Nevves out of York-shire: or, an account of a iovrney, in the true discovery of a soueraigne minerall, medicinall water, in the West-Riding of Yorke-shire, neere an ancient towne called Knaresbrough, not inferiour to the spa in Germany Also a taste of other minerall waters of seuerall natures adioyning. By M.S.

NEWES OVT OF YORKE-SHIRE.

THere are two Treatises, the one written by Philip Ghe∣rinx a German Doctor, the other by Mounsieur Pigrag, Chirurgian to Hen∣ry the Third of France, which doe sufficiently ex∣presse the qualities both manifest and specifique of the Spa water in Ger∣many, the order of vsing it, and for what diseases it is proper. What credit it hath gained in most parts of Christendome, the great confluence thi∣ther of all conditions of people doth make good. How many personages of great qualitie of this our Kingdome, haue made their repaire thi∣ther, is also obuious to the vnderstanding of ma∣ny. But as it is to be feared, that some from amongst vs haue pretended the vse of that water,

the better to colour other intentions not very allowable: (the place affording all wished means of priuate conuerse with Priests, Iesuites, &c.) So it may be suspected (such is our noted folly) that had we as effectuall a blessing in this land, wee would be gadding abroad through a vaine esti∣mation of whatsoeuer is forraigne. Nahaman the Syrian, being aduised by the Prophet to wash in Iordan, disdainfully replyed, Are not Abana and Pharpar Riuers of Damascus better than all the waters of Israel? Such are we, to whom though God hath pointed out waters of health amongst our selues, yet we will not be perswaded but Po∣hox and Sauanir (the two Fountaines of the Spa) doe exceed all the Springs in England. But as hee being better aduised, vpon repaire to Iordan, was restored to health, so there is no doubt, but if we will make vse of our owne waters, and other blessings at home, we shall haue little need to craue the aide of any forraine soile. What so much in request as the Indian Drugs, and Spice∣ries of the Ilands, procured by so many hazardous and tedious voiages; the opinion whereof hath so besotted vs, that compared with them, we vili∣fie and disesteeme what our owne Nation doth afford, as if Nature had forgot to suppeditate this our famous Ile with necessaries, either for the con∣tinuance

of our well being, or for the rectifying of any bodily decay, or peccant humour? Yet hath Doctor Bright (that learned Physitian) proued in a Tract (called the Practise of home Medicines) that our owne Countrey is of suffi∣cient competencie, to supply vs with all vsefull Commodities, either for Dyet, or Phisicke, paral∣lelling our ordinary natiue Simples, with the choicest drugs, and farthest fetcht Spiceries.

To come a little neerer to our purpose. It is (as I am credibly enformed) about 50 yeres since first notice was taken of a Spring (in the West-riding of Yorke-shire, neere a Towne called Knares∣brough) called at this day by the countrey people, Tuit-well, it seemes for no other cause, but that those birdes (being our greene Plouer) doe vsually haunt the place. Of this Spring (I haue heard) two neighbouring Gentlemen of ancient descent, the one Slingesbey, the other Inglebey, did for many yeares ordinarily drinke, for that it was supposed, as in taste, so in effect, it did agree with the Spa in Germanie. I doubt not but their long continuance of the vse of it, did proceed from a sensible effect found in their embettering: Nor doe I doubt also that they were sparing worthily to report of it: yet (such is our Lady-like humor, that we prize nothing but what is farre-fetcht,

and deare bought) I cannot perceiue it gained any great credite, but hath since their decease been altogether inuolued in silence, and for no other cause (as I conceiue) but that it is within the girdle of our owne Kingdome. Thus hath it happened that partly (as I said before) through a capritious affectation of forraine trash, and part∣ly through a drowsie humour that doth inuellope vs, not endeuouring to search into the riches, and opulentie, which Nature (farre from sparingly) hath crowned vs withall; this, Tuit-well (I feare the poorenesse of the name, hath not a little dis∣aduantag'd it) hath beene most grosly negle∣cted, as if it were a place onely worth the notice of that silly bird.

It is about two yeares since I first heard of it, at what time not meeting with any that could punctually enforme me of it, I let it passe as vn∣certaintie, yet so as I found in my selfe a kinde of itching desire of visiting the place.

