Cranks.
• Dommerars.
• Glymmerers.
• Bawdy-Baskets.
• Autem-Morts.
• Doxies.
• Dells.
• Kitchin-Morts.

We Muster'd above threescore old and young, and because we were too great a company to March together, we were divided into three Squadrons. The first Squadron that led the Van, was ordered by our Commander, to stick up small boughs all the way they went, that we might know what course theysteer'd. For like wild Fowl we flie one after an∣other, and though we are seattered like the quarters of a Traitor, yet like water when cut with a Sword, we easily came together again. As the Switzer hath his Wench and his Cock with him when he goes to Wars: or like a Scotch Army, where every Souldier almost hath the Geud Wife and the Bearns following him: So we had every one his Doxie or Wench, who carried at her back a Lullaby-cheat, and it may be another in her Arms. When they are weary of carrying them, they take their turns to put them in a pair of Panniers, like green Geese going to Mar∣ket, or like Fish in Dossers comming from Rye. Where note, that each division hath a small Horse or two, or else Asses to ease them of their burdens. Some of us were clad Antickly with Bells and other toys, meerly to allure the country people unto us, which most commonly produced their desired effects. In some places they would flock unto us, in great quan∣tities, and then was our time to make our Markets. We pretended an acquaintance with the Stars (as Page  40 having an Alliance to the Egyptian Magi, the foun∣ders of Astrologick Art) and that the Ministers of Fate were our Familiers, and so possessing these poor ignorant people with a belief, that we could tell their Fortunes by inspection into either hands or faces; whil'st we were seriously looking thereon, one of our diving Comrades pickt their pockets, or with a short sharp knife, and a horn on the thumb, nipt their bungs. By asking the silly Milk maids questions, we gathered from their own mouths the properest resolutions, then would they admire, and in their admiration tremble to hear the Truth pro∣ceed from the mouth of such as were strangers to their actions, by which means, among some we gain'd a great respect, accompanied with fear. Did not Astrologers make use of such Stratagems, they could never acquire so much repute among the ju∣dicious, as well as vulgar capacities. And because it falls in so par to my present purpose, I shall beg so much patience from the Reader, as to give him a brief account of some fallacies some Star-gasing Impostors use to work their own ends, and delude credulous People. One whereof I knew, who rais'd his credit (and since a considerable estate) upon the Basis of good intelligence. He kept a servant, who constantly attended below for the reception of such who came for satisfaction in the astrological Reso∣lution of questions. This mans Office was to tell the Querent, That his Master was busie above, about some grand concern, but if the Person would be pleased in wait a little while, till that business was dispatch'd be questioned not but that his Master would render him a satisfactory account of what he demanded; adding father, (to infuse into him faith, to credit what he said) that though report had spoken largly, (and yet Page  41 nothing but what this Artist hath merited) yet all came far short of his real desert, having done such stu∣pendious things, that must needs (without injustice) be commemoriz'd to Eternity, and admired by future ages. In the mean time, this servant endeavoured to pump out of the Proponent what he came about, which having understood, he gave information to his Master, by so many times ringing a Bell. This Item being given, the Querent is called up, and be∣fore ever he can frame his mouth to propound his question, this profound Artist prevents him, saying, I know what you come about Sir, (therefore save your, self the labour to tell me that which I know already) you have lost a Watch, a Horse; or you would know how you shall prosper in such a business, whither Marriage, or an Imployment; or any such like common question. This makes the Artist be wondered at; and then e∣recting a Scheme, positively and surlily tells him what he must expect. And that he may give an∣swers more exactly concerning stollen goods, he was in constant see with Thies-takers, who from time to time, made him a report of what persons were rob∣bed, what the things were, and many times gave him a discription of the Fellon. By these practi∣ses, men believed every word he delivered to be an Oracle; so that his Chamber was daily so thronged with the report of people, that in a short time his ambition pricked him on to purchases, with the money he had gained thus falliciously. One Story, very remarkable, I shall add, and then crave your pardon for this my disgression. One day a young Gentleman (but of a mean estate) came to him, who was more credulous then wise, and more inquisitive then prudent; and having nor that wealth which his prodigality required, desired instructions what course Page  42 he was to steer to arrive at the Port of his wishes and hopes: viewing him narrowly, he perceived him to be a man of a sweet complexion, and a body well proportioned; and therefore judged him a fir subject for Female fancies to work upon. Sir, (said he) I shall give you my best advice, but I shall crave your patience for a little while; for a matter of this weigt, must not precipitately be undertaken; wherefore if you please to see me to morrow, what lies in me shall be at your service. Being just gone, it happened that a Stale Maid, who had more moneys than beauty, and less discretion than leachery, came to be resolv'd of him, When she should be married: (for it seems by the sequel she could tarry no longer:) viewing her well, (though she knew not him) he knew her to be wealthy, and nearly related to persons of quality. Madam, (said he) I shall endeavour your satisfaction; and so with∣drew into his Closet. Having staid a while, bring∣ing out his Figure, and with much gravity looking thereon, he thus unridled the mysterious mean∣ing of the Celestial bodies. Madam, You never was much troubled with the importunate suits of amorous Vi∣•…tants, (this he gathered from the deformity of her phosiognomy) they all knowing your indifferency to change your condition, but upon considerable grounds; by which means you have almost frustrated what the Stars have designed for you. I hope it is but almost, (said she) not altogether: for it troubled her very much to hear she should leave the world without tasting the sweets of a married life. No, (he replyed) for if to mor∣row by four of the clock in the Afternoon, you go into More-fields, and take a turn or two in the Userers-Walk) you shall there meet with a person rich and hand∣some, that at first sight shall fall extreamly in love with you: slight him not, neither deny him his conjugal pro∣posal Page  43 if you do, it will be too late to hope for an husband. You shall distinguish him from others by these signs: His Complexion is fair, his Eye sharp and piercing, his Hair flaxen, of a middle Stature. Her joy had like to have transported her beyond the bounds of modesty, which she could not conceal, but made it appear in a pecuniary expression of her gratitude for such wel∣come tidings; and so promising him to follow his counsel, she took her leave. The next morning the young Gallant came, who had his lesson given him: but before he went, he made him give him a Bond of 200 l. to be paid upon the day of his marriage with that Gentlewoman; which he gladly consented to, and paid that very sum within ten days after, for according to the directions was given him, he met with that Gentlewoman describ'd to him, as he had been before to her, who at the first •…ight of each other, were incapable of containing themselves, but mutually embrac'd (after three or four words past) as if he had been her (quon•…am) Dearly Beloved, return'd from some long Voyage, and went not to their respective lodgings till thei•… marriage was con∣summated. But to return where I left off.

