Theeues falling out, true-men come by their goods: or, The belman wanted a clapper A peale of new villanies rung out; the sound being musicall to all gentlemen, lawyers, farmers, and all sorts of people that come vp to the tearme: shewing that the villanies of leawd women, excell those of men.

A Disputation betweene a Hee-Foyst , and a Shee-Foyst . Stephen , and Kate. Stephen .

FAire Kate , well met , what Newes about your Westminster-Bulding , that you looke so blyth , your ●herry Cheekes discouers your good fare ▪ and your bra●● Appare● ▪ bewraies a fa●te Purse : is Fortune now alate growne so fauourable to Foyste● , that your Husband hath lighted on some large purchase ; or hath your smooth lookes linck● in some young Nouice to 〈…〉 all the byte in his B●unge , & to leaue himselfe as many Crownes as thou hast good conditions , and then ●he shall be one of Pierce pennilesse fraternitie ? How is it sweet Wench , goes the world on wheeles , that you tread 〈…〉 on your 〈…〉 ?

Kate.

Why Stephen , are you pleasant or peeuish , that you q●ip with such br●e●e g●rdes ▪ thinke you a quarte●●e winde cannot make a quicke saile , that cas●e lystes cannot make heauy burthens , that women haue not wiles to compasse crownes as well as men●yes and more , for though they be not so strong in the 〈◊〉 , they be more ripe in their wittes : and 〈…〉 that I liue & will liue , in despight of that peeuish scholler , that thought with his ●onny-catching bookes to haue crosbit our Trade . Doest thou maruell to see me thus brisk● ? f●ire wenches cannot want fauours , while the world is so full of amorous fooles : where can such Girles as my selfe , be ble●●●h● with a thre●dbare Coat , as long as c●untry Farmers haue full Purses ; and wanton Citizens pockets full of Pen●e ?

Steph.

Truth , if fortune so fauour thy Husband , that he be neither smoakt nor cloyed : for I am sure ▪ all my brauerie comes by his Nipping , Foysting , and Lifting .

Kate.

In ●ayth sir no : did I get no more by mine owne wit , then I reape by his purchase , I might both goe ●are & pennilesse the whole yeare ; but mine eyes 〈…〉 were I not worthy the name of a 〈…〉 more Charmes Calipso more Inchantments , the Syrens more subtil tunes , then I haue crafty flightes to 〈◊〉 a Conny , and fetch in a country Farmer . Stephen beleeue me , you men are but fooles , your gettings is vncertaine , & yet you still fish for the Gallowes , though by some great chance you light vpon a good ●oung , yet you fast a great while after ; whereas , as we mad We●ches haue our Tennants ( for so I call euery simple Leccher & amorous Fox ) as well out of Tearme as in Tearme , to bring vs our Re●●● : alas , were not my wittes , and my wanton pranks more profitable then my 〈…〉 sweare my husband gets a hundreth pounds a yeare by 〈◊〉

Steph.

Why Kate , are you growne so stiffe , to thinke that your faire lookes can get as much as our nimble fingers : or that your s●●king can gaine as much as 〈◊〉 foysting 〈◊〉 , no , Kate , you are 〈◊〉 Bowes downe the 〈…〉 more then twentie the proudest Wenches in all London .

Kate

Lie a litle further , & giue me some roome : what Stephen , your tongue is too lauish , all stands vpon proofe ; & sith I haue le●sure , and you no great busines , as being now when Pauls is shut vp , and al● purchases & Connes in their 〈◊〉 , let vs 〈…〉 and take a roome to our selues , & therefor the price of our suppers , I will proue , that women ( I meane of our facultie , traffique , or as base : knaues tearme vs , strumpets ) are 〈◊〉 subtil , more dangerous in the common-wealth , and more 〈…〉 , then the cunningest Foyst , Nip , Li●t , 〈…〉 this day .

Steph.

Content ; but who shall be 〈…〉 sith in disputing pro & contra , betwixt ourselues , it is ●ut your yea , and my nay , and so neither of vs will yeeld to others victories .

Kate

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

Step.

And trust me , as I am an honest man , I will be indifferent .

Kate.

Oh sweare not so deeply : but let me first heare what you can say for your selfe ?

Steph.

What ? why more Kate , then can be painted out in a great volume ; but briefly this : I need not discribe the lawes of villanie , because the Bel-man hath so amply pend them downe in the first part of C●nuy-catching , Cu●purses in their ●●llers . that though I be one of the faculty , yet I cannot ●●●couer more then he hath layd open . Therefore first to the Gentleman Foyst , I pray you what finer qualitie ? what art is more exc●llent either to trie the ripenes of the wit , or the agilliti● of the ha●d , then that for him that will 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 , he that feares the Gallowes shall 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 haunt●● 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 slaule with heauing and ●houing shall so molest him , that hee shall not feele when wee strip him of his boung , although it ●e neuer so fast or cunningly c●ucht about him : what poore Farmer almost can come 〈◊〉 plead his case at the barre , to attend vpon his Lawyers at the ●ench , but looke he 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 ●arning 〈◊〉 much with your Chamber worke . Besides in faires and markets , and in the circuites after Iudges , what infinit m●ny is gotten from honest meaning men , that either busie about their necassarie affaires , or carelesly looking to their Crownes , light amongst vs that be foysts , ●ush we dessemble in show ▪ we goe so neat in apparrell , so orderly in outward appearance , Three shapes . some like Lawyers Clarkes , others like 〈◊〉 , that attended there about their maisters businesse , that wee are hardly smoakt , vering vpon all men with kinde courtesies and faire wordes , and yet besing so warily watchfull , that a good purse cannot be put vp in a faire , but we sigh if we share i●●ot amongst vs : and though the Bookes of Conny-catching haue somewhat hindred vs , and brought many br●ue Foysts to the Halter , 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 Prey , and so draw on a thiefe , and bequeath vs their Purses whether we will or no ; for who loues Wine 〈◊〉 , that he will not eate Grapes if they fall into his mouth ; and who is so base , that if he 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 although there be some foysts that will not vse their kni●●s , yet I hold him not a p●rfect workeman or maister 〈…〉 , that will not cut a Purse as well as Foyst a pocket , and haz●rd any limme for so sweet a gaine as gold : how answere you me this 〈◊〉 obiection Kate ? can you compare with either our cunning to get our gaines in purchase ?

Kate.

And haue you no stronger arguments good man Stephen , The Shee Diuell worst . to argue your excellencie in villanie but this ? then in faith put by your pipes , and giue me leaue to speake : your choplodgicke hath no great subtiltie for simple , you reason of foysting , & approbriate that to your selues , to you men I meane , as though there were not women Foysts and Nippes ; as neat in that Trade as you , of as good an eye , as fine and nimble a hand , and of as resolute a heart : yes Stephen , 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 wel as the best of you all , yea as your selfe Stephen , though you bee called king of Cutpurses , for though they su●●ke you , they will hardly mistrust vs , & suppose our stomacke stand against it to Foyst , yet who can better play the stanse 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 us , giue you free passage for his purse . Women Foysts and Boyes , most dangerous in Fayres and Markets . Againe , in the market , when euery wife hath almost her hand on her boung , and that they crie beweare the Cutpurse and Conny-catchers , then I as fast as the best with my hand basket as mannerly as if I were to buy great store of Butter & Egs , for prouision of my house , do exclaime against them with my hand on my Purse , and say the world 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 else ●●●ule another , while hee hath stroken , dispatcht & gone : Now I pray you gentle sir , wherin are we inferior 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 think you when a Farmer , Gentleman , or Citizen , come to the Tearme , perhaps hee is wary of his Purse , & match 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 ? He that is the blow , is it not possible for vs to pinch him ere he passe , hee that is most chary of his Crownes abroad , & will cry , Ware the Conny-cat . chers , will not be afraide to drinke a pint of wine with a pretty wench , A Trull with a Gull . and perhaps goe to a trugging house to ferry one out for his purpose , then with what cunning we can feede the simpl● Fop , with what faire words , sweete kisses , fained sighes , as if at that instant we fell in loue with him that we neuer saw before : if we meete him in the euening in the street , if the Farmer , or other whatsoeuer , be not so forward as to motion some curtesie to vs , we straight insinuate into his companie , and claime at quaintance of him by some meanes or other , and if his minde be set for lust , & the Diuell driue him on to match himselfe with some dishonest wanton , then let him looke to his Purse ; for if he doe but kisse me in the street , I le haue his Purse for a farewell , although he neuer commit any other act at all . I speake not this only by my selfe Stephen , for there be a hundred in London more cunning then my selfe in this kind of Cunny-catching . But if he come into a house then 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 full , and no doubt the good Pander , or Bawde , Tricks of bawdes . shee comes foorth like a sober Matron , and sets ●●ore of Cates on the Table , and then I fall 〈◊〉 on them , & though I can eate little , yet I make haua●ke of all , and let him be sure euery dish is well saue'd , for hee shall pay for a Pippin Pye that cost in the Market foure pence , at one of the Trugging houses ▪ xviii . pence ▪ ●ush what is daintie if it be 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 ere wee part , that world goes hard if I foyst him not of all that hee hath , and then suppose the woorst , that he misse it , am I so simple acquanted or badly prouided , that I haue not a friend , which with a few terrible oathes & countenance set , as if he were the proudest Sould●d● , that euer bare Armes in the Low-country Warres , will face him quite out of his money , and make him walke like a woodcocke homeward by weeping crosse , and so buy repentance with all the Crownes in his Purse . How say you to this Stephen , whether are women Foystes inferiour to you in ordinarie cous●nage or no ?

