A disputation, betweene a hee conny-catcher, and a shee conny-catcher whether a theefe or a whoore, is most hurtfull in cousonage, to the common-wealth. Discouering the secret villanies of alluring strumpets. With the conuersion of an English courtizen, reformed this present yeare, 1592. R.G.

A DISPVTATION , Betweene a Hee Conny-catcher , and a Shee Conny-catcher , whether a Theefe or a Whoore , is most hurtfull in Cousonage , to the Common-wealth . DISCOVERING THE SECRET VILLAnies of alluring Strumpets . With the Conuersion of an English Courtizen , reformed this present yeare , 1592. Reade , laugh , and learne . Nascimur prop●●ia . R. G.

Imprinted at London , by A. I. for T. G. and are to be solde at the West ende of Paules . 1592.

To all Gentlemen , Marchants , Apprentises , and Countrey Farmers health .

GEntlemen , Countrey men , and kinde friends , for so I value all that are honest and enemies of bad actions , although in my bookes of Conny-catching I haue discouered diuers formes of colonings , and painted out both the sacking and crosbyting lawes , which strumpets vse , to the destruction of the simple , yet willing to search all the substance , as I haue glanncst at the shadow , & to enter into the nature of villanie , as I haue broacht vp the secretes of vice , I haue thought good to publish this Dialogue or disputation , betweene a hee Conny-catcher , and a shee Conny-catcher , whether of them are most preiuditiall to the Common-wealth , discoursing the base quallities of them both , and discouering the inconuenience that growes to men , through the lightnes of inconstant wantons , who being wholy giuen to the spoyle , seeke the ruine of such as light into their companie . In this Dialogue , louing Country-men , shall you finde what preiudice ensues by haunting of whore-houses , what dangers grows by daliying with common hat lottes , what inconuenience followes then 〈…〉 pleasures of vnchast Libertines , ( not onely by their consuming of their wealth , and impouerishment of their goods and landes , but to the great indangering of their health . For in conuersing with them , they aime not simply at the losse of goods , and blemish of their good names , but they fish for diseases , sicknesse , sores incurable , vlcers brusting of the ioyntes , and sault rhumes , which by the humour of that villanie , lepte from Naples into Fraunce , and from Fraunce into the bowels of Englande , which makes many crye out in their bones , whilest goodman Surgion laughs in his purse : a thing to be feared as deadly while men liue , as hell is to be dreaded after death , for it not only infecteth the bodie , consumeth the soule , and waste wealth and worship , but ingraues a perpetuall shame in the forehead of the partie so abused . Whereof Maister Huggins hathwell written in his Myrror of Magistrates , in the person of Memprycaius , exclaiming against harlots , the verses be these : Eschue vile Venus toyes shee cuts off age , And learne this lesson oft , and tell thy frend , By Pockes , death sodaine , begging , Harlots end .

Besides , I haue here layde open the wily wisedome of ouerwise Curtizens , that with their cunning , can drawe on , not only poore nouices , but such as hold themselues maisters of their occupation . What flatteries they vse to bewitch , what sweet words to inueagle , what simple holines to intrap , what amorous glaunces , what smirking Ocyliades , what cringing curtesies , what stretching Adios , following a man like a blood-hound , with theyr eyes white , laying out of haire , what frouncing of tresses , what paintings , what Ruffes , Cuffes , and braueries , and all to betraie the eyes of the innocent nouice , whom when they haue drawne on to the bent of their bow , they strip like the prodigall childe , and turne out of doores like an outcast of the world . The Crocodile hathnot more teares , Proleus , more shape , Ianus more faces , the Hieria , more sundry tunes to entrap the passengers , then our English Curtizens , to bee plaine , our English whores : to set on fire the hearts of lasciuious and gazing strangers . These common , or rather consuming strumpets , whose throathes are softer then oyle , and yet whose steppes leade vnto death . They haue their Ruffians to rifle , when they cannot fetch ouer with other cunning , their crosbiters attending vpon them , their foysts , their bufts , their nippes , and such like . Being wayted on by these villaines , as by ordinary seruantes , so that who thinkes himselfe wise inough to escape their flatteries , him they crosbyte , who holdes himselfe to rule , to be bitten , with a counterfeyt Apparater , him they rifle , if hee be not so to bee verst vpon , they haue a foyst or a nyppe vpon him , and so sting him to the quicke . Thus he her hat medles with pitch , cannot but be defiled , and he that acquainteth himselfe or conuerseth with any of these Connycatching strumpets , cannot but by some way or other bee brought to confusion : for either hee must hazard his soule , blemish his good name , loose his goods , light vppon diseases , or at the least haue been tyed to the humor of an harlot , whose quiuer is open to euery arrow , who likes all that haue fat purses , and loues none that are destitue of pence . I remember a Monke in Diebus illis , writ his opinion of the end of an Adulterer , thus : Quatuor his casibus sine dubio cadet adulter , Aut hic pauper eit , aut hicsubito morietur , Aut cadet in causum qua debet indice vinci , Aut aliquod membrum casu vell crimine perdet , Which I Englished thus : He that to Harlots lures do yeeld him thrall , Through sowre misfortune too bad end shall fall : Or sodaine death , or beggerie shall him chance , Or guilt before a Iudge his shame inhance : Or els by fault or fortune he shall leese , Some member sure escape from one of these .

Seeing then such inconuenience grows from the caterpillers of the Common-wealth , and that a multitude of the monsters here about London particularly & generally abroad in England , to the great ouerthrow of many simple men that are inueagled by their flatteries , I thought good not only to discouer their villanies in a Dialogue , but also to manifest by an example , howe preiuditiall their life is , to the state of the land , that such as are warned by an instance , may learne and looke before they leape , to that end kind Country-men , I haue set downe at the ende of the disputation , the wonderful life of a Curtezin , not a fiction , but a truth of one that yet liues not now in an other forme repentant . In the discourse of whose life , you shall see how dangerous such truls be to all estates that be so simple as to trust theyr fained subtilties : heere shall parents learne , how hurtfull it is to cocker vp their youth in their follies , and haue a deepe insight how to bridle their daughters , if they see them any waies grow wantons , wishing therfore my labors may be a caueat to my contry-men , to auoyde the companie of such cousoning Courtezins .

R. G. Farewell .

A disputation between Laurence a Foist and faire Nan a Traffique , whether a Whore or a Theefe is most preiuditiall . Laurence .

FAire Nan well met , what newes about your Uine Court that you looke so blythe , your cherry cheekes discouers your good fare , and your braue apparell bewraies a fat purse , is Fortune now alate growne so fauourable to Foystes , that your husband hath lighted on some large purchase , or hath your smooth lookes linckt in some yong Nouice to sweate for a fauour all the byte in his Bounge , and to leaue himselfe as many Crownes as thou hast good conditions , and then hee shall bee one of Pierce penilesse fraternitie : how is it sweet wench , goes the worlde on wheeles , that you tread so daintily on your typtoes ?

Nan.

Why Laurence are you pleasant or peeuish , that you qui● with such breefe girdes , thinke you a quarterne winde cannot make a quicke saile , that eas●e● lystes cannot make heauy burthens , that women haue not wiles to compasse crownes as wel as men , yes & more , for though they be not so strong in the fists , they bee more ripe in their wittes , and t is by wit that I liue and will liue , in dispight of that peeuish scholler , that thought with his conny-catching bookes to haue crosbyt our trade . Doest thou maruell to see me thus briske , fayre wenches cannot want fauours , while the world is so full of amorous fooles , where can such girles as my selfe bee blemisht with a threed-bare coat , as long as country Farmers haue full purses , and wanton Citizens pockets full of pence .

Laur.

Truth● if fortune so fauour thy husband , that hee be neither smoakt nor cloyed , for I am sure all thy brauery comes by his Nipping , Foysting , and lifting :

Nan.

In faith sir no , did I get no more by mine own wit , then I reap by his purchase , I might both go bare & penilesse the wholeyere , but mine eyes are stauls , & my hands lime twigs ( elswere I not worthie the name of a she Connycatcher ) Cyrces had neuer more charms , Calipso more inchantments the Syrens more subtil tunes , than I haue crafty slightes to inueagle a Conny , and fetch in a country Farmer . Laurence beleeue mee , you men are but fooles , your gettings is vncertaine , and yet you still fish for the gallowes , though by some great chance you light vppon a good boung● yet you fast a great while after , whereas , as we mad wenches haue our tennants ( for so I call euerie simple letcher and amorous Fox ) as wel out of Tearme as in Tearm to bring vs our rentes , alas , were not my wits and my wanton pranks more profitable then my husbands foysting , we might often go to bed supperlesse for want of surfetting , and yet I dare sweare , my husband gets a hundreth pounds a yeare by boungs .

Laur.

Why Nan , are you growne so sliffe , to thincke that your faire lookes can get as much as our nimble fingers , or that your facking can gaine as much as our foysring , no , no , Nan , you are two bowes downe the wind , our foyst will get more then twentie the proudest wenches in all London .

Nan.

Lye a litle further & giue mee some roome , what Laurence your toong is too lauish , all stands vpon proofe , and sith I haue leisure and you no great busines , as being now when Powles is shut vp , and all purchasies and Connies in their burrowes , let vs to the Tauerne and take a roome to our selues , and there for the price of our suppers , I will proue that women , I meane of our facultie , a trafficque , or as base knaues tearme vs strumpets , are more subtill , more dangerous , in the common-wealth , and more full of a yles to get crownes , then the cunningest Foyst , Nip , Lift , Pragges , or whatsoeuer that liues at this day .

Laur.

Content , but who shall be moderater in our controuersies , sith in disputing pro & contra , betwixt our selues , it is but your yea and my nay , and so neither of vs will yeeld to others victories .

Nan.

Trust me Laurence , I am so assured of the conquest , offering so in the strength of mine owne arguments , that when I haue reasoned , I will referse it to your iudgement and censure .

Laur.

And trust mee as I am an honest man , I will bee indifferent .

Nan.

Oh sweare not so deeply , but let mee first heare what you can say for your selfe .

Laur.

What ? why more Nan , then can be painted out in a great volume , but briefly this , I need not discribe the lawes of villanie , because R. G. hath so amply pend them downe in the first part of Con●y-catching , that though I be one of the facultie , yet I cannot discouer more then hee hath layde open . Therefore first to the Gentlemen Foyst , I pray you what finer qualitie ? what Art is more excellent either to trie the ripenes of the wit , or the agillitie of the hand , then that for him that wil be maister of his Trade , must passe the proudest Iugler aliue , the poynts of Leger de maine , he must haue an eye to spye the boung or pursse , and then a heart to dare to attempt it , for this by the way , ●e that feares the Gallowes shal neuer be good theefe while he liues , hee must as the Cat watch for a Mouse , and walke Powles , Westminster , the Exchange , and such common haunted places , and there haue a curious eye to the person , whether he be Gentleman , Citizen or Farmer , and note , either , where his boung lyes , whether in his hoase or pockets , and then dogge the partie into a presse where his staule with heauing and shouing shall so molest him , that hee shall not feele when wee strip him of his boung , although it hee neuer so fast or cunningly coucht about him , what poore Farmer almost can come to plead his case at the barre , to attend vpon his Lawyers at the bench , but looke be neuer so narrowly to it we haue his pursse , wherin sometime there is fat purchase , twentie or thirtie poundes , and I pray you how long would one of your Traffiques be earning so much with your Chamber worke . Besides in faires and markets , and in the circuites after Iudges , what infinit mony is gotten from honest meaning men , that either busie about their necessarie affaires , or carelesly looking to their Crownes , light amongst vs that be foysts , tush wee dissemble in show , we goe so neat in apparrell , so orderly in outward appearance , some like Lawyers Clarkes , others lyke Seruingmen , that attended there about their maisters businesse , that wee are hardly smoakt , versing vpon all men with kinde courtesies and faire wordes , and yet besng so warily watchfull , that a good purse cannot be put vp in a faire , but wee sigh if wee share it not amongst vs , and though the bookes of Conny-catching hath somewhat hindred vs , and brought many braue foystes to the haulter , yet some of our Country farmers , nay of our Gentlemen and Citizens , are so carelesse in a throng of people , that they shew vs the praie , and so draw on a theefe , and bequeath vs their purses , whether we will or no , for who loues wyne so ill , that hee will not eate grapes if they fall into his mouth , and who is so base , that if be see a pocket faire before him , wil not foyst in if he may , or if foysting will not serue , vse his knife and nip , for althogh there bee some foysts that will not vse their kniues , yet I hold him not a perfect workeman or maister of his Mysterie , that will not cut a purse as well as Foyst a pocket , and hazard any limme for so sweet a gaine as gold , how answere you me this breefe obiection Nan , can you compare with either our cunning to get our gaines in purchase .

