The blacke dogge of Newgate both pithie and profitable for all readers.

The Blacke Dogge of Newgate : both pithie and profitable for all Readers .

Vide , Lege , Caue .

Time shall trie the trueth .

To the honorable Sir Iohn Popham Knight , Lord chiefe Iustice of Englande : all encrease of honor and happines .

TWo reasons , my Honorable good Lord , mee especially mooued , to dedicate this Booke to your Honor. . The first ; for , I helde it my deutie , to certifie you of the notable abuses dayly committed by a great number of very bad fellowes , who vnder the couller of Office and seruice , doe mightely abuse both Iustice and Iustices : which in this Booke is largely discouered . The next ; for , your Honor being thereof certified , such bad fellowes shal be the soner lookt into , and their outragies quallified : so that the soner by you , the like mischieues may be preuented . What I haue done , is in loue and Zeale : Both which , I doubt not , but they will excuse my boldnesse : And so the worke be acceptable in your good opinion , I will not regarde the mallice of the threatning Cunny-catcher ; who hath sworne , if I publish this Booke , they will do me what mischiefe they can . But how little I regarde their windie wordes , they may well perceiue by my proceedings : if this worke had beene worth a Talent , it should haue beene your ●●nors : and being a poore mans mite , I desire it may be acceptable : and if heereafter I shall be better able , your honor shall not faile , but finde me ready to do your honor seruice , euen to the vttermost of my power . Thus assuring my selfe safe shielded with your fauour , to whome I present this Booke , desiring you to take the full view of this Black Dogge of Newgate , I humbly , and in all dutie , cease to be tedious : praying to the Almighty , to lengthen long your dayes , with encrease of all vertue and honor , and after this lyfe , to send you to euerlasting happinesse , and ioyes endlesse . Amen .

To do your Honour seruice whilest he liueth , LVKE HVTTON .

To the Reader .

GEntle Readers , for my Repentance was so welcome , and so much the better because it was mine : in some parte to satisfie your courtesies , I thought it my part to present you with thankes , and more , with my second labour : which albeit , it be both my especiall cost and trauell , yet it is yours : and so I may say , for you are willing to paye the prize of the Black Dogge of Newgate . Meruaile not Gentlemen , that you pay so deare for a Dogge , indeed a Curre : I wish you all well , and though three halfe-pence be a Dogs price , yet if you according to my Poesie , accept my Penne and Paper , it will counteruaile the charge of six pence . You haue knowne me better if you euer knew me , and neuer worse if you now know me : But for I haue read some bookes of Philosophie , I thought it best to be my selfe , not as I was , for I hope you are otherwise perswaded , but as I am , and so to liue or die . But for it is no better then the Blacke Dogge of Newgate : I desire you not to thinke your time ill bestowed in the reading , nor the prise great which you gaue for it . When you haue perused it , if you like it not , say the Dogge came from Newgate , hang him vp , and rend the Paper in peeces , and I will be your debter a worke of better acceptance , yet let me giue you to vnderstand by the way , that this Dogge , and many Dogs of his kinde , haue I knowne a great while , and if I had not had great occasion , I would neuer haue bestowed so much time 〈…〉 : Nay more , that you shall not thinke this Dogge nor any of his kinde to be as they haue beene , the murtherers and vtter vndooing at the least of an infinite number , to be shadowed by the name of Seruant at Newgate , at this time I thought good faithfully to giue you to vnderstand , that he who was euer able to keepe a good Dogge , and now to make choyse of his seruants in Newgate , did in my sight , thrust this Dogge by the head and shoulders out of Newgate , making choise of men insteed of Dogges : and more I dare say , neuer shall a Curre in shape of man commit the like abuses , during his time in Newgate . No more for the Dogge of Newgate , but for this Dogge of mine , wish me still well , I will neuer doe you ill , so to your content as I wish , I leaue you and me to my better content when God will .

For euer fare you well , Luke Hutton .