Step.

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

Kate.

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

Step.

I and beshrow me , but you reason quaintly , yet will I proue your wittes are not so ripe as ours , nor so ready to reach into the subtilties of kinde co●s●nage , and though you ●ppropriate to your selfe the excellencie of Conny-catching , and that you doe it with more Art then we men do , because of your painted flatteries and sugres words , that you florish rethorically like nettes to catch fooles , yet will I manifest with a merry instance , a 〈◊〉 d●ne by a Foyst , that exceede● any that euer was done by any 〈…〉 in England .

A pleasant Tale of a Country Farmer , that tooke it in scorne to haue his Pursecut or drawne fro● him , and how a Foyst serued hi● .

IT was told me of a truth that not long 〈◊〉 here in London , there lay a Country Farmer , with 〈◊〉 of his neighbours about Law matters , am●ngst whom , 〈◊〉 of them going to Westminster-Hall , was by a Foyst stript of all the pence in his Purse , and comming home , maide great compl●●●t of his misfortune , some 〈◊〉 his losse , and others exclamed against the Cutpurses , but this Farmer he laught loudly at the matter , & say● such fooles as could not keepe their Purses no surer , were well serued , and for my part 〈◊〉 hee , I so much scorne the 〈◊〉 , that I would thank● him 〈◊〉 that would take paines to Foyst 〈◊〉 , well sayes hi● neighbour , then you may thank me , sith my harmes learnes you to beware , but if it be true , that many things fall out betweene the cup and the lip , you know not what hands Fortune may light in your owne lap , tush quoth the Farmer , heere s fortie pounds in this Purse in gould , the proudest Cutpurse in England win it and weare it ; thus he 〈◊〉 . There stood a subtill Foyst by , and heard all , smyling to himselfe at the folly of the proud Farmer , and vowed to haue his Purse , or venture his necke for it , and so went home and ●ewr●yed it to a crew of his Companions , who taking it in 〈◊〉 , that they should be put downe by a Peasant : But where souer they 〈◊〉 , they 〈…〉 , and both consulted , and concluded all by a generall consent , to bend all their wittes to be 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 & learn'd the mans name & where he dwelt , A prettie 〈◊〉 . and then he hyed him to the Counter and entred an Action against him of trespas●e , damages , two hundreth pounds , when he had thus done , hee feed two Sargiants , and carried them downe with him to the mans lodging , wishing them not to arrest him till hee commaunded them , well agreed they were , and downe to the Farmers lodging they came , where were a ●rue 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 ●ad stai● , and would not yet suffer the Officers to meddle with him , till he came into the West end of Paules Church-yard , and there he willed them to doe their Office , and they stepping to the Farmer arrested him , the Farmer amazed , being amongst 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 wr●ngd honest man , for hee hath arrested you heare in a place of priuiledge , where the Sherifes nor Officers haue nothing to doe with you , and therefore you are vnwise if you obey him , tush sayes 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 imbellish Paules libertie , and therefore I will take his part , and with that he drew his sword , an other tooke the man and haled him away , the Officer he stooke hard to him , and sayd he 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 , & 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 to : as then they satte drinking of a quart of wine , the Foyst that had caused him to be arested , sent a note by a Porter to the Officer that he should rel●ase the Farmer , for he had mistaken the man ; which note the Officer shewed him , and had him pay his fees and go his wayes , 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 n●ne ; which made his heart farre more cold then the Arrest did , and with that fetching a great sigh , he sayd . Alas Maisters I am vndone , my Purse in this Fray is taken out of my pocket , and ten pounds in Gold 〈◊〉 it besides white mony . One varlet . smo●●●● another . Indeed , said the Sargeant , commonly in such brawles , the Cutpurses be busie , and I pray God the quarrell was not made vpon purpose by the Pick-pockets . Well ( sayes his Neighbor ) who shall smile at you now , the other day when I lost my Purse , you laught at me ? The Farmer ●●●oke all , and sate ●●lecontent , and borrowed Mony of his Neighbors to pay the Sargeant , and had a learning ( I beleeue ) euer after , to braue the Cutpurse .

How say you to this Mistris Kate , was it not well done ? What choyce witted Wench of your facultie , or she Foyst , hath euer done the like ? ●ush Kate , if we begin once to apply our wittes , all your inuentions are follies towards ours .

Kate.

You say good goodman Stephen , as though your subtilties were sodaine as womens are , come but to the old Prouerbe , and I put you downe , T is ●s hard to finde a ●are without a Muse , as a woman without a se●se ▪ and that wit that can deuise a cunning lye , can plot the in●ent of deepe villanies . I grant this fetch of the Foyst was prettie , but nothing in respect of that we wantons can compasse , and therefore to quite your tale with another , heare what a mad wench of my profession , did relate to one of your facultie .

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

THere came out of the Country a Foyst , ● Country , ●oyst Gulles ●●e Cittie ●oystes . to trie his experience , here in Westminster Hall , and strooke a hand or two , but the diuell a snap he would giue to our citizen Foystes , but wrought warily , and could not bee fetcht off by no meanes , and yet it was knowne he had some twentie pounds about him , but he planted it so cunningly in his doublet , that it was sure enough for finding . Although the Cittie Foysts laid all the plottes they could , as well by discouering him to the Gaylors as otherwayes , yet hee was so pol●●tique , that they could not verse vpon him by any meanes , which greeues them so , that one day at di●●er , they held a counsaile amongst themselues how to couzen him , but in vaine , till 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 sollemnly , and she put it in pract●se thus : she subtilly insinuated 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 little nyce louing and bidding she was content for her supper and what else hee would of curtesie bestow vpon her , for she held it scorne she sayd , to set a salarie price on her body : the Foyst was gladde of this , and yet he would not trust her , so that he put no more but tenne shillings is his pocket , but he had aboue twenty poundes quilted in his doublet : well to be short , supper time came , and thither comes my gen●le Foyst , who making good cheere , was so eager of his game that hee would straight to bedde , by the leaue of dame Bawde , who had her fee too , and there he 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 now come to search your house for a Iesuite and other susspected persons : alas sir sayes shee , I haue none heere , well quoth they , Ope the doore . I will , sayes shee , and with that she came into the Foystes Chamber : who heard all this , and was afrayde it was some search for him , so that he desired the Bawd to helpe him , that he might not be seene . Why then ( quoth she ) step into this Closet . Hee whipt in hastely , and neuer remembred his Cloathes : shee lock● him in safe , and then let in the crew of Rakehels , who making as though they searcht euery Chamber , came at last into that where his Lemman lay , and asked her what she was : She , as if she had been afraide , desired their Worships to be good to her , she was a poore Countrie Mayde come vp to the Tearme . And who is that , quoth they , that was in bed with you ? None for sooth , sayes she . No , sayes one , that is a lie , The Wolfe , eates the Fox . here is the print of two ; and besides , wheresoeuer the Foxe is , here is his skin●e , for this is his Doublet and Hose : Then downe shee falles vpon her knees , and sayes , indeed it was her Husband . Your Husband , quoth they , nay that cannot be ( Minion ) for why then would you haue denied him at the first ? With that , one of them turnd to the Bawd , and did question with her what he was , & where he was ? Truly sir , sayes she , they came to my house , and sayd they were man and wife ; and for my part I knew them for no other , and hee being afraid , is indeed ( to confesse the troth ) shut vp in the Closet . Cardes well packt , are as halfe the game won . No doubt ( if it please your Worship , saies one rakehell ) I warrant you , he is some notable Cutpurse or Pickpocket , that is afrayd to shew his face , come & open the Closet , and let vs looke on him . Nay sir sayes 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 Bawd , saies one , t is not worth a straw . You Huswife , that saies ye are his wife ye shall goe with vs : and for him , that we may be sure he may not start , I le take his Doublet , Hose , and Cloake , & to morrow I le send them to him by one of my men ; were there a thousand pounds in them , there shall not be a penny diminisht . The Whore kneeled downe on her knees , and fained to cry pittifully , & desired the Iustice , ( which was one of her companions ) not to carry her to Prison . Yes huswife , quoth he , your mate & you shall not tarry togither in one house , that you may make your tales all one , & therefore bring her away : and after , ye dame Bawd , see you lend him no other cloaths , for I will send his in the morning betimes , and come you with him to answere for lodging him . I will sir , sayes she : and so away goes the Wench & her companions laughing , and left the Bawd & the Foyst . As soone as the Bawd thought good , she vnlockt the Closet , & curst the time that euer they came in her house : now ( quoth she ) heere will Worse feard , then hurt . be a fayre adoe , how will you answer for your selfe ? I feare me I shal be in danger of the Cort. Well ( quoth he ) to be short , I would not for fourty poundes come afore the Iustice . Mary 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 will scape to a friendes house of mine . Then leaue me a pawne , quoth the Bawde : Alas I haue none , sayes he , but this Ring on my finger . Why that , quoth she , or tarry while the Iustice comes : so he gaue it her , tooke the Blanket and went his wayes , whither I know not , but to some friendes house of his . Thus was this wily Foyst by the wit of a subtile Wench , cunningly stript of all that he had , and turnd to grasse to get more fatte .

