lived piously but his successors did not so but committed so much wickedness that God again destroyed the world â—y the opening of the earth which swallowed up all mankind â—ut a few of the four Tribes who were left to new people the world again and this was the conclusion of the third Age. At the beginning of tâ—e fourth Age there was one Kistney a famous Ruler and pious King who wonderâ—ully promoted Religion Vistney was now taken â—p into Heaven there being no further need of his preservation â—or when this Age is concluded there shall be a full end of all things The Brammanes suppose this Age shall be longer then any of the rest in the end whereof Ruddery shall be taken â—p into Heaven these four ages they call by these four names Curtain Duauper Tetrajoo and Koâ—ee they hold the manner of these last judgements shall be by fire when all shall be destroyed and so the four Ages of the world shall be destroyed by the four Elements And then shall Ruddery carry up the souls of all people to Heaven with him to rest in Gods bosom but the bodyes shall all perish so that they believe not the resurrection for they say Heaven being a place that is pure they hold it cannot be Capable of such gross substances This is the sum of the Banians Religion wherein you find much of fancy and conceit as to make it be so Antient and the number four to be used so often as you have heard the meaning of the three Creatures I suppose alludes to the Trinity but instead of a confirmation and proof of a Trinity they would make a Quaternity thereof In the name I suppose they as well as other Nations who differ from us in Religion had read over our Bible and supposing that but fictions were resolved to make a Law of their own to be somewhat like that of ours which how they have done you have already heard I shall now likewise give you a brief account of the Religion used by the Persees and so put an end to this Chapter These Persees are a People discended from the antient Persians who lived in much splendor but wars coming among them they were dissipated and the Mahâ—mâ—tans who invaded them compelled several to leave their antient Religion for that of the Mahometan which they refusing exposed themselves to a voluntary banishment and therefore carried what of their substanee they could with them they sought for a new plaâ—e of habitation and at length found it in this Country where they now inhabit being admitted â—o use their own Religion but yielding themselves in subjection to the government of the Nation and paying homage and tâ—ibute their Religion being different from the rest of the Inhabitants I shall thus describe to you Thâ—â— affirm that before any thing was there was a God who made the Heavens and the Earth and all things therein conteined at six times or labours and between each labour â—e rested five dayes first He made the Heavens with their Orbs adorned with great lights and lesser as the Sun Moon and Stars also the Angels whom he placed in their several orders according to their dignities which place he ordained to be for the habitations of such as should live holy in this life this being done he rested five days Then he made Hell in the lower parts of the world from which he banished all light and comfort wherein were several Mansions that exceâ—ded each other in dolour propoâ—tioned for the degrees of Offenders about which time Lucifer the chief of Angels with other of his Order conspiring against God to agin the Soverâ—ignty and command over all God threw him first from the Orb of his happineâ—s together with his confederates and complices damned him to Hell the â—lace that was made for Offenders and turn'd them from their glorious shapes into shapes black ugly and deformed till the end of the world when all oâ—fenders shall receive punishment this was the second labour After this God created the earth and waters making this world like a ball in that admirable manner that now it is this was the third labour The fourth was to make the Trees and Herbs the fifth was to make Beasts Fowles and Fishes and the sixth and last Man and Woman whose names were Adamah and Evah and by these the world was propagated in this manner God as they affirm did cause Evah to bring forth two twins every day for a thousand years together and none dyed Lucifer being malicious and endeavouring to do mischief God set certain Supervisors over his creatures Hamull had charge of the Heavens Acob of the Angels Foder of the Sun Moon and Stars Soreb of the Earth Josah of the Waters Sumbolah of the Beaâ—â—s of the Field Daloo of the Fish of the Sea Rocan of the Tree Cooz of Man and Woman and Settan and Asud were Guardians of Lucifer and other evil spirits who for all that did some mischief the â—ins of men occasioned the destruction of the world by a flood which spared only a few to people the Earth which was done accordingly and this is their opinion oâ— the Creation aâ—d first Age. As to their Religion it was given them by a Law-giver whose name was Zertoâ—st whose birth was strange and breeding and visions miraculous the names of his Father and Mother were Espintaman and Doâ—oo he was born in China and great fame going of him when young the King of that Country endeavoured his destruction but could not bring it to pasâ— for those who were sent to destroy him had their sinews shrunk he being twelve or thirteen years of age was taken with a great sickness the King hearing theâ—eof sent Physitians to destroy him but Zertoost sensible of their practice reâ—uâ—eâ— their Physick and fled with his Father and Mother into Persia in his way meeting with Rivers he congeal'd them to ice and so went over he arrived at Persia in the time of the Reign of K. Gustasph it was in that Country that at his request to God he being purified was carried up into Heaven where he heard the Almighty speaking as in flames of fire who revealed to him the works of the Creation and what was to come and gave him Laws for the better government and eâ—tablishment of Religion Zertoost desired to live always that he might instruct the woâ—ld in Religion but God answered That if he should live never so long yet Lucifer would do more â—aâ—m then he should do good but if he desired to live long as the World endured he might God also presented to Zertooâ—â— the seven ages oâ— times of the Persian Monarchy the first was the Golden age the dâ—ys of Guiomaras second the Silver the days of Fraydhun third the Brazen the days of Kaykobod the fourth the Tin the days of Lorasph fifth Leaden the days of Bahaman sixth the Steel the days of Darah Segner the seventh the Iron Age in the Reign of Yesdegerd He finding by this
THE English Rogue Continued in the Life Of Meriton Latroon AND OTHER EXTRAVAGANTS Comprehending the Most Eminent Cheats OF Most Trades and Professions The Second Part. Licensed Feb. 22. 1668. LONDON Printed for Francis Kirkman and are to be Sold by William Rands in Duck-lane 1680. A. an East India Iunck B. an Indian House Flatt and Terrasod on the Top. C. an Indian Coach drawne with Oxen. D. an Indian Waggon drawne with Oxen. E. Persee Buriall place F. Banians Washing G. Banians Worship under greene trees H. the Banians Marriages I. the Banians Burialls THE English Rogue Continued in the Life of MERITON LATROON And other EXTRAVAGANTS Part II. CHAP. I. He discourses the manner of Government of the Inhabitants of the East-Indies a small Voyage by Sea where he is in danger by a Tempest and a Malabar Man of War but escapes both he makes some rambles into the Country and returning home has some reflections on his fore-passed life I Was now arrived at the Meridian of my age and enjoyed such a plenty of every thing that I soon forgot the many miseries I had lately suffered since my banishment from England I governed my Family with a most absolute command and received a willing obedience aswell from my Wife as all our Servants and during the stay of our English Ships I gained very muâ—h by entertaining my Country-men with necessaries I kept so punctual a correspondence with the Banian Merchants that I could command any thing and by their means found the way of Trading by which I considerably enriched my self so that at the departure of the English Fleet I haveing cast up an account of my Estate found that I had gained above 2000 Rupees which being the Country money and worth about 2 s. a piece amounted to 200 l. also I had a good parcel of Diamonds besides those I had cheated the Banian of at my first arrival several other Commodities I had by me which with my Housholdstuff which was considerable did in all amount to a great value The Fleet being departed the chief of our Trading ceased and now it was vacation time and I hating idleness and somewhat weary of my Wives company being desirous of Novelty set out to view the Country to which end taking money with me and all other necessaries I hired an Indian Coach which is a kind of a Chariot with two wheels and will hold about four persons this Coach was drawn with two Oxen who will travel about thirty miles a day my charge was not much for about eighteen pence a day paid my Coach-man and kept his Cattel Thus did I ramble about the Country visiting other of my acquaintance where I had a full enjoyment of every thing the Country afforded for we had notonly the Country drink called Toddee which is made of the juyce of several Trees and Punch vvhich is made of Rack-lime or lime-vvaâ—er Sugar Spiceâ— and sometimes the addition of Ambergreese but vve likevviâ—e drank great quantities of Persian Wine vvhich is much like Claret and brought from that Country in Bottles These vvere our drinks vvherof vve drank plentifully and oftentimes to excess our meat vvas chiefly Rice vvith Beans and Turkeys Beef and Mutton and sometimes Veal and Lamb this was my ordinary diet but the Banians eat no flesh accounting it criminal it being contrary to their Religion to kill any thing the chiefest exercise we had was playing at Nine-pins a game I was well acquainted vvith in England and therefore could vvell enough deal vvith the Natives though they vvere expert there in Though I pleased my self in these things yet there vvas still vvantiâ—g the only thing which had alvvayes made my life pleasant to me and that vvas the company of Women for without their pleasing society in a full enjoyment I reckoned I had nothing and therfore upon eveâ—y turn found them out but I must now be contented vvith the Natives vvho although they are not so fair as the vvomen of our European Countries yet they may pass vvell enough for their complexions are commonly of a tavvny bievv but they are richly adorned vvith pearl and other Jevvels speak of those vvho vvere Mercenary There is no Tovvn but hath tvvo or thâ—ee of these Brothel houses vvhich were allovved of neither vvas it any disgrace to be seen â—herein the handsomest vvomen are here the Matron of the house is furnished vvith several who she purchases sometimes of their own Parents who sell them not accounting it an injury to dâ—spose them to this purpose These old Bavvds are as cuning as those of our Country for they will sell a Maiden-headtwo or three times over for which they will some times have twenty or thirty Rupees according to the goodness of the Comodity and good will of the purchaser who shall enjoy his bargain for 2 or 3 days or nights together either at their lodgings or at home at their own houses neither do their wives dare to contradict their Husbands therein for they will oftentimes bring home one of these Lasses and lodge them in a Cot in the same Room with their Wives and lye with them as often as they please and when they have done with them send them home again I tryâ—d several of these Bona Roba â—s who pleased me very well for what they wanted in beauty they supplyed in respect and willingness to comply with and pleaâ—e me in all my desires and though many times they have the Pox by reason of their heat activity yet they value it not for they are so well acquainted and furnished with remedies that they soon cure themselves and the men who accompany them my ramble being finished I returned home and though my Wife knew I had been at several of theâ—e Brothels yet I was joyfully received and welcomed by her We keeping a publick house had all sorts of guests and now being at leisure I diâ—coursed with several of the Brammanes who are their Priests who informed me not only of the Civil but Ecclesiastical Government of the Nation for though I supposed them Heathens yet I found that they followed a rule in their livings to which they strictly ty'd themselves They in general gave me this account that they are governed by a Kâ—ngly Monarch who is called the Great Mogul he is absolute in his Dominions and all his subjects are his slaves all the Land and Houses throughout his Dominions are his own and the Inhabitants or occupiers are only his Tenants and pay a valuaâ—le rent for what they enjoy which is â—nually collected by Officers to that purpose appointed and paid into his Exchequer this he bestows at his own pleasure or spends in making War with his Enemies who are chiefly the Tartars and sometimes the Persians they have frequently civil Wars amongst themselves upon the death of their Prince if he leaves more Sons then one behind him for he who lastruled was Father of this present Mogul made his way to the Empire by the death of