The blacke Dogge of Newgate : both piththy , pleasant , and profitable , for all readers . WHen as blacke Tytan with his duskie robe , had Tellus clouded with his curtaynes nyght , Fayre Phebus peering vnderneath earthes globe with winged steedes hence takes his course a right : Tytan he leaues to beare imperial sway , commaunding nyght , as Phebus did the day . The fierie Chariot posteth vnder ground . With Tytans mantle all the earth is spred , And wreathes of Icat about his temples bound : Earthes Tell cole blacke , sweete Morpheus cals to bed . No time to walke , to sport , to game , to see , I did obey , that must commaunded bee . Layed in my bed , I gan for to recount , A thousand thinges , which had been in my time : My birth , my youth , my woes , which all surmount , My life , my losse , my libertie my crime : Then where I was , vnto my minde recalling , Mee thought Earth gapt , and I to Hell was falling . Amidst these feares that all my senses cumber , Care closd mine eyes , and sorrow wroung my hart : Opprest with greefe , mine eye-lids gan to slumber , But borne to woes , must of more woes haue part : A thousand furies to my hart appearing , 〈…〉 torments my soule with fearing . Thus lay I long , beholding Hell and Deuils , Agast with mazes , almost dead in feares , Not knowing how to rid me from the euils : They shew in action , and in lookes appeares , One anticke monster , hidious , foule and grim , Mee most appayld , and most I lookt at him . Thought I at last , I will crie out for ayde , Bowning to crie neare dead , afright with feare , I heard a voyce , which like an Angel , sayd : Hutton be bolde , for thou shalt see and heare Men Deuils , Deuils men , one both , both all deluding : Worlds euils , wracke then , sheepes cloth , Wolues pray concluding . Hearing a voyce , my hart was much reuiued , Noting the wordes , I did some corrage take : But suddaine ioyes hath suddaine woes atchiued , A suddaine noyse this hellish crew did make , Threatning by shewes as though they would deuower my life and soule , subdewd by terrors power . Thought checkt my minde , feares senses all amazing , Hell broken loose , eyes visions furies affrighting , Subdeud earths powers , vprears harts insight a gazing , Terror of minde with hope , cries feares faint arighting : Helpe mee orequelled : waking with dread , I espied Grast gracious Mynerua , who thus to my outcrie replied ▪ FEare not at all , nor faynt thou with beholding : But light thy Lampe , and take thy Pen in hand . Write what thou sees , thy visions all vnfolding , I will direct , and let thee vnderstande , What all these helhoundes shadow by appearing . Uiew thou their worst , and then write of their fearing . Subdeud by worths , which did all wordes exceede . Rauisht with ioyes , such feature to behold , Abiecting feare , my glutted eyes I feede , Upon hir brightnes which all harmes controld : Glimse of hir brightnes senses all indearing , Legions of Deuils could no more fright with fearing . I preasd my selfe to take the hardest steele , And from the flint I bett foorth sparkes of fyer : Kindling the lint , my ready match I feele , Yeelding my Lampe the light of my desyer : Soone spyed Mynerua , with Lawrel cround and Bayes , Myrror deuine feature of worthles prayse . Before her feete submissiuely I fell , Pardon I craud , fearing I was too bold : Rise vp quoth shee , and view these hags of hell , For diuers secrets must thy pen vnfold . Make true recorde , what shal be shewd to thee , For these are they , which Worldes deceauers bee . I le clense thine eyes , least vapours do offend , I le cleare thy Wits , and giue a pleasing muse : The deafest care shall to thy talke attend , The worke so worthy , thou may not refuse : Newgates blacke Dogge with pen and inke depaynt , Curres , of this kinde shall thereby haue restraynt . Not for my sake do thou what I require , But for his sake : and with that worde mee shoes A fayre olde Man , whose teares foretolde desier , And in a mantle mourner like he goes . His veynes like Azure , his heare as white as Wooll , Tresses before , behinde a bare smoth skull . And this is Time , Minerua thus replyed , Which mournes to see these helhoundes Tymes abusing , How thousandes in their rauening iawes haue dyed : Slaughtering Lambes , yet to the worlde excusing , Offence with culler , shadowing mightie euils , By name of seruice , and yet incarnat Deuils . No more quoth shee , but take thee to thy Pen. Resolue the Wyle , that they haue been deceaued : Many Blacke Dogs haue walkt in shapes of men , And with deceites hath Common wealth agreeued : His forme and lynaments to the worlde disclose , That this Blacke Dogge be knowen where ere he goes . My Muse gan blush , dreading to vndertake so great a taske : but Time againe replyde . Feare not at all , Time doth the motion make , Unmaske this Beast , let him no longer hide Him selfe in shrowdes , who makes of sinne a scoff , Worldes greatst admire , when as his vizards off . Time then sayd I , fayre time I will not vse Longer delay , but satisfie thy will : So Time will answere for my harmeles muse , Who wanteth worth to nigh Pernassus hill . Be briefe , quoth Time : with that I tooke my Pen , Obeying Time , without offence to men . Then did I fixe mine eye vpon this Beast , Who did appeare first in the shape of Man , Homly attyrde , of wonders not the least : A Broome-mans song to sing this Dogge began , From streete to streete trubgeth along this Groome , As if he would ferne all the worlde with Broome . But in a trice he did transforme his shape , Which stroke a trebble horror to my hart . A Cerberus , nay worse , hee thrise as wide did gape , His heares all Snakes curling , they will not part . Cole blacke his hew , like Torches glow his eyes , His breath doth poyson , smooke from his nostrels flyes . His countenance gastly , fearefull , grim , and payle , His fomie mouth still gapeth for his pray : With Tygers teeth he spares none to assayle , His lyppes Hell gates , orepaynted with decay . His tongue the clapper , sounding woofull knell , Towling poore men to ring a peale in hell . Like Sepulcher his throate is hollow made , Deuouring all whom danger makes a pray . Brybrie his hand , spoyle of the pore , his trade . His fyngers Talentes , ceazing to betray . And with his armes he fouldeth men in woes , Destruction still the path where ere he goes . Mee thought his brest was all of burning Brasse , Through which there grew a hart of hardest Steele : His belly hudge , lyke scalding furnace was , His thyghes both like vnto a fierie wheele , His legges were long , one foote lyke to a Hind , The other foote a Houndes of bloody kind . And in this shape I saw this monster walke , About the streetes , most fearefull to beholde : But more to tell , since I begin to talke , Heere is the ease , which Time would fayne haue tolde . Upon a suddaine rushe this Curr on mee , As though my lyfe his euening pray should bee . Within his clutches did he ceaze me fast , And bare me straight vnto blacke Plutoes cell : When there I came , he me in Lymbo cast , A Stigion lake , the dungion of deepe hell : But first my legs he lockt in Iron boult , As if poore I had beene some wanton Coult. And then he gan with basest termes to braide , And then he threats as though he would me kill : And then he daunces for he me betrayd , And then speakes fayre , as though he ment no ill : Then like Madusa doth he shake his locks , And then he threatens me with Iron stocks . At last he left me in that irksome den , Where was no day for there was euer night : Woes me thought I , the abject of all men , Clouded in care , quite banished from light : Robd of the Skie , the Scartes , the day , the Sunne , This Dog , this Diuell , hath all my ioyes vndun . Surprest with anguish sorrow griefe and woe , Me thought I heard a noise of Iron cheanes : Which din did torment and affright me so , That all my sences studied what it meanes : But by and by , which did me comfort more , There came a man which opened Lymbos dore . All leane he was , and feeble too God knowes , Upon his arme he bare a bunsh of keyes : With Candle-light about the cell he goes , Who roughly sayd , sir lye you at your ease ? Swearing an oath that I did lie too soft , Who lay on ground , and thus he at me scoft . To see a man of feature , forme and shape , It did me good , and partly feares exiled : But when I heard him gibe me like an Ape , Then did I thinke that I was thrise beguiled . Yet would I venture to this man to speake , Into discourses thus I gan to breake . Aye me poore wretch , that knowes not where I am , Nor for what cause I am brought to this place : Bound for the slaughter , lying like the Lambe , The butchers meanes to kill within a space . My greeues are more then can my toung expresse , Aye me , woes me , that can finde no redresse . Yet if thou be as thou doest seeme a man , And so thou art , if I do not mistake : Do not encrease if so release thou can , The cruell tortures which me wofull make . And tell me first who thou thy selfe mayst be , That art a man , and yet doest gibe at me . Seeing the feares which dyd my heart possesse , Uiewing the teares that trickled from mine eyes : He answered thus , a man I must confesse , I am my selfe that heare condemned lyes . And by the law adiudgd I am to dye , But now the keeper of these keyes am I. This house is Newgate , gently he replyed , And this place Lymbo wherein now thou art : Untill thou pay a fine , heare must thou bide , With all these boults which do agreeue thy heart . No other place may there prouided be , Till thou content the keeper with a fee . With that hee turnd as though he would away . Sweete , bide awhyle , I did him so entreate . Quoth hee , My freend , I can not longer stay , Yet what you want , yf you will drinke or eate , Or haue a fyer , or Candle by you burne , Say what you neede , and I will serue your turne . Quoth I , deare frende then helpe mee to a Fyer , Let me haue Candle for to giue mee lyght : Nor meate nor drinke do I wysh or desier , But onely graunt mee gracious in thy sight . And say , What monster was it plast mee heere ? Who hath mee almost lyueles made with feare . Nay peace quoth hee , for there begins a tale . Rest now content , and Time will tell thee more , To striue in Fetters it will small auayle : Seeke first to ease thy legges which will grow sore , When boults are off , we will that matter handle . So he departed , leauing mee a Candle . Away he went , and leaues me to my woes . And being gon , I could not chuse but thinke That he was kind , though first vnkind in showes , Who offered mee both fyer , bread , and drinke . Leauing a Candle by me for to burne , It easd my greefe , and made mee lesse to mourne . Ioying to see , who whilome had no syght , I reacht the Candle , which by burnyng standes , but I vnworthy comfort of the lyght , A Rat doth rob the Candle from my handes , And then a hundred Rats all sallie foorth , As yf they would conuaye their pryze of worth . In vaine I striue to reobteyne what s lost , My woes are now , as woes at first began : With change of greeues my perplext soule is tost , To see the end I did bethinke me than . How time had promisd secrets to disclose , So I exspect the worst of hellish foes . Whilst thus I lay in Irons vnder ground , I heard a man that begged for releefe : And in a chaine of Iron was