Kat.

How say you to this deuice Stephen , was it not excellent ? What thinke you of a Woman's wit , if it can worke such woonders ?

Steph.

Marry I thinke my Mother was wiser then all the honest Women of the Parish besides .

Kate.

Why then be-like she was of our facultie , and a Matrone of my profession , nimble of her hands , quicke of her tongue , and light of her tayle ; I should haue put in , Sir reuerence : but a foule word is good enough for a filthy Knaue .

Stph.

I am glad you are so pleasant Kate , you were not so merry when you went to Dunstable : but indeed I must needes confesse that women Foystes , if they be carefull in their trades , are ( though not so common ) yet more dangerous then men Foystes : Women haue quicke wittes , as they haue short heeles ; and they can get with pleasure , what we ●●sh for with danger : but now giuing you the Bucklers at this weapon , let me hau● a blow at you with another .

Kate.

But before you induce any more Arguments , by your leaue in a litle by-talke . You know Stephen , that though you can foyst , nip , pr●g , lift , curbe , & vse the Blacke art , Crosbiting now most in vse . yet you cannot crosbite without the helpe of a Woman : which crosbiting now adayes , is growne to a maru●ilous profitable exercise ; for some cowardly Knaues that for feare of the Gallowes , leaue nipping & 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 Vng●entum Aureum : as for example ; W. C. is now a reformed man , whatsoeuer he hath been in his youth , now in his latter dayes he is growne a corrector of Uice ; for whom soeuer he takes suspitious with his wife , I warrant you he sets a sure fine on his head , though he hath nothing for his mony but a bare kisse : and in this Art , we poore Wenches are your surest props and stay . 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 he hath such insight into the mysticall trade of Crosbyting , that hee can furnish his Boord with a hundred poundes worth of Plate : I doubt the fand-eyde Asse , will kicke like a Westerne Pugg● , if I rubbe him on the gaule ; but t is n● matter if he find himselfe toucht and stirre , although he boastes of the chiefe of the Cleargies feuour , 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 ●●ales : Harken to mee Stephen , I le tell thee a woonder . There dwelt here somtimes a good ancient Matron , that had a fayre Wench to her Daughter , as young and tender as a 〈◊〉 Masse Priestes Lemman ; her she set out to sale in her youth , and drew on sundry to be suters to her Daughter , some wooers , and some speeders ; yet none married her , but of her Beautie they made profite , and inueagled all , till they had spent vpon her what they had , and then forsooth , shee and her young Pigion turne them out of doores like prodigall Children : She was acquainted with Dutch , French , Italian , and Spaniard , as well 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 maister veine , and gotten with child , and the Mother , to releue this matter to saue her Daughters Marriage , begins to weare a Cushion vnder her owne ●irtle , and to faine her selfe with child , but let her Daughter passe as though she ayld nothing : whan the fourtie weekes were come , and my young Mistris must needes cry out forsooth , this old ● . had gotten huswifes , an●●erable to her selfe ; and so brought her Daughter to Bed , and let her goe vp and downe the house , and the old Croane lay i● childbed as though she had been deliuered , and said , the Child was hers , and so saued her Daughters 〈◊〉 . Was not this a witty wonder M. Stephen , wrought by an old Witch , to haue a Child in her age , and make a young Whore seeme an honest Uirgin : Tush , this is litle to the purpose , if I should r●cite all , 〈◊〉 many she had co●●●ned vnder the pretence of marriage : Well , poore plaine Signior 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 amende her manners . Ah Stephen , how like you of this geare , in Crosbiting wee put you 〈◊〉 ; for God wot , it is little lookt too in & about London ; and yet I may say to thee , many a good Citizen is Crosbit in the yeare by odde Walkers abroad .

Steph.

I cannot d●ny Kate , but you haue set downe strange Presidents of Womens preiudiciall wits ; but yet though you be Crosbites , Foystes , and Nips , yet you are not good Liftes : which is a great helpe to our Facultie , to 〈◊〉 Boult of Satten or Ueluet .

Kate.

Stay thee a word , I thought thou hadst spoken of I.P.C. his wife : Take heed , they be par●ous folkes , and greatly acquainted with Keepers and Jaylers , therefore meddle not you with them ; for I heare say , the Belman hath sworne in despight of the Brasill ●●affe , to tell such a foule Tale of him in his Second part , that it will co●● him a dangerous Ioynt .

Ste.

Kate , Kate , let I. P. beware , ●or had not an ill fortune falne to the Bel-man , he could take little harme .

Kate.

Who is that Stephen , D. W.

Ste.

Nay , I will not name him .

Kate

Why then I prithie what misfortune befell him ?

Ste.

Marry Kate , he was strangely washt alate by a French Barber , 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 , howsoeuer his haire fell off , it stood him in some ●●eed when the brawle was alate : for if he had not cast off his beard and so being vnknown , it had cost him some knockes , but it fell out to the best .

Kate

The more hard fortune that he had such ill hap , but hastie iourneys bréed danger●us sweates , & the Phisitians call it the Ale Peria , yet omitting all this , againe to where you left .

St.

You haue almost brought me out of my matter , but I was talking about the Li●t , commending what a good quality it was , and how hurtfull it was , The co●ditions of a Life . séeing we practise it in Mercers shops , with Haberd●shers of small war●● , Haberdashers of Hats & Caps , amongst Marchant Taylors for Hose and Doublets , and in such places getting much gaines by Lifting , when there is no good purchase abroad by Foisting .

Kate

Suppose you are good at the lift , who be more cunning then we women , in that we are more trusted , for they little suspect vs , & we haue as close conueyance as you men , though you haue Cloakes , we haue skirts of gownes , hand-baskets , the crownes of our hats , our plackardes , and for a néed , false bags vnder our smockes , wherein we may conuey more closely then you .

St.

I know not where to touch you , you are so witty in your answers , and haue so many starting hoales , but let me be pleas●nt with you a little , what say you to Priggin or horse-stealing , I hope you neuer had experience in that faculty .

Kate

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

St.

Why t is impossible .

Kate.