In the latter end of the Summer 1625. being casually with Doctor Deane (a Phisitian of good repute at his house at Yorke, one who is far from the straine of many of his profession, who are so chained in their opinions to their Apothecary shops, that they renounce the taking notice of any vertue not confined within that circuit) hee

tooke occasion to make a motion to me (the ra∣ther for that he remembred I had been at the Spa in Germany) of taking the aire, and to make our rendez-vous at Knaresbrough, to the end wee might be the better opportuned, to take a view of the Tuit-well, (whereof he had sparingly heard) for that it was by some compared to the so much fam'd Spa in Germany.

I was not nice to giue way to the summons of his desire; the match was soone made, and the next day, accompanied with a worthy Knight a iudicious admirer, and curious speculator of rari∣ties, & three other Phisitians of allowable know∣ledge) we set forwards for Knaresbrough, being about fourteene miles from Yorke. Wee made no stay at the towne, but so soone as we could be pro∣uided of a guide, wee made towards the Well, which we found almost two miles from the Towne. It is scituate vpon a rude barren Moore, the way to it in a manner a continuall ascent. Vp∣on our first approach to the Spring, we were sa∣tisfied that former times had taken notice of it, by reason it was encloased with stone, and paued at the bottome, but withall we plainly perceiued that it had beene long forgotten, which the filth wherewith it was choaked did witnesse, besides that through neglect the currents of other waters

were suffered to steale into it. Before any pe∣remptory triall was made of it, it was thought fit first to clense the Well, and to stop the passage of any other waters intermixture, which within the compasse of an houre we effected. The bottome now cleared, we plainely descried where the wa∣ter did spring vp, and then the Physitians began to try their experiments. But first I dranke of it, and finding it to haue a perfect Spa relish, (I con∣fesse) I could not containe, but in a tone lowder than ordinary, I bade them welcome to the Spa. Presently they all tooke essaies of it, and though they could not denie, but that it had a different smack from all other common waters, most con∣fessing that it did leaue in the pallate a kinde of acidenesse, yet the better to be assured whether it did partake with Vitrioll the prime ingredient in the natural Spa, they mixed in a glasse the powder of Galls with the water, knowing by experience, if this Minerall had any acquaintance with the Spring, the powder would discolour the water, and turne it to a Claret die: wherein they were not deceiued, for presently (to their both wonder and ioy) the water changed colour, and seemed to blush in behalfe of the Countrey, who had a∣mongst them so great a Iewell and made no rec∣koning of it. Thus pleased (hauing euery one

taken a draught, or two) wee returned to the Towne, yet not the same way we came, for our guide directed vs another way, being a mile fur∣ther vp into the Moore, to see another Spring, gi∣uing it a stincking Epithite, (as indeed it did de∣serue) whereof, and of others, all bordering with∣in a small compasse, I will hereafter giue a taste.

You may suppose (being met together at our Inne, where wee found our selues very well ac∣commodated for our prouision) we could finde no other talke but of this our new Spa, the Do∣ctors (as occasion serued) reasoning among them∣selues, of the nature of Mineralls, and of the pro∣bability of this waters excellency, and now and then would aske me, whether I did seriously speak when I gaue my verdict for a Spa taste: Which I confidently auerring, we resolued the next mor∣ning (if the day proued cleare) to giue the Spring a second visit by way of farewell for that yeare, Michaelmas being now at hand, a time very vn∣apt to giue a peremptory iudgement of these kind of waters.

The next morning we were awaked with the glad tidings of a bright skie, (Apollo with his cheerefull aspect seeming to smile vpon our en∣terprise) which oportunity was so welcome to vs, that we were no sooner out of bed but were

ready, and no sooner ready but on horsebacke. Vpon our reuisit of the Spring, vvee found it (being by our former daies care discharged of all incombrance) very cleare, and about three quarter of a yard deepe of vvater. The taste of the water was growne more liuely and briske than it was the day before, and much more per∣ceptible in its acidenesse. Once more we mixed the powder of Galls with the water, which made such haste to satisfie vs by a rubicund colour, that now we were ready to colour too for shame, that we had not trusted nature vpon her first word. There remained now no scruple of the waters quality, so that we began freely to take our mor∣nings draughts, which wee doubled and redou∣bled, for there were of vs who drunke 15. glasses, and who tooke least had eight or nine.