he bound , Whose clattering noyse filde full my heart with griefe , Begging one penny to buie a hundred bread , Hungerd and sterud , for want of food ny dead . Woes me thought I , for thee so bound in chaines , Woes me for them , thou begs for to sustaine : Woes me for all , whose want all woes conteynes , Woes me , for me , that in your woes complaine . Woes me , woes you , and woe is to vs all , Woe to that Dogge , made me to woe a thrall . Whilst thus I languish , I on suddaine heare , An vncoth noyse which did approche my den : Listning , vnto the doore , I laide mine eare , And then I knew the voyces were of men . Still in neerenesse drew they more and more , At last I heard them opening Lymboes dore . In first there came , the man that gaue me light , And next the Dogge , who brought me to that place : Another , with a Club appeard in sight , Three weaponlesse , as though they monde my case . Fainting for feare , I knew not what to say , Exspecting then performance of decay . But now this Dog is in another shape , In euery point proportiond as a man : My heart did throb , not knowing how to scape , but to intreat this Curre , I thus began . Fayre friend , quoth I , if so thy will may be , To ease my griefe I le giue thee any fee . With that he grynd , and thus he made reply , Thou art a villaine , worthy of this place : Thy fault is such , that thou shalt surely dye , I will not pitty thee in any case . Such as thou art , too many euery where , But I will seeke in time to haue them heare . When he namde Tyme , then I on Tyme did thinke , But more he sayes , if thou haue any coyne : To pay for ease , I will a little winke , And boults releasment , with discharge I le ioyne . Of this close prison to some other warde , Paying thy fine , or else all ease is bard . Like as the childe dooth kisse the rod for feare , Nor yet dare whimper , though it haue beene bet : So with smoothe lookes , this Dog approache I neare , Before the Diuell , a candle do I set . Treating him faire , with fayrest words may be , Bidding him aske , he shall haue golde of me . Why then , quoth he , thy speeches please me well , Partners ( quoth he ) strike of his Irons all : Then vp we went , as one should clime from hell , Untill I came into a loathsome hall . When there I came , they set me on a block , With punche and hammer , my Irons off they knock . No meruaile though , whilst they my legs vntide , Mine eyes did surfet , drunke with woes beholding : Boults , shackles , colors , and Iron shears I spide , Thumbstals , wastbands , tortors greefe vnfolding . But whilst the ease of legs my sorrowes calmes , Roome quoth a wretch , for me with wydowes almes . Take of these curtals did another crie , And on his knees he fell before this Cur : Who to his sorrowing made a Dogs replie , Downe to thy warde , and doe not make this stur . What now I know , if I had knowne before , In stead of these light chaines thou shouldst had more . With that the poore man was thrust out of sight , And I all fearing , feard with feare of feares : My Irons off I went , as go I might , Unto this Dog , in whom all diuels appeares . With goulden Angell , I this Cur presented , Saith he , one more , else am not I contented . Wonder it was , to see a feend of hell , To thirst for angels of the fayrest hue : But diuels are diuels , and they would all orquell , Mans life and soule , this Dog seekes to subdue . His mouth to stoppe , angels I gaue him two , Yeelding perforce , as I perforce must doo . And then he left me in the partners hall , The grate doth open , and this Dog out goes : Thousand sorrowes holds my heart in thrall , Yet there I am not by my selfe in woes . Hereon oreplunged with deepe hearts greefe cryes , I liue a life , thrise worse then he that dyes . An other sorrye soule , without a ragge , Hurckling for colde , in whome all want appeares : At last gan speake , as if he ment to bragge , And thus he sayes : Heare haue I beene nine yeares . Tell you of woes , when you my woes haue seene , And yet haue many men more wofull beene . With that I rose , and to this poore man went , In hope to learne some nouils by his talke : Approching him , amidst his discontent , He asked me , if so I pleasd to walke ? And if you will , then follow vp these staires , To walke , and talke , deceiueth time of cares . I followed him , as he that in a wood , Hath lost himselfe , and knowes no way he takes : And in distresse I thought conferring good , New woes with olde , iust mixture consort makes . And though the place do naught but discord sound , My soule for his our discords concord found . At first he gently tooke me by the hand , And bids we welcome , as I were his guest : You are a prisoner , I do vnderstand , And hether welcome are both bad and best . Men of all sorts come for offending hether , And being heare , heare bide they altogether . And then he did begin thus to discourse , Cease to lament with vaine dispayring teares : Thy selfe dissolud to droopes , gaines no remorse , Heares none regards , though all thy mournings hears . If vnder earth , the Diuels can prooue a bell , Theirs is not like to this , where wretches dwell . See in you Hall are diuers sorts of men , Some weepe , some waile , some mourne , some wring their hands , Some cursse , some sweare , and some blaspheming then , My heart did faint , my head hayre vpright stands . O Lord thought I , this house will rend in sunder , Or else there can be no hell , this hell vnder . Thus wondring I , on suddaine did espie , One all in black came stamping vp the stayres : Whose you I askt , and thus he made reply , You is the man doth mitigate our cares . He preacheth Christ , and doth Gods word deliuer , To all distrest , to comfort men for euer . Then drew I neare to see what might betide , Or what the sequell was of that I saw : Exspecting good would follow such a guide , As preached Christ , and taught a God to know . A hundred clustered , ●ying the pulpit neare , As if they longd the Gospell for to heare . What s this , quoth I , that now I do behold , The hage of hell , and Sathans impious lims , Some deeper secret doth this sight vnfolde , Then I can gesse , this sight my sences dims . Straight , of my friend I asked by and by , What it might be , who made me this reply . You men which thou beholds so pale and wan , Who whiles lookes vp , whiles looking downe beneath ▪ Are all condemnd , and they must dye each man , Iudgment is giuen , that corde shall stop their breath . For hayneus facts , as murther , theft , and treason , Unworthy life , to dye law thought it reason . The Sermon ended , the men condemnd to dye , Taking their leaues of their acquainted friends : With sorry lookes paysing their steps they plye , Downe to a hall , where for them there attends . A man of office , who to daunt liues hopes , Doth corde their hands , and scarfe their necks with ropes . Thus ropt and corded , they discend the stayres , Newgates Black Dog , beesturs to play his part : And doth not cease for to augment their cares , Willing the Carman to set neare his Cart. Which done , these men , with feare of death orepangd , Bound to the Cart , are carried to be hangd . This ruefull sight , yet end to their doomd sorrowes , Makes me agast , and forces me bethinke : Woe vpon woe , and so from wofulst borrowes , A swame of greefe , and then I sounding sinke . But by Tymes ayde , I did reuiue againe , Might I haue dyed , it had beene lesser paine . For now againe the Dog a fresh assaults me , As if my spoile were next to be inacted : And like a subtill Cur in speeches halts he , With thousand sleighty wyles , olde shiftes compacted . Charging me oft with that I neuer did , In his smoothst lookes , are cruell bitings hid . I spake him faire , as if I had offended , He treats me foule , who neuer did him ill : He playes the gripe one Tytious intended , To tyre his heart , yet neuer hath his fyll . Euen so this Dog doth tyre and prey on me , Till quite consumd , my golden angels be . Then wofull wante did make me oft complaine , Hunger and colde do pinche me at the heart : Then am I thrust out of my bed againe , And from my chamber must I needes depart . To lowest wardes , to lye vpon the boords , Which naught but filthe and noisome smels affords . Midst fortie men , surprisd with care and greefe , I lye me downe on boords as hard as chenell : No bed , nor boulster , may affoord releefe , For worse then Dogs , lye we in that foule kennell . What might I thinke , but sur● assure me then , That metamorphosd we were beasts not men . Greefe vpon greefe , did still oppresse my minde , Yet had I store compartners in my woe : No ease , but anguish , my distresses finde , Here lyes a man , his last liues breath dooth blow . And ere the sorry man be fully dead , The Rats do prey vpon his face and head . Whilst thus I languish in my woes , appeares Tyme in his mantle , looking fresh and blythe : Yet whiles his eyes did shed some drops of teares , Wherewith he seemd , as he would wet his sithe . Quoth Tyme , by me shall sorrowes be appeased , And nows the tyme thou shalt of cares be eased . I did present this Booke which I had writ , Into Tymes hands , who tooke it and perused it : Yea , but sayth Tyme , thou must discouer yet , Who this Dog is , who else will be excused . For albe I so cleard thine eyes to see him , So may not others , yet Tyme would haue all flie him . And for thy verses couertly disclose , The secrets sence , and yet doth shadow trueth ▪ Explaine this Black Dogge , who he is , in prose , For more apparant , then thy Poem sheweth . Truth needs no coulours , then this Dog by kinde , Make knowne before , as he is knowne behynde . My Sythe , quoth Tyme , is now prepard to cut , There is no sithe , but Tymes shall longer dure : Newgates Black Dog , must Tyme to silence put , I le breake his teeth , and make his biting sure . The shapes of men , on Dogs of cruell kinde , Tyme shall confound , that beare so bad a minde . Haue thou no doubt , but Tyme shall set thee free , And yet hereafter learne thou to beware : Of this Black Dog , and do his dangers flee , Giue others warning , least like fall their share . Say to the world , when thou art freed from hell , Newgates Black Dog thou saw , and knew too well . And for thy Poem drawes to a conclusion , Tymes pleasure is , that thou this Dog expresse : In shape , in nature , man : yet mens confusion , A madding Cur , who doth from kinde regresse . A Mothers sonne , and most for to be wondred , Of Mothers sonnes , this Dog hath spoild a hundred . In lowly sort , complaine to highest powers , Trueth will be heard , and trueth must not be hid : With Foxelike wyles , this Dog poore soules deuowers , This Dog of men , desipher I thee bid . And though there be curs many of his kinde , Say but the trueth , and yet leaue naught behinde . When Tyme had sayd , I from my feares awake , Yet had I writ what premises containes : T was no illusion moude me this Poem make , But greeues indured , and woes my heart sustaines . Greefe , care , and woe , my silly heart do clog , Fettered to shame by this cur Newgates Dog . Now as I haue discribd him in some sort , As he is fearefull vnto all him see : His diuellish practises now I will report , And set them downe as wicked as they be . Here ends my Poem , Newgates black Dog to name , Now read the rest , and then commend or blame . FINIS .