In faith sir no , and for proofe , I will tell you wonders of this mad wench & her husband , in my blacke booke , with both their names . I will put you down with a story of a mad , merry , little dapper , fine wench , who at Spilsby faire had thrée horse of our own , or another mans to sell , as she , her husband , and another good fellow , walked them vp and downe the Faire , the owner came & apprehended them all , & clapt them in prison , the Iaylor not kéeping them close prisoners , but letting them lye all a Chamber , by her wit she 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 that men how they came by the horses , and they confest they met her with them , but where she had them , they knew not : then was my pretty peat brought in , who being a handsome Trull , blusht as if she had béen full of grace ; and being demanded where she had the horses , made this answere : May it please your worships , this man my husband , playing the vnthrift , as many more haue done , was absent from me for a quarter of a year● , which grieued me not a litle , insomuch the desirous to sée him , & hauing intelligence he would be at Spilsby Faire , I went thither euen for pure loue of him , on foot , & being within some ten miles of the towne , I wa●ed passing weary , & rested me often , & grew very faint , at last there came riding by me a Seruingman in a blew coat , with 3 horses tide at one anothers taile , which he led , as I gest , to sell at the faire : the Seruingman séeing me so tired , took pitty on me , & asked me if I wold ride on one of his empty horses , for his own wo●ld not beare double , I thankt him hartily , & at the next hill got vp , & rode til we came to a towne within 3 miles of Spilsby , where the Seruing-man alighted at a house , & ●ad me ride on afore , and he would presently ouertake me . Wel , forward I rode halfe a mile , & looking behind me , could sée no body ; so being alone , my heart began to rise , and I to thinke on my husband : a● I had rid a little further , 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 sa● : so staying for them , after a little vnkinde gréeting betwixt vs ( for I chid him for his vnthriftinesse ) he asked me where I had the horse : and I told him how curteously the Seruingman had vsed me : why then saies he , stay for him : nay quoth I , le ts ride on , and get you two vpon the empty horses , for he will ouer-take vs ere we come at the towne , he rides on a stout lusty yong gelding : so forward we went , and lookt often behind vs , but our Seruingman came not . At last we comming to Spilsby , alighted & broke our fast , & tied our horses at the doore , that if hee past by , séeing them , he might call in ; after we had broke our fast , thinking he had gone some otherway , we went into the horse-faire , and there walkt our horses vp & downe to méet with the Seruingman ; not for the intent to sell them . Now may it please your worship , whether he had stolne the horses from this honest man or no , I know not ; but alas , simply I brought them to them to the horse faire , to let him that deliuered me them , haue them again● : for I hope your worships do imagine if I had stolne them , as it is suspected , I would neuer haue brought them into so publike a place to sell : yet i● law be any way dangerous for the foolish déed , because I know not the Seruingman , it is I must bide the punishment , and as guiltlesse as ●ny here : and so making a low curtsie she ended . The Iustice holding vp his hand , and wondring at 〈◊〉 womans wit , that had cléered her husband and his friend , & saued herselfe without compasse of the law . How like you of this Stephen ? cannot we wenches prigge well ?

Step.

I think Kate I shal be faine to giue you the bucklars .

Kate.

Alas good Stephen , thou art no Logitian , thou canst not reason for thy selfe , nor hast no witty argument to draw me to an exigent : and therefore giue me leaue at large to reason for this supper , remember the subiect of our disputation , is the positiue question , whether Whoores to Théeues are most preiuditiall to the Common-wealth . Alas , you poore théeues do only steale & purloine from men , & the harme you do , is to imb●llish mens goods , & bring them to pouerty : this is the onely end of mens th●euery , and the greatest preiudic● that grows from robbing and filching , so much do weby o● the●t , and more by our lechery : for what is the end of whoredome , but consuming of goods and begery ; and besides , perpetuall infamy ? We bring yong youthes to ruine and vtter destruction . I pray you Stephen whether had a Marchants sonne , hauing wealthy parents , better light vpon a whore , then a Cut-purse , the one onely taking his money , the other bringing him to vtter confusion . For if the Foyst light vpon him , or the Conny-catcher , he looseth at the most some hundreth pounds : but if he fall into the company of a Whoore , she flatters him , she inueagles him , she bewitcheth him , that he spareth neither goods nor lands to content her , that is only in loue with his coine : if hee bee married , hee forsakes his wife , leaues his children , despiseth his friends , 〈◊〉 to satisfie his lust with the loue of a base Whoore , wh● when hee hath spent all vpon her , and he brought to beggery , beateth him out like the Prodigall child● ; The end of keeping a whoores companie . and for a ●●●all reward , brings him , if to the fairest end , to begge : if to the second , to the gallowes : or at the last and worst , to the por , or as preiuditiall diseases . I pray you Stephen 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 end , by following of Harlots : for to that end doe you steale to maintaine whoores , and to content their badde humors . Oh Stephen ! enter your owne thoughts , and think what the faire words of a wanton will doe , what the smiles of a strumpet will driue a man to at , into what ieopardy a man will thrust himselfe for her that he loues , although for his swéete villany hee bee brought to a loathsome leprosse . Tush Stephen , they say the Por came from Naples , some from Spaine , some from France : but wheresoeuer it first grew , it is so surely now rooted in England , that by S. Syth it may better bee called A Morbus Anglicus ; then Gallicus , and I hope you will grant all these French fauours grew● from Whoores : besides , in my high louing , or rather creeping , I meane wher●men and women do rob together , there alwayes the Woman is most bloudy : Women out-strippe men in villany . for shee alwayes vrgeth vnto death : and though the Men would onely satisfie themselues with the parties coine , yet she endeth her theft in bloud , murthering parties so deeply as shee is malicious : I hope ( gentle Stephen ) you cannot contradict these reasons , they be so openly manifestly probable . For mine owne part , I hope you do not imagine but I haue had some friends besides poore George my husband : Alas , hee knowes it , and is content , like an honest simple Suffragan , to bee corriuall with a number of other good Companions , and I haue made many a good man , I meane a man that hath a houshold , 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 .

Stephen , Stephen , Examples . if Concubines could inueagle Salomon , if Dalilah could betray Sampson , then wonder not if we ( more nice in our wickednesse then a thousand Dalilahs ) can seduce poore yong Nouices to their vtter destructions . Search the Gayles , there you shall heare complaints of Whoores : Looke into the Spittles , and Hospitalles : there you shall sée men diseased of the French Marbles , giuing instruction to others that are said to beware of Whoores , bee an Auditor or eare-witnesse at the death of any Thiefe , and his last testament is , Take héed 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 Pigeon-hoales , crye : Oh fie vpon Whoores , when Fouler giues them the terrible lash . Examine Beggars that lye lame by the high-way , and they say , they came to that misery by Whoores . Some thréed-bare Citizens , that from Marchants , and other good Trades , grow to be base Informers and Knights of the Post , crye out when they dine with Duke Humphrey : O what wickednesse comes from Whoores . Prentises that runne from their maisters , cry out vpon whoores . Tush Stephen , what enormities proceede more in the Common-wealth , then from whoore●●●e . But sith it is almost supper-time , and mirth is the friend to digestion , I meane a little to be pleasant , I pray you how many bad profites againe growes from whoores ? Bride-well would haue very few Tenants , the Hospitall would want Patients , that the Surgeants much worke , the Apothe●●ries would haue Surphaling water , and Potato-rootes lye dead on their hands , the Painters could not dispatch and make away their vermillion , if tallow-faced wh●●res vsed it not for their chéekes . What should I say more Stephen ? The Sub-vrbes should haue a great misse of vs , and Shorditch would compl●●ne to dame Anne a Cleare , if wee of the sister-hood she 〈…〉 vphold her iollity . Who is that Stephen comes 〈…〉 heare our talk ? Oh t is the boy Kate that tels vs supper is ready . Why then Stephen what say you to me ? haue I not proued that in foisting and nipying we excell you , that there is none so great inconuenience in the Common-wealth , as growes from whoores : first for the corrupting of youth , infecting of age , for breeding of brawles , whereof ensue● murther , insomuch that the ruine of many men comes from vs , and the fall of many youthes of good hope , if they were not seduced by vs , do proclaime at Tyborne that wee bee the meanes of their misery : you men théeues touch the body , and wealth , but we ruine the soule , and indanger that which is more pretious then the world● treasure : you make worke onely for the gall●wes , we both for the gallowes and the ●●●el , I and for the Surgian too , that 〈◊〉 liue like 〈◊〉 Lazers , and 〈◊〉 with the Fre●●● Marbles . Whereupon I conclude that I haue 〈…〉 .

Steph.

I confesse it Kate , for thou hast told me such wondrous villanies , as I thought neuer could haue been in women , I meane of your profession : why you are Crocodiles when you wéep , Basilisks when you smile , Serpents when you deuise , and the Diuels chi●●e brokers to bring the world to destruction . And so Kate le ts sit downe to our meate and be merry .