After a compasse taken in visiting a Spring in Bilton Parke, as also another called Pigeon Spring, wee came at a seasonable houre to our dinner, which wee found attending vs in a plaine, but plentifull forme. I may not forget to tell how that about an houre after that we had drunke of the water, it came so freely from vs, that (me thought) we were like so many walking Conduits, so that for the space of two houres, scarce a minute past, but some of vs were ready to vie it, which was

presently seene, and reuied by a third. But to re∣turne to our dinner (which for my part I had such a desire to be grapling withall, that I thought the very sitting downe too long a parenthesis) it will not be denied but the sight of our meat was a very pleasing prospect to vs all, so that in a few words (for we were not able to hold out a long Grace) we thank't God for a great deale of good meat. Wee were all friends, and yet who so had seene vs all suddenly draw at once, could not but suppose a quarrell. But (God knowes) the limits of our mallice extended onely to a sort of pro∣strate dishes, w^ch presently yeelded to our mercy, or rather furie, for within a small space we had so pittilesly mangled them, that it was not possi∣ble to know any of them by their former face. In briefe, wee all plaied the men; and had this water no other effect than this vnexpected experiment, of setting so sharpe an edge vpon the stomacke, it were not to be disreputed. It put me in minde of my being at the Spa, where though we had plen∣ty of all manner of prouision, yet (I professe) I did seldome rise from table but with a crauing appetite.

According to our entendment wee returned that night to Yorke, whither wee came in good time, not any of vs repenting, but rather resulting

in our bestowed labour. The nouelty of this discouery (for though it had beene formerly known, yet the memory thereof was in a manner lost) was so pleasing to vs, that we were not meal-mouth'd to trumpet in most places where wee came this our aduenture, as if it had beene an o∣ther America.

D^r. Deane (whose thirst of knowledge is not superficially to be satisfied) about three daies af∣ter our returne (by the consent of the rest of his fellow Phisitians) sent for a great quantity of the Tuit-well water in large violl Glasses, entending partly by euaporation, and partly by some other Chimicall way to experiment it. Vpon returne of the messenger, opening a bottle to raste it, he found it lastlesse; he then assaid to try it againe with the powder, but it denied to performe what former∣ly it had done, as if it skorned to shew its Maiesty out of its owne proper throne. And had it not reason (thinke you) to looke pale for anger, in despight of Art, to be thus brought prisoner to so vnworthy Neighbours, who durst neuer at∣tempt to looke it in the face but vpon so great an aduantage? This accident did not a little a mate the good Doctor, fearing there would lie an asper∣sion vpon vs all, by reason of our former report. But after he had recollected himselfe, he (willing

to vindicated it from all detraction) did (like a good Bee) draw from this alteration a firme and vndeniable conclusion of its worth and excellen∣cy, to the confounding of all such virulent Spi∣ders, as would make it a proofe of pouerty and worthlesnesse: To wit, that since it is the spirits which giues these waters life, and that at his being at the Fountaine it selfe, the taste was apparant, & the conclusion tried with the Galls formerly in∣fallible, this change did manifestly demonstrate, that the water is repleate with nimble, aiery, ver∣tuall spirits, which will endure little or no translo∣cation, but by their subtilty steale away, and so leaue the water insipid, and in a manner voyd of the taste it retaineth in its naturall seate. This (though a truth) is so farre from satisfying some (if there be any truth in experience) that tell them of the inter mixture of spirits with the water, you may as well perswade them it is full of Hobgob∣lins. But it matters not for the vulgar, who had rather spend their penny in good Ale, than goe from the smoake of their Chimneyes, to see neuer so great a wonderment of Nature, which doth present vnto their senses (which like brutes they take care onely to please) and that suddenly, some flash of astonishment. Such as are of more eleua∣ted spirits, who moue in a Spheare aboue the rab∣ble,

whose blest mindes are sed with intellectuall raptures, will easily admit of the probability of this change. I might adde hereunto a carelesnes in the Messenger, who was sent for the water, who if he did neglect the carefull stopping of the bot∣tles, this alone were sufficient to cause a maine dif∣ference. For if in liquors of a more terrene, and grosse composure, as wine, let the bottle wherein it is kept, be altogether vnstopt, or but loosely, it much abates in one night of its generousnesse; much more this water, whose brauery, viuacity, and onely faculty consists in the spirits.

