wits end not knowing what course to take sometimes he prayed sometimes he swore wishing all the Imprecations upon himself he could reckon up if he knew the least who it was came with him but let him use what Oaths and Protestations he would they could gain no Credit with them but sending for some of their Neighbours to help them they resolved to throw him into the River to try him for a Witch but whilst they were preparing to do it the Host of the former Inn with the Bayliffs hearing how their Capon and Platter was convey'd thither came to seek for it These Bayliffs knowing the Horse-Courser as most commonly Brethren in Iniquity are acquainted togeâ—her got a reprieve for him till the matter could be more deliberately discoursed And now they began to reckon up their Mischances and to shew their Wounds and considering the manner how it was done they concluded it could be no other than the Devil to punish them for their Sins Then began the Host to tell the Bayliffs of their Swearing and Cruelty how many ungodly practises they used to get people in their Clutches and having them there how unconscionably they used them The Bayliffs on the other side tell the Host and Hostess of their falsâ— Reckonings Scoreing with a crotched Chalk and when people were near fuddled carrying away Flaggons before they were half empty and frothing them up again making them pay for whole ones as also how they gave information to Padders and Men of that profession the quality of the Guests that Lodged at their Houses The Horse-Courser was also accused for divers deceits in his Occupation so that if his picture be drawn to the Life you shall find him by his qualities to be no other than a Cousening Knave In the mean time their supposed Devil Ricarâ—o was gotten beyond the length of their Clutches leaving them to lament their Losses and now he was minded to return the next day to his Master and to that end went directly to the Farmer 's where he had left his Horse But a new trouble appeared unto him for he had no Money to pay for his Horse-keeping but that difficulty was soon over for passing by a Usurer's House he heard Money clattering on the Table and the Door being open putting on his Invisible-Ring he went in where a Poor Man who had borrowed Ten Pounds of this Usurer was now come to pay it which being told and the Bond Cancel'd the Usurer put it up in a Bag of his own all which Ricardo eyed very narrowly and no sooner had he laid it on the Table but Ricardo as soon took it away The Usurer whose Eye like his Heart was always on his Money seeing his Bag to creep away so insensibly was quite confounded with Amazement as it would move a Dog to see a Pudding stir and began to call upon him who before was seldom in his thoughts fearing the Devil whom he Judged to have drawn away his Bag would next come for him and therefore vowed a Reformation of his Course of Life That he would never more take the Rigour of a Forfeiture as soon as the day was past nor under colour of Bonds Writing and Procuration make the Borrower pay at least Ten or Twelve Shillings in the Hundred Nay rather than fail to be preserv'd from this Danger he would build an Alms-House to maintain them who had been Ruin'd by his Extortion Now you will say it had been good Hanging this Usurer whilst he was in this â—umour lest he should be of the same mind with a Master of a Ship who in a great extremity of Danger promised our Lady to offer at her Altar a Candle as great as the main Mast of his Ship And when one of his Mates jogging him told him he had promised an impossibility Tush Fool said he we must speak to her fair in time of need but if ever I come ashore I will make her be content with a Candle of six to the Pound But Ricardo was somewhat more Consciencious in his doings for being got sâ—fe out of the Usurers House he put some of the Money in his Pocket and waiting foâ— the poor Man's return gave him the rest bidding him to be a good Husband with it and pray for the Squire of the Invisible Ring for his good Fortune And sâ— leaving the Poor Man over-joy'd he wenâ— towards the Farmers when passing through a Meddow he saw a Maid Milkâ—ing of a Cow who was sweetly singinâ— forth this Song When first on Love I cast my wanton thoughâ— But yet not minding him for to obey For freedom sure I thought was better oughâ— Than serving him his Servitors doth sâ—â—â— For what to Hungry Lovers is relief 〈◊〉 But Sorrow Anguish Discontent Griâ—â— But yet my mind is not so fully set For Maidens minds are subject unto change But if I could a faithful Servant get Whose Love would not be subject for to range I soon to Love should yield a due subjection And he should Master be of my Affection For Maidens Hearts they are not like to steal Obdurate hard will no Impression take But tender soft when Cupid's Darts they feel Which in their Hearts will soon Impâ—ession make No Fort so strong but may be won at last No Mind so fixt but it may change as fast Ricardo stood