Nan.

And haue you no stronger arguments goodman Laurence , to argue your excellencie in villanie but this , then in faith put vp your pipes , and giue mee leaue to speake , your choplodgicke hath no great subtiltie for simple , you reason of foysting , & appropriate that to your selues , to you men I meane , as though there were not women Foysts and Nippes , as ne at in that Trade as you , of as good an eye , as fine and nimble a hand , and of as resolute a heart , yes Laurence , and your good mistresses in that mystery , for we without like suspition can passe in your walkes vnder the couler of simplicitie to Westminster , with a paper in our hand , as if we were distressed women , that had some supplication to put vp to the Iudges , or some bill of information to deliuer to our Lawyers , when God wot , we shuffle in for a boung as well as the best of you all , yea as your selfe Laurence , though you bee called king of Cutpurses , for though they smoake you , they will hardly mistrust vs , and suppose our stomacke stand against it to foyst , yet who can better playe the staule or the shadowe then wee , for in a thrust or throng if we shoue hard , who is hee that will not fauour a woman , and in giuing place to vs , giue you free passage for his purse . Againe , in the market , when euerie wife hath almost her hand on her boung , and that they crie beware the Cutpurse and Conny-catchers , then I as fast as the best with my hand basket as mannerly as if I were to buye great store of butter and egges for prouision of my house , do exclaime against them with my hand on my purse , 〈…〉 and say the worlde is badde when a woman cannot walke safely to market for feare of these villanous Cutpurses , when as the first boung I come to , I either nip or foyst , or els staule an other while hee hath stroken , dispatcht and gone , now I pray you gentle sir , wherin are we inferiour to you in foysting , and yet this is nothing to the purpose . For it is one of our most simplest shifts , but yet I pray you what thinke you when a farmer , gentleman , or Citizen , come to the Tearme , perhaps hee is wary of his purse , and watch him neuer so warily , yet he will neuer be brought to the blow , is it not possible for vs to pinch him ere hee passe , hee that is most charie of his crownes abroad , and will cry ware the Conny-catchers , will not be afraide to drinke a pinte of wine with a prety wench , and perhaps goe to a trugging house to ferry out one for his purpose , then with what cunning we can feede the simple fop , with what fayre words , sweete kisses , 〈◊〉 sighes , as if at that instant we fell in loue with him that we neuer saw before , if we meet him in an euening in the street , if the farmer or other whatsoeuer , bee not so forward as to motion some curtesie to vs , we straight insinuate into his company , and claime acquaintance of him by some meanes or other , and if his minde be set for lust , and the diuell driue him on to match himselfe with some dishonest wanton , then let him looke to his purse , for if he do but kisse me in the streete I le haue his purse , for a farwell , although hee neuer commit any other act at all . I speake not this onely by my selfe Lawrence , for there hee a hundreth in London more cunning then my selfe in this kinde of cunny-catching . But if hee come into a house the● let our trade alone to verse vpon him , for first we faine our selues hungry● for the benefit of the house , although our bellies were neuer so ful , and no doubt the good Pander or Bawde shee comes foorth like a sober Matron , and sets store of Cates on the Table , and then I fall aboor● on them , and though I can eate little , yet I make hauocke of all , and let him be sure euerie dish is well sa●cs● , for hee shall pay for a pipping Pye that cost in the Market foure pence , at one of the Trugging h●nses xviii . pence , tush what is daintie if it bee not deare bought , and yet he must come off for crownes besides , and when I see him draw to his purse , I note the putting vp of it well , and cre wee part , that worlde goes hard if I foyst him not of all that hee hath , and then suppose the woorst , that he misse it , am I so simply acquainted or badly prouided , that I haue not a friend , which with a few terrible oathes and countenance set , as if he were the proudest So●lda●● that euer bare armes against Don Iohn of Austria , will face him quite out of his money , and make him walke lyke a woodcocke homeward by weeping crosse , and so buy repentance with all the crounes in his purse . How say you to this Lawrence , whether are women Foystes inferiour to you inordinarie cousonage or no.

Laur.

Excellently well reasoned Nan , thou hast told mee wonders , but wench though you be wily and strike often , your blowes are not so big as ours .

Nan.

Oh but note the subiect of our disputation , and that is this which are more subtill and daungerous in the Common-wealth , 〈◊〉 to that I argue .

Laur.

I and beshrow me , but you reason quaintly , yet wil I proue your wittes are not so ripe as ours , nor so readie to reach into the subtilties of kinde cousonage , and though you appropriate to your selfe the excellencie of Conny-catching , and that you doo it with more Art then we men do , because of your painted flatteries and sugred words , that you florish rethorically like nettes to catch fooles , yet will I manifest with a merry instance , a feate done by a Foyst , that exceeded any that euer was done by any mad wench in England .

A pleasant Tale of a Country Farmer , that tooke it in scorn to haue his purse cut or drawne from him , and how a Foyst serued him .

IT was told me for a truth that not long since here in London , there laie a country Farmar , with diuers of his neighbours about Law matters , amongst whom , one of them going to Westminster-Hall , was by a Foyst stript of all the pence in his purse , and comming home , made great complaint of his misfortune , some lamented his losse , and others exclaimed against the Cutpurses , but this Farmer he laught loudly at the matter , and said such fooles as could not keep their purses no surer , were well serued , and for my part quoth hee , I so much scorne the Cutpurses , that I would thanke him hartily that would take paines to foyst mine , well saies his neighbor , then you may thank me , sith my harmes learnes you to beware , but if it be true , that many things fall out between the cup and the lip , you know not what hands Fortune may light in your owne lap , tush quoth the Farmar , heere s fortie pounds in this purse in gold , the proudest Cutpurse in England win it and weare it , as thus he boasted , there stood a subtill Foyst by and heard all , smiling to himselfe at the folly of the proude Farmar , and vowed to haue his purse or venture his necke for it , and so went home and bewrayed it to a crue of his companions , who taking it in dudgion , that they should be put down by a Pesant , met either at Laurence Pickerings , or at Lambeth : let the Blackamore take heede I name him not , least an honorable neighbor of his frowne at it , but wheresoeuer they met they held a conuocation , and both consulted and concluded all by a generall consent , to bend all their wits to bee possessers of this Farmers Boung , and for the execution of this their vow , they haunted about the Inne where he laie , and dogd him into diuers places , both to Westminster Hall and other places , and yet could neuer light vpon it , he was so watchfull and smoakt them so narrowly , that all their trauell was in vaine , at last one of them fledde to a more cunning pollicie , and went and learnde the mans name and where hee dwelt , and then hyed him to the Counter and entered an Action against him of trespasse , damages two hundreth pounds , when hee had thus done , hee seed two Sargiants , and carried them downe with him to the mans lodging , wishing them not to arrest him till he commaunded them , well agreed they were , and downe to the Farmers lodging they came , where were a crue of Foystes , whom he had made priuy to the end of his practise , stood wayting , but he tooke no knowledge at all of them , but walkt vp and downe , the Farmer came out and went to Powles , the Cutpurse bad staie , and would not yet suffer the Officers to meddle with him , til he came into the West end of Paules Church-yard , and there he willed them to do their Office , and they stepping to the Farmer arrested him , the Farmer amazed , beeing amongest his neighbors , asked the Sargiant at whose suite hee was troubled , at whose suite soeuer it be , sayd one of the Cutpurses that stood by , you are wrongd honest man , for hee hath arested you here in a place of priuiledge , where the Sherifes nor the Officers haue nothing to do with you , and therefore you are vnwise if you obey him , tush saies an other Cutpurse , though the man were so simple of himselfe , yet shall hee not offer the Church so much wrong , as by yeelding to the Mace , to imbollish Paules libertie , and therefore I will take his part , and with that hee drew his swoord , an other tooke the man and haled him away , the Officer he stooke hard to him , and sayd hee was his true prisoner , and cride Clubbes , the Prentises arose , and there was a great hurly burly , for they tooke the Officers part , so that the poore Farmer was mightily turmoyld amongst them , and almost haled in peeces , whilest thus the strife was , one of the Foystes had taken his purse away , and was gone , and the Officer carried the man away to a Tauerne , for he swore he knew no such man , nor any man that he was indebted too , as then they satte drinking of a quart of wine , the Foyst that had caused him to be arrested , sent a note by a Porter to the Officer that he should release the Farmer , for he had mistaken the man , which note the Officer shewed him , and bad him pay his sees and go his waies , the poore Country-man was content with that , and put his hand in his pocket to feele for his purse , and God wot there was none , which made his heart far more cold then the arrest did , and with that fetching a great sigh he sayd , alas maisters I am vndone , my purse in this fraie is taken out of my pocket and ten pounds in in gold in it besides white money . Indeed sayd the Sargiant , commonly in such brawles the cutpurses be busie , and I pray God the quarell was not made vpon purpose by the pickpockets , well saies his neighbor , who shall smile at you now , the other day when I lost my purse yon laught at mee , the Farmer brooke all , and sat malecontent , and borowed mony of his neighbors to paye the Sargiant , and had a learning I beleeue euer after to braue the cutpurse .

How say you to this mistresse Nan , was it not well done , what choyce witted wench of your facultie , or she Foyst , hath euer done the like , tush Nan , if we begin once to apply our wittes , all your inuentions are follies towards ours .

Nan.

You say good goodman Laurence , as though your s●btilties were sodaine as womens are , come but to the olde Prouerbe , and I put you downe , T is as hard to finde a Hare without a Muse , as a woman without a scuse , and that wit that can deuise a cunnyng lye , can plot the intent of deep villanies . I grant this fetch of the foyst was prettie , but nothing in respect of that we wantons can compasse , and therefore to quit your tale with an other , heare what a mad wench of my profession did alate to one of your facultie .

A passing pleasant Tale , how a whore Conny-catchta Foyst .