THus Countrey-men , you haue heard the disputation betwéen these two cousoning companions , wherein I haue shakt out the notable vilany of whoores , although mistresse Kate this good Oratresse , hath sworne to weare a long Hamborough knife to stab me , and all the crue haue protested my death : & to pro●e they meant good earnest , they beleagred me being at supper : there were some fouretéene or fiftéene of them met , and thought to haue mad● that the fatall night of my ouer-throw , but that the courteous Cittizens and Apprentises tooke my part , and so two or thrée of them were carried to the Counter , although a Gentleman in my company was sore hurt . I cannot beny but they begin to wast away about London , and Tyborne hath eaten vp many of them , and I will plague them to the extremity , let them doe what they dare with their bilbow blades , I feare them not : and to giue them their last adue , looke shortly Country-men , for a Pamphlet against them , called , New Lawes . The creeping Law , of petty théeues , that rob about the Sub-vrbs . The limitting law , discoursing the orders of such as follow Iudges in their circuits , and goe about from faire to faire . The Iugging law , wherein I will set out the disorders at Nine-holes and Rifling , how they are onely for the benefite of the Cut-purses . The stripping law , wherein I will lay open the lewd abuses of sundry Iaylors in England . Beside , you shall sée there what houses there be about the Sub-vrbs and townes end , that are receiuers of Cut-purses stolne goods , Lifts and such like . And lastly , looke for a Bed-roll or Catalogue of all the names of the Foysts , Nyps , Lifts , & Priggars , in and about London : and although some say I dare not do it , yet I will shortly set it abroach , and whosoeuer I name or touch , if he thinke himselfe grieued , I will answer him .

The conuersion of an English Courtezan .

A Harlots repentance . SIth to discouer my parentage , would double the griefe of my liuing Parents , and reuiue in them the memory of great 〈◊〉 , and that my vntoward ●●ll , would bee a dishonour to the house from whence I came , Sith to manifest the place of my birth , would be a blemish ( through my bea●tly life so badly misled ) to the Shire where I was borne : Sith to discouer my name , might bee holden a blot in my kindreds brow , to haue a 〈◊〉 their stocke of so little grace , I will conceale my parents , kin , and Country , and shroude my name with silence , least enuy might taunt 〈◊〉 for my wantonnesse . Know therfore , I was borne 〈◊〉 thréescore miles from London , of honest and wealthy 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 being gotten in the wayning of my parents age , they doted on me aboue the rest , and so set● their hearts the more on fire : I was the fairest of all , and yet not more beautifull then I was witty , or so much that ●●ing a pretty Parrat , I had such quaint conceipts , and witty words in my mouth , that the neighbours said , I was too soone wise , to bee long old . Would to God either the Prouerbe had beene authenticall , or their sayings Prophecies , then had I by death in my nonage , buried many blemishes that my riper yeares brought me to : For the extreme loue of my parents , was the very efficient cause of my follies , resembling herein the ●●ture of the Ape , that euer killeth that yong o●e which hee loueth most , with embracing it too ●er●ently . So my father and mother , but shee most of all , although hee to much , so cockered me vp in my wantonnesse , that my wit grewe to the worst , and I wa●ed vpwards with the ill weeds : Whatsoeuer I did , were it neuer so bad , might not bee found fault withall , my Father would smile at it , and say , 't was but the tricke of a childe , and my mother allowed of my vnhappy parts , alluding to this prophane and old prouerbe , An vntoward girle makes a good woman .

But now I find , in sparing the rod , they hated the child , that ouer-kind fathers make vnruly daughters . Had they bent the wand while it had been greene , it would haue beene pliant ; but I , ill growne in my yeares , am almost remedilesse . The Hawke that is most perfect for the flight and wil , seldome proueth hagard , and children that are vertuously nurtured in youth , will be honestly natured in age : fie vpon such as say : yong Saints , old Diuels , it is no doubt a diuellish and damnable saying : for what is not bent in the Cradle , will hardly by bowed in the Sadle . My self am an instance , who after I grewe to bee six yeares old , was s●t to Schoole , where I profited so much , that I writ and read e●cellently well , plaid vpon the Uirginals , Lute & Citron , and could sing prick-song at the first sight : insomuch as by that time I was twelve yeares old , I was holden for the most faire and best qualified youg girle in 〈◊〉 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 me , & 〈◊〉 so ●●nded with my excellent qualities , that they had no insight into my insuing follies . For I growing to be 13 yeare old , féeling the yoke of liberty to be loose on mine owne neck , begin , with the wanton Heyfer , to aime at mine owne will , and to measure content by the sweetnesse of mine own thoughts , insomuch that 〈◊〉 ●reeping on , I began to pranke 〈◊〉 selfe with the proudest , and to hold it in disdaine , that any in the Parish should exceed me in brauer● . 〈◊〉 apparrell was costly , so I grew to be licentious , and to delight to be lookt on , so that I ●aunted 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 suruey 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 brauery , holding it a glory when I was waited on with many eyes , to make censure of my birth . Beside , I was 〈◊〉 ordinary 〈◊〉 , and grew in that quality so famous , that I was noted as the chiefest the●eat in all the Countrey : yea , and to sooth me vp in these follies , my Parents took a pride in my dauncing , which afterward proued my ouer-throw , and their heart-breaking .

Thus as an vnbridled Colt , I carelesly led forth my youth , and wantonly spent the flower of my yeares , holding such Maydens as were modest , fooles , and such as were not as wilfully wanton as my selfe , puppies , ill brought vp , and without manners . Growing on in yeares , as tide nor time tarrieth for no man , I began to wa● passion-proud , and to thinke her not worthy to liue , that was not a little in loue , that as diuers yong men began to fauour me for my beauty ▪ 〈◊〉 I began to censure of some of them partially , and to 〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉 of many wooers , being ready to fall from the 〈…〉 I was come to the 〈◊〉 of a blossome ; which an 〈◊〉 of mine séeing , who was my mothers brother , as carefull of my welfare , as me to mee in kinne , 〈…〉 to talke with mee , gaue mee this 〈…〉

A w●tch-word to want on Maidens .

〈…〉 the most sudden showre , and the yo●gest virgins the 〈◊〉 dangerous 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 nip it , and many cares to consume it , so that i● it be not carefully lookt vnto , it will perish before it come to any perfection .

A virgins honour consisteth not onely in the gifts of Nature , as to be faire and beautifull , though they bee fauours that grace Maidens much : for as they be glistering , so they be momentany , ready to be worne with euery winters blast and parched with euery Summers sunne , there is no face so faire , but the least Moale , the slenderest scarre , the smallest brunt of sicknesse , will quickly bl●mish .

Beauty ( Cozen ) as it flourisheth in youth , so it fadeth in age , it is but a folly that feedeth mans eye , a painting that Nature lends for a time , and men allow on for a while , insomuch that such as onely aime at your faire lookes , tye but their lou●s to an Apprentiship of beauty ; which broken , either with cares , mis-fortune , or yeares , their destnies are at libe●ty , and they begin to loth you , and like of others .

For shee that is looked on by many , cannot choose but bee hardly spoken of by some : for report hath a blister on her tongue , & Maidens actions are narrowly measured . Therefore would not the ancient Romans suffer their daughters to goe any further then their mothers lookes guided them . And therefore Diana is painted with a Tortuse vnder her féet , meaning , that a maid should not be a stragler , but like the snaile , carry her house on her head , and kéepe at home at her worke , so to kéepe her name without blemish , and her vertues from the slander of enuy .

Cozen , I speake this generally , which if you apply particularly to your selfe , you shall find in time my words were well said .

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

Th●s leading my life loosly , and béeing soothed vp with the applause of my too kinde and louing parents , I had many of euery degree that make loue vnto me , as well for my beauty , as for the hope of wealth that my father would bestow vpon me : sundry sutors I had , and allowed of all , though I particularly granted loue to none , yeelding them friendly fauours , as being proud I had more wooers then a 〈…〉 in the parish beside : amongst the rest there was a ●●●lthy Farmer that wished me well , a man of some fortie yeares of age , one too worthy for one of so little worth as my selfe , & him my father , mother , and other friends , wold haue had me match my selfe with all : but I that had the raines of liberty too long in mine owne hands , refused him , & would not be ruled by their perswasions ; and though my mother with teares intreated me to consider of mine owne estate , & how wel I sped if I wedded with him , yet carelesly I despised her counsell , and ●●a●ly ●●de answere , that I would none of him : which , though it pinched my Parents at the quick , yet rather than they would displease me , they left me to mine owne liberty to loue . Many there were beside him , men● sons of no m●●●e worth , that were wooers vnto mee , but in vaine , either my fortune or destiny droue mee to a worser end , for I refused them all , and with the B●●●e , refusing to light on the sweetest flowers all day , ne●●led at night in a Cowsh●●●d .