A Dialogue betwixt the Author and one Zawny , who was a Prisoner in Newgate , and perfectly acquainted with matters touching the discouerie of the superlatiue degree of Cnunicatching : pithy , pleasant , and profitable for all the readers heereof .

ZAwny , Aut 〈…〉 I haue many times beene in hand with thee to giue me some notes vpon thy knowledge , as concerning the notable abuses committed by a sort of dissolute fellowes , who are in very deed the worste members in a common-wealth ; I meane infamous cunnicatching knaues , who continually seeke the spoile of others to inritch themselues , and now is the time thy helpe will do me some pleasure : for at the request of a very friend , I was mooued to write something of worth , wherevpon I made choise of the blacke Dog of Newgate to be a subiect to write vpon , wherein I could not choose , diuers strong reasons especially moouing therevnto , but in that tytle shadow the knauerie , villanie , robberie , and Cunnicatching , committed daily by diuers , who in the name of seruice and office , were as it were attendants at Newgate . Againe I did choose to giue my booke that title , aswell to satisfie some who yet thinke there is some spirit about that prison in the likenesse of a black Dog : of which fonde imagination to put them out of doubt , I thought good to giue them to vnderstand , that indeed there is no such matter . The third reason was , for I being in Newgate a prisoner , and ouerthrowne by these kinde of bad people with their cunnycatching , in most vile and wicked manner , in so much that whilest I there languished in great extremitie , I did both heare and see many outragious iniuries by them committed on diuerse sorts of people : the premisses considered , I doe intreate thee to let me haue thy helpe to set downe some of their villanies committed in thy knowledge , and I will not be slack to present this booke , being finished , into their godly hands : who will assuredly giue them condigne punishment , as also prouide , that the like mischiefes shal neuer be any more put in practise by any notable villaines .

Indeed you say well , and I agree : but yet you know I am a poore man , and am a Pisoner . Againe , it is ill medling with edge tooles . As you comprehend them in the name of a Dog : so if they be angrie , they will bite , and play the deuill in their likenesse . They haue parlous heads , store of money , and some good friends : all which I want . Neither will I name any : but if their knaueries were knowen , it would be thought the Gallowes as fit for these Cunnycatchers , as Newgate is for mee , who am rather kept in to bribe them , then to answer any offence I haue committed : yet seeing you haue begun well , I would wish you end no worse : and for my part , tell you one of their knaueries , and I le tell another : so that ere we haue done , if we tell all , the Cunny-catcher will thinke we haue tolde too much . But by your leaue a word , I wil name no man , for if they should be named , their friends would be angry : and more then that , I rather wish their amendment , then their publike infamie : of which motion if you like , begin when you will , and when you are weary rest you , and I will go on with it : for our matter being all one , no doubt our conclusion will be to the like effect .