THere came out of the country a Foyst , to trie his experience , here in Westminster Hall , and strooke a hand or two , but the diuell a snap hee would giue to our citizen Foystes , but wrought warily , and could not bee ●etcht off by no meanes , and yet it was knowne he had some twentie poundes about him , but hee had planted it so cunningly in his doublet , that it was sure inough for finding . Although the citcie Foyst layde all the plottes they could , as well by discoueryng him to the Gaylors as otherwayes , yet hee was so pollitique , that they couls not verse vpon him by any meanes , which greeued them so , that one day at a dinner , they held a counsaile amongst themselues how to couzen him , but in vain , til at last a good wench that sat by , vndertooke it , so they would sweare to let her haue all that hee had , they confirmed it sollemply , and she put it in practise thus , she subtilly insinuaed her selfe into this Foysts company , who seeing her a prettie wench , began after twise meeting to waxe familiar with her , and to question about a nights lodging , after a litle nyce louing & bidding she was content for her supper and what els hee would of curtesie bestowe vppon her , for she held it scorne shee sayd , to set a salarie price on her bodie , the Foyst was gladde of this , and yet hee woulde not trust her , so that hee put no more but tenne shillings in his pocket , but hee had aboue twentie poundes twilted in his doublet , well to be short , suppertime came , and thither comes my gentle Foyst , who makyng good cheere , was so eagar of his game , that hee would straight to bedde by the leaue of dame Bawde , who had her fee too , and there hee laye till about midnight , where three or foure old Hacksters whom she had prouided vpon purpose came to the doore and rapt lustely , who is there sayes the Bawde looking out of the window , marry say they , such a Iustice , and named one about the Cittie that is a mortall enemy to Cutpurses , who is come to search your house for a Iesuite and other suspected persons , alas sir sayes shee I haue none heere , well quoth they , oape the doore , I will sayes shee , and with that shee came into the Foystes Chamber , who heard all this , and was afraide it was some search for him , so that hee desired the Bawde to helpe him that hee might not be seene , why then quoth shee , steppe into this Closet , hee whipt in hastely and neuer remembred his cloathes , she lockt him in safe , and then let in the crue of Rakehels , who making as though they searcher euerye chamber , came at last into that where his Lemman laie , and asked her what shee was , shee as if she had been afrayde , desired their worshippes to bee good to her , shee was a poore Counney mayde come vp to the Tearme , and who is that quoth they , that was in bedde with you , none forsooth saies shee , no saies one , that is a lye , here is the print of two , and besides , wheresoeuer the Foxe is , here is his SKinne , for this is his doublet and hoase , then downe she falles vppon her knees , and saies indeed it was her husband , your husband quoth they , nay that cannot be so milion , for why then wold you haue denied him at the first , with that one of them turnde to the baud , and did question with her what he was and where hee was , truly sir sayes she , they came to my house and sayd they were man and wife , and for my part I know them for no other , and hee being afrayd , is indeed to confesse the troth , shut vp in the Closset . No doubt if it please your worships saies one rakehell , I warrant you hee is some no●able Cutpurse or pickpocket , that is afrayd to shew his face , come and open the Closet , and let vs looke on him , nay sir saies she not for to night I beseech your worship carry no man out of my house , I will giue my word hee shall be foorth comming to morrow morning , your word dame Bawde saies one , t is not worth a straw , you huswife that saies ye are his wife , ye shall go with vs , and for him that we may be sure hee may not start , I le take his doublet , hoase and cloake , and to morrow I le send them to him by one of my men , were there a thousand poundes in them , there shall not be a peny diminisht , the whore kneeled downe on her knees and fayned to cry pittifully , and desired the Iustice which was one of her companions , not to carry her to prison , yes huswife quoth he , your mate and you shall not tarry togither in one house , that you may make your tales all one , and therefore bring her away , and after ye dame Bawde see you lend him no other cloaths , for I wil send his in the morning betimes , and come you with him to answer for lodging him . I will sir saies she , and so away goes the wench & her companions laughing , and left the Bawde and the Foyst , assoone as the Bawde thought good , shee vnlockt the Closet and curst the time that euer they came in her house , now quoth shee , here wil be a fayre adoo , how will you answere for your selfe , I feare mee I shall be in danger of the Cart , well quoth he , to be short , I would not for fortie poundes come afore the Iustice , marry no more would I quoth she , let me shift if you were conueyed hence , but I haue not a rag of mans apparell in the house , why quoth he , seeing it is early morning , lend me a blanket to put about me , and I wil scape to a friends house of mine , then leaue me a pawne quoth the Bawde , alas I haue none saies he but this ring on my finger● why that quoth she , or tarry while the Iustice comes , so he gaue it her , took the blanket and went his waies , whether I know not , but to some friends house of his . Thus was this wily Foyst by the wit of a subtill wench , cunningly stript of all that hee had and turnde to grasse to get more fat .

Nan.

How say you to this deuice Lawrence , was it not excellent ? What thinke you of a womans wit if it can woorke such woonders .

Laur.

Marry I thinke my mother was wiser then all the honest women of the parish be●●●es .

Nan.

Why then belike shee was of our facultie , 〈◊〉 a Matrone of my profession , nimble of her handes , quicke of too●●● and light of her taile , I should haue put in sir reuerence , but a foule word is good inough for a filthie knaue .

Laur.

I am glad you are so pleasant Nan , you were not so merry when you went to Dunstable , but indeede I must needes confesse that women Foyses if they be carefull in their trades are ( though not so common ) yet more daungerous then men Foystes , women haue quicke wittes , as they haue short heeles , and they can get with pleasure , what wee fish for with danger , but now giuing you the bucklers at this weapon , let me haue a blow at you wich another .

Nan.

But before you induce any more arguments , by your leaue in a litle by talke , you know Laurence that though you can foyst , nyp , prig , list courbe , and vse the blacke Art , yet you cannot crosbite without the helpe of a woman , which crosbiting now adaies is growne to a maruellous profitable exercise , for some cowardly knaues that for feare of the gallowes , leaue nipping and foysting , become Crosbites , knowing there is no danger therein but a litle punishment , at the most the Pillorie , and that is saued with a litle Vnguantum Aureum , as for example , Iacke Rhoades is now a reformed man , whatsoeuer he hath been in his youth , now in his latter daies hee is growne a correcter of vice , for whom soeuer hee takes suspitions with his wife , I warrant you he sets a sure fine on head , though he hath nothing for his mony but a bare kisse , and in this Art wee poore wenches are your surest props and staie . If you will not beleeue mee , aske poore A. B. in Turnmill street , what a sawcie Signor there is , whose purblind eyes can scarcely discerne a Lowse from a Flea , and yet hee hath such insight into the mysticall Trade of Crosbiting , that hee can furnish his boord , with a hundreth poundes worth of Plate , I doubt the sandeyde Asse , will kicke like a Westerne Pugge : if I rubbe him on the gaule , but t is no matter if hee finde himselfe toucht and stirre , although hee boastes of the chiefe of the Clargies fauour , yet I le so set his name out , that the boyes at Smithfield barres shall chalke him on the backe for a Crosbite , tush you men are foppes in fetching nouices ouer the coales , hearken to me Lawrence , I le tell thee a woonder , Not far off from Hogsdon , perhaps it was there , and if you thinke I lye , aske master Richard Chot , and maister Richard Strong , two honest gentlemen that can witnesse as well as I , this proofe of a womans witte . There dweltt here somtimes a good auncient Matron that had a faire whenc to her daughter , as yong and tender as morrow masse priests Lemman , her shee set out to sale in her youth , and drew on sundrie to bee suters to her daughter , some wooers , and some speeders , yet none married her , but of her bewtie they made a profite , and all , till they had spent vpon her what they had , and then forsooth , she and her yoong Pigion turne them out of doores like prodigall children , she was acquainted with Dutch & French , Italian & Spaniard as wel as English , & at last , as so often the Pitcher goes to the brooke that it comes broken home , my faire daughter was hit on the master vaine and gotten with childe , now the mother to colour this matter to saue her daughters marriage , begins to weare a Cushion vnder her owne kirtle , and to faine her selfe with child , but let her daughter passe as though she ailde nothing , when the fortie weekes were come , & that my yoong mistres must needs cry out forsooth , this olde B. had gotten huswifes answerable to her selfe , and so brought her daughter to bed , and let her go vp and downe the house , and the old Croane lay in child bed as though shee had been deliuered , and sayd the childe was hers , and so saued her daughters scape , was not this a wittie wonder maister Lawrence , wrought by an olde Witch , to haue a childe in her age , and make a yoong whoore seeme an honest virgin , cush this is litle to the purpose , if I should recite all , how many shee had cousoned vnder the pretence of ma●riage , well poore plaine Signor , See , you were not stiffe inough for her , although it cost you many crownes and the losse of your seruice . I le say no more , perhaps she will amend her maners . Ah Lawrence how lyke you of this geare , in Crosbyting wee put you downe , for God wot it is little l●●kt ●os in and about London , and yet I may say to thee , many a good Citizen is Crosbyt in the yeare by odde Walkers abroad , I heard some named the other ●ay as I was drinking at the Swanne in Lambeth Marshe , but let them aloane , t is a foule byrd that defiles the owne neast , and it were a shame forme to speake against any good wenches or boon Companions , that by their wittes can wrest mony from a Churle , I feare me R. G. will name them too soone in his blacke booke , a pestilence ou him , they say , hee hath there set downe my husbandes pettigree and yours too Lawrence , if he do it . I feare me your brother in law Bull , is like to be troubled with you both .

Laur.

I know not what to say to him Nan , hath plagned m●e alreadie , I hope hee hath done with me , and yet I heard say , hee would haue about at my Nine hoales , but leauing him as an enemy of our trade , againe to our disputation . I cannot de●y Nan , but you haue set down strange Presidents of womens preiuditial wits , but yet though you be Crosbites , Foysts , and Nips , yet you are not good Lifts , which is a great helpe to our facultie , to filche a boult of Satten or Ueluet .

Nan.

Stay thee a word , I thought thou hadst spoken of R. B. of Long Lane and his wife , take heed they be parlous folks and greatly acquainted with keepers and Gaylers , therefore meddle not you with them , for I heare say , R. G. hath sworne in despight of the brasill staffe , to tell such a fowle Tale of him in his blacke Booke , that it will cost him a daung erous Ioynt .

Laur.

Nan , Nan , let R. G. beware , for had not an ill fortune falne to one of R. B. his friends , he could take little harme .

Nan.

Who is that Lawrence ?

Laur.

Nay I will not name him .

Nan.

Why then I prythie what misfortune befell him ?

Laur.

Marry Nan , hee was strangely washt alate by a French Barbar , and had all the haire of his face miraculously shauen off by the Sythe of Gods vengeance , in so much that some sayd he had that he had not , but as hap was , how soeuer his haire fell off , it stood him in some stead when the brawle was alate , for if he● had not cast off his beard and so being vnknowne , it had cost him some knockes , but it fell out to the best .

Nan.

The more hard fortune that hee had such ill hap , but hastie iournies breed dangerous sweates , and the Phisi●ians call it the Ale Peria , yet omitting all this , againe to where you left .

Laur.

You haue almost brought me out of my matter , but I was talking about the Lift , commending what a good quallitie it was , and how hurtfull it was , seeing we practise it in Mercers shops , with Haberdashers of small wares , Haberdashers of Hattes and Cappes , amongst Marchaunt Taylors for Hoase and Doublets , and in suche places getting much gains by Lifting , when there is no good purchase abroad by Foysting .

Nan.

Suppose you are good at the lift , who be more cunning than we women , in that we are more trusted , for they little suspect vs , and we haue as close conueyance as you men , though you haue Cloakes , we haue skirts of gownes , handbaskets , the crownes of our hattes , our plackardes , and for a need , false bagges vnder our smockes , wherein we can conuey more closely then you .

Laur.

I know not where to touch you , you are so wittie in your answeres , and haue so many starting hoales , but let mee bee pleasant with you a litle , what say you to priggin or horse stealing , I hope you neuer had experience in that facultie .

Nan.

Alas simple sot , yes and more shift to shunne the gallowes then you .

Laur.

Why t is impossible .

Nan.