It fortuned , that as many sought to win me , so amongst the rest there was an 〈◊〉 companion that dwelt with a Gentleman hard by , a fellow of small reputation , and of no li●ing , neither had he any excellent qualities , but thrumming on the gitt●on : but of pleasant disposition he was , and con●●gaw●● out many quaint & ribaldrous Iigges & songs , and so was fauored of the foolish sort for his foppery . This shi●●ing companion , sutable to my selfe in vanity , 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 al his actions ; that I consented to mine owne ouer-throw : for as smoke will hardly be concealed , so loue will not be long smothered , but wil bewray her owne secrets , which was manifest in me , who in my sporting with him , so bewraied my affection , that he spying I fauoured him , began to strike when the yron was hotte , and to take opportunity by the forehead , and one day finding me in a merrie vaine , beganne to question with me of loue : which although at the first I slenderly denied him , yet at last I granted , so that not onely I agréed to plight him my faith , but that night méeting to haue further talke , I la●ciuiously consented that he cropt the flower of my virginity . When thus I was spoiled by such a base companion , I gaue my selfe to content his humor , and to satisfie the swéet of mine owne wanton desire . Oh here let mee breathe , and with teares bewaile the beginning of my miseries , and to exclaime against the folly of my Parents , who by too much fauouring me in my vanitie in my tender youth , laide the first plot of my ensuing repentance : Had they with due cor●●●tion chastised my wantonnesse , and supprest my foolish will with their graue aduice , they had made me more vertuous , and themselues lesse sorrowfull . A fathers frowne is a bridle to the childe , and a mothers checke is a stay to the stubborne daughter . Oh had my parents in ouer-louing me not hated me , I had not at this time cause to complaine .

But leauing this digression , againe to the loosnesse of mine owne life , who now hauing lost the glory of my youth , and suffered such a base staue to possesse it , which many men of worth had desired to enioy , I waxed bold in si●●e , and grew shamelesse , insomuch he could not desire so much as I did grant him : whereupon , séeing he durst not reueale it to my father to demand me in marriage , he resolued to carry me away secretly , & therfore wisht me to prouide for my self , & to furnish me euery way both with money & apparrell , hoping as he said , that after we were departed , and my father saw wee were married , & that no meanes was to amend it , he would giue his 〈◊〉 cousent , & vse vs kindly , and ●●ale with vs as liberally , as if wee had matcht with his good will . I that was apt to any ill , agreed to this , and so wrought the matter , that he carried me away into a strange place , and then vsing me a while as his wife , when our money beganne to wax low , hee resolued secretly to go into the Countrey where my father dwelt , to heare not onely how my father took my departure , but what hope we had of his ensuing fauour : although I was loth to be left in a strange place , yet I was willing to heare from my friends , 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 haste he might to returne . He being gone , as the Eagles alwayes resort where the carrion is , so the brute being spred abrode of my beauty , and that at such an Inne lay such a faire young Gentlewoman , there resorted thither many braue yong Gentlemen , and cutting companions , that tickled with lust , aimed at the possession of my fauour , and by sundry meanes sought to haue a sight of me , which I easily granted to all , as a woman that counted it a glory to bee wondred at by many mens eyes : insomuch that comming amongst them , I set their hearts more and more on fire , that there arose diuers brawles who should bee most in my company . Being thus haunted by such a troope of lusty rufflers , I began to find mine owne folly , that had placed my first affection so loosly , and therefore began as déeply to loath him that was departed , as earst I liked him when hee was present , vowing in my selfe , though he had the spoile of my virginity , yet neuer after should he triumph in the possession of my fauour : and therefore began I to affection these new-come guests , and one aboue the rest , who was a braue yong Gentleman , and no lesse addicted vnto me , then I deuoted vnto him : for daily hee courted mee with amorous Sonnets , and curious pend letters , and sent me Iewels , and all that I might grace him with the name of my seruant : I returned him as louing lines at last , and so contented his lusting desire , that secretly and vnknowne to all the rest , I made him sundry nights my bed-fellow ; where I so bewitcht him with swéet words , that the man began déeply to dote vpon me , insomuch that selling some portio● of land that he had , he put it into ready mony , and prouiding Horse and all things conuenient , carried me secretly away , almost as farre as the Bathe . This was my second choy●e , and my second shame : thus I went forward in wickednesse , and delighted in change , hauing left mine old loue to looke after some other mate more fit for my purpose : how he tooke my departure when he returned , I little cared : for now I had my content , a Gentleman , yong , lusty , and indued with good qualities , and one that loued mee more tenderly then himselfe . Thus liued this new entertained friend & I together vnmarried , yet as man and wife for a while , so louingly as was to his content and my credit : but as the Tyger , though for a while she hide her clawes , yet at last shee will reueale her cruelty : and as the Agnus Castus leafe when it lookes most dry , is then most full of moisture , so Womens wantonnes is not qualified by their warines , nor doth their charinesse for a moneth warrant their castity for euer , which I proued true : for my supposed husband being euery way a man of worth , could not so couertly hide himselfe in the Country , though a stranger , but that he fell in acquaintance with many braue Gentlemen , whom hee brought home to his lodging , not onely to honour them with his liberall curtesie , but also to sée me , being proud if any man of worth applauded my beauty . Alas poore Gentleman , too much bewitcht by the wilinesse of a woman ▪ had hee déemed my heart to be a harbour for euery new desire , or mine eye a suter to euery face , hee would not haue béene so fond as to haue brought his companions into my company , but rather would haue mewed me vp as a Hen , to haue kept that seuerall to himselfe by force , which hee could not retaine by kindnesse : but the honest minded Nouice little suspected my change , 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 began to bee déepely inamored of mee , and shewed it by many signes , which I easily perceiued ; and I , whose eare was pliant to euery sweet word , and who so allowed of all that were beautiful , affected him no lesse : so that loue preuailing aboue friendship , hee brake the matter with me , and made not many suites in vaine before he had obtained his purpose : for he had what he wisht , and I had what contented me . 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 héele , then the other at the heart : so that though the other youth bare the charges , and was sir pay for all , yet this new friend was he that was maister of my affections : which kindnesse betwixt vs , was so vnwisely cloked , that in short time it was manifest to all our familiars , which made my supposed husband to sigh , and others to smile : but he that was hit with the horne , was pincht at the heart ; yet so extreame was the affection he bare to me , that he had rather conceale his griefe , then any way make me discontent , so that he smotherd his sorrow with patience , and brookt the iniurie with silence , til our loues grew so broad before , that it was a wonder to the world : whereupon one day at dinner , I being very pleasant with his chosen friend , and my choyce louer , I know not how , but either by fortune , or it may bee , some set match , there was by a Gentleman there present , a question 〈◊〉 in about womens passions , and their mutability in affection , so that the controuersie was defended , pro & contra , with arguments , whether a woman might home a second friend or no , at last it was concluded , that Loue and Lordship brookes no fellowship , and therefore none so ba●e minded to beare ariuall . Hereupon arose a question about friends that were put in trust , how it was a high point of treason for one to betray another , especially in loue , insomuch that one Gentleman at the boord , protested by a solemne oath , that if any friend of his , made priuy and fauoured with the sight of his Mistresse whom hee loued , whether it were his wife , or no , should secretly séeke to incroach into his roome , and offer him that dishonor to partake his loue , hee would not vse any other reuenge , but at the next gréeting stab him with his poynado , though he were condemned to death for the action . All this fitted for the humor of my supposed husband , and strooke both me and my friend into a quandarie : but I scornfully iested at it , when as my husband , taking the ball before it came 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 party beloued was committed vnto them : and hereupon , to make the matter more credulous , and to quip my folly , and to taunt the basenesse of his friends minde , that so hee might with courtesie both warne vs of our wantonnesse , and reclaime vs from ill , he promised to tell a pleasant story , performed as he said , not long since in Eng●●nd , and it was to this effect .

A pleasan● discourse how a wise wanton by her Husbands gentle warning , became to bee a modest Matron .