Thus farre was proceeded that Summer 1625. the Doctors entending (the prime time of the yeere being Iune, Iuly, and August ouerslipt) the following Summer, at a more apt season to exa∣mine all fit circumstances belonging to the wa∣ter, when the Sunne by his vigor shall haue clari∣fied the aire, and by vertue of his comfortable beames, and enlifening raies, giueth the height of splendor to all sublunary creatures.

I haue more largely than I entended discour∣sed of the reuiuing of this our new Spa's know∣ledge, whose vertue (I am perswaded) will be found so farre to transeend, that the natiue Inha∣bitants of the Spa, will soone finde this our disco∣uery to draw from them no small commodity;

for that this once diuulged, will be a meanes not onely to enduce those of our owne Countrey to forbeare their recourse thither, but is like to proue very effectuall to inuite many strangers to vs, who with more safety may reape the benefit of this our water, than the distracted, and disioyn∣ted affaires of Germany will suffer.

And why should any doubt that this water of ours should not as amply and effectually worke in the cure of infirmities that are of an obstructiue nature, as the Spa? That it hath a most apparant sensible Spa taste, I dare (besides my own experi∣ment) referre it to the iudgement of any, whose pallate hath not lost, the remembrance of that water. That vitrioll hath the predominancy in it, besides the taste, infallible conclusion hath pro∣ued. That it worketh in the same manner with the Spa, hath also been satisfactorily tried. If any one reply, that they deny not but that this our sup∣posed Iewel may haue a litle alliance with the Spa, but it must needs be in a poore degree, for that the place is naked of Mineralls, cōpared with the Spa, whose territorie doth so abound with them, that extraordinary commodity is drawne daily from the substantiall Mines themselues: I an∣swer, first it will not be denied but that this our water doth passe by Minerall veines, which cau∣seth

it to retaine a taste which differs it from other waters: which being granted, I demand who is so wise, or rather foole-hardy, as to dare to propor∣tion the quantity of so hidden a mystery, which Nature hath secreted to her selfe as a priuacy (like many others) inscrutable? How came our inex∣haustible Mynes of Iron, Lead, Copper, Allum, and why should I not name Coale, which not onely furnish vs, but with their surplusage, are transported to other Kingdomes, with no small gaine, to be first knowne? Were they reuealed in a dreame, like S. Iohn Baptists head, or rather skull, which was made knowne (as it is fabled or Legended) to a deuout Monke in his sleepe, and is to be seene at Amiens? No sure, industry and paines (the price which the Heathens could say the Gods did set vpon whatsoeuer is excellent) first gaue them light and life. The same industry (there is no doubt) would also make knowne to vs many new treasures, which is onely wanting, and not matter. To make this good in the par∣ticular in hand.

The Spa (I know) doth boast of her Mineralls of Iron, Vitrioll, Sulphur, & others, of whose fa∣culties they haue seuerall waters that doe taste, & operate. You may remember I gaue a touch be∣fore, that besides this our new Spa, wee tooke a

view of other Springs of differing natures, of which I will briefly relate, whereby it shall ap∣peare, that (vnlesse we will beleeue nothing but what we see) we are not vnfurnished of seuerall sorts of Mineralls (how secretly soeuer yet hid from vs) and that within the circle of the Moore, where the Tuit-well is seated, and the bordering places thereabout.

In our first daies view of the Tuit-well, we were conducted by our guide a mile and more beyond it, to looke vpon another water, which he with much adoe found, for that it is very obscurely placed. It breakes forth in the skirt of an hill, close by a Riuolet. We were no sooner come neere it, but we were (vnmannerly) taken by the nose with a most vnsufferable Sulphurie fume, at the first not easie to be endured. The first thing we did, was to giue the water a more free passage than we found it had; which done, we tooke of it into a glasse to view. It was transparently cleare, but of so strong and intolerable a sent, being held neere, that a more suffocating smell could hardly be deuised. Both by the taste and sent it was ap∣parant, that it is of a sulphurous nature, and that in a high degree, but withal exceeding brackish & salt. The day wayning would not giue vs leaue to stay long in the place: for conclusion-sake

onely, we put an eye-cup of siluer into a glasse of the water, which within a little space turned it in∣to a Copper tincture.