In faith sir no , and for proofe , I will put you downe with a storie of a madde , merry , little , dapper , fine wench , who at Spilsby Fayre had three horse of her owne or an other mans to sell , as shee her husband and an other good fellow , walkt them vp and downe the faire , the owner came and apprehended them all , and clapt them in prison , the Iaylor not keeping them close prisoners , but letting them lye all in a Chamber , by her wit she so instructed them in a formall tale , that she saued all their liues thus . Being brought the next morrow after their apprehension , before the Iustices , they examined the men how they came by those horses , and they confest they met her with them , but where shee had them they knewe not , then was my prettie peate brought in , who being a handsome Trul , blusht as if she had been full of grace , and being demanded where she had the horses , made this answere , may it please your worships , this man being my husband , playing the vnthrift as many more haue done , was absent from mee for a quarter of a yeare , which greeued me not a little , insomuch that desirous to see him , and hauing intelligence he wold be at Spilsby faire , I went thither euen for pure loue of him on foote , and beeing within some tenne myles of the Towne , I waxed passing weary and rested me often and grew very faynt , at last there came ryding by me a Seruingman in a blew coat , with three horses tyed one at anothers tayle , which he led as I gest to sell at the faire , the Seruingman seeing mee so tyred , tooke pitie on me , and asked me if I would ride on one of his 〈◊〉 horses , for his owne would not beare double , I thankt him hartily , and at the next hill got vp , and roade till wee came to a Towne within three miles of Spilsby , where the Seruingman alighted at a house , and bad me ride on afore and he would presently ouertake mee , well forward I road halfe a myle , and looking behinde mee cauld see no bodie , so being alone , my heart began to rise , and I to thinke on my husband , as I had ridde a little farther , looking downe a lane , I saw two men comming lustily vp as if they were weary , & marking them earnestly , I saw one of them was my husband , which made my heart as light as before it was sad , so staying for them , after a little vnkinde greeting betwixt vs , for I chid him for his vnthriftinesse , he asked me where I had the horse , and I tolde him how curteously the Seruingman had vsed me , why then saies hee , staie for him , nay quoth I , let s ryde on , and get you two vp on the emptie horses , for he will ouertake vs ere we come at the Towne , hee rydes on a stout lustie yoong gelding , so forward wee went , and lookt often behinde vs , but our Seruingman came not , at last we comming to Spilsby alighted , & broake our fast , and tied our horses at the doore , that if he past by , seeing them , hee might call in , after wee had broake our fast , thinking hee had gone some other way , wee went into the horse faire , and there walkt our horses vp and downe to meete with the Seruingman , not for the intent to sell them . Now may it please your worship , whether hee hàd stolne the horses from this honest man or no , I knowe not , but alas , simply I brought them to the horse faire , to let him that deliuered me them haue them againe , for I hope your worships doth imagine , if I had stolne them as it is suspected , I would neuer haue brought them into so publicke a place to sell , yet if the law bee any way dangerous for the foolish deed because I know not the Seruingman , it is , I must bide the punishment , and as guiltlesse as any heere , and so making a low courtsie shee ended . The Iustice holding vp his hand and wondring at the womans wit that had cleared her husband and his friend , and saued her selfe without compasse of law . How like you of this Lawrence , cannot we wenches prigge well .

Laur.

By God Nan , I thincke I shall bee faine to giue you the bucklars .

Nan.

Alas good Lawrence , thou art no Logitian , thou canst not reason for thy selfe , nor hast no wittie arguments to draw me to an exigent , and therefore giue mee leaue at large to reason for this supper , remember the subiect of our disputation , is this positiue question , whether whores or theeues are most preiuditiall to the Common-wealth , alas , you poore theeues do only steale and purloine from men , and the harme you do is to imbollish mens goods , and bring them to pouertie , this is the only end of mens theeuery , and the greatest preiudidice that growes from robbing or filching , so much do we by our theft , and more by our lecherie , for what is the end of whoredome but consuming of goods and beggery , and besides perpetuall infamie , we bring yoong youthes to ruine and vtter destruction , I pray you Lawrence whether had a Marchants sonne hauing wealthie parents , better light vpon a whoore then a Cutpurse , the one only taking his money , the other bringing him to vtter confusion , for it the Foyst light vpon him or the Conny-catcher , he looseth at the most some hundreth poundes , but if hee fall into the companie of a whoore , shee flatters him , shee inucagles him , shee bewitcheth him , that hee spareth neither goods nor landes to content her , that is onely in loue with his coyne , if he be married , hee forsakes his wife , leaues his children , despiseth his friendes , onely to satisfie his lust with the loue of a base whoore , who when he hath spent all vpon her and hee brought to beggerie , beateth him out lyke the Prodigall childe , and for a finall reward , brings him if to the fairest ende to beg , if to the second , to the gallowes , or at the last and worst , to the Pockes , or as preiuditiall diseases . I pray you Lawrence when any of you come to your confession at Tyborne , what is your last sermon that you make , that you were brought to that wicked and shamefull ende by following of harlots , for to that end doo you steale to maintaine whoores , and to concent their bad humars . Oh Lawrence enter into your owne thoughts , and thinke what the faire wordes of a wanton willdo , what the smiles of a strumpet will driue a man to act , into what ieopardie a man will thrust himselfe for her that he loues , although for his sweete villanie , he be brought to loathsome leprosie , tush Lawrence they say the Poxe came from Naples , some from Spaine , some from France , but whersoeuer it first grew , it is so surely now rooted in England , that by S. ( Syth ) it may better be called A Morbus Anglicus then Gallicus , and I hope you will graunt , all these Frenche fauours grewe from whoores , besides in my high louing or rather creeping , I me an where meu and women do robbe togither , there alwaies the woman is most bloodie , for she alwayes vrgeth vnto death , and though the men wold only satisfie themselues with the parties coyne , yet shee endeth her theft in blood , murthering parties so deeply as she is malicious . I hope gentle Lawrence you cannot contradict these reasons they ●ee so openly manifestly probable . For mine owne part , I hope you doe not imagine but I haue had some friendes besides poore George my husband , alas , hee knowes it , and is content lyke an honest simple suffragan , to bee corrinall with a member of other good companions , and I haue made many a good man , I meane a man that hath a housholde , for the loue of mee to goe home and beate his poore wife , when God wotte I mocke him for the money hee spent , and hee had nothing for his pence , but the waste beleauings of others beastly labours . Lawrence , Lawrence , if Concubines could inueagle Salomon , if Dalilah could betraie Sampson , then wonder not if we m●r●nice in our wickednes then a thousand such Dalilahs , can seduce poore yoong Nouices to their vtter destructions . Search the Gayles , there you shall heare complaintes of whoores , looke into the Spit●les and Hospitalles , there you shall see men diseased of the Frenche Marbles , giuing instruction to others that are sayd to beware of whoores , bee an Auditor or eare witnesse at the death of any theefe , and hi●●●●● Testament is , Take heed of a whoore , I dare scarce speake of Bride well because my shoulders tremble at the name of it , I haue so often deserued it , yet looke but in there , and you shall heare poore men with their handes in their Piggen hoales crye , Oh fie vpon whoores , when Fouler giues them the terrible lash , examine beggars that lye lame by the high way , a●d they say they came to that miserie by whoores , some threedbare citizens that from Marchants and other good trades , growe to bee base Infourmers and Knightes of the Poste , crye out when they dine with Duke Humfrey . Oh what wickednes comes from whoores , Prentises that runnes from their maisters , cryes ou● 〈◊〉 whoores . Tush Lawrence , what enormities proceedes more in the Common-wealth then from whooredome . But sith t is almost suppertime , and myrth is the friend to digestion , I meane a little to bee pleasaunt , I praie you how many badde profittes againe growes from whoores , Bridewell woulde haue verie fewe Tenants , the Hospitall would want Patientes , and the Surgians much woorke , the Apothecaries would haue surphaling water and Patato rootes lye deade on theyr handes , the Paynters coulde not dispatche and make away theyr Uermiglion , if tallowe faced whoores vsde it not for their cheekes , how should sir Iohns Broades men doo if wee were not ● why Lawrence the Gally would bee moord and the blewe ●oore so leane , that he would not be mans meate , if we of the Trade were not to supply his wants , doo you thinke in conscience the Peacocke could burnish his faire tayle , were it not the whore of Babilon and such like , makes him lustie with crownes , no no , though the Talbot hath bitten some at the game , yet new fresh huntsmen shake the she crue out of the cupples . What should I say more Lawrence , th● Suberbes should haue a great misse of vs , and Shordish wold complaine to dame Anne a Cleare , if wee of the sisterhood should not vphold heriollitie , who is that Lawrence comes in to heare our talke , Oh t is the boy Nan that tels vs supper is readie , why then Lawrence what say you to me●● haue I not prooued that in foysting and nipping we excell you , that there is none so great inconuenience in thé Common wealth , as growes from whores , first for the corrupting of youth , infecting of age , for breeding of brawles , whereof ensues murther , insomuch that the rume of many men comes from vs , and the fall of ●●●ny youthes of good hope , if they were not seduced by vs , doo proclaime at Tyborne , that wee be the meanes of their miserie , you men theeues touch the bodie and wealth , but we ruine the soule , and indanger that which is more pretious then the worldes treasure , you make worke onely for the gallowes , we both for the gallowes and the diuel , I and for the Surgian too , that some liues like loathsome laizers , and die with the French Marbles . Whereupon I conclude , that I haue wonne the supper .

Laur.

I confesse it Nan , for thou hast tolde mee such wonderous villanies , as I though neuer could haue been in women , I meane of your profession , why you are Crocodiles when you weepe , Basilisks when you smile , Serpents when you deuise , and the diuels cheefest broakers to bring the world to distruction . And so Nanlets sit downe to our meate and be merry .

THus Country men , you haue heard the disputation between these two cousoning companions , wherein I haue shakte out the notable villany of whores , although mistresse Nan this good Oratresse , hath sworne to we are a long Hamborough knife to stabbe mee , and all the crue haue protested my death , and to prooue they ment good earnest , they belegard me about in the Saint Iohns head within Ludgate beeing at supper , there were some fourtéene or fiftéene of them met , and thought to haue made that the fatall night of my ouerthrowe , but that the courteous Cittizens and Apprentises tooke my part , and so two or thrée of them were carryed to the Counter , although a Gentleman in my company was sore hurt . I cannot deny but they beginne to waste away about London , and Tyborne ( since the setting out of my booke ) hath eaten vp many of them , and I will plague them to the extreamitie , let them doe what they dare with their bilbowe blades , I feare them not : and to giue them their last adue , looke shortly Countrimen for a Phamphlet against them , called The blacke Booke , contayning foure newe Lawes neuer spoken of yet , The creeping Law of petty théeues , that rob about the Suburbes . The lymitting Lawe , discoursing the orders of such as followe Iudges , in their circuites , and goe about from Fayre to Fayre . The Iugging Law , wherein I will set out the disorders at Nyneholes and Ryfling , how they are onely for the benefite of the Cutpurses . The stripping Lawe , wherein I will lay open the lewde abuses of sundry Iaylors in England . Beside , you shall see there what houses there bee about the Suburbes and townes ende , that are receyuers of Cut purses stolne goods , Lifts , and such like . And lastly , looke for a Bed-roll or Catologue , of all the names of the Foystes , Nyps , Lifts , and Priggars , in and about London : and although some say , I dare not doe it , yet I will shortly set it abroach , and whosoeuer I name or touch , if hee thinke himselfe greeued , I will aunswere him before the Honourable priuie Counsayle .

The conuersion of an English Courtizan .