hansome young men of about 18 years of age these two were very well respected as well by the Captain as the others his Companions they were all very frolick blith and merry and several times laughed at several adventures that had befall'n them during the Voyage Though the Captain of this Ship came not on the Companies account yet he was very richly loaden and was directed to such persons of this Country as would be sure to do his business for him neither was he a stranger therein for he had been here twice before and was acquâ—inted with most of the Banians who are so curious diligent observers that if they see a man but once if he ever return though several years after yet they will know him again especially if they have had any trading with them and they have so good a conceit of our Country-men that they will oftentimes trust a Captain with 2 or 300 l. worth of Commodities from one year to another only giving them common interest and as to their ordinary dealing and bargaining they are at a word and there is money to be saved by dealing with them and trusting them for if you distrust them then you shall pay so much the more if you trust them they will provide your goods as cheap or cheaper than you can your self do it though never so well experienced therein I needed not to acquainted our Captain with any of their fashions for he well enough understood it himself but I assiâ—ted him and some of the rest in exchanging their Moneys for the Banians allow no more for any silver or gold Coin than it weighs for it will never go currant there till it be changed or minted into the coin of that Country Four oâ— my Guests viz. The Captain and three of the rest did employ themselves in looking after the Ships unlading but the other two who were the youngest and there ore as I thought fittest to take pains did still stay at home in my own house or else walk out for their recreation This and some other things that I observed made me curious in my observations of them in all their actions suspecting they were either personages of greater quality than ordinary or that there was some other Mistery in the case but they being as cunning as my self concealed that from me which I since knew though I tryed them with several speeches and discourses in which I thought my self cunning enough I observed this that these two young men never lay together but sometimes the Captain lay with one of them aâ—d another persons of his company with the other The greatest part of their business being for the present dispatched they often-times staid at home and feasted where they drank of great quantities of Persiaâ— Wine and other the Country drinks the best I could get for them They having all drank one time to a good height and being very merry the Captain asked which was the best house for handsome Women now I enformed him of â—he beâ—t I knew but says he ye have no English Girls here no said I seldom any such blesâ—ings come into this Country we are forced to content our selves with the brown Natives I believe said the Captain if these two young men William and George for such was the names of the two young Men I spake of were handsomely drest in Womens cloaths they would pass for handsome Women I then of a sudden turning my eyes towards the parties he spake of saw that their cheeks were dy'd of a Vermillion hue deeper then they had lately been acquired by drinking This caused me to diâ—â—rust â—omething but the rest of the company falling into a kind of a laughter which I supposed was somewhat forceâ— they altred their discourse and began a fresh health to all their friends in Englanâ— which I pledged them with a very good will telling them that I had some whose company I had heartily wished for what are they said the Captain Sir saiâ—â— they are such as I believe you love that is handâ—ome women in general and of these I had the good fortune to be particularly and intimately acquainted with several At the ending of this discourse I was called for down to attend some of my guests who were going which having done I agen went up where I found the Captain and the rest in a standing posture ready likewise to be gone at which I wondred but let them take their pleasures so five or six of my guests left me and he had gone too had he not been a little fluster'd and then a sleep After they were gone several thoughts possest my mind of what these two youngest persons should be and it was long ere I could hit upon the right but having one person in the house with whom I was more intimate than the rest I resolved to use my utmost interest with him to be satisfied he in few hours awaked and would have been gone after his companions but I so far prevailed with him that he lay there that night and because I would have the better opportunity for my discourse I lay with him when we were in bed I told him that I could heartily wish I could accommodate him with a Female Bedfellow he replyed that would do very wâ—ll I offered my assistance in procuring the best of our country but he was cold in his reply whereupon I told him that by that time he had been so long in the country as I had he would be glad of one of those whom I sometimes made a shift to spend a night with but continued I I had rather be â—t Mother Cr in Moor-fields Are you acquainted there replyed my Bedfellow yes said I and at most of those houses of hospitality in or about London to which colledges I was a good Benefactor why said my Bedfellow you have been right or else I had never come hither said I whereupon I acquainted him with many of my rambles about London and gave him such satisfaction in my discourse that he began to be more free with me and then I conjured him to deal truly with me in resolving me one question to which he promised me that he would I having gained thus much upon him told him that my requeâ—t was to know what those two young Persons were which were called William and George truly said he you could not have asked me any thing that I should be more unwilling to diâ—cover then that but since I have promised you I will tell you and that the truth without any disguise provided you swear to me not to discover or take any notice thereof without my consent to this I agreed and having sworn to him he told me that they were not of those names nor sex that they went for but women I told him I had long since doubted so much and now I knew it I would take no notice thereof but rather assist then hinder any design wherein there was so much pleasure for I
abuses and cheats of Nurses and Keepers such who look to people who are visited with the sickness Two of these Jades we had in our house who when my Mistriss lay distracted with the distemper took away her keys and ransack't her Trunks from whence they took a purse full of Money most of it Gold which she had gathered unknown to my Master intending to keep it for her further need or as we say against a rainy day Thus these Jades conveyâ—d away together with a great deal of the best linnen in the house which was done by the help of the Watch-man that guarded the door who was son in law to one of the Queans and now that my Master might not discover their theft they sent her of an Errant to her long home by giving her drinks and other slops quite contrary to what the Physitians prescribed by the same way they dispatched the Maid and the Prentices with a little Girl the only Child my Master had and now was none remaining but my Master and I whom they intended should have followed after the rest then they might have plundred without controul but I seeing how soon my fellows were gone and observing that they all dyed presently after they had received any of their slops would have nothing to do with them perswading my Master to do the like affirming it â—ven before their faces that they were the persons that had killed my Mistress and the rest and would if let alone make a hand of us too But these impudent Jades hearing me begin to discover their villanies would have perswaded my Master that I was also infected and that it had already taken my brain which caused me to talk so idly and so began to seize upon me intending to have tyed me into a bed which if they had done I should never have come out of it alive but my Master interposing bid them let me alone for he himself was of the same mind with me These bold Queans hearing him say so one of them flew at him you old dotard â—aid she do you begin to talk idly too we must tame yâ—u yfaith and so attempted to pull him down whilst the other was as busie with me my Master and I strugling with them what we could but perceiving them to be too hard for us for they were two stout Mastiff Queans we got to the Window and cryed as loud as we could and thereby gathered a great many people together to know what was the matter to vvhom vve related the great danger we were in of being murdered by the two Women that were with us desiring by all means that we might be rid of them they being the greatest plague we were infected withal at the present and whom we dreaded as much as death it self Amongst others that came alarmed by this outcry was â— Shoomaker that lived not far off who was near of kin to my Master and thought himself no mean fellow he being at that time Overfeer of the Poor this man kept a great bustle commanding the door to be broken open which being done with as much imperiousness as a Countrey Justice domineers over a hedge-breaker he commands the two Women to depart out of the house which they being conscious of a self guilt accordingly did to the no little joy of my Master and me who fear'd we should have perishâ—d under their merciless hands Being rid of these two Harpyes I was more than double diligent towards my Master well hoping that Death with his beesom would sweep him away also which I judged the rather could come to pass because the thread of his life was spun out to a fair gâ—eater length than mine not at all considering that the Pestilence mâ—kes no difference betwixt age and youth or if it doth sooner seizes upon youth than age as haâ—ing more matter to work upon But I was so confiâ—ent that my Master vvould die and that I should live that I vvould rather perform all offices tovvards him than to admit of a partner to plunder the House vvith me vvhen he vvas dead But three days being passed and no alteration at all appearing in him I began then tâ— alter my opinion and feared he vvould escape and not have it at all and therefore I began to cast my Wits about and consider vvith my self vvhat I had best to do novv I knevv conceit vvould do much vvith him and therefore I first begun to tell him that he looked very ill as of a sudden asking if he felt no alteration in his body vvhich at first he said no but aftervvards upon my persuasions that he must needs be sick he soon grew conceited that he was so indeed in so much that at last I told him that he had the perfect symptomes of a dying man upon him those words struck him to the very heart that without further delay he went to the Window called for a Porter and sent him for the Shoomaker I spake of before to come to him presently and bring a Scrivener along with him I asked him what he would do with a Scrivener but when he told me it was to make his Will I waâ— ready to swound fearing he would take an inventory of his Goods alâ—o and so hinder my pilfering when he was dead for I was now fully minded to thieve from him what I could notwithstanding my resolution but a little before to leave it off I feared to be known for stealing the silver boulâ— so hard it is for those that are principled in wickedness to leave off that vice they haâ—e been accustomed unto however I praised him for his care therein that he would settle his mind as to outward affairs they might be no hinderance to his more pious thoughts which now should be bent altogether to Heaven-wards Scarce had I made an end of praising his good intentions but that the Shoomaker and the Scrivener were come to whom out of the Window he declared his mind for the disposing of his estate First he commended his Soul unto Heaven and his Body to Earth vvhich I vvished had been racked up in it before the Scrivener came Next said he for the good and faithful service he hath done me I bequeath to my Boy Gregory for that is my name the sum of twenty pounds whereof ten pound to be bestowed on him in Schooling the other ten pound to buy him Cloaths and put him out to Apprentice to some Handicraft Trade I hearing my Master to say this could not but reflect upon my monstrous Ingratitude that I should go to kill him that was so kind to me and had so much care for my future livelyhood but covetousness cancels all obligations and therefore is well termed the Spring head of all ungodliness Next said he I bequeath to the poor of the Parish wherein I live the sum of fivâ— pounds three pounds thereof to be laid out on cloaths for them to make them apparel and bestowed on â—uch as my Executor