The next day (being our second of visiting the Tuit-well) we were drawne aside into Bilton Parke, which bordereth vpon the Moore, where in the declination of an hill, we came to a Spring, much of the same condition with the former, the smell as violent, and the taste the same, saue that it is not perceiueably salt. An vnder-keeper of the Parke, whom we asked what vse was made of the water, told vs, that not long before, finding him∣selfe all out of tune, so that no ordinary labour, nor abstinency could set him right: he made bold to drinke of this water a glasse, or two. It purged him (not without violence) both waies, driuing forth of his body much venimous matter, which after by washing in it dryed vp and healed. Hee shewed vs also a poore man-seruant to his Ma∣ster, who being for the space of two yeares trou∣bled with a grieuous paine in one of his legs, to∣gether with a numnesse and swelling, being ad∣uised to wash in this water, was within an vnex∣pected time restored to health, and strength, and hath continued firme and sound euer since.

From hence we were brought to another wa∣ter, distant from this place about a mile, called

Pigeon Spring, of the continuall haunt they haue about it. This is also of a Sulphury quality, and salt, but in a more remisse and moderate degree than either of the other.

It were a great daring in me (who acknow∣ledge my selfe ignorant in the least rudiments of Art) to affirme any thing peremptorily of the true nature of these sulphurous Springs, their proper vse, or what intermixture they may haue of seue∣rall Mineralls. Nay, it were a touch of boldnesse in any (be they who they will) positiuely to set downe the certaine effects of these waters, because (the three last named hauing apparant differen∣ces) their faculties haue not by any (that I can heare) beene seriously tried and examined. Yet that by probability (seeing they are sulphurous, and that in a high degree) they are vsefull, none (who will not absolutely deny the vertues of Mi∣neralls) will deny. Why they are so exceeding strong of sent, and taste, and yet not hot, as are the waters of the Bath in Summerset-shire, parta∣king both of the same coniectured nature, I leaue to the discussing of Chimists and Minerallists. Some vndertake to affirme, that the Minerall matter which feeds the waters of the Bath, and makes them operatiue, is fiered. These affirme, (grounding themselues vpon Aristotle) that there

are certaine hot and dry exhalations included in the cauernes of the earth, which seeking passage forth, and vent, and not finding any, they are vi∣olently carried vp and downe, in which motion by degrees they ratifie, and at length are fired. If so it happen (say they) that where such vapours are included, and incendiated, there be any By tu∣minous or Sulphurous matter, by this meanes it comes to be fired: and looke how long there re∣mains any of the Minerall to feed the fire, so long the fire lasteth. And since (say they) these Mine∣ralls haue a perpetuall regeneration, it must needs follow, that the fire fed by them must also be du∣rable, vnlesse it finde passage forth, & so vanish. If this heate thus enclosed in these hollows be great and intense, the matter of the Minerall plentifull, and that the water which passeth by them in a continuall succession makes no long course be∣fore it breake forth, then is the water in its issue ve∣ry hot. But if the heate be small (whereunto the abundance of matter giueth force, as we see in our common experience of our ordinary fewell) and the passage of the water long before it issue, then commeth it to passe, that the water is either of a moderate warmth, or cold; for that in so long a iourney it passeth by stones, and cold places, lo∣sing by degrees the heate it receiued.

For my part, I am more apt to admire Nature in the rarity and variety of her producements, than willing to trouble my braine in searching into things (it may be) not knowable. If such as are iudicious would take the paines by any artifi∣ciall coutse, to examine the difference of these wa∣ters of ours, and those of the Bath, secundùm magis & minus, whereby their due vse might be known, it were a labour which might merit applause. We make no bones to expend great summes in pa∣stimes of momentary continuance, and suffer our eares to be inculcated with rare and vsefull won∣derments of Nature, and passe them by as matters belonging onely to Mechanicke knowledge; whereas (truely weighed) these high mysteries would better become both our charge & specula∣tion. And whosoeuer they are, whose ouerflow of fortunes doth inuite them to leaue to posterity an allowance (whereby they worthily expresse a laudable & Christian aime at the common good) be it in erecting Schooles, Hospitals, or what else soeuer of that kind; if such would please to weigh the benefit of these waters, they could not possi∣bly deuise (their vse being first assuredly knowne, and experimented) any meanes more apt to en∣deare themselues to their Countrey, than in be∣stowing a largesse, in fitting such places as these