SIth to discouer my parentage , woulde double the griefe of my lyuing Parents , and reuiue in them , the memory of my great amisse , and that my vntoward fall , would be a dishonour to the house from whence I came . Sith to manifest the place of my birth , would be a blemish ( through my beastly life so badly misledde ) to the Shyre where I was borne : sith to discourse my name , might be holden a blot in my kindreds browe , to haue a sinew in their stocke of so little grace . I will conceale my parents , kin , and Country , and shroude my name with silence , least enuie myght taunt others for my wantonnesse . Knowe therefore , I was borne about thréescore miles from London , of honest and welthy parents , who had many children , but I their onely daughter , and therefore the Iewell wherein they most delighted , and more , the youngest of all , and therefore the more fauoured : for beeing gotten in the wayning of my parents age , they doted on me aboue the rest , and so set theyr harts the more on fire . I was the fairest of all , and yet not more beautifull then I was witty , in so much that beeing a pretty Parrat , I had such quaint conceipts , and witty words in my mouth , that the neighbours said , I was too soone wise , to be long olde . Woulde to God , eyther the Prouerbe had been authentical , or their sayings prophecies , then had I by death in my nonage , buried many blemishes that my riper yeeres brought me to . For the extreme loue of my parents , was the very efficient cause of my follies , resembling heerin the nature of the Ape , that euer killeth that young one which he loueth most , with embracing it to feruently . So my father and mother , but she most of all , although he to much , so cockered me vp in my wantonnes , that my wit grew to the worst , and I waxed vpward with the ill weedes : what soeuer I dyd , were it neuer so bad , might not be found fault withall , my Father would smyle at it , and say , t was but the tricke of a child , and my Mother allowed of my vnhappy parts , alluding to this prophane and olde prouerbe , an vntowarde gyrle makes a good Woman .

But now I find , in sparing the rod , they hated the chyld , that ouer kind fathers , make vnruly daughters . Had they bent the wand while it had béene greene , it woulde haue beene plyant , but I , ill growne in my yéeres , am almost remediles . The Hawke that is most perfect for the flight and will , seldome proueth hagarde , and children that are vertuously nurtured in youth , will be honestly natured in age : ●le vpon such as say , young Saints , olde deuils , it is no doubt a deuillish and damnable saying , for what is not bent in the Cradle , will hardly be bowed in the Sadle . My selfe am an instance , who after I grew to be sixe yeeres olde , was sette to Schoole , where I profited so much , that I writ and read excellently well , playd vpon the virginals , Lute & Cytron , and could sing prick-song at the first sight : in so much , as by that time I was twelue yeeres olde , I was holden for the most faire , and best qualitied young girle in all that Countrey , but with this , bewailed of my wel-wishers , in that my parents suffered me to be so wanton .

But they so tenderly affected mee , and were so blinded with my excellent quallities , that they had no insight into my ensuing follies . For I growing to be thirteene yeere old , feeling the rayne of liberty loose on myne owne necke , began with the wanton Heyfer , to ayme at mine own wil , and to measure content , by the sweetnes of mine owne thoughts , in so much , that pryde creeping on , I beganne to prancke my selfe with the proudest , and to holde it in disdaine , that any in the Parish , should exceede me in brauery . As my apparrell was costly , so I grew to be licencious , and to delight to be lookt on , so that I haunted and frequented all feasts and weddings , & other places of merry meetings , where , as I was gazed on of many , so I spared no glaunces to suruiew all with a curious eye-fauour : I obserued Ouids rule right : Spectatum veniunt , veniunt spectentur vt ipse .

I went to see & be seene , and deckt my selfe in the highest degree of brau●rie , holding it a glory when I was wayted on with many eyes , to make censure of my birth . Beside , I was an ordinary dauncer , and grewe in that quality so famous , that I was noted as the chiefest thereat in all the Country , yea , and to soothe me vp in these follies , my Parents tooke a pride in my dauncing , which afterward prooued my ouerthrow , and their hart breaking .

Thus as an vnbridled Colte , I carelesly led foorth my youth , and wantonly spent the flower of my yeeres , holding such Maidens as were modest , fooles , and such as were not as willfully wanton as my selfe , puppies , ill brought vppe and without manners , growing on in yeeres , as tyde nor tyme tarrieth no man , I began to waxe passion-proud , and to think her not worthy to lyue , that was not a little in loue , that as diuers young men began to fauour me for my beautie , so I beganne to censure of some of them partially , and to delight in the multitude of many wooers , beeing ready to fall from the Tree , before I was come to the perfection of a blossome , which an Unckle of myne seeing , who was my Mothers brother , as carefull of my welfare as nie to me in kinne , finding fit oportunity to talke with mee , gaue mee this wholesome exhortation .

A watch-word to wanton Maidens .

COzen , I sée the fayrest Hawke hath oftentimes the sickkest feathers , that the hotest day hath the most sharpest thunders , the brightest sunne , ●he most suddaine showre , & the youngest Uirgins , the most daungerous fortunes , I speake as a kinsman , and wish as a friend , the blossome of a Maidens youth , ( such as your selfe ) hath attending vpon it many frosts to nyp it , and many cares to consume it , so that if it be not carefully lookt vnto , it will perrish before it come to any perfection .

A Uirgins honour , consisteth not onely in the gyfts of Nature , as to be fayre and beautifull , though they bee fauours that grace Maidens much , for as they be glistering , so they be momentary , readie to be worne with euery winters blast , and parched with euery Summers sunne , there is no face so fayre , but the least Moale , the slenderest skarre , the smallest brunt of sicknesse , will quickly blemishe .

Beauty Cozen , as it florisheth in youth , so it fadeth in age , it is but a folly that feedeth mans eye , a painting that Nature lendes for a tyme , and men allowe on for a while , in so much , that such as onely ayme at your faire lookes , tye but their loues to an apprentishippe of beauty , which broken eyther with cares , misfortune , or yeeres , their destnies are at liberty , and they beginne to lothe you , and like of others .

Forma bonum fragile est quantumque accedit ad Annos , Fit minor et spacio Carpitur ipsa suo .

Then Cozin , stand not too much on such a slippery glorie , that is as brittle as glasse , bee not proude of beauties painting , that hatched by tyme , perrisheth in short tyme , neyther are Women the more admirable of wise men for theyr gay apparrell , though fooles are fed with gards , for a womans ornaments , is the excellencie of her vertues : and her inward good qualities , are of farre more worth then her outward braueries , imbroydred hayre , bracelets , silkes : rich attire , and such trash , doo rather bring the name of a young Maide in question , then adde to her same any title of honour .

The Vestall Uirgins were not reuerenced of the Senators for their curious clothing , but for their chastitie . Cornelia was not famozed for ornaments of golde , but for excellent vertues . Superfluity in apparrell , sheweth rather lightnes of mind , then it importeth any other inward good quality : and men iudge of Maydens rarenesse , by the modestie of their rayment , holding it rather garish then glorious , to be trickt vp in superstuous and excéeding braueries . Neither Cozen is it seemely for Maydes , to iet abroade , or to frequent too much company .

For shée that is looked on by many , cannot chuse but bee hardly spoken of by some , for report hath a blister on her tongue , and Maydens actions are narrowly measured . Therefore woulde not the auncient Romaines , suffer theyr Daughters , to goe any further then theyr Mothers lookes guided them . And therefore Diana is painted with a Tortuse vnder her feete , meaning , that a Maid shoulde not be a stragler , but like the Snayle , carry her house on her heade ; and keepe at home at her worke , so to keepe her name without blemish , and her vertues from the slaunder of enuie .

A maide that hazards herselfe in much company , may venture the fréedome of her hart by the folly of her eye , for so long the pot goes to the water , that it comes broken home , and such as looke much must néedes like at last : the Fly dallyes with a flame , but at length she burneth , flax and fire put together will kindle , a maid in companie of yonge men shall be constrayned to listen to the wanton allurements of many cunning speeches : if she hath not eyther with Vlisses tasted of Moly , or stopt her eares warily , shee may either bee entised with the Syrens , or enchanted by Cyrces , youth is apt to yeeld to swéet perswasions , and therfore cozen thinke nothing more daungerous than to gad abr●ade , neither cozen doe I allowe this wanton dauncing in younge virgins , t is more comendation for them to moderate their manners , than to measure their féete , and better to heare nothing than to listen vnto vnreuerent Musicke : Sylence is a precious Iewell , and nothing so much worth as a couetenaunce full of chastitie , light behauiour is a signe of lewd thoughts , and men will say , there goes a wanton that will not want one , if a place and person were agréeable to her desires : if a maidens honor be blemisht , or her honestie cald in question , she is halfe deflowred , and therefore had maidens neede to bee chary , least enuy report them for vnchast . Cozen I speake this generally , which if you apply particularly to your selfe , you shall find in time my words were well saide .

I gaue him slender thankes , but with such a frump that he perceiued how light I made of his counsayle : which hee perceiuing , shakt his head , and with teares in his eyes departed . But I whom wanton desires had drawne in delight , still presumde in my former follies , and gaue my selfe either to gad abroad , or else at home to read dissolute Pamphlets , which bred in mee many ill affected wishes , so that I gaue leaue to loue and lust to enter into the center of my heart , where they harboured tyll they wrought my finall and fatall preiudice .

Thus leading my life loosely , and being soothed vp with the applause of my too kind and louing parents , I had many of euery degrée that made loue vnto me , as wel for my beauty , as for the hope of wealth that my father would bestowe vpon mee : sundry sutors I had , and I allowed of all , though I particularly graunted loue to none , yéelding them friendly fauors , as being proud I had more wooers then any maid in the parish beside : amongst the rest there was a welthy Farmer that wished me well , a man of some forty yeeres of age , one too worthy for one of so little worth as my selfe , and him my father , mother , and other friendes , would haue had mee match my selfe withall : but I that had had the raynes of lybertie too long in mine owne hands , refused him and would not bee ruled by their perswasions , and though my mother with teares entreated mee to consider of mine owne estate , & how wel I sped if I wedded with him , yet carelesly I despised her counsayle , and flatly made aunswere that I would none of him : which though it pinched my Parentes at the quicke , yet rather than they would displease me , they left me● in mine own liberty to loue . Many there were beside him , mens sons of no meane worth , that were wooers vnto mee , but in vaine , either my fortune or destenie dro●e me to a worser ende , for I re●used them all , and with the Beetle , refusing to light on the swéetest flowers all day , nestled at night in a Cowsheard .

It fortuned that as many sought to win me , so amongst the rest there was an od companion that dwelt with a Gentleman hard by , a fellowe of small reputation , and of no lyuing , neither had he any excellent quallities but thrumming on the gittron : but of pleasant disposition he was , and could gawll out many quaint & ribadrous Iigges & songs , and so was fauoured of the ●oolish sect for his foppery . This shifting companion , sutable to my selfe in vanitie , would oft● times be iesting with me , and I so long dallying with him , that I beganne déepely ( oh let me blush at this confession ) to fall in loue with him , and so construed of all his actions , that I consented to mine owne ouerthrowe : for as smoake will hardly be concealed , so loue will not bee long smothred , but will bewray her owne secrets , which was manifest in mee , who in my sporting with him , so bewrayed my affection , that hee spying I fauoured him , began to strike when the yron was hotte , and to take opportunitie by the forehead , and one day finding me in a merry vaine , began to question with me of loue , which although at the first I slenderly denyed him , yet at last I graunted , so that not onely I agréed to plight him my faith , but that night méeting to haue farther talke , I lasciuiously consented that he cropt the flower of my virginity . When thus I was spoyled by such a base companion , I gaue my selfe to content his humor , and to satisfie the sweet of mine owne wanton desires . Oh heare let me breath and with teares vewaile the beginning of my miseries , and to exclayme against the folly of my Parents , who by too much fauouring mee in my vanitie in my tender youth , layde the first plot of my ensuing repentance : Had they with due correction chastised my wantonnesse , and supprest my foolish will with their graue aduise , they had made mee more vertuous and themselues lesse sorrowfull . A fathers frowne is a bridle to the childe , and a mothers checke is a stay to the stubhorne daughter . Oh had my parents in ouerlouing mee not hated me , I had not at this time cause to complaine . Oh had my father regarded the saying of the wise man , I had not beene thus woe begone .