him the best pieces were still marked out for damnation and without hope of recovery cast down into Hell for though he had many bottoms yet his conscience was bottomless Of all Weapons he most affected the long Bill and he who paid him but one half he would be sure to be no looser by him An antient Gentleman one day brought a suit of Cloaths to our Shop to be made who that he might have them the warmer had bouâ—ht two yards of bays to cotton his breeches in the inner-side my Master thought that was too good for such an use and therefore took it to himself and supplyed the place with old painting cloath It happened afterwards the Gentleman wearing those cloaths going to Islington as he went over a stile a snag or cleft of the same took hold of his Breeches and rent a great slash or gap in them that quite discoverâ—d my Masters theft for right against the hole was the picture of a Devil with a muck-fork in his hand which made the Gentleman to admire how the Devil he should come there searching further he found more of his fellows and all of them with muck-forks in their hands tormentiâ—g of Dives in the flames this put him in a great rage to consider how that by the knavery of the Taylor he should carry Hell-fire in his Breech ripping the other Slop there was the Prodigal on Horseback his journy into a far Country Hawks and his Whores his feeding Husks with Swine with his returning to his Father and the killing the fatted Calf wherefore in great rage he came to my Master calling him Knave Thief and a great many other names such as came first to his tongues end my Master desired him to be quiet told him it was stole off his Shop-board but for his part he wished if he had it that he might find it in Hell meaning the Hell under his Shop-board which was the recepâ—acle for all his stoln goods Now those pieces which were condemned to this Hell were termed Cabbidge and we never made any Cloaths either for Men or Women in which he snipt no some pieces from them sometimes out oâ— a Suit and loak enough to make a Boy a pair of Breeches or a Doublet and sometimes enough for Breeches and Douâ—let too Then we drave a trade with the Sadlers for pieces of Cloaths to make seats for Saddles The Cabbidge of course Cloath was to make dust-cloaths for the legs of Country Ploughmen Wollen caps and mittens for old Women all was fish that came to net When a Gentleman bought a Suit and loak of good cloath if my Master could but perswade four or five more to buy of the same out of them all he would steal a suit and cloak for himself Then for Womens cloaths the cabbidge of cloath of silver brancâ—t Sattin and the like went for pin cushions pin-pillows Womens purses and if black Church-wardens caps Cabbidge of Tabbee coloured Tasfaty and Sarcenet for facings for the hands of Doublets c. when we set on gold and silver lace we should stretch it so that in four or five yaâ—ds we would get a quarter of a yard which wâ—th old silver buttons and such like stuff went for ends of gold and silver and sometimes in rich laces we would rub them so on our knees that in eight or nine ounces half an ounce would come off which went also to the encrease of ends of gold and silver Now being the Under-Prentice my chief employment was to run on errands so that having thereby an opportunity I often visited the Dagger in Foster-lane for Pudding-pies my mouth always either penny-loaf or Pudding-pie fashion Amongst other places that I went to one of the chief was a Mercers in Pater-Noster-row from whence my Master received a small snip for every Gown he helpt him to custom withall Now their way of dealing was thus my Master bought the stuff then the Mercer was to justifie that it cost him so much a yard perhaps eight or ten shillings more in the Gown than it did for which my master when he brought customers to him was to perswade them to the stuff avouching there was not such another penny-worth in the Town and that he was confident that he saved little or nothing by it but only for to gain their custome by which you see he who carries a Taylor with him to help him buy cloaths carries a Thief instead of a Friend for the mercer and Taylor was both agreed and what the first says the other will swear to Now to hear them muster up the names of their stuffs would make you swear they were raising so many Devils thereâ—s your Parragon Burragon Phillippine Cheny Grogrum Mowhair Damasilly Novato Pinckanilly Pinckadino Prunella Itiliano Castiliano Perpetuana Sempiternum Tamme Tammet Tameletto and a thousand more besides such as Adam never gave names to being more for pride than for warmth and rather to cloath sin than to cover nakedness But ere I could attain to any perfection in the Trade my master dyed of that which he lived by the Stich being taken with it as he was contriving a new fashion for a Womans placket that it should be neither before nor behind nor on either side but before he could finish his project he was taken with this Stich so that that invention was utterly lost thereby now because he dyed of such a disease I mustered up all my wit and invention together and made for him this Epitaph A Taylor in this Grave doth lie Who by the Stich did live and die Longeâ— his lifes thread might have been But death withâ—s shears came him between Wound up his bottom bound his feet And sow'd him up in swinding-sheet My Mistress not continuing the Trade I waâ— turned over to a Baker at which I rejoyced exceedingly being heartily desirous to be dealing with Belly-timber rememâ—ring how I was full fed when as I lived before with the Cook Here I found the maxim to be still true that there is Knavery in all trades for as my last master thieved from peoples backs so this robbed their bellies and was in one sort worse than a â—aylor for Taylors commonly filch their cabbidâ—e only from the rich who can the better spare it but a Baker by making his bread lesser than it should be â—tealeth it out of the poor peoples bellies for doing which he deserveth the same fate to attend on him as did Pharoahs Bakeâ— viz hanging or at least wise to looâ— through an Oaken plank and shew the people a knaves heâ—d He would be sure to be in fee with the Clark of the market and pretended great love to him though he hated him as his Executioner By this means he had always timely notice of my Lord Mayors going aboâ—t when he would be â—ure to have his bread full weight stand at his Window and if at any time he chanc'd to be catcht oh how he would repâ—ne at his forced câ—arity to see his
thaâ— night I told her very well for my skin was armor of proof against the biting of fleas or any other disturbance whatsoever but though I carried fair weather in my countenance my heart boyled in revenge against her wherefore thaâ— day I went and bought two penny-vorth of Cow-itch which is a drug of that nature that where it touches the flesh it will make tâ—em so scrub seventeen times worse than if they weâ—e plagued with the itch with this I anointed her sheets in the same manner as I strowed them with horse-hair before but if the hair netled this fleyed she had needed to have had Briarius hundred hands to have scratcht her self at once for when she came to be a little hot in her bed she fared like a mad woman the more she scratcht the more it itcht so that by what she seek't to allay her pain she encreased it the going out of her bed would not cure her now she carried her distemper along with her so that knowing not how to ease her self she bellowed like a Bull and made such a quarter that the whole houâ—e was disturbed with her bellowing All night she continued thus in the morning I began to play upon her told her that the scratching of her arse signified we should have butter cheap and that â—ow ever things wents she would be sure to Rub through with them but had I not took my heels she had so rubbed my ears for it as would have turned my mirth into mourning That day was very fatal to me and my running from the Maid in the morning prognosticated I should run from my master before night It so happened that we had some work to do that day at a Tavern in Thames-street the back-side whereof adjoyned to the Thames which the Vintner would have beautified next to the water-side now for to make hâ—m a scaffold to work on he put the ends of two long sticks out at the window laying a board over them for him to stand on the out side and on the in-side faâ—tned the end of the one with a Cord but wantiâ—g a Cord for the other he bid me to sit on it thereby to keep it from kicking up thus was all things ordered my Master gotten up upon his scaffold which vvas just over the water and I sâ—tting on the end of the stick he fell a singing as he was accustomed to do at his work and I fell a nodding being lulled a sleep with his singing in my sleep I dreamed that my old Master the Cook was alive again that I lived with him and that our House was full of Guests by and by some Gentlemen knocked in the next room I hearing them imagined that I was called and thereupon cryed out Anon Anon I come I come Sir and thereupon fell a running when presently up flew the stick and down fell my Master crying all the way he fell help help I shall be drownâ—d the noise he made waked me out of my sleep when looking forth so the window I saw my Master floating like a shitle-cock upon the water I seeing what had happened thought more upon saving my self than him imagining if he were drowned that I should be hanged and therefore that I might not die the death of a dog to prevent it I run away leaving my Master to shift for himself whom though yet I loved well and would not have parted from him but for this accident I made great hast in going and yet knevv not whither to go East West North or South all was indifferent to me for it is impossible he can be out of his way to whom all vvays are alike London though large and populous I judged no Coverture for me I wanting those two great helps of concealment money and friends The Country therefore I pâ—tcht upon invited thereto the more it being then the merry month of May the pleasantest time of all the year the earth having then put on her richest apparel the meadow cloathed in green the fields beautified with flowers and the Woods adorned vvith Violets Cowslips and Primroses the winged Choristers of the Forrest warbled forth their ditties very harmoniously the Lambs friskt and leapt dancing lavaltoâ—s on the flowry pastures and the murmuring stream made a noise like to a chime of Bells running through their winding Meanders As I walked thus in the Country encircled with pleasures and every where having my eyes satiated with variety of pleasing objects I thought my self to be in Paradise and imagined no pleasure in the world comparable to that of a Country life Happy yea thrice happy thought I is he who not playing with his wings in the golden flames of the Court not setting his foot in the busie throngs of the City not running up and down in the intricate mazes of the Law can be content in the winter to sit by a Country fire and in the Summer to lay his head on the green pillows of the Earth The Country Cottage is neither battered down by the Canon in time of War nor pester'd with clamorous Suits in time of peace The fall of Cedars that tumble from the tops of Kingdoms the ruine of great Houses that bury Families in their overthrow and the ways of shipwracks that begat even shrieks in the heart of Cities never send their terrors thither that place stand as safe from the shock of such violent storms as the Bay tree does from lightening their sleeps are secure from such dangers and their wakings as pleasant as golden dreams In the homely village art thou more safe than in a fortified Castle the stings of Envy nor the bullets of Treason are never shot through those thin walls sound healths are drunk out of the wholsome wooden dish when the Cup of Gold boyles over with Poyson Hast thou a desire to rule get up to the Mountains and thou shalt see the greatest trees stand trembling before thee to do thee Reverence those mayest thou call thy Nobles Thou shalt have ranks of oak on each side of thee which thou maist call thy Guard thou shalt see Willows bending at every blast whom thou maist call thy flatterers thou shalt see valleys humbled at thy feet whom thou maist term thy slaves Wouldest thou behold battels step into the fields there shalt thou behold excellent Combats between the standing Corn and the windes Art thou a tyrant and delightest in the fall of great ones muster then thy Harvesters together and down with those proud Summer Lords when they are at highest Wouldst thou have Subsidies paid thee the Plough sends thee in Corn the Meadow gives thee her pasture the Trees pay thee custom with their fruit the Ox bestows upon thee his labour the Sheep his wool the Cow her milk the Fowls their feathers c. Dost thou call for Musick nâ— Prince in the world keeps more sâ—ilful Musitians the Birds are thy Conâ—orts and the wind instruments they play upon yield ten thousand tunes Thus went I on contemplating