(where medicinall waters by the goodnesse of God are offered vnto vs) for their commodious vse. For, although the greatest Subiects of this Land may be forced to craue the aide of these wa∣ters (for where Art is at a non-plus, Nature often∣times supplieth) yet it is the poorer sort, to whom they are like to yeeld the greatest reliefe, many of whom often perish for want of outward meanes. How many distressed soules lie languishing in fearefull infirmities, whom the Northerne parts doe distance so farre from the Bathes in Summer∣set-shire, that they sink vnder the burthen of their disease, either through debility of body to make so long a iourney? Or, if their bodies would giue them leaue, the weight of their pouerty presseth them downe, and keepes them backe: whereas a reasonable charge bestowed on these our waters (which are yet but like Beare-whelpes, and want the licking of Art to giue them vsefull forme) might proue as memorable an act as most are in these times. I know the Bathes in Summerset-shire (which I once saw) haue in a reasonable propor∣tion (being happily seated in a place which draws from the recourse of strangers no small commo∣dity) beene look't into, and indifferently accom∣modated: Yet compare them with others of the like kinde beyond the Seas (which I haue heard

by authentique report to be excellently ordered) they are but poore and of meane value. Those of Akan, Aix, or Aquisgrane (call the place which you will, for they are all one) I haue seen, being about 15. miles from the Spa, and beheld them with great admiration; the structure about them being so commodious, that they may be tempered at plea∣sure according to the habit of the patient. They may also be let forth in an instant, (and euery day that they are vsed they are) by which meanes they are freed from the ordure and filth which they attract from putride bodies, which (no que∣stion) might preiudice those of sound temper. There are some kept priuate for women, where vnseene they may (without the least preiudice to their modesty) enter for their benefit. This is far from our (I may well say heathenish) custome, where men and women doe mutually entermixe in the Bath, whereby there is too great an occasi∣on administred of begetting lustfull fires, causing the soules of many to run a doubtfull hazard. But I leaue this disorder to the consideratiō of those, whose authority is able to rectifie this grosse a∣buse, and returne to our waters.

Opposition (I know) they shall not want (Worth & Enuy being inseparable companions) for there are some so betroth't to their particular,

and so ingulft in auarice, that they haue vowed neuer to know any other loue. These, if they per∣ceiue the least dram of profit, to be drawne from their profession (I speake of such whose liueli∣hood consists in physicall directions, or manuall cures) by any extraordinary discouery, let it neuer so apparantly benefit the generall, they rack their braines to inuent any meanes of disparaging it, and bedlem-like raile at whatsoever may bring diminution to their profit and practise, their pri∣uate gaine being dearer to them than their Coun∣trey, nay than the whole world. But let the galls of such greaten, till sweld with enuy, they burst; the testimony of one approued man will be of sufficient weight to out-ballance the fuming froth of a thousand such.

It did not cost vs aboue one entire day in this our perambulation of visiting these waters, but by what we had seene, we thought it more than coniecturable, that vpon diligent search there may many others be found within a small di∣stance of seuerall intermixed natures, which may afford admirable vse both for outward & inward cure, dispenced by the appointment of a carefull and iudicious Artist.

Can we then be so simple as to question, where there are such variety of Minerall waters, whether

the soile doth afford commodious veines, or no? I am perswaded, if those same Belgicke Pismires (as one not vnfitly calls them) were masters of so faire an oportunity as this doth promise, they would leaue no angle of the place vnsought, till they had found out the beds where these Mine∣ralls sleepe. But we (like Carriers horses) will not out of the tract way of ordinary commodities. Peace the mother of plenty, and this the nurse of case, or rather idlenesse, hath so enthralled vs, that we hug our selues in our owne security, and neg∣lect many blessings which the liberall hand of the Almighty hath showred vpon vs.