If thy daughter bee not shamefast holde her straightly , least shee abuse her selfe through ouer-much libertie .

Take heede of her that hath an vnshamefast eye , & maruell not if she trespasse against thee .

The daughter maketh the father to watch secretly , and the carefulnesse he hath for her , taketh away his sleepe .

In her virginitie , least shee should be deflowred in her fathers house .

If therefore thy daughter be vnshamefast in her youth , keepe her straightlie , least shee cause thine enemies to laugh thee to scorne , and make thee a common talke in the Cittie , and defame thee among the people , and bring thee to publique shame .

Had my parentes with care considered of this holy counsaile , and leuelied my life by the load-stone of vertue : had they lookt narrowly into the faultes of my youth , and bent the trée while it was a wand , and taught the hound while he was a puppie , this blemish had neuer befortuned me● nor so great dishonour had not befallen them . Then by my example , let all Parents take head , least in ●ouing their children too tenderly , they 〈◊〉 them vtterly , least in manuring the ground too much with the vnskilful husbandman , it were too fat , and bring foorth more wee●s then floures , least cookering their children vnder their winges without correction , they make them carelesse , and bring them to destruction , as their ●●rture is in youth , so will their nature grow in age . If the Palme tree be supprest while it is a sien , it wil contrary to nature be crooked when it is a Tree .

Quo se●●el est imbutarecens seruabit odoren test a di●.

If then vertue be to be ingrafted in youth . least they prooue obstiuate in age , reforme your children betimes both with correction and counsaile , so shall you that are parentes glorie in the honour of their good indeuours , but leauing this digression , againe to the loosenesse of mine owne life , who now hauing lost the glorie of my youth , and suffered such a base slaue to possesse it , which many men of woorth had desired to enioy , I waxed hold in sin & grew shameles , in so much he could not desire so much as I did grant , whereupon , seeing hee durst not reueale it to my father to demand me in marriage , hee resolued to carry me away secretly , and therefore wisht me to prouide for my selfe , and to furnish mee euery way both with money and apparrell , hoping as he sayd , that after we were departed , and my father saw wee were married , and that no meanes was to amend it , he would giue his free consent , and vse vs as kindly , and deale with vs as liberally as if wee had matcht with his good wil. I that was apt to any il , agreed to this , and so wrought the matter , that hee carried mee away into a straunge place , and then vsing me a while as his wife , when our mony began to wax low , he resolued secretly to go into the Country where my father dwelt , to heare not only how my father tooke my departure , but what hope we had of his ensuing fauour , although I was loath to be left alone in a strange place , yet I was willing to heare from my friendes , who no doubt conceiued much heart sorrow for my vnhappy fortunes , so that I parted with a few teares , and enioyned him , to make all the hast he might to returne , hee being gone , as the Eagles alwaies resort where the carrion is , so the brute being spred abroad of my bewtie , and that at such an Inne laie such a faire yoong Gentlewoman , there resorted thither many braue youthfull Gentlemen and cutting companions , that tickled with lust , aymed at the possession of my fauour , and by sundry meanes sought to haue a sight of me , which I easily graunted to all , as a woman that counted it a glory to be wondred at by many mens eyes , insomuch that comming amongst them , I set their harts more and more on fire , that there rose diuers brawles who should bee most in my company , beeing thus haunted by such a troupe of lustie Ruffiers , I beganne to finde mine owne folly , that had placst my first affection so losely , and therefore beganne as deeply to loath him that was departed , as earst I likte him , when hee was present , vowing in my selfe though hee had the spoyle of my virginitie , yet neuer after should he triumph in the possession of my fauour , and therfore beganne I to affection these new come guests , and one aboue the rest , who was a braue yoong Gentleman , and no lesse addicted vnto mee , then I deuoted vnto him , for daily hee courted mee with amorous Sonnets and curious proude letters , and sent me Iewels , and all that I might grace him with the name of my seruant , I returned him as louyng ●nes at last , and so contented his lusting desire , that secretly and vnknowne to all the rest , I made him sundry nights my bedfellow , where I so bewitcht him with sweet wordes , that the men began deepely to doate vpon me , insomuch that selling some portion of land that he had , hee put it into readie money , and prouiding Horse and all things conuenient , carried mee secretly away , almost as farre as the Bathe . This was my second choyce and my second shame , thus I went forward in wickednesse and delighted in chaunge , hauing left mine olde loue to looke after some other mate more fit for her purpose , how hee tooke my departure when hee returned I little cared , for now I had my content , a Gentleman , yoong , lustie , and indned with good quallities , and one that loued mee more tenderly then himselfe , thus liued this new entertained friend and I togither vnmarried , yet as man and wife for a while , so louingly as was to his content and my credite , but as the Tygre though for a while shee hide her clawee , yet at last shee will reueale her crueltie , and as the Agnus Castus leafe when it lookes most drye , is then most full of moysture , so womens wantonnesse is not quallified by their warinesse , nor doo their charinesse for a moneth , warrant their chastitie for euer , which I prooued true , for my supposed husband beeing euery way a man of worth could not so couertly hide himselfe in the country , though a stranger , but that he fel in acquaintance with many braue Gentlemen whom he brought home to his lodging , not only to honour them with his liberall courtesie , but also to see mee being proude of any man of woorth , applawded my beautie . Alas poore Gentleman , too much bewitcht by the wilinesse of a woman , had hee deemed my heart to bee a harbour for euery new desire , or mine eye a suter to euerie new face , hee would not haue beene so fonde as to haue brought his companions into my company , but rather would haue mewed mee vp as a He●ne , to haue kept that seuerall to himselfe by force , which hee could not retaine by kindnesse , but the houest minded Nouice little suspected my chaunge , although I God wot placed my delight , in nothing more then the desire of new choyce , which fell out thus . Amongst the rest of the Gentlemen that kept him company , there was one that was his most familiar , and hee reposed more trust and confidence in him then in all the rest , this Gentleman beganne to bee deepely inamoured of mee , and shewed it by many signes which I easily perceiued , and I whose eare was pliant to euery sweete word , and who so allowed of all that were bewtifull , affected him no lesse , so that loue preuailing aboue friendship , hee broake the matter with mee , and made not many suites in vaine before hee obteined his purpose , for hee had what hee wisht , and I had what contented mee , I will not confesse that any of the rest had some sildome fauours , but this Gentleman was my second selfe ; and I loued him more for the time at the heele , then the other at the heart , so that though the other youth beare the charges and was sir pay for all , yet this newe friend was hee that was maister of my affections , which kindnesse betwixt vs , was so vnwisely cloaked , that in short time it was manifest to all our familiars which made my supposed husband to sigh and others to smile , but hee that was hit with the horne was pincht at the heart , yet so extreame was the affection hee bare to mee , that he had rather conceale his greefe , then any way make me discontent , so that hee smoothered his sorrow with patience , and brookt the miurie with silence , till our loues grew so broad before , that it was a woonder to the worlde , whereupon one day at dinner , I being verie pleasant with his chosen friend and my choyce louer , I know not how , but either by fortune , or it may be some set match , there was by a gentleman , there present a question popt in about womens passions , and their mutabilitie in affection , so that the controuersie was defended , pro & contra , which arguments , whether a woman might haue a second friend or no , at last it was concluded , that loue and Lordshippe brookes no fellowship , and therefore none so base minded to beare ariuall . Hereupon arose a question about friendes that were put in trust , how it was a high point of treason , for one to betray an other , especially in loue , in so much that one gentleman at the boord , protested by a solemne oath , that if any friend of his made priuie and fauoured witly the sight of his mistresse whom hee loued , whether it were his wife or no , should secretly seeke to incroach into his roome and offer him that dishonour to partake his loue , he would not vse any other reuenge , but at the next greeting stabbe him with his Poynado , though hee were coudemned to death for the action . All this fitted for the humor of my supposed husband , and strooke both mee and my friend into a quandarie , but I scornfully iested at it , when as my husband taking the ball before it fel to the ground , began to make a long discourse what faithlesse friends they were that would faile in loue , especially where a resolued trust of the partie beloued was committed vnto them , and herevpon to make the matter more credulous , and to quip my folly , and to taunt the basenesse of his friends minde , that so he might with curtesie both warne vs of our wantonnes , and ●eclaime vs from ill , he promised to tell a pleasant storie performed as hee sayd not long since in England , and it was to this effect .

A pleasant discourse , how a wise wanton by her husbands gentle warning , became to be a modest Matron .