Godly , wise , honorable , worshipful , & gentle Reader , know first there be an infinite number of this sect and company of cunny catchers , therfore it were an endlesse peece of worke to name them all : but for I know too many of them , and haue likewise ●aide for my acquaintance with them , it may be exspected I should name some of them , which for the inconuenience might thereby insue , I thought good to craue 〈…〉 that behalfe , assuring you , that they are easie enough to be knowne by their coullers : but what wicked parts they haue performed , I will not faile but make manifest . Therefore , first I desire you to imagine , that these fellowes , these Cunny catchers I would say , do promise to the world great matters : as for example . They will vndertake if a man be robd by the way , they will helpe the party offended to his money againe , or to the theeues at the least . Likewise , if a Purse be cut , a House broken , a peece of Plate stole , they will promise the like : mary , to further this good peece of seruice , they must haue a Warrant procured from some Iustice at the least , that by the sayd general Warrant , they may take vp all suspected persons : which being obteined , then marke how notably therewith they play the knaues , how shamefully they abuse the Iustices who graunted the Warrant , & how notoriouslie they abuse a great sort of poore men , who neither the Warrant mentioneth , nor the partye agreeued in any wise thought to molest or trouble : and for they shadow all their villanies vnder coullor of some especiall warrant , let it suffise thee to read the sequell , & then iudge of their abuses , as they deserue .

Now first will I begin with their petty practises in theyr lewd actions . Say there is a man or two robd by the high way not farre from London : the rumor heereof being bruted in the Citty , these fellowes will be sure to haue intelligence with the first , in what manner the men were robbed , how much money they lost , & where they dwell : the reason is this , The Cunny-catchers haue alwayes abroad some odde fellowes which are inquisitors of purpose , who alwayes what they heare rumord , they presently come and certifie their good maisters Cunny-catchers , of all whatsoeuer , how , where , and when this robberie ●as committed : presently away goes F. H. or N. S. or some of that sect , and inquires out the partie that was robd : with whom , if H. or S. hap to meete ▪ withall , some occasion shall presen●ly be found to intrude themselues into the company of them be robbed : and after some circumstances , the Cunny catcher begins to tell of a strange robbery committed in such a place , saying it was shamefully done : and withall , they will cast some words a farre off , as who should say in effect : if I be not deceiued I know the theeues , and it may be , that if I might speake with him or them that were robd , happily I should direct them how they might take the villaines .

All this while the Cunnicatcher taketh no notice of them that were robbed , neyther doth the Cunnicatcher make any shew , that they knew any such matter to be done to any in the companie .

Now the poore men that were robbed , hearing their smoth speaches , one of them begins very heauily to shape his tale in this , or such like manner . My honest friende , I know too well that such a robberie was done , and in very deede I was the man was robbed in such a place , and at such a time as you speake off . I beseech you good friende , stande me in what stead you may : and if you can helpe me againe to my money , or to take the Theeues , I will not onely thinke my selfe greatly beholding to you , but I will also please you to your content . I am a poore man , I pray you do mee what pleasure you may , good sir , I beseech you . These and such like speaches he vseth .

The Cunnicatcher presently ioyneth ishues with him , and with much cunnyng he tempereth his talke . To be short , he offereth all the pleasure he can do him : but quoth he , you know I am a stranger vnto you , and I know not whether you will vse mee well or no : It may be , when I haue done you good , you will lyghtly rewarde mee . But I le tell you what I le do : Giue mee but fourtie shillinges in hand to beare my charges the time I may search for them , and yf I do not deserue it , I will restore it agayne , and loose all my laboure : yf you lyke of this motion , so it is : yf not , I will not deale in your matter hot nor colde .

When the man that was robbed , heareth him so briefe , yet loth to part company on the suddaine : he intreateth to know the Cunnicatchers name , and where he dwelleth . To this question , an other of the Cunnicatchers companions maketh this reply .

Honest man , you neede not doubt of his good meanyng towardes you : This is such a one as may do you pleasure , yf he please to vndertake it . Then he roundeth the man in the eare , and telleth him his name is E. H. and that he knoweth all the Theeues about London , and that he hath done more good in helping men to their owne , then can be deuised to be done by a hundred others , praysing him for a wonderfull good member in a Common wealth : further certifying the partie where this E. H. dwelleth , and with an oth whispering , he wysheth him to giue him some .xx. s. and then agree what he shall giue him more when the Theeues be taken , making many protestations , that he neede not to misdoubt of E. H. his honest dealing with him in any respect .

Presently the poore man putteth his hand into his pocket , and out he puls an Angell : then saith he ; M. H. I haue heard of you before , and for I haue heard nothing but well of you , I am the willinger to deale with you : truly here is an angell for you , and I will giue you a gallon of Wine at the Tauerne , and if you doe me good in this matter , I will giue you xx . s. more : then with some intreatie , he desireth him to take it in good part , and so giueth him the money .

The Cunny-catcher taketh the money verye quaintly , as though he would refuse it , but in the end he pockets it vp , and is willing to go to the Tauerne , where after the drinking a gallon or two of Wine , they conclude of the former matter : and E. H. will out of hand get the theeues into Newgate , and so much he promiseth to performe vpon his honest fidelitie , not letting to say , if he do it not , he dare be hanged for it .

Then the day is appointed , when within a weeke the partie robbed shall come to Newgate to know what newes , and for that time they part , the honest man to his home or about his businesse , the Cunny-catchers to some other odde place about ●heir knauerie , where they laugh at the Cunny , deuising how to get him in for more money , neuer intending to do any thing in the matter , which they haue vndertaken for the honest man , whose angell they drinke merrily .

Nowe we will leaue this man for a while to his busines of more profit , and I will proceede with the Cunny-catchers for their practises .

These Cunnicatchers are neuer idle : and therefore it followeth next , to let you vnderstand of a notable peece of seruice the sayd H. and S. playde with a friende of mine .

It happened my friende being some time in question , could not misse but he must needes haue acquaintance with these odde shauers : and thus it fell out . My friend being in a Tauerne drinking with some of his acquaintance , whilst they were drinking together , in comes H. S. who presently vsed great courtesie to my friend : but to be short , they tooke full suruey of his weapons , his good cloake , and neate apparrell , which was enough for them to imagine that my friend had store of money : wherevpon they asked if he would giue them a pottle of Wine ? which he willingly granted : and so after one pottle , he gaue them another : the reckoning payde , and the company ready to depart , quoth S. to E. H. I pray you hearke in your eare .

Presently he whispereth . Thus it is , my fellow hath a warrant to take you : therefore in kindnesse I wish you to drawe to your pursse , and giue him an Angell to drinke , and I wil vndertake he shall not see you at this time .

My friend hearing his tale tend to a Cunny-catching effect , he begins to sweare they are Cunny-catching knaues , and they shall not wrong him in any respect .