Thus we rambled up and down the Country; and where the people demean'd themselves not civil to us by voluntary contributions, their Geese, Hens, Pigs, or any such mandible thing we met with, made us satisfaction for their hide-bound injuries. Our revenge most commonly was very bloody, and so merciless, that what ever fell into our hands, never escap'd alive, and in our murders so cruel, that no∣thing would satisfie us but the very hearts-blood of what we kill'd. The usual sacrifices of our implaca∣ble revenge, were innocent Lambs, Sheep, Calves, Page  44 &c. all which we handled more severely than Pri∣soners are by Serjeants when they are not paid their unjust Demands; Fees, I should have said, but that by experience I have found, they walk not accor∣ding to the Rules of ancient Constitutions, but are guided by the dictates of their insatiate wills, which is their Law, which poor Prisoners must indulge, (though they rack their slender credits, or pawn their cloaths) or else they must expect less kindness from them, then a condemned person about to be tyed up by the Hangman, who will stay till he is ready to be turn'd off. A Goose coming among us, we have a trick to make him so wise, as never to be Goose again: But let the wisest use what tricks they can, they ne'er shall make some Serjeants honest men. We seize the prey, and leave the Tragical part to our Morts or Women to act: the Stage on which they perform their parts, is either some large Heatb, or F•…rz-bush-Gommon, far from any House. This being done, and night approaching, we repair to our Dormitories, or Houses of Rest, which are most usually Out-Barns of Farmers and Husbandmen, which we make choice of insome poor stragling Vil∣lage, who dare not deny us, for fear ere the mor∣ning they find their Tatcht houses too hot to hold them. These Barns serve us instead of Cook Rooms, Supping Parlours, and Bed-Chambers: having Supt, (most commonly in a plentiful manner) we cannot Couch at Ho•…shead, that is to say, sleep, with∣out good store of Rum-booze, that is, drink; and haying sufficiently warm'd our brains with hum∣ming Liquor, which our Lower (Silver) shall pro∣cure; if our deceitful Mounding (Begging) cannot, we then sing a Catch or two in our own Language, Page  45 of which we had good store; which for their baw∣dry I omit: however, give me leave to instance one Canting Song, and I shall wave the rest, being loath to tire you too much with one thing.