THere was a Gentleman ( to giue him his due ) an Esquire heere in England , that was married to a yoong Gentlewoman , faire and of a modest behauiour , vertuous in her lookes , how soeuer she was in her thoughts , and one that euery veay with her dutifull indeuour and outward apparance of honestie , did breed her husbands content , insomuch that the Gentleman so deeply affected her , as he counted al those houres ill spent which he past not away in her company , besotting so himselfe in the beautie of his wife , that his onely care was to haue her euery way delighted , liuing thus pleasantly togither , he had one spetiall friend amongst the rest , whom he so dearly affected , as euer Damon did his Pythias , Pliades his Orestes , or Tytus his Gisippus , he vnfolded all his secrets in his bosome , and what passion hee had in his minde that either ioyed him or perplexed him , he reuealed vnto his friend , & directed his actious according to the sequel of his counsailes so that they were two bodies and one soule . This Gentleman for all the iuward fauour showne him by his faithful friend , could not so withstand the force ●f fancy , but he grew enamoured of his friendes wife , whom he courted with many sweet words and ●aire pr●nises , chorms that are able to inchant almost the chastest eares , and so subtilly couched his arguments , discouered such loue in his eyes , and such sorrow in his lookes , that dispaire seemed to sit in his face , and swo●e , that if shee granted not him Le don du merci , the end of a louers 〈…〉 would present his hart as a Tragick sacrifice to the sight of his 〈◊〉 mistresse , the Gentlewoman waxing pitifull , as women are 〈◊〉 ●●●ted and are loth Gentlemen should die for loue , after a few excuses 〈◊〉 him dub her husband knight of the forked order , and so to satisfie his humor , made forfeyt of her owne honor . Thus these two louers continued by a great space in such plesures as vnchast wantons count their felicitie , hauing continually fit opportunitie to exercise their wi●●● purpose , sith the gentleman himself did giue them free libertie to lo●● neither suspecting his wife , or suspecting his friend , at last , as such traytrous abuses will burst foorth , it fell so out , that a ●●yd who had been an old seruant in the house , began to grow suspitious , that there was too much familiaritie betweene her mistresse and her maisters friend , and vpon this watcht them diuers times so narrowly , that at last she sound them more priuiate then either agreed with her maisters honor , or her owne honestie , and thereupon reuealed it one day vnto her maister , he little credulous of the light behauiour of his wife , blamed the mayd and bad her take heed , least she sought to blemish her vertues with slaunder , whom hee loued more tenderly then his owne life , the mayd replied , that she spake not of enuy to him , but of meere loue she heare vnto him , and the rather that hee might shadow such a fault in time , and by some meanes preuent it , least if others should note it as well as shee , his wiues good name and his friends should bee cald in question , at these wise words spoken by so base a drug as his mayd , the Gentleman waxed astonished and listened to her discourse , wishing her to discouer how she knew or was so priuy to the folly of her mistresse , or by what meanes he might haue assured proofe of it , shee tolde him that to her , her owne eyes were witnesses , for shee saw them vnlawfully togither , and please it you sir quoth shee , to faine your selfe to go from home , and then in the backhouse to keepe you secret , I will let you see as much as I haue manifested vnto you , vpon this the maister agreed , and warnd his mayd not so much as to make it knowne to any of her fellowes . Within a day or two after , the Gentleman sayd , hee would goe a huntiug and fo rise verie early , and causing his men to couple vp his Honndes , left his wife in bed and went abroad , assoone as he was gone a myle from the house , he commanded his men to ryde afore and to start the Hare and follow the chase , and wee will come faire and softly after , they obeying their maisters charge , went theyr wayes , and he returned by a backway to his house , and went secretly to the place where his mayd and he had appointed . In the meane time , the mistresse thinking her husband safe with his Houndes , sent for he● friend to her bed chamber , by a trustie seruant of hers , in whom shee assured that was a secret Pander in such affaires , and the Gent●eman was not stacke to come , but making all the haste hee could , came and went into the chamber , asking for the Maister of the house very familiarly , the old mayd noting all this , assoone as she knew them togither , went and cald her maister and carried him vp by a secret pair of staires to her mistresse chamber doore , where peeping in at a place that the mayd before had made for the purpose , he saw more then he lookt for , and so much as pincht him at the very heart , causing him to accuse his wife for a strumpet and his friend for a traytor , yet for all this , valuing his owne honour more then their dishonestie , thinking if he should make an vprore , he should but ayme at his owne discredite , and cause himself to be a laughing game to his enemies , he concealed his sorrow with silence , and taking the mayd apart , charged her to keepe all secret , whatsoeuer she had seene , euen as she esteemed of her owne life , for if shee did bewray it to any , hee himselfe would with his Swoord make an ende of her daies , and with that putting his hand in his sleeue , gaue the poore mayd sixe Angels to buy her a new gowne , the wench glad of this gift , swore solemnely to tread it vnder foote , and sith it pleased him to conseale it , neuer to reueale it as long as she liued , vpon this they parted , she to her drudgery , and he to the field to his men , where after hee had kild the Hare , hee returned home , and finding his friend in the Garden , that in his absence had been grafting hornes in the Chunnies , and entertained him with his woonted familiaritie , and shewed no bad countenance to his wife , but dissembled al his thoughts to the full . Assoone as dinner was done , and that he was gotten solitarie by himselfe , he beganne to determine of reuenge , but not as euerie man would haue done , how to haue brought his wife to shame , & her loue to confusion , but he busied his braines how hee might reserue his honour inuiolate , reclaime his wife , and keep his friend , meditating a long time how he might bring all this to passe , at last a humour fell into his head , how cunningly to compasse all three and therefore he went & got him a certaine slips , which are counterfeyt peeces of mony being brasse , & couered ouer with siluer , which the common people call slips , hauing furnished himselfe with these , hee put them in his purse , and at night went to bed as he was wont to doo , yet not vsing the kind familiaritie that he accustomed , notwithstanding he abstained not from the vse of her body , but knew his wife as afore times , and euery time hee committed the act with her , he layd the next morning in the window a slip , where hee was sure shee might finde it , and so many times as it pleased him to be carnally pleasant with his wife , so many slips he still layd down vpon her cushnet . This he vsed for the space of a fortnight , till at last , his wife finding euery day a slip , or sometime more or lesse , wondred how they came there , and examining her wayting maydes , none of them could tell her any thing touching them , whereupon shee thought to question with her husband about it , but being out of her remembrance , the next morning as he & she lay dallying in bed , it came into her minde , and she asked her husband if he layd those slippes on her cushnet , that she of late found there , hauing neuer seene any before . I marry did I quoth hee , and I haue layd them there vpon speciall reason , and it is this . Euer since I haue been married to thee , I haue deemed thee honest , and therefore vsed and honored thee as my wife , parting coequall fauours betwixt vs as true loues , but alate finding the contrary , & with these eyes seeing thee play the whore with my friend in whom I did repose all my trust , I sought not as many would haue done , to haue reuenged in blood , but for the safetie of mine own honor , which otherwise would haue been blemisht by thy dishonestie , I haue bin silent , and haue neyther wronged my quandom friend , nor abused thee , but still do hold bed with thee , that the world shall not suspect any thing , and to quench the desire of lust I do vse thy bodie , but not so louingly as I would a wife , but carelesly as I would a strumpet , and therefore euen as to a whoore , so I giue thee hyer , which is for euerie time a slip , a counterfect coyne , which is good inough for such a slipperie wanton , that will wrong her husband that loued her so tenderly , and thus wil I vse thee for the safetie of mine owne honour , til I haue assured proofe that thou beco●●est honest , and thus with teares in his eyes and his heart readie to burst with sighes , he was silent , when his wife striken with remorse of conscience , leapi●● out of her bedde in her smocke , humbly confessing all , craued pardon promising if he should pardon this offence which was new begun in 〈◊〉 , shee would become anew reformed woman , and neuer after so much as in thought , giue him any occasion of suspition or ielousie , the patient husband not willing to vrge his wife , tooke her at her word , and told her that when he found her so reclaimed , he would as afore he had done , vse her louingly and as his wife , but till he was so perswaded of her honestie , he wold pay her stil ●lips for his pleasure , charging her not to reueale any thing to his friend , or to make it knowne to him that hee was priuy to their loues . Thus the debate ended , I gesse in some kinde greeting , and the Gentleman went abroad to see his pastures , leauing his wife in bed full of sorrow and almost renting her heart asunder with sighs , assoone as he was walked abroad , the Gentleman his friend came to the house and asked for the goodman , the pander that was priuy to all their practises , said , that his maister was gone abroad to see his pastures , but his mistresse was in bed , why then saies he , I will go and raise her vp , so comming into the chamber and kissing her , meaning as hee was wont to haue vsed other accustomed dalliance , shee desired him to abstaine with broken sighes & her eyes full of teares , he wondring what should make her thus discontent , asked her what was the cause of her sorow , protesting with a solemne oath , that if any had done her iniury , he wold reuenge it , were it with hazard of his life , she then tolde him scarce being able to speake for weeping , that shee had a sute to mooue him in , which if he granted vnto her , she would hold him in loue and affection without change next her husband foreuer , he promised to do whatsoeuer it were , then saies she , sweare vpon a Byble you will do it without exception , with that he tooke a Byble that laie in the window & swore , that whatsoeuer she requested him to do , were it to the losse of his life , he would without exception performe it . Then she holding downe her head and blushing , began thus . I need not quoth shee make manifest how grosly and greeuously you and I haue both offended God , and wronged the honest Gentleman my husband and your friend , hee putting a speciall trust in vs both , & assuring such earnest affiance in your vnfained friendship , that hee euen committeth me his wife , his loue , his second life , into your bosome , this loue haue 〈…〉 constancy , in playing the harlot , that saith that he 〈…〉 you returned with trechery and falshood , in abusing mine honesty and his honor , now a remorse of conscience toucheth me for my sinnes , that I hartily repent , and vow euer hereafter to liue onely to my husband , and therefore my sute is to you , that from hencefoorth you shall neuer so much as motion any dishonest question vnto mee , nor seeke any vnlawfull pleasure or conuersing at my handes this is my sute , and hereunto I haue sworne you , which oath if you obserue as a faithfull gentleman , I will conceale from my husband what is past , and rest in honest sort your faithfull friend for euer , at this shee burst a fresh into teares , and vttered such sighes , that he thought for very griefe her hart would haue claue asunder . The gentleman astonied at this straunge Metamorphesis of his mistresse , sat a good while in a maze , and at last taking her by the hand , made this reply , so God helpe mee faire sweeting , I am glad of this motion , and wondrous ioyfull that God hath put such honest thoughts into your mind , & hath made you the meanes to reclaime me from my folly , I feele no lesse remorse then you doo , in wronging so honest a friend as your husband , but this is the frailnesse of man , and therefore to make amends , I protest a new , neuer hereafter so much as in thought , as to motion you of dishonestie , onely I craue you be silent , she promised that and so they ended . And so for that time they parted , at noone the gentleman came home and cheerfully saluted his wife and asked if dinner were ready , and sent for his friend , vsing him wonderfully familiarly , giuing him no occasion of mistrust , and so pleasantly they past away the day togither , at night when his wife and he went to bed , shee told him all , what had past betweene her and his friend , and how she had bound him with an oath , and that hee voluntarily of himselfe swore , as much being hartily sory that hee had so deepely offended so kinde a friend , the gentleman commended her wit , and found her afterward a reclaimed woman , shee liuing so honestly that she neuer gaue him any occasion of mistrust . Thus the wise gentleman reclaimed with silence a wanton wife , and retained an assured friend .

At this pleasant Tale all the boord was at a mutinie , and they said the gentleman did passing wisely that wrought so cunningly for the safetie of his owne honor , but highly exclaiming against such a friend as would to his friend offer such villany , all condemning her that wold be false to so louing a husband . Thus they did diuersly descant & past away dinner , but this Tale wrought litle effect in me , for as one past grace , I delighted in chaunge , but the gentleman that was his familiar and my Paramour , was so touched , that neuer after hee would touch me dishonestly , but reclaimed himselfe , abstained from me and became true to his friend , I wondring that according to his woonted custome , he did not seeke my company , he and I being one day in the chamber alone , and he in his dumpes , I began to dally with him , and to aske him why he was so straunge , and vsed not his accustomed fauours to me . He solemnely made answere , that though he had playd the foole in setting his fancy vpon an other mans wife , & in wronging his friend , yet his conscience was now touched with remorse , & euer since he heard the Tale afore rehearsed , hee had vowed in himselfe neuer to do my husband the like wrong againe : my husband quoth I , he is none of mine , he hath brought me from my friends and keepes mee here vnmarried , and therefore am I as free for you as for him , & thus began to grow clamorous , because I was debard of my lust , the gentleman seeing me shamelesse , wisht me to be silent , and sayd , although you be but his friend , yet he hold you as deare as his wife , and therfore I will not abuse him , neither would I wish you to be familiar with any other , seeing you haue a friend that loues you so tenderly , much good counsaile he gaue me , but all in vaine , for I scorned it , and began to hate him , and resolued both to be ridde of him and my supposed husband , for falling in an other familiar of my husbands , I so inueagled him with sweet words , that I caused him to make a peece of mony to steale me away , and so carry me to London , where I had not liued long with him , ere he seeing my light behauiour , left mee to the world , and to shift for my selfe . Here by my example may you note the inconstant life of Courtezens and common harlots , who after they haue lost their honestie , care not who grow into their fauour , nor what villany they commit , they fancy all as long as crownes last , and only ayme at pleasure and ease , they cleaue like Caterpillars to the tree , and consume the fruit where they fall , they be Vultures that praie on men aliue , and like the Serpent sting the bosome wherein they are nourished . I may best discourse their nature , because I was one of their profession , but now beeing metamorphosed , I holde it meritorious for mee to warne women from being such wantons , and to giue a caueat to men , least they addict themselues to such stragling strumpettes , as loue none , though they like all , but affectionate only for profit , and when he hath spent all , they beate him out of doores with the prodigall childe , but stopping heere , till occasion serue mee fitter to discouer the ma●ner of Courtizins , to my selfe , who now being brought to London , and left here at randon , was not such a housedoue while any friend stated with me , but that I had visite some houses in London , that could harbour as honest a woman as my selfe , when as therefore I was left to my selfe , I remoued my lodging , and gat mee into one of those houses of good hospitalitie whereunto persons resort , commonly called a Trugging house , or to be plaine , a whorse house , where I gaue my selfe to entertaine al companions , sitting or standing at the doore like a staule , to allure or draw in wanton passengers , refusing none that wold with his pursepurchase me to be his , to satisfie the disordinate desire of his filthie lust , now I began not to respect parsonage , good qualities , to the gratious fauour of the man , when eye had no respect of person , for the oldest lecher was as welcom as the yangest louer , so he broght meate in his mouth , otherwise I pronounce against him .