amaz'd at the ravishing Harmony of her Voice comparing it to the Melody of the Thracian Poet Orpheus when by his Songs he attracted Beasts Trees and Stones to follow him or rather to the Harmony of the Seraphick Choires wishing himself all Ear to listen to her Song the pleasingness whereof so insensibly crept into his Heart that he became a Thrawl unto her But first he began to consider whether Squire Errants might have their Mistresses as well as Knights and many weighty Arguments pro and Con passed in his thoughts but Love so over-swayed them all that he became solely captivated to her Affections and therefore was she no sooner risen from Milking her Cow but he accosted her on this manner Most beautyful Mistress the attracting Harmony of your Angelical Voice hath so captivated my Heart that I am become a Sworn Servant to your Vertues and therefore among all the Days of my Life I must account this the Happiest wherein I had the Honour first to see you Nor think you have met with an ordinary person which seeks thus to gain an Interest in your Graces for know I am no less than a Squire-Errant to that Renowned Knight at Arms the invincible and Victorious Sir Billy of Billerecay whose Fame begins to sound all the World over and whose History is to be Writ with a brazen Pen and enroled in the Book of Fame Let me intreat you therefore to accept of me for your Servant by which you may come to be as Famous as Dulcina my Masters Lady and in process of Time the Wife to a Governour of an Island The poor Maid who had never before been acquainted
is a Dream or some fond Illusion Even so my dearest Knight did it happen unto me hardly could I believe my one Ears much less imagine that so Heroick Renowned a Champion as thou art wouldest become the Load-stone of my Affections But know that I am as much over Head and Ears in Love as thou Nor do not think me light for yielding so soon for what Heart can hold out at the Battery of thy E'oquence thou being a Conqueror of Affections as well as Gyants I shall think the time long till I hear from thee again mucâ— more till such time I see thee till when I subscribe my self Thine in indeared Friendship Jone Grumball Ricardo having received the Letter of her promised to be very careful in the delivery of it and she for her part promised him that when she came to be his Knights Lady she would be a good Mistress unto him and help him now and then to a Bitt which her Knight should never know of Ricardo with these promises went away well satisfied yet resolved with himself to keep secret the vertue of his Invisible-Ring But he was not so mindful of returning to his Master as to act some Waggeries with his Invisible Ring which he thought was a better Trade than his Master's killing of Gyants or relieving distressed Damosels and Ladies And Fortune was very favourable to his intentions herein for he had not gone far but his Stomach which was most commonly craving invited him into an Inn to refresh himself where a Couple of Bayliffs or Shoulder flappers were sitting down to dinner with a Shoulder of Mutton and a Capon having the same day seized on a poor Man's Goods for an inconsiderable value which they Sold and Imbezzel'd away at their pleasure to the utter Ruine of the poor Man and maintainance of their Luxury and Drunkenness going shares with the Buyers of their seiz'd Goods which by this means they make the greatest part their own Ricardo understanding what Harpies they were how that they liv'd by others Ruines resolved to put a Trick upon them and thereforâ— they being set down to their Victuals without saying Grace as Men unacquainted with any Goodness he presently slips on his Ring and conveys the Capon under his Coat giving to each of them a blow on the Mouth with his Fist which though they perceived not from whence they came yet felt they it smart to some purpose and each thinking the other had struck him the one snatches up the Shoulder of Mutton and therewith struck his fellow on the Face who half blinded with Greese and his Cloaths all besmeared with dripping to revenge the affront got up the platter and throwing it at the others head beat him over a Joynt-stool who half dazled with the fall yet recovering his legs took the Loaf and therewith brake the others head who in requital snatcht up a Flaggon of Beer and dashing it in his Fellows Face he so laid on him with the Pot as if he intended to make Mummy of his Flesh Ricardo all this while stood by laughing heartily to see how they mawled each other and still at opportunity served lending to each of them some blows on the Face which they not knowing from whence they came sought to retaliate upon one another Ricardo to make his revenge more compleat spying a pair of scissers in the Window took them and cut off their locks of hair so that when they were parted fighting what witâ— their bloody Noses batter'd Faces anâ— crapt Hair they look'd most rufully But now another Quarrel began 〈◊〉 arise the Capon is