To be short , the Cunny-catcher sends for a Constable , and charges the party aforesaid with fellony : the Constable knowing them to be in office ( but not to be such bad fellowes ) he presently apprehendeth the party : which done , the Cunny-catchers seeing the prisoner in safe keeping , disfurnished of his weapons , they presently require the prisoner of the Constable , and they will be his discharge : which the Constable did , thinking no lesse then they were right honest men .

Now marke what followed . As these two knaues were a bringing this party charged with fellony to Newgate , one of them offereth for xx . s. to set him free : of which , when the party had considered , knowing though he were cleare of that he was charged , yet if he lay in Prison till the Sessions , it would be greater charges . When he was on Newgate stayres redy to go into the Gayle , he was content to leaue his cloake , that money he had in his pursse , and his weapons which were in the Constables hand pawne for the xx . s. which the Cunny-catchers tooke , and discharged the prisoner without any more to doe .

Not long after , the aforesaid Cunny-catchers meete with this their Cunny of xx . s. price , and an other who was knowne to bee as they terme him a good fellow about the towne in his companie .

And where meete they , but in a Tauerne not farre without Bishops gate , where these two poore Cunnies had spoken for supper : amiddest their good cheere , in comes H. and S. bidding them be merry with their fare . One of these two being an odde fellow and in dread of these Cunny-catchers , knowing them very perfectly set on the best face he could , and bad them welcome , intreating them to sit downe , and doe as they did , of which proffer the Cunny-catchers accepted willingly , and sate downe with them and eate and drunke merrily : supper being ended , the reckoning was cald for , the shot paide , and althings discharged , the Cunnies would faine haue beene gone .

Nay quoth N. S. for of the two he was the grimmer knaue and had most skill to talke , I must let you know that which indeed I am sorry to doe . Yet if you will doe your selues good you may vse vs well , and we will not vse you amisse , to be short , thus it is , such a man was robd within this weeke , and he hath got out a warrant for you two by name . Hee hath lost ten pounds : now if you will restore the money , and bestowe xx . s. on vs two to drinke for our paines , we will vndertake to ●atisfie the partie and be your discharge , if not , we haue a war●ant , and you must answer it at Newgate .

This back reckoning is something sharpe , but there is no remedy , either pay so much money , or else must a Constable be sent for , and so to Newgate as round as a hoope .

To be shorte , this was the conclusion , the Cunnyes paide downe xi.l. euery penny , whereof ten pound was to be paide to the man in the moone , for I dare take it vpon my death neither of these Cunnies did offend any such man , in manner as these knaues had charged them .

●vny . By your leaue a word , all this while you haue not concluded what became of the first Cunny these odde shauers mette with , I pray you be briefe , and let vs heare how he was ended withall , and then you shall heare me tell you of wonders , if these be held to be but of moment .

●or . Well then to the first Cunny againe at his time appointed , he commeth to the wise man of Newgate to inquire what is done in his matter , and at Newgate the Cunny findeth his odde acquaintance with E. H. who at the first sight hath the time of the day for him , much curtesies , but to the tauerne they must to debate the matter , where they must haue a pottle of the best . Whilest the Wine is a filling , the Cunny-catcher sheweth what great paine he hath taken to come by the theeues , and how hardly they mist of them : but for it is best to vse few wordes , the Cunny-catcher from one day to an other still driueth off the Cunny , who is still in hope that the Cunny-catcher meaneth good faith , whereas indeed he neuer made accoumpt what faith was : so to be short , if the theeues robd him of some fiue or sixe pound , he hath got or he finde where he is , a drie shauing as much as forty or fiftie shillings more .

I tell thee Zawny me thinkes these are notable vyllanies , & pittie they should not be punished , who liue by no other meanes but practising such prankes as these be .

Againe this is a generall rule to the Cunny-catcher , that when or where he meetes with such a one as hath beene at any time committed to Newgate , if that fellow haue good apparrell on his back , the Cunny-catcher taketh acquaintance of him and a quarte of Wine they must needes drinke , when the reckoning comes to paiment , the Cunny-catcher hath brought no money from home that day , so by the others drawing of his pursse to pay for the wine , he knoweth what lyning is in it , then if he haue money , the Cunny-catcher is in hand with him for a bribe , some odde crowne or an Angell to drinke : if the man be in any fault , fearing the worst , he will not stand with him for a tryfle : if he be in no fault , perhaps he tels , in fayth you are deceiued in me , I am not he you take me for , and so parteth and giueth him nothing .

Presently the Cunny-catcher vseth all meanes ●o knowe where he lyes , which when he hath done , within a night or two away goes this knaue with some olde warrant to the Constable of that liberty , crauing his ayde to apprehend a bad fellow who is thought to haue done much mischiefe , but for a suertye he auoucheth him for an arrand theefe , and that he hath beene in Newgate . Upon these speeches the Constable goes with this H. where the poore man lyes , and apprehends him and conuaies him to Newgate , laying some Iustices commaundement on him , where he lyes till the sessions , vnlesse he come of roundlie with a bribe to the Connycatcher : but say the Connycatcher be mistaken in this fellowes pursse , & that he haue not so much as he supposed , yet the Connycatcher is so strong of faith , that he will not beleeue the contrary : so by this meanes the poore man lyeth in prison till he be quite a beggar , without releasment till the proclamation at the Sessions , at which time he is not worth the ground he goes on , neither knoweth he , being vtterly ouerthrowne how to haue any remedy : which is pittifull and lamentable .

I muse you should accoumpt of these trifling matters , Za whereas iudeed they are nothing in respect of the prizes they haue plaide , and if you will giue me leaue a little , I will come some thing nearer the Cunny-catcher then you haue yet done .

I pray thee doe : yet I must needs tell thee I haue beene too neere the Cunnycather , Au and what I haue spoken of him it is not onely with greefe but with sorrow to my heart , and anguish of soule , that these outrages should be committed , to the vtter vndoing of so many ; as within this thirty yeares haue beene , for so long did I heare one of these vyllaines vaunt he had beene in office about Newgate : and what I haue done or sayd on this behalfe , with my life and death , I am ready to make proofe of it , that it is true . Thi●●inde I beare , that the Diuell should haue his due of these knaues , and I holde it my duty to reueale whatsoeuer is to the good of a common-wealth ; and so I will , though the Cunnycatcher sweare to giue me a cut in the legge for my labour , and now Zawny I pray thee go forward .

Gentlemen , though I want eloquence , yet you shall see I haue a rowling toung , deepe knowledge , and am a rare fellow to bewray many matters touching Cunny-catching .

Maister Greene God be with thee , for if thou hadst beene aliue , knowing what I know , thou wouldst as well haue made worke as matter , but for my part I am a plaine fellow , and what I know I will not be meale mouthed , but blab I wist , and out it must : nay and out it shall , for as the Comedian sayd : Plenus rymarum sum .