the Sâ—mmers pride and the earths bravery and from them both concâ—uâ—ed the great felicity of a Country life as if the one would never fade and the other always endure resolving in my thoughts never to see London again being ravished with the delights of the verdant fields and enamour'd on the beauties of the Spring accounting none truly happy but he who enjoyed the felicities of a Country life Is he addicted to study Heaven is the Library the Sun Moon and Stars his books to teach him Astronomy that great volume his Eâ—hâ—merides out of which he may Calculate predictions of times to follow yea in the very clouds are written lessons of Divinity for him to instruâ—t him in wiâ—dom the turning over their leaves teach him the variation of seasons and how to dispose his business for all weathers who therefore would not consume his youth in such delightful studies that have power in them to keep off old age longer than it would or when old age doth come is able to give it the lively-hood and vigour of youth who would not rather sit at the foot of a hill tending a flock of sheep than at the helm of Authority controuling the stuborn and unruly mulâ—itude Better it is in the solitary woods and in the wide fields to be a man among Beasts than in the midst of a peopled City to be a beast amongst men As I was thus strucken into admiration of these beauties and wholly taken up in contemplation of the felicities of a retired life being already in my thoughts an absolute Country-man I being now some miles distant from the Metropolitan City of our fruitful Albion on a sudden the welkin began to roar and send forth terrible peals of thunder the serene Sky was over shadowed and Phoebus hid his head behind a cloud the Heavens began first to weep small tears afterwards to pour them in full Rivolets upon the thirsty earth I had then no Pent-house to walk under to keep me from the rain nor was there a red lattice at every nuke and corner as at London to give me entertaâ—nment the spreading boughs of the sturdy oak were too feeble to defend me from being wet I looked like a drencht Mouse having never a dry thred on me what to do I knew not money I had but little friends none a stranger both to the place and people unexperienced in the world as iâ— the way where I travelled the consideration of those things made me add more moysture to the earth by the salt tears that trickled from my eyes to stand still I thought was in vain so forwards I went wet without and dry within sorrow they say causeth drowth at length I spy'd by a corner of a Wood a little thatcht Cottage thither I went and found by an old rotten stick that darted out of it in imitation of a Sign-post that it was an Ale-house this somethâ—ng revived my drooping pirits so in I went to dry my out-side and wet my in-side where I found a good fire and store of company of both Sexes merrily trouling the boul about singing of Catches and smoaking Tobacco no sooner was I entered but one of them drank to me a full cup so dovvn I sat amongst them being all alike free Citizens of the vvide World the Strong Ale soon vvashed avvay all sorrovv from my heart and novv that I had a vvarm fire to sit by and a house over my head I bid a fig for all foul Weather CHAP. IX He lighteth on a company of Canting Beggars and is stalled one of their Society is married to a Doxy with the manner of their Wedding the orders and Degrees of the Canting Beggars Men and Women with their several quallities and manner of life THis company that I thus hapned into vvas a Crew of Canting Beggars Pilgrims of the vast earth the off-spring of Cain vagabonds and wanderers over the whole World fit Companions for such who made a trade for Idleness and Roguery and these were at this time fit companions for me who seeing the merry life they led resolved to make one of their company whereupon after I had a little more ingratiated my self amongst them and taken two or three cups more of Rum-booz I imparted my inventions to one of the chief of them telling him that I was a Prentice who had a curst Master whose cruelties had caused me to run away from him and that what ever fortune might betide me yet should not the most necessitous condition I could be plunged into ever make me to return to him again and therefore if I might be admitted into their society I should faithfully observe aâ—d perform what rules and orders were imposed upon me He very much applauded me for my resolutions telling me that to be a Beggar was to be a brave man since it was now in fashion for brave men to beg Do not we said he come all into the World like arrant Beggars without a rag upon us and do not we all go out of the World like Beggars without a rag upon us and do not we all go out of the World like Beggars without any thing saving only an old sheet to cover us shall we then be ashamed to walk up and down in the World like Beggars with old Blankets pin'd about us no no that were a shame to us indeed have we not the whole Kingdom to walk at our pleasure are we afraid of the approach of Qâ—arter day do we walk in fear of Bailiffs Serjeants and â—atch poles who ever knew an arrant Beggar arrested for debt is not our meat drest in every mans Kitchen does not every mans Cellar afford â—s beer and the best mens purses keep a penny for us to spend Having by these words as he thought fully fixed me in love with begging he then acquainted the Company with my desires who were all of them very joyful thereof being as glad to add one to their society as a Turk is to gain a Proselite to Mahomet The first question that they asked me was if I had any Lourâ— in my Bung I stared on them not knowing what they meant till at last one told me it was mony in my purâ—e I told them I had but eighteen pence which I freely gave them this by a general vote was condemned to be spent in Bouse for my initiation Then they commanded me to kneel down which being done one of the chief of them took a Gage of Bowse which is a quart of drink and poureâ— the same on my head saying I do by vertue of this Soveraign Liquor stall thâ—e to the Rogue and make thee a free Denizon of our ragged Regiment so that henceforth it shall be lawful for thee to Cant and to carry a Doxy or Mort along with thee only observing these rules First that thou art not to wander up and down all Countries but to keep only to that Quarter which is allotted to thee and secondly thou art to give way to any
comparison of what he had related to me could not but burst out into admiration and told him that I saw the world was an absolute cheat and now I find that saying to be verified which I had often heard That the world consisted but of two sorts Knaves and Fools and that the one lived by out-witting and cheating the other and if there were any honest men they were such as only lived a contemplative life and dealt not in this world their whole thoughts being taken up in the Contemplation of another Truly reply'd the Scrivener if you had known so much as I of all sorts of people for we deal with people of all qualities and professions you would conclude so indeed and as the poor mans ability will not carry him high enough to Cheat so much at first so he attempting it and being discovered is quite lost but if a Rich man or any who had success in Knavery sets upon it to get an Estate it is soon compassed and the folly and easiness of many honest borrowers enriches the Knavish lender Thus we both concluded as sufficiently evidenced by the Examples he had given me and therefore I desired him to proceed which he did in this manner CHAP. XXI He proceeds in discovering several considerable Cheats of his Masters whereby he grows very rich also some Cheats of his own and so concludes MY Master continued the Scrivener being now possessed of a thousand pound in ready Money there fell out an opportunity of good advantage and I have observed it that there is no loss but profit enough to be gained in keeping five hundred pound always in a readiness in Cash especially in our Trade where so many offers for sale of Land and Houses are daily made The Landlord of my Masters house was lately dead and his Son and Heir being a wild blade soon spent all the ready mony his Father left and all the Debts he could well get in and now to selling of some of his Houses he must go and my Master known to be a moneyed man and a Scrivener was thought to be the best Customer He therefore propounds borrowing of five hundred pound but my Master being now possessed of a round sum and hoping to have a good penny-worth was very willing to buy The young man and some friends were unwilling and could not agree upon tearms and my Master at last consents to lend the money provided he may have a Mortgage of all that Estate in that place which amounted to two hundred pound per annum which was worth three thousand pound and said he you shall not need to make me an absolute assignment or sale of it only a Lease at a Pepper-corn a year for one and twenty years But to confirm it and for a collateral security you must give me a Statute Staple to which our young man and his friends consented The Lease was made and a Statute for a thousand pound entred into it and the money paid and lent for six months only The noise of this and my Masters other Trading brought him into great esteem both with lenders and borrowers so that his Name being up he may lie a bed till noon and yet get money enough A purchase of Land in the Country was offered and my Master bought it for a thousand five hundred pound of which he borrowed upon a Lease of part of it The six months quickly came about wherein his young Landlord was to pay the five hundred pound but according to my Masters expectation he failed and then it was to be sold my Master agreed to give two thousand five hundred pound for it and so they struck up a bargain five hundred he had received before a thousand pound he made a shift to borrow upon the Mortgage of the Land he had lately purchased for though as I told you he had borrowed five hundred pound of the money when he purchased the Land and gave a mortgage of part of it for security yet he keeping the principal Writings in his hands concealed that mortgage and now borrowed a thousand pound more of it five hundred pound more he raised in ready money of his own which was two thousand pound and for the other five hundred pound the remainder of the two thousand five hundred pound his young Landlord took his Bond for the money not questioning his security for five hundred pound that could pay two thousand pound ready money neither indeed had he occasion as yet for it This being concluded the money being paid and writings Sealed my master would not remember to give up the Statute he had for a thousand pound but he had another now for five thousand pound for security of his bargain and the young man never so much as desired a Defeazance upon the Statute but mark what followed The youngster in short time keeping riotous Company wasting his body as well as purse died and his younger Brother seized on his Estate that was unspent and among other things on my masters Bond of five hundred pound and soon after demanded it though my master at first was nonplus'd yet he soon bethougt him of a way how to discharge and acquit himself of it and thereupon returned this answer It is very true your Brother and I had much dealing and I did give him such a Bond which I am ready to pay to his Executor which you tell me you are provided you pay me what he likewise owed unto me why replyed the young man did he owe you any moneys yea said my Master and whereas you produce a Bond which indeed is a very good specialty I shall produce somewhat that is higher and indeed the highest security that can be given for any Debt and that is a Statute Staple and thereupon he produced one Statute first that was given for a thousand pound upon borrowing of the five hundred pound nay but said the young man I suppose that this was part of the money that was for the purchase of your dwelling house and others for that said my Master I can shew you a particular Receipt for all the money under his hand and Seal and also a general acknowledgment in the Deed of Conveyance wherefore this money I must have you pay me first and afterwards I shall talk with you further what do you mean by further talk said the young man why said my Master I mean to have of you all that your Brother owed me which is much more than you think for for he and I had great dealings together for great sums of money than all this as I shall further shew you and thereupon he produced the second Statute which was for five thousand pound This demand of my Masters so vexed the young man that he departed and soon began his course at Law against my Master but he took a wrong Sow by the Ear for he finding whereabouts he intended on his two Statutes was too quick for this youngster and gained a Liberate