missing and the twâ— Bayliffs joyning in one Swear that thâ— Host had couzened them of it whilst they were fighting He on the other side callâ— them cheating Rogues and that theâ— quarrelled on purpose to steal away hâ—â— platter and defraud him of his Reckoning but vows though they had undone hiâ— Neighbour they should not undo him with their cheating tricks and thereupon sends for a Constable vowing he would be paid both for his Meat and the Platter Ricardo seeing matters broughâ— to this pass marched away with his prize leaving them to wrangle it out as theâ— could Now he had not gone far buâ— as if he had been born for the punishment of Knaves he overtakes a Horse-Courser one who had shaken hands witâ— Honesty as no fit Companion for his Calling Him Ricardo accosts proffering hiâ— a Dinner and Wine to wash it down 〈◊〉 the next Town they came at which thâ— Horse Courser kindly accepts wondrinâ— at this new Friendship and thinking 〈◊〉 had got some young Cully flusht witâ— Money whom he was resolved to Milk dry e'er he parted with him So away they went to the next Town and entring an Inn call'd for Accommodations to their Capon which was presently brought them and the Glasses of Wine trouled about lustily Whilst they were thus in their Jollity there came in a Man from the former Inn who had seen Ricardo's coming thither but not his going away And remembring how the Capon and Platter were missing and seeing such utensils upon the Table he challenges Ricardo with it whereupon a great contest arose The Horse-Courser who had thought he had gotten a prize of his Companion fearing it would prove a blank if he were brought in Partnerâ— of his Stealth began with the first to fall foul on him The Hostess seeing she had got Cheats to her Guests was as busie in calling for Money for their Reckoning so that the whole House was on a sudden in a great Uproar Ricardo knowing that all their stir was aimed at him thought it high time to shift for himself and thereupon slipping on his Invisible Ring took the remainders of the Capon and threw it in his Hostesses Face and sent the Platter on the same Arrand to the Horse Courser who therewith half blinded and sadly mortified began to cry out in a hideous manner and that the Informer might not go Scot-free he also up with a Quart pot and therewith knockt him down and then Triumphantly marcht away No sooner was he gone but the Hostess a little recovering her self falls foul upon the Horse-Courser saying he had brought the Devil into her House but notwithstanding the Devil and all his Imps she Swore she would make him pay for all the harms was done before he went The Horse-Courser excused himself saying he met with him by chance and that she might see by his batter'd Face and broken Head he was none of his Confederate The other Fellow who had lain all this while in a swound being now a little revived began to rail upon him more than the Hostess so that the poor Horse-Courser though more batter'd than the other two could not tell what to do for notwithstanding all the excuses he could make nothing would be believ'd but that he was the Devil's partner in all this mischief and therefore should suffer for him if he did not produce him Now was the Horse-Courser at his
further increased so our affections grew more and more and arriving to those years wherein the God of Love maketh the hearts of his subjects to dote more upon a Mistress than an old man on his heaps of Gold I then began to reveal my affections unto her which found such a Friendly reception that by mutual vows and promises we contracted our selves each to other But the foul pale Hog Envy that banquetâ— her self in others miseriâ—s repining at our happiness had caused the heart of a certain Smith of our Town to be Captivated by the charming looks of mâ— Rosaro for so was my Love called who with mucâ— earnestness declared his affection unto her usinâ— many vows and protestations of the reality of hâ—â— Love but her heart was so deeply linked to mâ— that whatsoever she was was only mine she gaâ—â— him so sharp a denial that his Love converting 〈◊〉 hatred he burnt with revengful fury against her and from thenceforth waited only for an opportunity to put his designs in execution which at last he brought to pass as you see for confederating himself with a couple of Fellows the Devils Factors for all wickedness and such whom an honest Man can neither see nor speak of without a blush These having intelligence that Rosaro was to go to an Aunt of hers that liveth hard by and that I was to accompany her way laid us and having seized on us brought us to this Barn where over-powring our weak resistance and having brought cords with them for the Execution of their damn'd intents they in conclusion hanged us up as you saw Sir Billy listened very attentively to this discourse and being exceedingly moved at it he swore by the bloody Falshion of Mars that e'er Don Phoebus had run his diurnal Course three times about