THere was a Gentleman ( to giue him his due ) an Esquire here in England ; that was married to a young Gentl●woman , faire , and of a modest behauiour , vertuous in her lookes howsoeuer she was in her thoughts , and one that euery way with her dutifull ende●our , and outward appearance of honesty , did bréed her husbands content , insomuch that the Gentleman so déeply affected her , as he counted all th●se 〈◊〉 ill spent which he past not away in her com●●●● , be●o●ting so himselfe in the beauty of his wife , th●● hi● onely ●are was to haue her euery way delighted . Liuing thus pleasantly together , hee had one speciall friend 〈…〉 the rest , whom he so deerely affected , as hee vnfolded all his 〈◊〉 in his bosome , and what passion hee had in his minde , that either ioyed him , or perplexed him , he reuealed vnto his friend , and directed his actions according to the s●quell of his counsels , so that they were two bodies and one soule . This Gentleman , for all the inward fauour showne him by his faithfull friend , could not so withstand the force of fancy , but he grew enamoured of his friends wife , whom hee courted with many swéet● wordes , and faire promises , charmes that are able to inchaunt almost the chastest eares , and so subtilly couched his arguments , discouered such loue in his eyes , and such sorrow in his lookes , that despaire séemed to sit in his face , and swore , that if she granted not him , the end of a louers sighes then would present his heart as a Tragicke sacrifice to the sight of his cruell mistresse . The Gentlewoman waring pittiful , as women are kind-harted , and are loth Gentlemen should die for loue , after a few excuses , let him dub her husband knight of the forked order , and so to satisfie his humor , made forset of her own honor . Thus these two louers continued for a great space in such pleasures as vnchast wantons count their felicitie , hauing continually fit opportunity to exercise their wicked purpose , ●ith the Gentleman himselfe did giue them frée libertie to loue , neither suspecting his wife , nor his friend : at last , as such trayterous abuses will burst forth , it fell out , that a maid , who had béene an old seruant in the house , beganne to grow suspitious , that there was too much familiaritie betwéene her mistre●●● , and her maisters friend ; and vpon this , watcht them diuers times so narrowly , that at last she found them more priuate then either agréed with her maisters honor , or her own honesty : and thereupon reuealed it one day vnto her maister . He , little credulous of the light behauiour of his wife , blamed the maid , and bid her take héed , lea●● 〈◊〉 sought to blemish her vertues with ●●ander , whom he 〈◊〉 more tenderly then his owne life : the maid replied , that she spake not of enuy to him , but of meere loue she bare vnto him , and the rather that hee might shadow such a fault in time , and by some meanes preuent it , least if others should not● it as well as she , his wiues good name , and his friends should be cald in question . At these wise words spoken by so base a drudge as his maid , the Gentleman waxed astonished and listned 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 , she told him that to her , her owne eyes were witnesses : for she saw them vnlawfully together , and please it you sir , quoth shee , to faine your selfe to goe from home , and then in the backe-house to kéepe you secret , I will let you sée as much as I haue manifested vnto you . Upon this the maister agréed , and warned his maid not so much as to make it knowne to any of her fellowes . Within a day or two after the Gentleman said he would go a hunting , and so risse very early ; and causing his men to couple vp his hounds , left his wife a bed , and went abroad : as soone as hee was gone a mile from the house , hee commanded his men to ride afore , and to start the Hare , and follow the chase , and wee will come faire and softly after : they obeying their maisters charge , went their waies , and he returned by a backe way to his house , and went secretly to the place where his maid and hee had appointed . In the meane time the mistresse thinking her husband safe with his hounds , sent for her friend to her bed-chamber , by a trusty seruant of hers , in whom shee assured that was a secret pander in such affaires , and the Gentleman was not slacke to come , but making all the haste he could , came and went into the chamber , asking for the maister of the house very familiarly : the old maid noting all this , as soone as shee knew them together , went and cald her maister , and carried him vp by a secret paire of staires to her mistresse chamber doore ; where , péeping in at a place that the maid 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 honor more then their dishonesty , thinking if he should make an vprore , hee should but aime at his owne discredit , and cause himselfe to be a laughing game to his enemies , he concealed his sorrow with silence , and taking the maid apart , cha●ged her to kéepe all secret , whatsoeuer she had séene , euen as she estéemed of her owne life , for if she did bewray it to any , hee himselfe would with his sword make an end of her dayes , & with that putting his hand in his sléeue , gaue the poore maid six Angels to buy her a new gowne : the w●nch glad of this gift , ●wore solemnly to treade it vnder foot , and sith it pleased him to conceale it , neuer to reueale it so long as she liued : vpon this they parted , she to her drudgery , & he to the field to his men ; where , after he had kild the Ha●e , hee returned ●ome , & finding his friend in y● ; garden , that in his absence had béen grafting hornes in the chimnies , & entertained him with his wonted familiarity , and shewed no bad countenance to his wife , but dissembled all his thoughts to the full . As soone as dinner was done , and that he was gotten solitary by himselfe , he began to determine of reuenge , but not as euery man would haue done , how to haue brought his wife to shame , & loue to confusion , but he busied his brains how he might reser●● his honor inuiolate , recl●●● his wife , & kéep his frend , meditating a long time how he might bring all this to pas●● , at last a humor fell into his head , how cunningly to compasse all thrée , & therfore he went & g●t him certaine ●●ips , which are counterfeit péeces of money , being brasse , & couered ouer with siluer , which the common people call ●●ips : hauing furnished himself with these , he put them in his purse , & at night went to bed as he was w●nt to do , yet not vs●ng the kind familiarity that he accustomed , notwithstanding he abstained not from the vse of her body , but knew his wife as aforetimes , & euery time he comitted the act with her , he laid ● next morning in the windo● , a slip , where he was sure shee might find it , and so many times as it pleased him to b●e carnally pleasant with his wife , so many slips he still laid down vpon her 〈◊〉 . This he vsed for the space of a fortnight , till at last his wife finding euery ●ay a slip , or s●metime more or lesse , wondred how they came there , & examining her waiting maids , none of them could tell her any thing touching them , wherupon she thought to question with her husband about it , but being out of her remembrance , the next morning as she lay dallying in bed , it came into her minde , & she asked her husband if hee laid those slips on her cu●●net , that she of late found there , hauing neuer séene any before . I mary did I , quoth he , & haue laid them there vpon speciall rea●on , and it is this : Euer since I haue béen maried to thée , I haue déemed thée honest , & therefore vsed & honored thée as my wife , parting coequall fauours betwixt vs as true louers : but alate finding the contrary , and with these eies ●éeing thée play the whoore 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 safety of mine own honor , which otherwise would haue béene blemished by they dishonesty , I haue béene silent , and haue neither wronged my quandom friend , nor abused thee , but still doe hold bed with th●● , that the world shall not suspect any thing , & to quench the desire of lust I do vse thy body , but not so louingly as I wold a wife , but carelesly as I would a strumpet , and therfore euen as to a whoor● , so I giue thée hire , which is for euery time a ●●ip , a counterfeit coine , which is good enough for such a ●●ippery wanton , that will wrong her husband that loued her so tenderly , & thus will I vse thée for the safety of mine owne honor , till I haue assured proofe that thou becomest honest : & thus with teares in his eyes , and his heart ready to burst with sighes , he was silent , when his wife stricken with remorse of conscience , leaping out of her bed i● her smocke , humbly confessing all , craued pardon , promising if he should pardon this offence which was new begun in her , she wold become a new reformed woman , & neuer after so much as in thought giue him any occcasion of suspition or iealously : the patient husband not willing to vrge his wife , took her at her word , & told her that when he found her so reclaimed , he would as afore he had done , vse her louingly & as his wife , but till he was so perswaded of her honesty , he would pay her still slips 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 gréeting , and the Gentleman went abrode to sée his pastures , leauing his wife in bed full of sorrow , and almost re●ting her heart asunder with sighes . As soone as hee was walked abrode , the Gentleman his friend came to the house , and asked for the good man : the pander that was priuy to all their practises , said that his maister was gone abrode to sée his pastures , but his mistresse was in bed : why then sayes he , I will go and raise her vp ; so comming into the chamber , and kissing her , meaning as hee was wont to haue vsed her accustomed ●alliance , she desired him to abstaine with broken sighes , and her eyes full of teares : he wondring what should make her thus discontent , asked her what was the cause of her sorrow , protesting with a solemne oath , that if any had done her iniury , he would reuenge it , were it with hazard of his life : shee then told him , scarce beeing able to speake for wéeping , that shee had a sute to moue him in , which if hee granted vnto her , she would hold him in loue and affection without change , next her husband for euer : hee promised to doe whatsoeuer it were : then saies she , sweare vpon a Bible you wil do it without exception : with that he to●ke a Bible that lay in the window , and swore , that whatsoeuer shee requested him to doe , were it to the losse of his life , he would , without exception performe it . Then shee holding downe her head and blushing , began thus : I néede not quoth shee , make manifest how grosly and grieuously 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 , and assuring such earnest affiance in your vnfained frendship , that he euen c●mmitteth me his wife , his loue , his second life , into your bos●me : this loue haue I requited with●● con●●ancie , in playing the harlot : that faith that he● rep●sed in you , haue you returned with treachery & falshood , in abusing mine honesty & his honor . Now a remorse of conscience toucheth me for my sins , that I heartily repent , and vow euer hereafter to liue only to my husband : & therefore my sute is to you , that from henceforth you shall neuer so much as motion any dishonest question vnto me , nor seeke any vnlawfull pleasure or conuersing at my hands : this is my sute , & 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 she burst a fresh into teares , & vttered such sighes , that he thought for very griefe her heart would haue claue asunder . The gentleman astonied at this strange Metamorphosis of his mistresse , sate a good while in a maze , and at last taking her by the hand , made this reply : So God helpe mee faire swéeting , I am glad of this motion , & wondrous ioyfull that God hath put such honest thoughts into your minde , & hath made you the meanes to reclaime 〈◊〉 from my folly : I féele no lesse remorse then you do in wronging so honest a friend as your husband , but this the frailnesse of man , & therfore to make amendes , I protest anew , neuer hereafter so much as in thought , to motion you of dishonesty , only I craue you be silent : she promised that , and so they ended , and for that time they parted . At noone the Gentleman came home , & chéerfully saluted his wife , & asked if dinner were ready , & sent for his friend , vsing him wonderfully familiarly , giuing him no occasion of mistrust , & so pleasantly they past away the day together : At night when his wife and he went to bed , she told him all , what had past betweene her & his friend , & how she had bound him with an oath , and that he voluntarily of himselfe swore as much , being heartily sorry that he had so déeply offended so kinde a friend . The Gentleman commended her wit , & found her afterward a reclaimed woman , she 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 ●●●rd was at a mutiny , and they said the gentleman did passing wi●ely that wrought so coningly for the safety of his owne honor , but exclaiming against such a friend as would to his friend offer such villany , al condemning her that would be false to so louing a husband . Thus they did diuers●y descant & past away dinner ; but this Tale wrought litle effect in me : for as one past grace , I delighted in change ; but the gentlemant that was his familiar , & my Paramour , was so touched , that neuer after he would touch mee dishonestly , but reclaimed hinselfe , abstained from me , & became true to his friend . I wondring , that according to his w●nted custome , he did not séeke my company , he & I being one day in the chamber alone , & he in his dumps , I began to dally with him , & to aske him why he was so strange , & vsed not his accustomed fauours to me : hee solemnly made answere , that though he had plaid the foole in setting his fancy vpon anothers mans wife , & in wronging his friend , yet his conscience was now touched with remorse , & euer since he heard the tale afore rehearsed , he had vowd in himself neuer to do my husband the like wrong againe . My husband , quoth I , hee is none of mine , hee hath brought me from my friends , & kéeps me here 〈◊〉 , and therefore am I as frée for you as for him : and thus began to grow clamorous , because I was 〈◊〉 of my lust . The gentleman seeing mee shamelesse , wisht me to be silent , and sai● , although you bee but his friend , yet he ho●●s you as déere as his wife , & therefore I wil not abuse him , neither would I wish you to be ●●miliar with any other , séeing you haue a friend that loues you so tenderly : much good counsell hee gaue mee , but all in vain , for I scorned it , & began to hate him , and resolued both to be rid of him , & my supposed husband , for 〈◊〉 another familiar of my husbands , I so 〈◊〉 him with 〈◊〉 words , that I 〈◊〉 him to make a 〈◊〉 of money to steale me away , & so carry me to London , where I had not liued long with him , ere he seeing my light behauiour , left me to the wide world , and to shift for my sefe .