benefit of young beginners My Master knowing his power in general particularly promised to effect his disires provided that the young man would agree to lay out his money when received with him telling him he would use him well therein but whether he did or no you may guess for he kept not open shop above six months before he broke and is now gone â—or a Souldier and the Company in general likely to loose the Money This replied I is one of the worst acts I have heard of if it were intentionally done for it is an abuse of the Donors will but I see it not material with some men if they get money how they come by it but I pray let me hear the rest of your Story That you shall said the Bookseller but first let us drink which he having done and I pledged he proceeded as you may hear in this following Chapter CHAP. XXIV The Book-sellers Prentice having discovered his Masters way of Cheating now discovers his own THus said the Bookseller have I given you a summary account of the most part of my Masters dealing and the main way how he gained his Estate for at this time he hath a Shop very well furnished with all sorts of bound Books and two or three Ware-houses full of Books in Quires he hath above 1000 l. owing him by Country-Chapmen some Estate he hath in Land and Houses and a very good Stock in the Hall and all this is acquired in six years time out of nothing and in this account of my Masters dealing I have acquainted you with the greatest mysteries of our Trade but said I to him I must confess you have told me those things I was not only ignorant of but what I could not have believed could have been done and so great an Estate could have been gained by the Bookselling Trade especially from so small a beginning as an A B C but all this while the mystery is not disclosed for though you have told me how your Master gets money yet I hear nothing of your gains neither indeed can I as yet conjecture how you should be furnished with money for I suppose you keep an account of what you receive and pay and that your Master takes care to look into his accounts that no great matter can be gained that way 'T is very true replied the Bookseller he does so and as he is of a false knavish temper himself so he is suspitious of me and very vigilant and watchful over me but do you think that I who have observed all his ways and crafty dealing cannot find a way to be even with him and put money into my own pocket and indeed he does allow of my knavery and craftiness in over-reaching of others for he in general is accounted the fittest servant of our Trade that can out-wit and over-reach his brother bookseller for it is not so much our keeping Shop and selling a few Books to Schollars Parsons Gentlemen nor sending to Country-Chapmen for in that we use a constant price and there is not much wit or craft to be used therein but the craftiest part of our pofession consistest in making an Exchange note with other Booksellers to the best advantage and there is our greatest prize for if any of our Chapmen send to us for Books such as we do not print and such as we are not at present furnished withal then away we go to that Bookseller who is best furnished with them and desire him to make a Note with him which he being desirous to sort himself with some of our Books willingly consents to then do we commonly pretend least use for those Books we most want otherwise we should be sure to go without them unless we took many of other sorts that were little better then wast paper and so we by telling our brother Bookseller that of such a Book they are almost gone and the like we put off the greatest number of our worst Books and the fewest of our best and being indifferent of taking any quantity of those we most need we commonly have most put upon us and so are furnished with what we desire and in this way of exchanging Books for Books we have the most occasion of exercising our wits and many times receive commendations from our Masters for so doing and when we meet with one another the busineâ—s being over triumph over those we have thus out-witted This business of Exchanging brings us Prentices acquainted with each other more then any thing else for that this matter is commonly left to our management and on this acquaintance depends the greatest part of our profit for though we can sometimes when we take money in the Shop put up half a Crown or a Crown for a Book that our Master knows not of yet that is but seldome and little Money is given us unless it be by the better sort of Customers whose books we carry home and then perhaps we may have a shilling or two bestowed on us but this is nothing in respect of our other profit which I shall now tell you of We trading for a great deal to Chapmen into the Country do Print much and sometimes one Book is printed very often and a number of 25 or 50 cannot be so discovered sometimes we are in fee with the Printer procure him to print such a number over for us which he consents to that he may do as many for himself and then for the manner of our selling of them it is by Combination Conâ—ederacy and Correspondency which some of us Apprentices have with each other â—or we have our Warehouse as well as our Master and are furnished with much variety every one of the Combination bringing some quantity to this joynt Stock of what his Master printeth and then as occasion serveth we furnish each other but the chiefest way of making money of these is by three or four young Booksellers who being newly set up do buy them of us it may be two pence in the shilling cheaper then they can buy them of our Masters we have ready Money or at furthest when they have sold them and to this end we have commonly one of these Booksellers in every considerable place of Trading about Town and sometimes we employ a rambling-Bookseller to go a Birding and offer them at places and oftentimes our Masters buy some of their own Books of this Ubiquitarian-Bookseller and one or two being intrusted with management of the Stock gives account to all the rest and so we divide the profit at other times we being employed by our Masters to get in Books for our Country Chapmen we inform them that the Book being out of print we cannot have it without ready money and then we being ordered to get them for our Customers must be served we have them out of our own Stock and put the ready money into our Pockets Sometimes I have gotten fourty or fifty shillings by being partners with one of the young
that the young man was now made half a year above full age Then did we call the Register who gave us a Certificate out of the book of the young mans age and this we carried with us as authentick and to be produced on all occasions I having done thus much for the young Man he could not deny me any thing I desired or requested so that the old sick Gentleman being still weaker and having his Money in a Trunk by his Beds-side I perswaded the younger Brother who had the key to take some out and lend to me which he did and that the old Man might not see the action I and my wife would stand by the beds-side before him so that by degrees I got 100 l. from thence and when the old man dyed though he left a considerable Estate yet was there not a penny of ready Money The elder brother knowing that he had foul-play shewed him began to be angry but to no purpose for he was forced to comply the younger brother having possession of that Trunk and the keys of all others where all the Writings were The old man being buried and much excess and prodigality shewed in the expenâ—es and costs thereof which was done principally at my invitement that I might gain repute by inviting as many friends as I pleased and also drain my two young men of their moneys the two brothers began to discourse the matter the elder brother demanding possession of the Estate and a divident to be made according to the Will of their Father and said he Brother your share must either be in my hands or else in the Chamber of London till you come of age How said I till he come of age Sure you mistake your self he is of sufficient age already and thereupon produced the Certificate which though it was very punctual yet the elder brother who was near ten years older then his brother and several others who were present knew to be false and this was the first breach between them which had like to have grown to a high flame for the elder Brother applying himself to the Register upon search of the Book found the fallacy and indeed the Register acknowledged the fact for which he and the younger brother and my self had like to have kissed New-gate by order of the Lord Mayor who being acquainted herewith was highly incensed against us all professing before the whole Court of Aldermen That this act was of high concernment and might be prejudicial to the whole City The elder brother was very cautious in prosecuting this affair being tender of his brothers credit and therefore endeavoured by fair means to bring hâ—s brother to a fair compliance which he effected in my absence and so wrought upon his Brother that the Trunk of Writings was sent for to a Tavern where they were then divided and the Trunk with part of the Writings delivered to him with promise to put a fair end to the rest of the difference When I came home and found the Trunk gone I stormed exceedingly and believing my self disappointed of my purpose found out the younger Brother and schoold'd him so foundly that he by my directions went back to his brothers house and by a false token regained the Trunk with the Writings which he had new sent home Thus was their difference enlarged and likely to be worse but the Elder Brother so moderately complyed with all mine and his demands though never so unreasonable that a division and partition was made not only of the Estate but some part of the Goods which being Plate and Linnen and Pewter were delivered into my custody and all the differences between the brothers being ended I demanded of the elder brother satisfaction for his fathers being at my house during the time of his sickness he little expected this for his father had given to me and mine an hundred pound but that was nothing I owed him so much and I must have more and so I told him I would have or mischeif him not giving any other reason but that he had enough and I would have part Thus did I hope to huff him out of his money but he though he was easie and good-natured which I accounted next of kin to a fool yet wholly refused me affirming that I had no reason for my demands for I had an hundred pound given me and that I had not been at any charge for his father had continually given my wife money to provide all necessaries and that some of that was still in my wives hands Though I knew what he alledged was true yet I still persisted in my demands and told him that so much I would have for the trouble of my house he offered to refer it to two men I long refused it but at the length consented and tampered with his Arbitrator promising him a reward if he would answer my expâ—ctations but he contrary to my expectation proved very honest and gave me but half what I asked nâ—ither would he have consented to that but that the elder brother himself advised him thereto out of a desiâ—â— of Peace This Award I was much troubled at and seeing I couâ—d get no more was contented with what I could get of him but the youner brother I flee'd somewhat more considerably getting out of them both in Legacy Mony and Goods to the value of three or four hundred pounds with which stock of money and a greater of credit reâ—orting of greater matters that were given me I again fell to trafficking and now dealt more considerably then ever for I went to publick Sales where great quantities of goods were sold by inch of Candle and bought thousand pounds worth at a time and so considerable was I lookt on that I was often employed by others to buy for them I bought several parcels and sorts of Goods which I fetcht away as I paid for them at last I bought several parcels of Goods to a great value and fetcht away most of them which I sold to profit but one parcel of 500 l. being a failing and decaying Commodity I lest in their hands so long that it was much damaged and unwilling and indeed unable to pay for them was Arested and clapt up into a prison where I was forc'd to lie a great while till I had spent and consumed most of what I had and at length they finding there was nothing to be got by me released me I releasing my bargain which I willingly did but soon after repented it for the price of that Commodity rising it soon amounted to great profit and whereas I should have lost I now might have gained as they did by the sale of it near 200 l. CHAP. XXX The Drugster having failâ—d in London goes to live in the Country where by counterfeiting a sickness and making a Will he gets into Credit and borrowing Money falls again to Trading THis Misfortune of my Imprisonment did sensibly afflict me especially when I understood that