I know twenty and twenty of these fine Cunny-catchers , who learne of the fencers to double a blow , knowing what belongs to the button , and the bob : yet for the Author hath onely vsed foure letters for two names , let them stand , and when I name E. he must thinke Zawny can see whilst there is an eye in his head . H. is aspirationis nota , and no letter indeed , therefore I care not if this Cunny-catching H. were wypte out of the letters rowe to hang on the Gallowes , who is fitter to be a sipher to make vp a number at Tyborne , then to be a man of so bad condition . As for a pottle of Wine he cares not who he hangd so he may haue it , if it be but the Wine .

N. is the first of the second name the Author vseth . No knaue I warrant you : and as for S. if he be in some sorte a knaue to be prooued ? he will be contented , nay he must in spight of his teeth disgest the name of a Cunnycatcher , for by that arte being not worth one groate a yeare , he is able by his fine wit to mainteyne himselfe in his Sattin dublet , Ueluet hose , his Hatt lynde with Ueluet , his silke stock , his Rapter and Dagger gilt , his goulden brouche , and all things correspondent as might seeme a man both of witte and liuing . And now I , according to my promise to the Author , will haue a cast at these fine Cunny-catchers , and I will not slaunder them in any wise , but speake the trueth vnto death . If I say more then I will prooue , I will neuer byd you trust Zawny againe .

Not long since , at a Tylting vpon triumph on the Crownation day : many good subiects with ioy assembled the place of Triumph , as well reioycing to see the Queenes most excellent Maiestie , as also to see the Tylting performed , by sundry noble and right honorable personages .

Amongst the rest , there comes a woman with sixe pounds in her purse , which the Cutpursse met withall , she as it seemed hauing more minde on the pleasures of the present day and time , then she had of hir pursse .

The Iousts ended for that day , the woman thinking all had beene well , takes her way homewarde with a friend of hirs , yet by the way , this good woman must needs drinke with her friend a pinte of Wine : but heere was the mischiefe , when the Wine was to be payde for , the woman mist her pursse , and looking on the strings , with a colde heart she might perceiue hir pursse was cut away .

Hir friend to comfort hir , bad hir take no thought , for he knew a man would helpe hir to hir pursse againe , and saith he , we will presently go to him , for I know where he dwels .

The woman thanked hir friend for his courteous offer , and away they go to E. H. his house , where they found him , to whom they brake the matter wholy how it was , desiring his helpe . Presently he had them in the winde , and had them welcome , promising that if they would content him for his paynes he would doe hir good , asking hir what she would willingly bestowe to haue hir money againe : at the first worde she offered him fortie shillings . All this was well , and they agree to meet ●he next day about White hall , where they shall haue answer to ●●eir content : and so after they had drunke a quarte of Wine at the Tauerne , for that night they parted .

The next day , according to promise they met , and this E H. had in his company a man , who he sayd was a Constable , but whether he sayd truely or no I wyll not say , but to the matter : They appoint the woman to go to a friends house hard by , and she should heare more anon . Away went she , as they had appointed hir , and away go they to looke for Cutpurses .

I warrant you they sought not long , but heere they met with a Cutpurse , whom they take by the sleeue : and there they meete with an other as good a cutpurse as the former , and so they take at the least a dosen Cutpurses : which when they haue done , the Cunnicatcher begins to rayle mightely , swearing they shall some of them be hanged : but to Prison they shall all go , vnles this money be had agayne , shewing a Warrant , or a peece of paper at the least : which is sufficient to beare the Cunnicatcher harmeles , as he sayeth .

Now the Cutpurses , though they be all cleere of this matter , yet they begin to quake for feare , offering rather then they will goe to Prison , they will make vp the money , so that E. H. will promise to giue it them againe when the cutpurse shal be knowen , who cut the purse in deede . This motion the Cunnicatcher liketh indifferently : and so of these dosen of cutpurses , he taketh of some more , and of some lesse , that the summe is largely made vp : which done , they are all discharged , mary they must haue some twentye shillings ouerplus for their paynes and kindnesse shewed to the cutpurses , all which is graunted .

To be shorte , no Cutpursse scapte their handes , but he paide a share , so that there was gathered the first day at the least ten pounds amongst Cutpurses , and the next day this E. H. mette with the Cutpursse , who cut the pursse indeed , of whome he tooke the money , with the vantage , and let hym goe , without answering the matter : and to conclude , the woman had foure pound of hir money againe , and so the matter was no more spoken of .

I thinke this was a peece of knauery , if you talke of knauerie , and yet this is no knauerye in respect of that I will shewe you in this next discouerie of their Cunny-catching .

At the Tearme time , these fellowes , H. and S. haue had great booties by their practises in this arte , and this is their manner .

In the morning away they goe to Westminster hall ▪ where they know the Cutpursse wyll be about his businesse , but the Cunny-catchers are not without a couple , who are their consorts : who assoone as they come to the Hall , thrust in amongst the thickest , and there they listen to heare if any pursse were cut that day .

Likewise , the Cunny-catchers , they take their standings , one of them at the Water side , the other in some close place , at an other gate : so that lightlye a Cutpursse cannot come out of the Hall , but one of them shall spye him , and take him by the sleeue , if the Cutpursse haue done any thing , worde is presently brought to the Tauerne , whether the Cunny and the Cunny-catcher are gone to drinke . Nowe if it be some small summe , the Cunny-catcher sheweth the Cunny a good countenance , but if it be a large summe , as sixe pounds , or vpwardes , the Cunny-catcher dissembling his intent , wyll not stay but the drinking a pottle of Wine .

The Cutpursse intreats their company , and offereth both Wine and a breakefast , but all is in vayne , the Cunny-catcher wyll not carry , swearing a great oathe , hee is sorrye that it was his chaunse to see this Cunny or Cutpursse this day , for there is a mischiefe doone , and hee feares some wyll smoake for it . At this the Cutpursse is afearde , but hee for that tyme scapeth their fyngers , for the Cunny-catcher wyll carrie no longer .

Nowe the Cunny-catcher sendeth presentlye one of his company to seeke out the partye who had his pursse cutte , which he performeth with dilligence , and meeting with him , he tels the partye that hee heard hee lost his pursse at Westminster , and if he wyll be aduised by him , he wyll helpe him to ●he most of his money againe .

This honest man glad to haue parte againe of his mony , offereth at the first worde , the one halfe to haue the other , assuring this odde fellowe for certaintye , that hee lost tenne pounds .

Well ( saith this Factor for the Cunnycatcher ) if your leasure wyll serue to goe with me , I wyll bring you to one dooth partly knowe who cut your pursse , therefore it is your waye to followe his counsayle , and I warrant you , my life for it , but you shall haue your desire .

Heereat the honest man is glad , and willyngly goeth along with him to a place where he knoweth E. H. abideth his comming : Now being met , the Wise man of Newgate begins at the first dash , to tell them whereabout they come , euen in as ample manner , as if the man who had his pursse cut , had tolde the tale himselfe .

No meruaile though the Countrey man doe wonder a while at the matter , but in the end , he telleth him it is so indeed , and according to the first motion they agree , which is the one halfe for the other : the Countryman willing to referre the matter wholy to this Cunny-catchers discretion .