our Hemisphire be would take such exemplary punishment on the Smith and his perfidious Mateâ— that Babes unborn shall tremble at the narration of it Whilst he was thus speaking the Smith whose guilty Conscience feared a discovery having found out his Companions returned again with an intent to murther Sir Billy Ricardo and old Geâ—ion to prevent their giving any knowledge of him But having entred the Barn and seeing the Taylor alive whom they supposed to be dead they immediately set upon him and were as quickly set upon by Sir Billy and this being the justest cause he fought in his success was answerable thereunto for at the second stroak he cut the Smith so deep a gash on the Wrist as made him to drop his Club and quite disarmed him of any further resistance which being by the Taylor espyed he snatches up the Smiths Club and seconded by Ricardo they Jointly set upon the other two and now were many blows given and received on each side when old Gerion whose courage was still good though his strength infirm not loving to be Idle when so necessary a work was to be done being armed with a great walking staff as commonly Beggars go so guarded he gave one of the Rogues such a rap on the pate as made him to stagger and seconding it with another laid him at his Feet streaking his heels the Third party seeing this would have run for it but being surrounded by them all four he was forced to abide his fate and whilst he was defending himself against old Gerion and Ricardo who faced him with their Weapons Sir Billy being behind him gave him such a wound on the head as felled him to the earth and sent his Soul to dwell in the lower Regions there to inhabit with the damned in burning Beds of Steel Roasted in Sulpher and washt in deâ—p vast gulphs of Liquid Fire The Smith in the mean time through the loss of so much Blood as issued from his Wound was fallâ—n into a deep swound so that he seemed for the present to be inroled in the Regiment of Death but his Companion who had been knockt down by old Gerion being of a strong robustious Nature reviving again began for to bustle as if he would again try for the Victory which being perceived by Sir Billy he ran to him and with his Sword gave him such a Blow on the head as made him once more to measure his full length on the Earth and then setting his Foot on his breast and the point of his Sword to his Throat he said to him Vile Mâ—screant or rather Devil in Hose and Doublet the impostume of all corruptions and abstract of all wickedness Now will I send thy Soul to be an inhabitant in the glooming dwellings of Damâ—ed Spirits there to bathe it self in pools of Scalding Oyl and Sulpher which thou hast worthily deserved by contracting such a Load of Guilt that lies heavy on thy blood-thirsty Conscience The Murthering Villain hearing such thundring Words roared out like a Town Bull craving and crying out for Mercy when a new crotchet coming into Sir Billy's noddle he said unto him I yield thee Mercy though unworthy of it but upon condition that thou go and present thy self upon thy knees as vanquished by my Yiâ—â—orious Arm unto the Lady of my Affections the most renowned Dulcina of Billerecay and this you shall Swear to do upon my Sword I willingly yield to your conditions said the dissembling Villain and shall swear Faithfully to perform it Whereupon Sir Billy let him rise and was about to give him his Oath which the young Man perceiving and that he intended to let him go Sir said he It is not fase nor convenient so to do for this Man being a Murtherer ought according to the Law to be had before a Justice of the Peace to be by him examined and secured that he may receive the reward of his deserts Sir Biâ—ly having heard what he said with a vehement indignation replyed Thou speakest said he like one altogether ignorant of the Laws of Knight Errantry ought not the Conquerer to dispose of the Conquered as he pleases was not he suâ—dued by the Force of mâ— invincible Arm and therefore to be by me dâ—â—poseâ— of according to my own will and pleasure now since my valour whereby I conquered him came by the inspiration of my Lady Dulcina ought not she in retribution thereof to have the honour of this submission as being magnetically performed by her But this said the Taylor is so notorious a villain and his crime so Capital that being once got free he will never come near her nor ever make any submission unless he be forced to do it to the Gallows Why said Sir Billy have I not his Oath to perform it His Oath quoth the Taylor is not to be regarded for he who fears not to commit Murther will make no Conscience to forswear himself Whilst they were thus arguing the Case the Constable of the Parish who had a Warrant for the pressing of some Soldiers being guarded with Four lusty men came to that place it being a Common receptacle for sturdy loytering Beggars and Vagabonds when beholding the