instead of loss I might have gained by holding to my bargain but it now being past could not be helpt I was reduced to such necessity that not only all my Money but my Plate and best Goods were sold and not only my Wife but my Whore parted from their Rings and Jewels to redeem me for when I was in prison every body that I owed money to though never so little came upon me and though I came off with my great Action easily enough yet many other little ones stuck close to me which I was forced to discharge I had now time enough to consider my forepassed Actions and to examine my self what I had done to deserve this affliction I bethought me of the trick I first served my Mistresses Sister in cheating her of her Money and Virginity but that stuck not much upon me because I thought her to be justly enough fitted for delaying me distrusting me and other bad practices I knew her guilty of but when I considered the wrong I had lately done the two brothers in first rasing a difference and then continuing it between them and not only prosecuting the elder brother so highly my self but putting another of my acquaintance to whom I knew he was indebted upon him to sue and arrest him with all the disgrace I could by causing it to be done on a Sunday as he went to Church I my self attending This consideration possessed me with an opinion that this Judgment was justly fallen upon me for this cause I being rightly enough fitted being likewise arrested my self on a Sunday as I was going to Church but now being discharged of my Imprisonment I bethought me what course I was to take and resolved that since I had suffered disgrace in the City it were best for me to remove into the Country where I was not known therefore I soon took a house of considerable value and putting my self in a very good Habit and in equipage every ways suitable I and my Wife with most of my family removed from my London to my Country-house I soon got my self acquainted with the best and wealthiest people of the place and gave them very handsome Treats and Entertainments at my house which they answered me with the like civility Though I had been a Prisoner â—et I had play'd my Cards so well in paying my small debts and told my tale so advantagiously about my great Action that I had preserved a sufficient credit with some of my dealers so that making up about fifty pound out of my Wives and Wenches Rings Jewels and some Plate I was entrusted with a 100 l. worth of Commodities with which I set up another Trade in the Country this turned to good account for I seldom ventured on any thing but it was effectual and to purpose and if I would wholly have bent my minde to get Money I might have had a good estate but I effected pleasure equal to and above profit and though I was thus low in the World yet I still kept my Wench whom I had now quartered in the mid-way between my London and Country-house and therefore could lye with her commodiously enough and tell my wife if at my Country that I lay at the London house and so on the contrary As I thus enjoyed my pleasure so I now began to be more wary and look after profit which I did to good purpose but I now wanted a Father-in-Law who was a moneyed man or some other friend who would furnish me with money and if I could have produced three or four hundred pounds in ready money I questioned not but to make extraordinary advantage for this end I thought on several ways and at length did hit upon one that did my business I travelling in the Winter took an extraordinary cold that forced me to keep my bed for some days and indeed I did so longer then I needed for I counterfeiting an extraordinary sickness and that I was much troubled with the Stone and Collick and so desperate ill I pretended my self to be that my Wife lamenting and my Children and Family being in much disorder I was perswaded to make my Will to this I consented and the Scrivener of the Town was sent for I then told him that by reason of my Childrens childhood and my Wives incapacity to mannage affairs I was in a great strait how to dispose of my Estate which though it was considerable enough yet if it were not well managed would soon come to nothing I now being in a strange Town distant from London where my acquaintance lived I knew not well what person to intrust as Executor unless said I Mr. B. of this Town would do me the kindness to take that trouble on him which I would willingly requite by a sufficient Legacy and my Wife and Children would be bound to pray for him Sir said the Scrivener I question not but he will do it and if you please I will not only ask him but perswade him thereto I thank you kindly said I and for this offer of your friendship I shall give you a Legacy as a Remembrance of me and therefore I pray take notice of the heads of my Will and then go with it to Master B. and shewing it to him make this request to him in my behalf whereupon the Scrivener begun and I dictated to him what and to whom I would give which was 1000 l. to my Wife 300 l. apiece to my Children and several other Legacies amounting in all to near 3000 l. and 100 l. I gave to my intended Executor and 10 l. to the Scrivener This affair being thus ordered the Scrivener departed and went to Master B. my intended Executor who being a well monyed man and withal very covetous was very glad of the matter and willingly accepted of the offer and within few hours came to me and told me he was very sorry for my sickness and wished my recovery but if he could do me any service living or to my Wife and Children if I should die which he hoped would not happen he should be ready and willing both in purse and person to assist me I then told him what I had done as to my Will and withal caused my Account-books to be produced where I shewed and demonstrated how my Estate stood and in whose hands it was having prepared false Accompts for that purpose he seeing the matter so plain and hoping to get a fleece out of my Estate caused the Scrivener to proceed and finiâ—h the Will which I sealed but during his stay with me at that time and some other times when he visited me I so counterfeited faintings and pain that he and all others near me did fully conclude I was no man for this World After I had managed this affair to the height I soon recovered and had now not only gained this old penny-father to be my friend but by his and the Scriveners reports of my Estate had many others who more then ordinarily respected
Cloaths rather then fail It was too far to go to his Ladies Quarters wherefore I out of my own stock supplied that want and then going to the Creditors with much ado perswaded one oâ— them who had the Keys to sell me the Cloaths he would not consent to this unless I would give him thirty pound which was ten pound more then they were appraised at though the demand was unreasonable yet I was forced to consent and putting ten pound into his own pockets willingly delivered the Cloaths to me charging me not to discover what I gave I did not much heed what he said but gladly received the Chest and Key and carried it to the Drugster who with much impatience expected me it being carried up into a private Chamber and the door fast locked he unlocked â—he Chest and took out the Cloaths and drawing his Knife unript the Collar of a Doublet where were several pieces of Gold Nay then said he we are still safe and I defie Fortune and all her malice in less then half an hour with my assistance we found out 500 l. in Gold which was sewed up in several places about the Cloaths This being done I soon acquainted him with the Scriveners Project and my resolution to this he likewise consented only said he I must not leave my honest Girl behind me For that said I I question not but I shall have some influence to perswade her and thereupon I acquainted him with my former knowledge of her Well said he since it is so we will continue her a friend to us both and not entertain any jealousie In fine we agreed not only in that particular but in every thing else and the Scrivener being acquainted with all our designs we so ordered the matter that I the Drugster and our Mistress and the Scrivener and a Wench of his whom he had likewise put into mans Apparrel did all come on board with all our Treasure into our Captains Ship which was in the Downs and bound for this place and so having good Winds good Company and every thing to our content are all safely arrived in this place CHAP. XXXII He being now by the Relator brought acquainted with the Scrivener Drugster and the rest of his Companions they enter into discourse about the sâ—veral Factious Religions practised in England THus did our Relator finish his long story which was so filled with profit as well as pleasure that I accounted the time I had spent in hearing him the best bestowed of any for I gathered so much variety of experienâ—es that if I had any mind to prosecute my former course of life in cheating and Roguing I might now soon profess my self to be my Arts Master if I did but bravely follow those Examples he had related to me but if they were any wise improved as I had a Genius fit enough to be highly active I might then out do all Example These were my first thoughts but I had not much time to spend in contemplation but he having put an end of his discourse I kindly thanked him for his great freedom used in his relation and told him that since he had been so generous to me in unbosoming himself I in requital did promise him a lasting friendship and at our first leisure recounted some of my life to him which I had hitherto concealed that should give him satisfaction that I intended to use an absolute freedom with him Thus did we contract a friendship and it was now time to eat somewhat the best part of the day having been spent in his long narrative such as the house afforded we had and after a repast we concluded both to go on board of their Ship to find out his Companions he resolving to acquaint them with what had passed between us and to let them know my quality believing they would be well enough satisfied with what he had done because they might have great occasion to make use of me In this resolution we were preparing to go to the Ship when the Scrivener and Drugster entred the house enquiring for their Companion who presenting himself to them they desired him to walk out that they might confer together No said he let us take a Room here and discourse which we may do with as much freedom as any where else he urging it they consented and having a private Room and necessaries after a cup or too of Wine I left their company on purpose to give my friend the Taylor who was called Gregory the opportunity of acquainting them with what had passed between us which I suppose he did in very few words for within half an hour I was called for and being kindly saluted by the two Gentlemen was desired to sit down and make one of their Company After a Cup or two of Wine more had passed my friend Gregory Taylor thus spake to me Friend I have acquainted these my two Friends and Companions with our late discourse and by that they know that all their affairs are known to you also I have told them what I know of you and we are all senâ—ible that your acquaintance may be very useful and necessary in all things but much more your friendship Wherefore as you say I by my freedom with you have merited your acquaintance and friendship so I desire the same room in your bâ—â—â— fâ—r my friends who by me desire it and in requit you shall command ours and whatever we have you shall be equally Master of with our seâ—ves I made no long pause in replying to them that they might command my love and friendship and in that my all to render them the utmost testimonies â—hat I could And thus did we all agree to have a friendly correspondency and to conceal nothing of our affairs one from another We then dranâ— off some more Wine and though their two Ladies â—nd the Captain were absent yet we remembred them in our Cups and resolved the next day to dine all on board the ship and at my importunity I so far prevailed as that the Women might appear there in their own Female-Habits for it had now been a long time since I saw any European beauties We after this discoursed of many affairs of general consequence as the manner of the Countries and Governments both Eccleâ—iaâ—tical and Civil in which we spent some time but in regard all that can be said of that matter is already related in the second Chapter of this second part I shall therefore here forbear it but it wrought much upon the spirit of the Drugster who having formerly been a great stickler in Religion was amazed that there was so good a correspondence in Religion which was as he imagined so barbarous Well said he I find that most places enjoy a greater happiness in their conformities in Religion then our Native Country of England for there instead of Unity and loving Conformity they are rent and torn in pieces into many Factions and that hath been the principal