Si nihil attuleris ibis homere foras .

I waxed thus in this hell of voluptuousnes , daily worse & worse , yet hauing as they terme it , a respect to the maine chance as neare as I could to auoyd diseases , and to keepe my selfe braue in apparell , although I pay● a kind of tribute to the Bawde , according as the number and benefite of my companions did exceed , but neuer could I bee brought to be a pickpocket or theeuish , by any of their perswasions , although I wanted daily no instructions to allure me to that villany , for I thinke nature had wrought in me a contrary humor , otherwise my bad nourture and conuersing with such bad company , had brought me to it , mary in all their vices I carried a brazen face & was shamelesse , for what Ruffian was there in London , that would vtter mor edesperate oaths then I in mine anger , what to spet , quaffe , or carouse more diuellishly or rather damnable then my selfe , & for beastly communication , Messalyna of Rome might haue bin wayting mayd , besides , I grew so grafted in sin , that Consueto peccandit ollebat sensum peccati , Custome of sin , tooke away the feeling of the sin , for I so accustomably vse my selfe to all kinde of vice , that I accounted swearing no sinne , whordome , why I smile at that , and could prophanely saie , that it was a sin which God laught at , gluttony I held good fellowship , & wrath honor and resolution , I dispised God , nay in my conscience I might easily haue been persuaded there was no God , I contemned the preachers , and when any wisht mee to reforme my life , I ●ad away with the Puritan , and if any yoong woman refused to be as vitious euerie way as my selfe , I would then say , gip fine soule , a yoong Saint will prooue an old diuel ; I neuer would go to the Church and Sermons , I vtterly refused , holding them as needles Tales told in a Pulpit , I would not ●end mine eares to the hearing of any good discourse . but still delighted in iangling Ditties of ryhaudrie , thus to the greefe of my friendes , hazard of my soule , and consuming of my bodie , I spent a yeare or two in this base and bad kinde of life , subiect to the whistle of euerie desperate Ruffian , till on a time , there resorted to our house a Cloathier , a propper yoong man , who by fortune , comming first to drinke , espying mee , asked mee if I would drinke with him , there needed no great intreatie , for as then I wanted company , and so clapt me downe by him , and began verie pleasantly then to welcome him , the man being of himselfe modest and honest , noted my personage , and iuditially reasoned of my strumpetlike behauiour , and inwardly as after he reported vnto mee , greeued that so foule properties were hidden in so good a proportion , and that such rare wit and excellent bewtie , was blemisht with whoredomes base deformitie , in so much that hee began to think well of me , and to wish that I were as honest as I was bewtifull . Againe , see how God wrought for my conuersion , since I gaue my selfe to my loose kinde of life , I neuer liked any so well as him , inso much that I began to iudge of euerie part , and me thought he was the properest man that euer I saw , thus we sat both amorous of other , I lasciuiously , & he honestly , at last he questioned with me what country woman I was , and why being so proper a woman , I would beseem to dwel or lie in a base Alehouse , especially in one that had a bad name , I warrant you hee wanted no kna●ish reply to ●it him , for I tolde him the house was as honest as his mothers , marry if there were in it a good wench or two , that would pleasure their friends at a neede , A gesse by his n●ase what porredge hee loued , and that hee hated none such , well , seeing mee in that voice hee said little , but shaked his head , payd for the beere and went his way , only taking his leaue of me with a kisse , which me thought was the sweetest that euer was giuen mee , assoone as hee was gone , I began to thinke what a handsome man hee w●s , and wisht that he wold come and take a nights lodging with me , sitting in a dump to thinke of the quaint●es of his personage , til other compan●●●s came in , that shakte mee out of that melancholie , but assoone againe as I was secrete to my selfe , hee came into my remembrance , passing ouer thus a day or two , this Cloathier came againe to our house , whose sight cheared mee vp , for that spying him out at a Casement , I came downe the staires and met him at the doore , and hartily welcomed him , & asked him if he wold drinke , I come for that purpose saies he , but I will drinke no more below but in a Chamber , marry sir quoth I you shal and so brought him into the fairest roome , in their sitting there togither drinking , at last the Cl●athier fell to kissing and other dalliance , wherein he found me not coy , at last told mee that he would willingly haue his pleasure of mee , but the roome was too lightsome , for of all things in the world , he cou●● not in such actions away with a light Chamber , I consented vnto him , and brought him into a roome more darke , but still hee said it was too light , then I carried him into a farther Chamber , where drawing a buckeram cuttain afore the window , and closing the curtaines of the bed , I asked him smiling , if that were close inough , no sweet loue saies he , the curtain is thin & not broad inough for the window , peradu●●●●●● some watch 〈◊〉 eye may espie vs , my hartmisdoubts , & my credit is my life , good loue if thou hast a more close room then this , bring me to 〈◊〉 , why then quoth I follow me , & with that I brought him into a backe loft , where stood a litle bed only appointed to lodge suspitious persons , so darke that at noone daies it was impossible for any man to see his owne hands , how now sir quoth I , is not this darke inough , he sitting him downe on the bed side , fetcht a deep sigh , & said indifferent , so , so , but there is a glimpse of light in at the tyles , some bodie may by fortune see vs , in faith 〈◊〉 quoth I , none but God , God saies hee , why can God see vs here , good sir quoth I , why I hope you are not so simple , but Gods eyes are so cleare , and penetrating , that they can peirce through wals of brasse , and that were we inclosed neuer so secretly , yet we are manifestly seene to him , and alas quoth he sweet loue , if God see vs shal we not be more ashamed to do● such a filthy act before him then before men , I am sure thou art not so shameles but thou woldst blush & be afraid to haue the meanest commoner in London see thee in the action of thy filthy lust , and doest thou not shame more to haue God , the maker of all thinges see thee , who reuengeth sin with death , he whose eyes are clearer then the Sun , who is the searcher of the heart , and holdeth vengeance in his handes to punish sinners . Consider sweete loue , that if man and wife would be ashamed to haue any of their friendes see them in the act of generation , or performing the rightes of marriage which is lawfull , and allowed before God , yet for modestie do it in the most couert they may , then how impudent or gracelesse should we bee , to fulfill our filthie lust before the eyes of the Almighty , who is greater then all kings or princes on the earth . Oh let vs tremble that we but once durst haue such wanton communication in the hearing of his diuine Maiesty , who pronounceth damnation for such as giue themselues ouer to adultery . It is not possible saith the Lorde , for any whoremaister or lasciuious wanton , to enter into the kingdome of God , for such sinnes whole Cities haue suncke , kingdomes haue beene destroyed , and though God suffreth such wicked liuers to escape for a while , yet at length he payeth home , in this world with beggarie , shame , diseases , or infamy , and in the other life , with perpetuall dampuation , weigh but the inconuenience that growes through thy loose life , thou art ●●ted of all that are good , despised of the vertuons , and only well thought of , of reprobats , raskals , ruffians , and such as the world hates , subiect to their lust , and gaining thy liuing at the hands of euery diseased leacher . Oh what a miserable trade of life is thine that liuest of the vomit of sin , in hunting after maladies , but suppose , while thou art yoong , thou art fauoured of thy companions , when thou waxest old , and that thy beautie is vaded , then thou shalt be loathed and despised , euen of them that profest most loue vnto thee , then good sister call to minde the basenesse of thy life , the hainous outrage of thy sin , that God doth punish it with the rigor of his iustice , oh thou art made bewtifull , faire , and well fourmed , and wilt thou then by thy filthie lust make thy bodie , which if thou bee honest , is the Temple of God , the habitation of the diuel . Consider this , and call to God for mercy , and amend thy life , leaue this house , and I will become thy faithfull friend in all honestie , and vse thee as mine owne sister , at this , such a remorse of conscience , such a fearefull terror of my sin strooke into my minde , that I kneeled downe at his feete , and with teares besought him he would helpe me out of that misery , for his exhortation had caused in me a loathing of my wicked life , and I wold not only become a reformed woman , but hold him as dear as my father that gaue me life , where upon he kist me with teares , and so we went downe togither , where wee had further communication , and presently he prouided me an other lodging , where I not only vsde my selfe so honestly , but also was so penitent euery day in teares for my former folly , that he tooke me to his wife , and how I haue liued since and loathed filthie lust , I referre my selfe to the Maiestie of God , who knoweth the secrets of all hearts .

Thus Country men I haue publisht the conuersion of an English Courtizen , which if any way it bee profitable either to forewarne youth , or withdraw bad persons to goodnesse , I haue the whole end of my desire , only crauing euery father would bring vp his children with carefull nourture , and euery yoong woman respect the honour of her virginitie .

But amongst all these blythe and merry ●estes , a little by your leaue , if it be no farther then Fetterlane , oh take heed , that s too nye the Temple , what then , I will draw as neare the signe of the white Har● as I can , and breathing my selfe by the bottle Ale-house , I le tell you a merry Iest , how a Conny-catcher was vsed .

A merry Tale taken not far from Fetter Lane end , of a new found Conny-catcher , that was Conny-catcht himselfe .

SO it fell out , that a Gentleman was sicke and purblinde , and went to a good honest mans house to soiourne , and taking vp his Chamber grew so sick , that the goodman of the house hired a woman to keep and attend day and night vpon the Gentleman , this poore woman hauing a good conscience , was carefull of his welfare and lookte to his dyet , which was so slender , that the man although sicke , was almost famisht , so that the woman would no longer staie , but bad his Hoste prouide him of some other to watch with him , sith it greeued her to see a man lye and starue for want of foode , especially being set on the score for meate and drinke in the space of a fortnight , foure ponndes . The goodman of the house at last , hearing how that poore woman did finde fault with his scoring , the Gentleman not only put her out of doores without wages , but would haue arrested her , for taking away his good name , and defaming and slaundring him , and with that calling one of his neighbours to him , sayd neighbour , whereas such a had to●ngued woman hath reported to my discredite , that the Gentleman that lyes sicke in my house wants meat , and yet ruunes very much on the score , I pray you iudge by his diet , whether hee bee famisht or no , first in the morning , he hath a Cawdell next his heart , halfe an houre after that , a quart of Sugar sops , halfe an houre after that a neck of mutton in broath , halfe an houre after thaat Chickens in sorrell sops , and an houre after that , a Ioynt of rostmeat for his dinner , now neighbour , hauing this prouision , you may iudge whether he be spoyld for lacke of meate or no , and to what great charges his dyet will arise , whereas in truth , the poore Gentleman would haue beene glad of the l●all of these , for he could get none at all , but the cousoning knaue , thought to verse vpon him , and one day seeing mony came not briefly to the Gentleman , tooke some of his apparrell , his cloake I gesse , and pawnde it for fortie shillings , whereas God wot , all he eate in that time was not wo●●th a Crowne , well , the Gentleman seeing how the knaue went about to Conny-catch him , and that he had taken his cloake , smoothered all for reuenge , and watcht opportunitie to do it , and on a time , seeing the goodman out , borrowed a cloake far better then his owne , of the boy , saying that he would goe to a friend of his to fetch money for his maister & discharge the house , the ●oy ●ending it him , away walks the Gentleman though weake after this great diet , and neuer came at the Taylors-house to answere him cloake or mony . And thus was he Conny-catcht himselfe , that thought to haue verst vpon another .

FINIS .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

Notes for div A02092-e350