Tinker who by wearing the Ring was become invisible she fell to Jogging the other two to know what was become of the Tinker the Tinker Judged her to be mad to ask for him before his Face and therefore said what a P is the Old Jade blind she cannot see me The Old Woman hearing his voice but seeing no Body asked where are ye where are ye with that he gave her such a Box on the Ear as tumbled her down upon Ricardo whose fall awaked him out of his sleep and hearing the Tinker to Curse and Bann because his Hostess could not see him he thought he had gotten away his Ring and feâ—ling in his Pocket found it so indeed wherefore he was ready to swound away with fear but recollecting himself he called to the Tinker saying Honest Brother-give me thy Hand which the Tinker doing he nimbly slipt the Ring from off his Finger and as nimbly put it on his own whereby the Tinker again became visible but Ricardo was no where to be seen The Hostess seeing such Juggling tricks began to call out for her Money with such a loud voice as waked also the Bedlam who asking for his Master I think said she your Master is the Devil for the Tinker and he are in Dock out Nettle sometimes seen and sometimes not and here is Seven Shillings and six pence to pay and now the Young Devil is fled which I much marvel at for I think none of you both have any Crosses about ye to scare him away Whilst they were thus arguing the case Ricardo slipt away from them taking his course directly towards Billerecay where how he sped we shall declare in the next Chapter CHAP. 7. How Ricardo delivered his Letter to Jone Grumball with her Answer to it And several Explcits performed by Ricardo with his Invisible-Ring IT was at such time of the day when the Curl pate Waggoner of Heaven had well near finisht his Diurnal Course and was driving his panting Steeds down towards the Western Hill when the Renowned Squire Errant Ricardo entred into the Town of Billerecay bending his course directly towards the House of Jone Grumball to whom he delivered Sir Billy's Letter with much obsequiousness telling her such Stories of his Master's Valour his Honour of Knight-Hood and of the great affection he bore to her that her heart began to melt towards him even as a pound of Butter melts before the Sun But being she could not read her self she sent for a Journey-man Shoomaker to the further end of the Town to read it one who bore good will unto her and was at that present inditing a Letter to make her know the affection he bore her Crispin having read it over and understanding he had a Knight to his Rival was very much troubled but Jone Grumball was so well pleased with the Sugar-Candy Words he sent unto her that she vowed her self unto him both Body and Breeches asking Ricardo many questions concerning him all which he answered in such lofty Language amplifying his prowess the respects all people shewed unto him with the faithful Love he bare unto her that she was more and more entangled in the Lime-Twigs of Love vowing and protesting her self his for ever Crispin by these presages finding his Suit like to have but a cold reception to avenge himself on Ricardo by whose speeches he thought Jone's Heart was estranged from him he therefore ran to old Thomasio telling him his Son's partner in stealing away his Horses was at that instant at Jone Grumball's whom he might easily take and by that means know what was become of his Son as also of his Horses Thomasio quick as lightning taking a Constable along with him went to Jone Grumballs and seizing upon Ricardo threatned him with all the punishments he could reckon up as Hanging Burning Drowning Killing Stabbing and twenty other kinds of Death besides if he told him not where his Son and Horses were Ricardo nothing daunted at his Domineering but intending to put a trick upon him told him that his Son was become one of the greatest Lords in the World that Kings and Queens craved his Assistance and Lords and Ladies implored his help that he commonly kill'd half a dozen Gyants for his Breakfast and bathed his Sword in the Blood of Monsters and Dragons every day That his Master was at that present in the Sage Freston's Castle where the most excellent Princess Tantabilus courted his Love but that he had vowed himself only to the Service of his Beautiful Dulcina In sum that his Master was a Knight and he was his Squire and that therefore by the Laws of Knight Errantry they were not to be troubled nor molested wheresoever they came But Thomasio being minded not to be put off with such Noninoes charged the Constable to carry him before a Justice of Peace to which Ricardo willingly consented whether they immediately address'd themselves The Justice having heard the Allegations on both sides perswaded Thomasio to go along with Ricardo and see by fair means to bring his Son home again and if he were so obstinate he would not râ—turn to take away their Horses which would be a means to spoil their Knight-Errantry and that they might go the more lovingly together he called for a Bottle of Sack to