Having even wearied our selves with drinking and singing, we tumbl'd promiscuously together, Male and Female in Straw, not confining our selves to one constant Consort, we made use of the first that came to hand; by which means Incests and Adul∣teries become our pastimes. By this means I grew weary of their practices, and therefore resolved to desert them as soon as the first opportunity should offer it self, which was in a short time; wherefore at the present I shall say no more of them, only give me leave to give some small account of their Lan∣guage. The first Inventor of Canting, as I am in∣form'd, was Hang'd about fourscore years since: such Gibberish was never heard of before; since which time, there hath not been wanting such, who have taken pains in the pollishing, refining, and augmen∣ting that Language of the Devils Imps. It is a confu∣sed invention of words; for its Dialect I cannot find to be grounded on any certain Rules; and no won∣der, since the Founders and Practicers thereof, are the chief Fathers and Nourishers of Disorder. Yet even out of that Irregularity a man may observe some kind of form, and some words do retain som∣thing of Scholarship, as Togeman a Gown, from Toga; Page  47 Pannam, from Panis, Bread; Cosan, Caseus, Cheese. The monosyllable Cheat; we use as a Relative, as Nab, a Head; Nab-cheat, a Hat, &c. Cove or Cuffin is in general terms a Man; but by adding bieu, which signifies good, or well, or Quire, which is wicked or Knavish; you make the word Cove signifie an Honest man, or a Justice of Peace. Pardon the expression, for they call a Justice Quier-Cussin; that is to say, as before-mentioned, a wicked, knavish, or foolishman. To conclude, I shall here insert this little Canting Vocabulary Alphabetically.