sayings As for my Mouth being full of Cursing that is my Commission neither do I curse any but Devils which are appointed for it of God and there is never a one that I have cursed that shall escape that Curse which I have denounced upon them neither will any God deliver them from it for I do curse none but the Seed of the Serpent who had his Curse denounced upon him and his Seed at the beginning by God himself To this discourâ—e of Muggletons our Brother the Quaker making some angry reply in contradicting what he had said Muggleton did for that cause presently pronounce the sentence of Damnation alledging that he was of the Seed of the Devil Thus said the Quaker though Reeve said he was not of the Seed of the Devil yet Muggleton his fellow Prophet said he was and therefore proceeded against him to damnation Now whether he be damned or saved judge you And therefore said he I think it matters not much what he says because they thus contradict one another And thus we parted and I concluded that as it was no great matter what Muggleton said or did so there was no great heed to be taken with what was or should be said or done by the Quakers I believing and knowing that what Muggleton had said of them as to their humours and falling from Ranting to Quaking and such like particulars to be true though I believed him and all other Factions to be alike deluded and mistaken in the general And continued he though this Muggletons opinions and Doctrine be thus strange and he a very inconsiderable unlearned fellow being by Profession a Taylor yet he hath gained many to his belief who give him much respect but he takes no money of them only he gets hiâ— writings Printed and distributing them among his people they pay him for them but in the main he works at his Trade for a lively-hood and he hath as well as the Quakers suâ—fered Imprisonment but hath been released and savoured as I have heard by some persons of Honour who are well willers to him Thus did the Drugster discourse of the Factions and we with him did hope and conclude that since there was no greater a growth in Faction there having been no new ones for some years last past that it was more than probable that they would consume and moulder away of themselves The forenoon being spent wholly in the large Narrative of the Adventures of my now fellow Companions and Guests and the most of the Afternoon in this Discourse it was time now to think of parting and they being mindful of the Entertainment they were to give me the next day on board of their Ship being out of my house furnished with some necessary provisions all parted from me CHAP. XXXIII He is treated by the Travellers on board of their Ship where he sees the two women Travellers he invites and entertains them at his house where upon enquiry and discourse he discovers the two Women to be of his acquaintance when in England MY Company being thus parted from me I began to consider all the passages that had been this day related to me and after a serious contemplation of them I concluded that I might place this day as the most remarkable in all my life for I was acquainted with so much variety of experiences as I had in a manner been hitherto wholy ignorant of what had happened to me in the former part of my life having been trivial in comparison of what I had now lately heard and I concluded that if I should have travelled to all parts of the world to have found out Companions fit for me I could not have been better accommodated with those that should have been so agreeable to my natural inclination then those whom fortune had now brought to me I had made it my resolve to make my liâ—e as comfortable as I could according to the old saying amongst those of my quality Though a short life yet a merry and I saw Providence had put such an opportunity into my hands that I had all things provided for me and nothing before their arrival was wanting but such a Society For I had a plentiful estate but that gave me little content being without the usual Society of the Wits and I now was likely not only to enjoy that in a full measure but also there was some female Company the two Lasses in mens apparel who I understood were good Girl and such I hoped as would not prove hard-hearted and deny one of their Country-men the usual civility of their enjoyments I did not much question it because indeed I was so much in favour with Venus that I was hardly ever refused that courtesie by any of her Votaresses I told my wife there was a great likelihood of much profit to be gained by these Guests who were resolved to take up my house wholly for their quarters and therefore I ordered all things to be provided in ample manner for their constant entertainment for though I was now rich enough yet I knew not how soon fortune might turn tail upon me and therefore knowing that my Guests were all well provided with Moneys I was resolved to put in with them for a share of it But I had no thoughts of wronging them or putting any trick upon them for it is accounted a very great crime in the greatest proficient of Roguery to cozen or cheat his fellow Thief and a thing seldome done amongst them I had now some thoughts of leaveing my black wife and that Country and when these my new acquaintance should leave this place for another as I suppose they would then to go with them for there was nothing there that gave any great invitation to stay in it my inclination leading me rather to visit some European Country These considerations took me up some time and night coming on I betook me to my Cot where I took my ordinary repose and the next morning being come I apparelled my self the richest that I could that I might add some grace to my person being to viâ—it two of my Country-women in whose favour I was desirous to get some place Being thus accoutred I went to the Sea-side and with the help of a Boat was soon aboard a Ship where I was welcomed by the Captain and the rest of the Company and by them conducted into a great Cabin where was no other Company but the two Women who now being apparelled in their Womans habit Ala mode d' Anglois I was very well pleased not having for a long time seen any thing so acceptable and pleasant I had not forgotten our English Fashion of saluting them neither were they backward in rising and meeting me in order thereto that done I placed myself between them I soon began a discourse to them which I knew would not at all be displeasing and that was commending their Beauties telling them that if the present Emperour of the Country the Great
Mogul did but understand what a treasure he had in his Country by their arrival that he would quickly secure it to himself and hinder the prosecution of their Voyage any further To this they reply'd that they did not believe he would see any thing in them that should merit such an esteem but added one of them If he should do so and be never so desirous of my Company yet I am better satisfied in the Society that I am at present in possession of then if I were courted and served by the greatest Prince upon Earth To this so generous speech I reply'd that those persons who had the honour to be her servants were in that very happy These Complements being pass'd drink was brought and after that Victuals which we had in great plenty there being no want of any thing that could he had at the best mans table in England and all the dishes of Meat were dress'd in the English fashion by a Cook of that Country After Dinner we fell again to discourse the Women being very desiâ—ous oâ— Novelties and to be acquainted with the customs of the Country especially of those used by Women but when I told them of thâ—t Custom of the better sort of Country-women how they usually accompanied their Husbands in death by burning their living with their Husbands dead bodies they were not very well pleased therewith accounting it great folly for said they it cannot possibly do their Husbands any good and why they should so destroy themselves out of a complement was foolish To pass through and accompany a Husband or friend whilst living in all dangers is what is befitting but there being no remedy for death nor no present enjoyment after death thus to cast away themselves is ridiculous We allowed of their Opinions as grounded upon reason I asked them how they liked our Men the Inhabitants Not at all said one of them as a Husband or Bed-fellow but if there were no other men to be had we must be contented with them rather then none as well as you are with the Native-women Various were our Discourses in which we entertained one another with much pleasure having a lusty bowl of Punch still standing by us whiâ—h as we drank off we renewed and at some of our frolicks one of the great Guns were discharged I had ey'd both these women very curiously and did imagine that I had formerly seen them and had some acquaintance with them I knew one of them more particularly by the tone of her Voice but it having been so long a time since I had seen either I could not call them to mind I did not at all think it covenient to ask them any particular questions referring that to a greater privacy I being now acquainted with most of their transactions they asked my advice in disposing their moneys and selling their Commodities and what to buy to turn to the beâ—t advantage To all these Questions I gave them the best answers I could to their satisfaction and now night coming on I desired to leave them and invited them all to my house the next day they not only concluded on that but agreed that the Women should constantly take my house for their quarters it being more convenient then on board of the Ship they coming in their mens apparel and I providing for them with all privacy to this I agreed and after a fresh Cup of Wine and my ordinary salutes to the women I left them and went home to my wife who at my desire provided all things necessary not only for the next days entertainment but for the future conveniency of my lodgers who were not to be known to her for other then men The next day they came and we were again all merry but some occasions calling away the men the women were left alone with me I was now resolv'd to enquire whether they had never known me they both replied Not that they at present knew of but they both said that certainly they had seen me in England but at present they could not remember where wherefore they prayed me to give them some account of my condition and quality when I lived in England To this I reply'd that I had indeed been of all conditions and a very rambler and it was a great chance but if they had been in any publique house of Entertainment that I might have seen them there to this they both answered that they had for some time been publique enough in entertaining Gentlemen in their Company with much freedom But said one of them who was the Scriveners Mistress I have certainly seen and known you before I undertook any such courses for if I be nâ—t mistaken you are the man did first deceive me and therefore I pray tell me if in your travels in Englanâ— you did not light into a Farmers house and dâ—d some kindnesses oâ— discourtesies to his Daughter and then leâ—t her I hearing her say this after some small pause recollected my self and seriously viewing her concluded heâ— to be the very Farmers Daughter whose Maidenhead I bereaved her of and in requital left her and gave her no other satisfaction then a paper oâ— Verses I being now resolv'd in my opinion ran to her and embracing her beg'd pardon for that affront telling her that it was onely one of those maâ—y youthful tricks whereof I had been guilty She at fiâ—st out of sence of the affront I had done her could not forbear weeping but I gave her so many good words that in fine she was well enough satisfied and lovingly permitted me to embrace and kiss her The other woman hearing that my acquaintance with her Companion began with the loss of her Virginity musâ—d and blushed and very strictly beholding me said And truly if I be not mistaken I purchasâ—d my acquaintance with you with the same loss but I was deceived by you in a more subtil manner then this my Companion for she knowing you to be a man permitted you to her bed as she hath related to me But if you are the person that I mean as I now think you are you became my bedfellow by a mistake for not only I but many others of the Family believed you to be a Woman I hearing her say this fixed my eys upon her but could not perfectly remember her but to the discourse she made I gave this answer Truly Madam I have been oâ—ten guilty of Female frauds and during the whole course of my life I endeavoured chiefly to have the Company oâ— Fâ—males and I hope if you were one of those with â—hom I â—ay at a Boarding-School where I went for a Sâ—rvant-Maid that you will forgive me that fact for iâ— it were not there I then cannot tell where I should have so much happiness as to enjoy you There it was replyed she where I lost my Virginity and honour and which I have so often repented of for I was then well beloved of an indulgent Father who