drink them into Unity The Bottle was no sooner set on the Table but Ricardo vowed himself Master thereof and thereupon slipping on his Invisible-Ring he boldly steps to the Table and clapping the Bottle of Sack under his Coat marched away with it not being descerned by any The Justice and Thomasio were stricken into a wonderful Amazement to see the Bottle go away without hands as they thought but much more when they missed Ricardo And now remembring what strange stories he had told of Billy they concluded that both the Master and the Man were turned Conjurers and therefore dreaded what further mischief might by his means be shewed unto them In the mean time Ricardo was walked to Jone Grumballs with his Bottle of Sack never pulling off his Ring till he came within the House that not any one might take any Notice of him Here did he tell her what a trick he served the Justice and that therefore he must make all the hast he could to his Master Jone was very well pleased with the Jest but much more with her part she had in the Sack and having drank a Health to Billy she desired Ricardo to stay so long till she got a Letter in answer to his Master which by the School-Master of the Town was performed for her in these woâ—ds My dearest Knight WIth what Joy I Jone Grumball the Lady of thy affections received your Letter may better be 〈◊〉 by Imagination than words for hearâ—â—g of â—he ardent Love that you beare unto me set forth in such Rhetorical Elocution it fared with me as with a Beggar who on a sudden finding a rich Treasure can scarce believe his own Eyes but fears it
The ESSEX Champion OR THE Famous HISTORY OF Sir Billy of Billerecay AND HIS Squire Ricardo SHEWING The Renowned Atchievements and Valiant Acts of the Invincible Knight Sir Billy of Billerecay with his Love to his Lady Dulcina AS ALSO The Comical Exploits and Amorous Adventures of Squire Ricardo performed by his Invisible Ring Their Tilts and Tournaments in honour of Ladies Their Battles with Gyants and Monsters Their punishing of Inchanters and Negromancers Pedlars and Poppiâ— plâ—â—â—â—s Never before Published Being that Excellent Piece of Knight-Errantry Written by William Winstandly Gent. at Saffron-Walden in Essex London Printed for J. Blare at the Looking glass on London bridge 1699. THE CONTENTS Chap. 1. THE Birth of Sir Billy of Billerecay His bringing up at School And Resolution to pursue Knightly Adventures Page 7 Chap. 2. How Sir Billy and his Squire went forth to seek Adventures Their Encounter with a Scare-crow and how he came to a Castle to be Dubbed Knight p. 23 Chap. 3. Sir Billy watcheth his Armor and is made Knight by the Lord of the Castle his ill success in running at the Quinten with other things which happened p. 42 Chap. 4. Sir Billy being dubbed Knight marcketh forth to seek Adventures his Encounter with Poppet-Gyants his Imprisonment in a wooden Inchanted Castle and Entertainment by the Sage Freston p. 59 Chap. 5. Ricardo is sent with a Letter to Dulcina in the mean time Sir Billy encountereth with a monstrous Gyant in defence of the Tantabilan Princess whom he Manfully overthrows p. 75 Chap. 6. How Ricardo in his Journey towards Billerecay met with an Aged Palmer who gave him an Invisible-Ring with which he cheats an Inn-keeper as also what a Trick he served a Bedlam and a Tinker p. 89 Chap. 7. How Ricardo delivered his Letter to Jone Grumball with her Answer to it And several exploits performed by Ricardo with his Invisible-Ring p. 96 Chap. 8. How Ricardo delivered his message to his Master and of the Challenge made by Sir Billy against all comers in Honour of his Mistress Dulcina p. 117 Chap. 9. How Sir Billy was forced to run from his Challenge The Mirth Ricardo had at a Wedding What a Trick he served an Old Fornicator and how he went in pursuit of his Master p. 126 Chap. 10. Sir Billy's encounter with a Dancer on the Ropes how he was carried before a Justice of the Peace and set free by Ricardo by the help of his Invisible-Ring p. 138 Chap. 11. Ricardo going to recover his Masters Horse and Armor acteth a very pleasant Adventure in an Inn with other things which happened p. 154 Chap. 12. Sir Billy's ill success in his adventure against the Pedlars How he was rescued by Ricardo by the help of his Invisible-Ring With other things that happened p. 166 Chap. 13. The Woful story of a Taylor and his Sweet-Heart how they were Hanged in a Barn and how the Murtherers were taken by the means of Sir Billy and a Constable p. 178 Chap. 14. Sir Billy's entertainment at the Justices House his Oration in praise of the Golden Age with his Challenging the Coroner to fight in defence of Knight-Errantry p. 189 Chap. 15. Sir Billy's Encounter with the Coroner How he was relieved by Ricardo His admirable description of his Mistress With Ricardo's Counterbuff thereto p. 201 THE Famous History OF S R Billy of Billerecay AND HIS Squire Ricardo CHAP. 1. The Birth of Sir Billy of Billerecay His bringing up at School And