Versatile ingenium, The Wittie companion, or Jests of all sorts. From citie and countrie, court and universitie. : With an account of the life of the laughing philosopher Democritus of Abder̀a. / By Democritus Junior.

(355.)

A Person one Sabboth day, and that very lately, went to the Queens Chappel more out of curiosity than devotion, who haveing tired him∣self with the observation of Romish Ceremonies, he went out of the chappel, and seeing bills affixed to the Pillars, drew near, and as he was reading to himself, a Matron like woman in very good Ap∣parel came to him, and ask'd him what he read, Mistress, said he, this bill signifies that a person being sick, desires to be pray'd for by such as come hither, What is it I pray, said the old Gentlewo∣man, (pretending deafness, and gathering up clo∣ser to him) it is, said he, as afore said, speaking lowder. The third time she ask'd him the same question, saying, Sir, excuse me, I am very deaf, pray speak a little lowder, which he did to satisfie her, by this time she pickt his pocket, and haveing so don, she dropt him a low curtsie, say∣ing,

I hear you now Sir, I give you manie thanks, for you have given me good satisfaction, and so went her way out to his great dissatisfaction, when he came home, he could not find one cross in his pocket.