I now being brought to London , and left here at randon , was not such a house-doue while any friend staied 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 , & gat me into one of those houses of good hospitality whereunto persons resort , commonly called a Trugging-house , or , to be plaine , a Whore-house , where I gaue my selfe to entertaine all companions , sitting or standing at the dore like a staule , to allure or draw in wanton passengers , refusing none that would with his purse purchase me to be his , to satisfie the disordinate desire of his filthy lust : now I began not to respect personage , good qualities , to the gracious fauour of the man , when eie had no respect of person , for the oldest lecher was as welcom as the yongest louer , so he broght meat in his mouth . Thus to the griefe of my friends , hazard of my soule , & consuming of my body , I spent a yeare or two , in this base and bad kind of life , subiect to the whistle of euery desperate Ruffian , till on a time , there resorted to our house a Cloathier , a proper yong man , who by fortune comming first to drinke , espying me asked me if I would drink with him , there needed no great entreaty , for as then I wanted company , & so clapt me downe by him , & began very pleasantly to welcom him , the man being of himselfe modest and honest , noted my personage , & iudicially reasoned of my strumpet-like behauiour , and inwardly , as after hee reported vnto me , grieued that so foule properties were hidden in so good a proportion , and that such rare wit & excellent beauty was blemisht with whoredomes base deformity , in so much that he began to thin● well of me , & to wish that I were as honest as I was beautiful . Again●●● sée how God wrought for my conuersion , since I gaue my selfe to my loose kind of life , I neuer liked any so well as him , in so much that I began to iudge of euery part , & me thought he was the properest man that euer I saw , thus wée sate both amorous of other , I lasciously , & he honestly , at last he questioned with me what country woman I was , & why being so prop●● a woman I would beseem to dwell or lie in a base Ale-house , especially in one that had a bad name : I warrant you I wanted no knauish reply to 〈◊〉 him , for I told him the house was as honest as his mothers , mary if there were in it a good wench or two , that would pleasure their friends 〈…〉 , I gesse by his nose what porredge he lo●ed , & 〈…〉 none such : well , seeing me in the voyce he said little , but shaked his head , paid for the beere & went his way , onely taking his leaue of mee with a kisse , which mee thought was the sweetest that euer was giuen me , assoone as he was gone , I began to thinke what a handsome man hée was , & wisht that he wold come & take a nights lodging with me , sitting in a dump to think of the quaintnes of his personage , ●ll other companions came in , that shakt me out of the melancholy , but assoone againe as I was secret to my selfe , hee came into my remembrance , passing ouer thus a day or two this Cloathier came againe to our house , whose sight chéered mee vp , for that spying him out at a Casement , I ranne downe the staires & met him at the dore , & heartily welcomed him , & asked him if he would drinke , I come for the purpose saies he , but I will drink no more below but in a Chamber , marry sir , quoth I , you shall , & so brought him into the fairest 〈◊〉 , in their sitting there together drinking , at last the Clothier fell to kissing & other dalilance , wherein he found mée not coy , at last told mee that he would willingly haue his pleasure of me , but y● 〈◊〉 was too lightso●e , for of all things in the world he could not in such actions away with a light Chamber , I 〈◊〉 vnto him , & brought him into a roome more dark , but still he 〈◊〉 it was too light , then I carried him into a further chamber , where drawing a Curtaine before the window , & closing the curtaines of the bed , I asked him smiling if that were close enough , no sweet loue saies he , y● curtaine is not broad enough for the window , some watching 〈◊〉 may espye vs , my heart misdoubts , & my credite is my life : Good 〈◊〉 if thou hast a closer roome then this , bring me to it : why then quoth I , follow me , & with that I brought him into a backe l●ft , wher● stood a little ●ed , onely appointed to lodge suspitious persons , so darke that at noone daies it was impossible 〈◊〉 any man to sée his owne hands : how now sir , quoth I , is not this darke enough ? He sitting him downe on the bed side , fetcht a déepe sigh , and sayd , indifferent , so , so , but there is a glimpse of light in at the tiles , some body 〈…〉 fortune sée vs : in faith no , quoth I , none but God . 〈…〉 hee● why can God sée vs here ? Good sir , quoth I , why I hop● you are not so simple , but Gods eyes are so cleare and penetrating , that they can pierce through walles of brasse . And alas , q●●th he , swéet loue , if God sée vs shall we not be more ashamed to do such a filthy act before Him then before men , I am sure thou art not so shamelesse but thou wouldst blu●● to haue the meanest commoner in London see thee 〈◊〉 action of thy filthy lust , & dost thou not shamemore to 〈◊〉 God , the maker of all things see thee , who re●eng●th 〈◊〉 with death , he whose eyes are cleerer then the ●un , who i● the searcher of the heart , and holdeth vengeance in his hands to punish sinners ▪ Oh let vs tremble that we but once durst haue such wanton communication in the hearing of his di●ine Maiesty , who pronounceth damnation for such as giue themselues ouer to adultery . It is not possible ●aith the Lord , for any whoremaister or lasciuious wanton , to enter into the Kingdome of God , for such sins whole Citties haue sunck ▪ Kingdomes haue bene destroyed , & though God suffer such wicked liuers to escape for a while , yet at length he payeth home , in this world with beggery , shame , dis●ases , or infamy , & in the other life , with perpetuall damnation , weigh but the inconvenience that grows through thy loose life , thou art hated of all that are g●od , despised of the vertuous , and onely well thought of , of Reprobates , Rascals , Ruffians , & such as the world hates , subiect to their lust , and gaining thy liuing at the hands of euery diseased leacher . O what a miserable trade of life is thine , that liuest of the vomit of sin , in hunting after maladies : but suppose , while thou art yong , thou art fauoured of thy companions , when thou waxest