discourse being somâ—â—hat long I shall for the present end and prosecute the rest in the following Chapter CHAP. XXIII He proceeds in the Discovery of his Masters ways in cheating in preferring some Copies and other ways of getting Copies MY Master having now had some experience in this way of Printing was resolved to play above board and get some Copy or Copies to Print that he might own which in short time he did and glad was he to see his name in Print supposing himself now to be somebody but these things did him but little good and sold but easily he not having the way of preferring books and sending them to some Country Chapmen and the rest of the booksellers who endeavour to crush any beginner and will not sell his books unless they may have them at their own rate would not sell any of them for him and besides now he gave Money for his Copies the other costing him nothing and though a book be never so good they will not sell with some men for the others will undervalue and spoil it as for example If my Master had Printed at that time the best book of Chirurgery Husbandry Cookery or the like in the World and though the book had been famous enough so that every one desired it and if asked at any booksellers shop for it they would have said to their customers Truly Sir There is such a book but in regard it is a foolliâ—h idle thing and of no weight I have not any of them I will not trouble my shop with them but Sir here is another of the same Subject that is much better and in great esteem with ingenious and knowing men If the Customer replies be would have only that book and no other for that it was recommended to him for an ingenious well-writ piece then will he reply Truly Sir I never heard any of your judgment before till now I was never asked for them but sinâ—e you speak so well of it I will procure you one and then it may be for all this Discourse he will shew you one as if left by chance or else send to his Neighbour-bookseller for one Thus will he disparage other mens books and prize his own and many times put off some of his own the buyer being so civil as to believe him and this is a general Maxime That they will not offer or prefer a book of any mans printing except their own unless they have it either in exchange or at a low rate and this is the cause that their is some books considerable and good as any in England that did not sell at first for little better than wast Paper till some of the Grand ones of the Company get them all into their hands and then they sell for three times the price they did But to leave this Discourse and proceed my Master having now printed two or three things did look upon himself as some body and though he had not such good success in his last undertakings as before yet he made a shift to get what they cost him for paper and print and had many of them still by him to sell when he would or exchange but he having but two or three sorts of books could not do much good upon that he seeing this observing what books sold best it being at the beginning of these late Wars found that factious Sermons and such like things would do the business he thereupon bestirs himself and gets acquainied with most of the factious Priests about Town by often hearing them and frequenting their Companies and having learned to write short-hand took notes of their Sermons which he Collected together and now and then he would get them to revise one of them and print it by this means spending much time and mony amongst them he grew very intimate and was become the general publisher of most of their Sermons and Controversies This was that which brought him great gain in a short time he could vie with the best what he sold not for mony he exchanged for books and now he could command any book in all the Company without mony upon account as is the Custome His Shop being well furnished he gets a Ware House where he bestowed his books in quires and being thus furnished he was first spoken to by some Country booksellers and then writ to by them and others for several books so that any thing that he printed he could sell off well enongh for having good hap to print some very good selling books they helped away the other that were not so good and still were thrust into the parcel amongst the rest and now having some good Authors he would not accept of every one and as he formerly had fought for and courted Authors to write books for him now they knowing his way of preferring and selling of books followed and courted him to print their books If a stranger came with a Copy to him though never so good he had books enough already but however if they would give him so much mony he would do it and they should have two or three or six books for themselves and friends many a one did he thus perswade out of their money being desirous to be in Print If he had a desire to have any thing writ in History Poetry or any other Science or Faculty he had his several Authors who for a glass of Wine and now and then a meals Meat and half a Crown were his humble servants having no other hire but that and six or twelve of their books which they presented to friends or persons of Quality nay and when they have had success if they wanted any more books they must pay for them further I have known some of our Trade that when the poor Author hath written a book and being acquainted with some Person or Persons of Quality whereto he Dedicates and presents it the Book-seller will go snips and have half shares of what is so given him Mâ— Master being now gotten to the height of his Trade was soon called to be one of the Livery of his Company which though it be somewhat chargeable at first yet it soon brings in profit there being many conveniencies therein for they have Liberty to put a sum of money into the publick Stock and so great is their profit that they have seldom less than twenty per cent and then when they come to be Stock-keeper or Warden they have the disposing of the Stock-books such as are Testaments Psalters c. and putting them out to print they often print so many over numbers that shall serve them as long as they live In particular there is no Trade that I ever heard of that gets so much by their Commodity for whatever we print if it sells we get eight pence in the shilling and for those that deal with Country Chapmen they put off the bad well enough at one time or at another and if they are very bad then
a new Title is printed as if it were a new book and what with this and changing they march off in time There was one Preacher in London that my Master was much respective to for he had gained much money by Printing several of his Books and though my Master in outward appearance seems a Saint yet he hath his freaks and will be merry with his friends and be prophane enough One Sunday my Master having been rambling in the fields entred the City in the Afternoon just as Sermon was done and seeing this Parson going before him he stept forwards and overtaking him salutes him thus Sir I am glad to see you so well indeed Sir you have this day taken a great deal of pains and we are all beholding to you for your Soul-saving Sermon how say you said the Parson what do you mean Why Sir I thank you for your Sermon you Preached this Afternoon Nay now Sir said the Parson I see you are mistaken for I have not Preached this day my Master hearing this was wonderfully surprized not knowing what to say but left the Parson and came home discontented at his Error We have several Country-Chapmen some whereof owed my Master considerable sums of mony he took occasion to go into the Country and to be sure he would make it worth his Journey for at every considerable Town he would buy some books and sell them at the next or send them up to London and sometimes whole Libraries and he did take order with all his Chapmen to acquaint him with all Libraries or parcels of books that were to be sold which if worth the buying he would have He would also frequent the Schools and by drinking with the School-masters and discoursing of books and learned men he would get their custome to serve them with School books There was one famous Country-Parson whom he much desired to be acquainted with and to him he came telling him he was troubled in mind and desired him to satisfie him in a case of Conscience the which he did and then for his satisfaction and to oblige him he prayed and courted him to see him when he came to London the which he did and all this was to get the Printing of his books If a Customer comes into our Shop to buy a book he hath such ways of preferring and recommending of it that they seldom go and not buy for he will open the book and if it be Divinity shew them one place or another out of which he will preach to them and tell them that very saying or discourse is worth all the money in the world and if they do not like it when they have read it over he will take it again and so many of our Trade will promise but you shall hardly ever get your money again you may by chance get them to exchange it for some other book which they will the more readily do if there be money stirring in the case My Master having had a book written for him by a Poet the Author not having the wit to make his bargain and know what he should have before hand when he had finished it desired payment for his pains Nay said my Master you ought rather to pay me for Printing of it and making you famous in Print Well then said the Author if you will not give me money I hope you will give me some books How said my Master give you books what will you have me forswear my Trade and be a book-giver I am a book-seller and to you I will sell them as soon as to another if you will give me money paper and Print costs money and this was all the Author could have for his pains My Master is now one of the Grandees of the Company and that besides the ordinary way gets him something Not long since he and others went a searching and finding an Impression of unlicensed books seized them but instead of suppressing and turning them to wast paper they divided the greatest part of them amongst themselves and immediately my Master sent some of them away to all his Chapmen and the rest we sold in the Shop It so fell out lately that a book being to be Printed my Master repaired to the Author to get the Copy but another of the same Trade had been there before to whom it was in part promised but however out of respect to my Master the other being sent for it was agreed that they should have the Printing of it between them whereupon one Printer was employed by them both to do the work My Master soon after sent for the Printer and tells him You must do me a kindness Yes Sir said the Printer It is this said my Master I am to give away to the Author some books wherefore I would have you to Print 200 for me above the number and do not tell my Partner and I will pay you Yes said the Printer and so he did and was paid for them accordingly But the Printer seeing the knavery of his Imployers for the other had been with him and engaged him to Print the same number of 200 over pretending some private use he had for them he likewise Printed 400 over for his own use and publickly sold them and neither of them could or would complain of him to the other because they knew themselves guilty of the same crime One of the greatest pieces of profit the whole Company hath is the Printing of Almanacks for by that I believe they clear above 1000 l. per annum but a knavish Printer lately outwitted them for he Printed a great number of Almanacks and though he Printed but two sorts yet they served for all the other sorts only altering the Title page at the beginning and the last sheet which we call the Prog or Prognostication and these Almanacks he affording cheaper than ordinary as indeed well he might he sold off a good number of them which was to his gain and their great hindrance but he is lately discovered and how they will deal with him I know not In the late times of Liberty when every one Printed what they pleased if one Bookseller Printed a book that sold another would get it Printed in a lesser Character and so the Book being less in bulk though the same in matter would sell it for a great deal less price and so undersel one another and of late there hath been hardly a good book but it is Epitomized and for the most part spoiled only for a little gain so that few books that are good are now printed only Collections and patchâ—s out of several Books and Booksellers employing the meaner sort of Authors in spoiling anothers Copies by such Epitomies A young man being lately to set up was a suiter to my Master to speak to the Company to lend him 5 l. for a certain time without interest as is customary for there are several sums of money left the Company so to be disposed of for the