Resolution to pursue Knightly Adventures IN the East part of England as in respect of the Metropolis thereof London in that County formerly inhabited by the Trinobantes afterwards possessed by the East-Saxons from whom it derived to East-sex since by Corruption or rather for the more easier Pronunciation Essex In a Town thereof called Billerecay not many years ago there lived a Farmer named Thomasio one whose Means as they were too low to make him envied so were they too high to cause Scorn enjoying a Mediocrity betwixt Riches and Poverty that as he was no Gentleman to live on his Lands yet adding Industry to his small Stock he had most commonly Mony in his Pocket when others who made a braver show were without In his younger Years he married the Sexton of Bursted's Daughter a Man of such Strength that according to the Records of that place he would Thresh as much Wheat in one day as another Man could do in two and which is further remembred of him that at a Match of Foot-ball plaid betwixt that Village and the neighbouring Hamlet by his alone Manhood and Prowess the Victory was clearly obtain'd of his side We are the willinger to mention these things because the Reader may understand that the Person of whom we intend to treat of was descended from couragious adventurous Persons Now four times had Hiem's Frofts bereav'd the Earth of her Summers Livery and as many times had Lady Flora bestowed on Tellus a Suit of curious embroyder'd Tapistry since the Nuptials were celebrated betwixt Thomasio and his loving Consort during which time he had by his Industry much increased that little Stock he began with nothing now so much perplex'd him as the want of an Heir on whom to bestow this parsel of Estate if Death should Summon him to his Grave At last to his exceeding Joy his Wife prov'd to be with Child and in process of time was deliver'd of a goodly Boy who was Christen'd by the Name of William This Child as he was long in coming so was he the more welcome unto them and so much the rather â—ecause that Lucy so was his Wife named was now so stricken in Years that he had â—ittle hopes of having another wherefore he resolved to bestow some Cost on the â—ringing up of his Son Billy his ambitious Thoughts soared so high that he swore by â—is Plow-share if his Son lived he would â—ake him a Schollard not only to write â—nd read ordinarily but if need were to make a Bill or a Bond and to write a Letter â—â—at he might not be beholding to the Vicar â—f the Parish upon every occasion Acâ—ordingly no sooner had his Son come to some Maturity of Knowledge but he bought him a Horn-book and put him to School to an Old Woman that lived in an Alms-house who so indoctrinated him that in a short time he had learned the Criss cross-row which made Thomasio think his Penny a Week well bestow'd on him so that he told his Son If he proved a good Boy when he had learn'd his Horn-book he would buy him a Golden Primmer nay that he should likewise have a Plum-cake into the bargain which so encourag'd young Billy that in a short time he claimed his Father's Promise for he was now in the last line of that Folio book Whereupon Thomasio going to the Market after diligenâ— enquiry for such a Volume he at last did light on one according to his hearts desire on the cover whereof was pictur'd St. George
a conquering the Dragon the sight whereoâ— did no doubt implant in young Billy's Hearâ— the Seeds of Valour and Heroick Thoughts and prognosticated to the World what â— Champion this would prove whose valorâ—ous Acts should afterwards be proclaim'd by Fames golden Trumpet and fill each corneâ— of the habitable Earth with the Report oâ— his deserved Praises Billy now plyed his Book with might aâ—â— main having gotten to the end of th◠〈◊〉 before others who began with him â—â—d attained half way and now to encourage him the more his Father bought him several Ballads as of Fair Rosamond The Blind Beggar of Bednal Green King Edward the Fourth and the Tanner c. but amongst them all none of them pleased Billy so well as the Song of that Arch Pyrate Sir Andrew Barton and that Heroick Poem of Chevy-Chase of which last the worthy Sir Philip Sidney used to say That the hearing thereof though Sung no better than by a Country Crowd stirred up his Heart more than a Trumpet well therefore might it be a great Motive to Billy to undertake such high Adventures as afterwards God willing we shall declare unto you And now Billy will be no longer under the Tuition of a Dame as knowing by natural Instinct that a Womans Domination is most Imperious wherefore his Father provides him a School-master one Snip a Taylor who for his Dexterity in Singing was advanced to the Dignity of Church-Clerk of â—he Parish which Office and keeping of a School found him with Powder'd-Beef and â—he Vales of his Trade furnished him with Cabbage Two Years went Billy to School with this Master in which space of time he had learn'd to read so well as gave his Father extraordinary