The Complaisant companion, or, New jests, witty reparties, bulls, rhodomontado's, and pleasant novels

A Noblemans Revenge on a bold Serjeant.

IN Poictiers in France a Nobleman owing a con∣siderable summ of Money, his Creditors were resolved to Arrest him, let it cost them ever∣so-much; they soon met with a fellow for their purpose, one who was as Impudent as Valiant, for he would venture upon the greatest difficulty. One day he met with this Lord and boldly coming up to him, told him what he was, and his business; the Lord made no resistance, but smothering his displea∣sure and revenge bid the Serjeant come along with him, it being about noon, he said, he would first dine and then consider what was to be done. The Lord went to a Cabaret or Tavern, and having bespoke dinner he privately sent away for some of his Ser∣vants and then fell into discourse with this Serjeant who began to mistrust some mischief ensuing, and therefore made a thousand simple excuses for enter∣prising this bold attempt, the Lord said little to him till he had dined, and then he called to one of his Gentlemen to bring him a pair of Sissers, being brought, go now said he, and pair that fellows nailes

very close, pointing to the Serjeant, he seeing there was no avoiding it, patiently endured although the Gentleman cut his Nails to the very quick; this be∣ing done, the Lord came to him saying, now Sir I am assured you cannot scratch me, and I am resolved you shall not be able to bite me neither, so forcing him into a Chair, he caused his Teeth to be drawn out one by one, Now Sir said he have a care of abusing the next time any of my rank and quality; yet know Sir I will be kind to you after all this, I will sweeten your sauce for you, so causing him to be stript stark∣naked, he commanded Honey to be brought, with which he annointed him all over, and roll'd in Fea∣thers, never did African Monster appear so strange and rediculous; Lastly, he caused a Label to be fixt to his back wherein were written these words, This is Anti-Christ. Now said the Noble-man I shall take my leave of you, not without extending my Ci∣vility farther in your behalf, I doubt you may be in∣disposed and therefore you shall ride home, hereup∣on this poor Devil in Feathers was mounted, with his Hands tyed behind him, and his Face towards the Tail of his Horse, and so led through the Streets to the great wonder and laughter of the People.