O that their example (I meane the Hollanders) might moue vs to consider, what blessings doe attend a laborious life. How haue they (confi∣ned within a bog (as I may say) and that of no great compasse) aduanced their heads aboue ma∣ny States, that possesse large & fertile Dominions? What Cities of magnifique structure doe they in∣habit? How doe they abound in all manner of profitable Manifactures? Into what place of the habitable world haue the not trafficke? How haue they bearded that same Christendome-threat∣ning-Monarch the Catholique King, and done him more shame (maugre all his Indian Bullion) than all his farre-fetcht conquests haue gained

him credit? And whence comes this their pro∣sperity, and encrease of potency, if not from a ge∣nerall circumspection, & sagacity in their affaires, cherishing all manner of vsefull Arts, and aduan∣tagious knowledge, and not suffering any vnpro∣fitable weeds, I meane idle persons, to harbour a∣mongst them? Whereas we (by what conniuence I know not) giue way to more loytering droanes, and common able beggars, to swarme in our streets, than would serue to people a larger circuit of ground than they possesse.

Whence is it that our Alehouses and Tauernes are in such request in all good Townes, but that they are so frequented with idle companions that their custome is thought now adaies a constant faire reuenue? And hence it is that most of our Townes-masters (obseruing the humor and cur∣rent of the times) howsoeuer they make a shew of some bundles of Flax, a few bars of Iron, or such like stuffe in their shops, yet (the plaine English is) Corne is the maine prop of their estates, & of Corne, Barley, which they know will off, when all other commodities sticke fast. Thus come Tipling-houses to be in such request, & so coun∣tenanced in their excesse of riot, and abuse of mea∣sure, those who are appointed Gouernouts (but may more properly be tearmed Ouerseers) winc∣king

at disorder, because (like Flies) they deriue a great part of their Being from the corruptions & sores of the times. Indeed we doe but too much abound in all necessary comforts, and this is it which hath so infected vs with a lazie Lethargy, that through a long habit of ease, we are growne vncapable of sustaining any paines. Hath not our long continued peace, brought vs to a strange passe (being neither employed at home in fit la∣bour, nor suffered to passe abroad but with strange restrictions, and limitations) when wee are become the prostitutes of forraigne derision? Tis how the golden Age was, when wee were held a terrour to the proudest of our neighbours, our alliance was sought vnto as a shelter, and they were safest, whom the wings of our amity did shadow: but we are now so ferre from being remembred with the least phrase of respect, in re∣gard of our present stupidity, and base sufferings, that a beggarly base fisher-Towne (fit to be no∣thing but what it is, a Cacus his den, and recepta∣cle of pilfering Pyrats) dares braue vs at our own doores, so that not a Merchant but feares to put forth his head, to passe from one of our Ports to another. We are daily defied vpon the skirts of our owne coasts, so that not a weeke doth passe, which bringeth not forth some sad tydings, euen

in our view, to the vndoing or hazarding of ma∣ny a poore family. O the benummed temper of these our daies, when we who were the great Ma∣sters of these our Seas, are now growne such for∣dide slaues, that we are scornfully trampled vp∣on, and beaten at our owne weapon! We sit by our fires side, wish all were well, scatter now and then a few words of feare, as if our hearts did mis-giue all were not well, but that some terror were at hand; and yet none so bold, of so Roman a re∣solution, or so louing to his Countrey, as to pro∣claime our hazard, or giue warning of a storme; which whensoeuer it shall breake forth, (which God auert, and yet considering our too well∣knowen weaknesse, and supine carelesnesse, be∣sides the deluges of many crying sinnes, it may be feared it is not farre off) we shall be found but an amazed sort of staggering slumberers, scarce a∣wake. Yet I hope in this our Israel (I was about to haue said Sodome, for in fulnesse of bread, if not in other her abominations, we may be suspe∣cted to haue too great a share) there will be found some faithfull Abrahams, who will make bold to speake vnto the Lord againe, and againe, that he will not destroy the righteous with the wicked. We haue lately smarted vnder the hand of the Al∣mighty by a grieuous visitation, and we see (bles∣sed