content so that now he buys Billy a choice Library of Books viz The History of Tom Thumb Robin Good-fellow The Fryer and the Boy The Three Merry Wives of Green-Goose-Fair The Sack full of News A Hundred Merry Tales c. And now he thinks his Son sufficiently provided for Learning as concerning the Reading part his next care is to learn him to Writâ— and cast Account and then he fears no but he may live in any place in England yea and if that the Stars should be propiâ—tious to him he might in time be advancâ— to a Justice of the Peace his Clerk Therefore seeing that Snip could not write he iâ— treated the Vicar of the Parish to take somâ— pains with his Son and if he made Billy 〈◊〉 cunning at his Pen as he himself was aâ— his Plough he promised him to Fallow his Glebe Land for him for nothing Upon these Considerations the Vicar took Billy under his Tuition but advised Thomasio that whilst his Son learned to write thaâ— he might not in the mean time forget hiâ— Reading to buy him some pretty Book to read in which might draw him theretâ— with some delight Thomasio replied Hâ— had been at great Charges that way aâ— ready but for his Sons good he would nâ— stick out for a small matter So the next Fair taking his Son along with him for the choice of his Volumes at a Pedlars Stall he bought him these Books following The Garland of Good Will The Garland of Princely Delights Pasquill ' s Jeasts Scoggin Long Meg of Westminster Doctor Faustus Fryer Bacon The Seven Wise Masters The Gentle-Craft Jack of Newberry Reynard the Fox Diogenes History of Fortunatus George a Green Bevis of Southampton Guy of Warwick Palmerin of England Huon of Bourdeaux Valentine and Orson Don Beliavis of Greece Parismus and Parismenes The Seven Champions of Christendom Destruction of Troy History of King Arthur Amadis de Gaule Tom a Lincoln the Red Rose Knight Pheander the Maiden Knight The Knight of the Sun The Mirror of Knighthood Hero and Leander Children in the Wood. Tom Stitch the Tayler Knight of the Burning Sword Argalus and Parthenia King and the Cobler Nine penniworth of Wit for a Penny The Man of Kent Billy was not a little brag of his Books for he imagined he had now as good a Library as the best Scholar in Christendom but nothing tickled his Fancy so much in the reading of them as thosâ— Romantick Stories of killing Gyantâ— and Dragons which many times did sâ— far transport him that he thought himâ—self to be really engaged in these imaginary Fights and so intent were hâ— Thoughts upon them that Deathâ— image sleep could not divert him 〈◊〉 that when Morpheus with his leadeâ— Mair had knock'd down others a-sleeâ— in their Beds the Thoughts of the strange Adventures did so run in 〈◊〉 Head that he would rise in his sleep and getting a Bed-staff in his hand lay about him as if he were mad imagining he had encountred with some Gyant or other strange Monster The Servants that lay in the same Room with him being disturbed thus with his Fegaries complained to their Master who thereupon chid his Son telling him That People which laboured hard must not be disturb'd of their natural Rest for by that means they could not perform their work And therefore he threatned him If he plaid any more such Pranks he would not only put him to Plow but also take all his Books from him for he imagined it was his Books that wrought that Indisposition in him Yet notwithstanding all his Threatnings Billy's mind did so run of his Knightly Atchievements that he still continued in his old course for one night dreaming he was encountring with a terrible Dragon he got up in his sleep and taking the Bed-staff in his hand began to lay about him according to his old manner Now it so chanced that thorough often redoubling his blows he at last struck the Plow-man such a blow on the Pate that the Blood trickled down his Ears The Plow-man being betwixt sleeping and waking feeling the smart of the blow started out of his Bed and taking a Plow whip in his hand which stood up there ready in a corner he began to exercise the same on Billy's body laying it on so soundly that had Billy been in such a sleep as St. David the Champion of Wales was in the inchanted Garden of Ormondine yet must the smart thereof needs have waked him but Billy took all patiently imagining it to be the blows of the Dragon's Tail having read that Knights Errant are subject to such Adventures And now the Plow-man being weary of belabouring him went to Bed Billy also return'd to his Cabbin but the smart of his blows were such as would not suffer him to sleep one wink all that night enough to have spoil'd a young Knight-Errant had not his mind been so fully fixed on Knightly Adventures Next Morning Billy was so soar that he could not go to School and being ask'd how he came to be so he told them It was with encountring of a mighty Dragon whilst he attempted to rescue a King's Daughter that was bound to a Stake And so run on iâ— a wild Discourse what a terrible Duel he had with