AUtem Mors

A Married Woman

Abram

Naked

Abram Cove

A Tatter demallion

Autem

A Church

Bughar

A Cur

Bouse

Drink

Bousing Ken

An Ale-house

Borde

A Shilling

Boung

A Purse

Bien

Good or well

Benshiply

Very well

Benar

Better

Bing

To go

Bing a waste

To go away

Bube

The Pox

Bufe

A Dog

Bleating cheat

A Sheep

Belly cheat

An Apron

Betty

An Instrument to break a door

Bite the Reter or Roger

Steal the Portmantle or Cloak-bagg-

Page  48Budge

One that steals Cloaks

Bulk and File

The Pick pocket and his mate

Cokir

a Lyar

• Cove
• Cuffin

A Man

Cuffin-Quire

A Justice of Peace

Cramprings

Bolt or Shackles

Chats

The Gallows

Canke

Dumb

Crackmans

Hedges

• Calle
• Togeman
• Joseph

A Cloak

Couch

To lye or sleep

Couch a Hogshead

To go to sleep

• Commission
• Mish

A Shirt

Cackling cheat

A Chicken

Cassan

Cheese

Crash

To kill

Crashing cheats

Teeth

Cloy

To steal

Cut

To speak

Cut bien whids

To speak well

Cut quire whids

To speak evilly

Confeck

Counterseit

Cannakin

The Plague

Cly the Jerk

To be whipt

Clapper dogeo•…

A Begger born

Culle

A Sap-headed Fellow

Dimber

Pretty

Damber

Rascal

Drawers

Stockings

Duds

Goods

Page  49Densea-vile

The Country

Dommerar

A Mad-man

Darkmans

Night or evenin

• Doxie
• Dell

A Wench

• Dock
• Wap

To

Deuswins

Two pence

Dup

To enter

Earnest

A part

As tip me my Earnest

Give me my part or share

Frummagem

Choakt

Filch

A Staff

Ferme

A Hole

Fambles

Hands

Fambles cheats

Rings or Gloves

Fib

To beat

Flag

A Groat

Fogus

Tobacco or Smoke

Fencing Cu•…y

One that receives stollen goods

Glymmer

Fire

Glaziers

Eyos

Grannam

Corn

Gentry-More

A Gallant Wench

Gan

A Lip

Gage

A Pot or Pipe

Grunting cheat

A Sucking Pig

Giger

A Door

Gybe

Any Writing or Pass

Glazyer

One that goes in at the windows

Page  50Gilt

A Pick-lock

Harmanbeck

A Constable

Harmans

The Stocks

Heave a Booth

To rob an House

Half bord

Six pence

Hearts ease

A twenty shillings piece

Jocky

A Flayl, or mans Privities

Jague

A Ditch

Ja•…ke

A Seal

Ken

An House

Kinchin

Little

Knapper of Knappers

A Sheep-stealer

Kinchin Cove

A little man

Kate

A Pick-lock

Loure

Money

Lightmans

Morning or Day

Lib

To tumble

Libben

an house to lie in

Lage

Water

Libedge

a Bed

Lullabic-〈◊〉

a Childe

Lap

Pottage

Lurries

All manner of Cloaths

Maunder

To Beg

Maunders

Beggers

Margery Prater

an Hen

Mill

To steal

Make

an half-peny

Mynt

Gold

Muff•…ing cheat

a Napkin

Mumpers

Gentile Beggars

Milken

One that Breaks houses

Mynns

The Face

Nab

an Head

Nal-〈◊〉

an Hat

Page  51

Nap

To take
Or cheat

Palliard

One whose Father is a Beggar born

Paplar

Milk-Pottage

Prats

Thighs

Prigg

To Ride

Peckidge

Meat

Plannam

Bread

Plant

To lay or hide

Prigging

Riding

Prancer

an Horse

Prating-cheat

a Tongue

Peake

any Lace

Pike on the Leen

Run as fast as you can

Perry

Fearful

Peter

a Portmantua

Prigger of Prancers

an Horse-stealer

Pad

The Highway-man

Plant your whids

Have a care what you say

Quarron

a Body

Quacking cheat

a Duck

Quier

Wicked or Roguish

Quier-Ken

a Prison

Quier-Mort

a Pocky Jade

Quier-Cove

a Rogue

Romboyle

a Ward or watch

Rome

Gallant

Rome-vile

London

Rome-Mort

a Gallant Girl

Ruffin

The Devil

Roger

a Cloak-bagg

Ridge-cully

a Goldsmith

Ruffter

an over-grown Rogue

Page  52Ruffe pock

Bacon

Red-fhanke

a Mallard

Rom-pad

The High-way

Rome-padders

High-way-men

Rome-Culle

a Rich Coxcomb

Swagg

a Shop

Snudge

One that lies under the bed to rob the house

Shop-lift

One that steals out of shops

Stampers

The shooes

Stock-drawers

Stockings

Stamps

Legs

Scoure

To wear

Skew

a Dish

Slate

a Sheet

Strommel

Straw or Hair

Skepper

a Barn

Stew your whids

Be wary

Stalling-Ken

a Brokers House, or an House to receive stol∣len goods.

Smelling cheat

A Garden

Solomon

The Mass

Tour

To look out

Tout his muns

Look in his face

Track up the Dancers

Go up the Stayres

The Cul Snylches

The Man eyes you

Tip the Cole to Adam Tyler

Give what money you pocket-pickt to the next party, presently

Tip the Mish

Give the Shirt

Tib o'th' Buttery

a Goose

Tip

To give

Page  53The Mort tipt me a wink

The Whore gave me a wink

Trine

Tyburn

Trining

Hanging

Tick-Rome

A License

Tres wins

Three pence

Win

A Penny

Wicher Cully

A Silver-smith

Yarum

Milk

Thus much for a taste: I think it not worth my pains to insert all those Canting words which are used; it is enough that I have here divulged what words are most in use. Having now deserted this Tawny Crew, I resolved to betake my self to a new Trade; which you shall understand in this follow∣ing Discourse.