Then away goes the Countreyman with H. the Cunny-catcher , to a Iustice , to whome he signifieth in euery respect , how his pursse was cut , desiring of the Iustice a warrant to take vp all suspected persons : of which motion the Iustice intending to do Iustice , graunts his warrant , and giues it to H. ●●●ling him to certifie him what shall be done on that behalfe , as the Warrant intendeth .

This Warrant obteined , the Cunnycatcher is as pleasant as a Pye , taking his leaue of the Iustice , away goes the Countryman and his good friends with him , and to the Tauerne straight , where they spend some time in drinking a pottle of the best Wine , which the Countryman must pay for : which done , H. taketh his leaue of his clyent , promising him not to be slacke in his businesse , which done , they part ; the Countrey-man to his lodging or as his occasion serueth , and the Cunny-catcher about his facultie .

Now woe to the Cutpursses , for as H. happeneth to meet with them , they must to Newgate , shewing Warrant sufficient for a greater matter .

But you must take notice , that of a dozen or sixteene Cutpurses who he hath apprehended , he is sure enough that he whith cut the pursse indeed shall be none of them .

This honest company of Cutpursses being all in Newgate , H. goes presently and certifies the Iustice , what a sort of notable Theeues he hath taken , desiring the Iustice to sende for them at his pleasure , to examine them about the Country mans Pursse , assuring the Iustice that they are cunning Theeues , and that he dare lay his lyfe , they will confesse nothing : which in deede the Iustice findeth true ; for , they being examined , will confesse as much as neare a whit .

To Newgate away they goe againe , where they make all meanes to H. to stande their friende , shewing their innocencie : yet rather then they will lie in Prison , one offereth ten shyllinges , an other twentie shyllinges , some more some lesse , as they are of abilitie : offering farther , to giue besides the summe , euery one something to H. for his good worde to the Iustice , that they may be set at libertie .

Now the Cunni-catcher hath the matter as he would wysh it , and taking their money first , he presently goes to the Iustice and cirtifieth him , that these which he hath apprehended , did none of them cut the Pursse : and for he hath gotten knowledg who did , he desireth that they may be bayled .

The Iustice glad to heare the trueth is knowen , is willing to set them at libertie ; which vpon their bayle he graunteth . Of this money the Countrey man hath neuer a penny , and all these Cutpursses are set at libertie .

Which done , H seeketh diligently for the Cutpursse , who did the matter in deede : with whom when he meeteth , he spareth not to tell him how sore the Iustice is against him , and now earnestly the Countrey man will pursue the Law : and further he sweareth , that some of them who were in Newgate 〈◊〉 the Iustice playnely , that he cut the Pursse .

This peale ringes nothing well in the Cutpursses eares , who can finde no fauour , but to Newgate : yet vpon intreatie made by the Cutpursse , the Cunni-catcher promiseth , that for his part he will do him any good he can , wishing the Cutpursse , as he is wise enough , so it were good for him to hold his owne , and confesse nothing to the Iustice , what profe soeuer come against him , and in so doing , it may lie in his power to do him good ; telling him further , that the man who lost the money , though he be sore bent against him , yet he will partly be rewled by him .

Well , to Newgate marcheth this H. with his Cutpursse : where he to welcome him for all his fayre wordes , he clappeth on his legges a good payre of Boultes and Shakels : which done , he sendeth for the Countrey man , and telleth him of these good tydinges , how the Theefe is taken , and how he hath vsed him .

The next way they take , is to the Iustice , to whom H. signifieth how the case standeth , rayling mightely against the Cutpursse , euen in the worst maner he can deuise : saying , it will be euidently proued that he cut the Purse , and none but he : further he requesteth , that the Cutpursse may be examined . The Cutpursse is sent for , who to euery question the Iustice can demaunde , hauing taken out his lesson ( Confesse and be hanged ) hath his answere ready , so that there can be no aduantage taken by his examination .

The Iustice returneth him to Newgate againe to abyde till the next Sessions , requiring the partie to be bound to giue euidence against him : but the Countrey man dwelling farre from London , and it being long to the next Law day , alleadgeth , he can not be in the Citie at that time , for he is a poore man , and hath great occasion of busines , so that he cannot be there to giue euidence , neyther can he say , yf he would , any thing against that ●artie : for so farre as he can remember , he neuer saw that fellow before in his lyfe .

Yet H. promiseth , that it wil be prooued against the Cutpursse : so the Countrey man and H. take their leaues of Iustice , making shew as though they woulde come again● though it be no part of H. his meanyng .

H. goeth straight to Newgate , where he falles in hand with the Cutpursse , swearing vnto him by his honestie , that he hath laboured the partie who had his Pursse cut , to take his money againe , and not to giue euidence against him , answering him with many othes , that yf he may haue his money againe , he will presently goe out of the towne . The Cutpursse taking H. his hand , that no man shall giue euidence against him at the Sessions , doth presently send abrode to his friendes for the money : which as soone as it commeth , he deliuereth to H. and withall a large ouerplus , because he will be suer of H. his fauour .

This done , H. goes to the Countrey man , and tels him he got no more but sixe or seuen pound , of which if he will accept , and proceede no further against the partie , he hath it to pay him : mary he will not be knowen to the Countrey man , but that he had that money of some friendes of the Cutpursses , who vpon the former condition , is willing it should be payde , yf not , to haue his money agayne .

The Countrey man hauing haste out of the Citie , is glad to take it : out of which summe , if it be seauen poundes , H. must haue halfe : so that the poore man of ten poundes , hath but three pound ten shillinges , whereas the Cunni-catcher by this accompt hath got at one hand and an other , very neare fourtie Marke : the money sharde , the Countrey man takes Horse , and away he rides : Againe , H. his mouth is stopt , and the next Sessions the Cutpursse is quit by Proclamation , no man being there to giue euidence against him .

O wonderfull peece of villanie . A Zawny , I will trouble thee no further , thou hast tolde inough , and I will tell no more : who heares but this which is already spoken , will holde these knaues for execrable varlets . So for this time I will commende thee to thy other busines , wyshing thy libertie , as I do my owne : and if thou haue occasion , commaund mee to do thee good , if it lie in my power .

Sir , Z I thanke you for your courteous offer : but yet I must tell you , I could tell twentie such prankes as these are , which these cunny-catching fellowes haue played : but in deede they keepe one order almost , in perfourming them all : but since you thinke here is inough , I will say no more , and so fare 〈…〉 .

Thus haue you heard , gentle Reader , how at large this Blacke Dogge is descifered : which Dogge as he is , is worthy of your generall hate : but for I haue with paynes concluded my Booke vnder that tytle , I will not request you accordyng to the olde prouerbe , loue mee , loue my Hound : but only , loue mee , and hang my Dogge , for he is not worthy so good a name as a Hound : and so wishing you all well , I conclude .

FINIS .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

Notes for div A03921-e6130