be his name) he hath caused his Angell to s;tay his hand, so that there is mercy with our God, O that we had grace to feare him! If this will not warne vs, but that we will still go on in a carelesse course, we cannot but expect (which he who was according to Gods owne heart, did tremble to make choice on) to fall into the hands of our e∣nemies, whose swords haue long thirsted after our bloud. Yet since (most mighty Lord God) thy prouidence hath hitherto miraculously wat∣ched ouer vs: O (howsoeuer our sinnes do most iustly prouoke thee to hide thy face from vs) bee not farre off (thou preseruer of man) when wee call vpon thee. Euer preserue, and graciously de∣fend our dread Soueraigne. Keepe farre from him such as were the young Counsellors of Re∣hoboam; when they would whisper into his sacred eares the encrease of our burthens, or the doub∣ling of our taxes, let their tongues cleaue vnto the roofe of their mouthes. Let those be deare vnto him, who sincerely tender the glory of thy great Name, that so Religion may first in all con∣sultations be aduanced and established, Antichri∣stian Matchiauelliās may be extirpated, the pub∣like good by a carefull prouiding for our safery at home, before we embroile our selues abroad, may be secured: that other Nations, seeing our

prosperity, may be forced to say of vs, Blessed are the people who are in such a case.

The issue of this long digression (besides that a sudden apprehension of our threatning hazard, by the tollerated multiplying of Romish Lo∣custs, and the extreame weaknesse of our coasts did transport me) is only to shew, that if we were so cautelous as befits vs, and so solicitous as we should be, of the publike good, this our happy Ile, doth afford matter sufficient of vsefull conse∣quence, partly by a free & equall trade abroad, & partly by exercise at home, to employ all the rusty hands, and idle mouldy braines amongst vs; which till it be with more care aduised on (than it hath beene long, but especially of late) let vs ne∣uer expect to returne to our pristine farre-spred glory.

It was pitty this our new Spa did not first fall in∣to the hands of some of our iugling imposturing, Romish Priests: for if they (by their Mountebank trickes) are able to draw from most parts of the Kingdome, to one of their Sainted Wells, a world of people, some whereof they cure meerely with conceit of their waters soueraignty; others (ayling little or nothing) they can perswade to publish of themselues stupendious cures, of desperate disea∣ses (which being for the aduancement of the Ca∣tholike

cause (though in it selfe a base lie) yet with them is but a veniall peccadelio) if I say these bra∣zen fac't Empericks, are able to goe so farre with an ordinary plaine water, what a shame is it for vs who haue such a reall, vertuall Spring, nay many, and that within a small distance, thus to be out-stript with their legerdemaine?

In the latter end of this Summer there was an∣other Spring discouered by D^r. Leake, a Physitian of Yorke, a mile neerer the Towne of Knares∣brough, than is the Tuit-well. It is held to be as good as the other, of the same taste, and conse∣quently of the same facultie. So that now we may boldly challenge the Spa in Germany: for as they haue their two acide Fountaines, Sauenir, and Po∣hon, we equall them, and want nothing but names to giue ours the greater sound.

But it is time to strike saile. I might (and not vnaptly) take occasion, before I conclude, to publish many rarities which the Towne of Knaresbrough, and the bordering places doth af∣ford, as the variety of stone Quarries, the seuerall sorts of Earths, rare Plants, and other most ob∣seruable specialties. Here also might I not im∣pertinently insist a little of the famous chronicled dropping Well, seated vnder the Towne, which turneth whatsoeuer is cast into it, or casually falls

in, as stickes, leaues, and mosse, into a firme stone; which shewes it to be of a most astrictiue quali∣ty, and of appliable vse. A proofe hereof was made the precedent Summer by a stranger, who casually passing this way (hauing been long trou∣bled with a flix) was counselled to drinke of this water, which (other meanes failing) he willingly did, and within a few daies was perfectly cured of the disease. That these Fountains also arc con∣ueniently seated neere a Towne of ample receipt for strangers, is not to be omitted. Yet these and many other remarkable aduantages I am content to slip ouer, hoping some generous spirit will vn∣dertake their more ample discouery, which would be an act well-becomming any one, who desi∣reth to perpetuate his name in the Catalogue of such as haue giuen luster to their Countrey. By this meanes the wonderments of this place seri∣ously related, and divulged, we may haue iust cause to glorifie God, who amongst other his vn∣numbered fauours, both concerning our soules, and bodies, hath added the knowledge of these waters, and his vndeserued mercies considered, we may truly confesse, He hath not dealt so with a∣ny other Nation.

FINIS.