THE
Life
and
death
of
Gamaliell
Ratsey
,
a
famous
theefe
of
England
,
executed
at
Bedford
the
26.
of
March
last
past
,
1605.
IN
a
Towne
in
Lincolneshire
called
Market-Deeping
,
lately
dwelt
a
man
inriched
,
as
well
in
the
vertues
of
his
wife
,
as
in
the
qualities
of
his
owne
condition
.
For
hee
was
generous
both
by
birth
and
other
perfections
of
the
minde
,
which
made
him
more
fortunate
in
the
loue
of
his
neighbours
,
then
in
the
comfort
of
his
children
.
Carefull
hee
was
for
their
education
,
and
very
industrious
to
giue
them
that
bringing
vp
,
that
might
either
answer
his
hope
,
or
be
likely
to
yéelde
them
honest
meanes
of
maintenance
and
preferment
.
His
name
was
Richard
Ratsey
,
a
Gentleman
,
and
belonging
to
some
honorable
personage
of
this
land
,
whom
he
followed
a
long
time
in
great
fauour
and
estimation
.
Amongst
his
other
children
he
had
one
son
named
Gamaliel
R●ts●y
,
of
whom
in
his
yong●r
yeares
,
he
conceiued
a
very
hopefull
expectation
,
for
his
care
was
great
to
bring
him
vp
in
learning
and
the
knowledge
of
good
letters
.
Wherein
at
the
first
he
profited
not
a
little
,
while
he
liued
in
the
●eare
and
reprehension
of
his
parents
,
and
the
awfull
correction
of
his
teacher
.
But
as
,
Imberbis
iuuenis
tandem
Custode
remoto
Gauaet
equi●
,
●am●ns
,
&
aperei
gramine
Campi
,
&c.
So
this
Gamaliell
Ratsey
growing
more
mature
and
ripe
in
yeares
and
hauing
that
hand
of
restraint
carried
more
loose
and
●asie
then
was
accustomed
,
by
which
he
was
formerly
curbd
of
some
libertie
,
grew
lesse
duteous
and
more
d●sirous
to
range
abroad
,
&
see
strange
Countries
,
holding
his
hopes
frustrated
and
himselfe
disparaged
by
liuing
at
home
:
and
therefore
resolued
to
surrender
the
life
and
exercises
of
a
Scholler
,
and
betake
himselfe
to
the
fortunes
and
profession
of
a
Souldier
.
As
you
shall
heere
vnderstand
by
the
course
of
his
life
,
the
which
he
related
to
some
friends
of
his
after
the
time
of
his
imprisonment
,
with
d●sire
it
might
be
published
,
as
well
to
testifie
vnto
the
world
his
repentance
,
as
to
giue
cawsion
to
his
country-men
,
to
eschew
his
follie
,
and
preuent
his
fall
.
The
which
is
further
manifested
in
the
end
héereof
,
by
his
repentance
written
in
his
time
of
durance
with
his
owne
hand
.
How
Gamaliell
Ratsey
first
left
to
bee
a
Scholler
and
became
a
Souldier
.
THerefore
I
first
thought
good
to
make
knowne
,
that
at
the
time
that
the
right
honourable
the
Earle
of
Essex
went
into
Ireland
,
this
Gamaliell
Ratsey
ventured
his
fortunes
ouer
with
him
,
being
at
that
time
very
young
,
and
vnskilfull
in
managing
of
any
Martiall
affaires
:
yet
hee
spent
much
time
in
those
warres
,
and
was
very
venturous
and
hote-spirited
,
and
profited
not
a
little
,
as
well
in
knowledge
,
as
in
the
commendations
of
his
Commanders
:
For
in
any
publike
designes
or
skirmishes
,
he
was
not
slacke
to
shew
forwardnesse
,
and
in
any
priuate
quarrell
,
very
resolute
to
repell
iniuries
.
Insomuch
,
as
in
those
parts
he
was
then
thought
worthy
from
a
priuate
Gentleman
of
a
Company
to
bée
made
Sergeant
.
Which
place
hée
remained
in
vnder
the
Company
of
Captaine
Langford
,
till
the
time
that
my
Lord
of
Deuonshire
came
out
of
Ireland
,
and
brought
ouer
Tyrone
,
after
the
death
of
our
late
Soueraigne
Lady
Queene
Elizabeth
.
How
Ratsey
first
fell
into
theft
,
by
what
meanes
,
and
in
what
place
,
and
how
he
was
imprisoned
in
Spalding
,
with
his
dangerous
escape
out
of
prison
in
his
shirt
.
AT
the
Earle
of
Deuonshires
returne
into
England
,
the
said
Ratsey
came
likewise
backe
againe
,
&
shaped
his
course
through
the
Country
,
homewards
to
the
place
where
he
was
borne
,
where
it
is
bootelesse
to
tell
what
pranckes
hee
performed
in
his
iourney
.
But
this
at
his
arriuall
at
home
,
though
it
was
first
,
yet
was
it
not
the
least
of
his
exploites
,
for
he
gulld
the
seruant
,
deceiued
the
maister
,
and
escaped
for
that
time
out
of
prison
.
But
as
Euery
euill
act
hath
his
euill
end
:
so
his
successe
was
so
hard
,
that
he
was
crost
almost
to
the
crosse
,
and
that
is
the
next
neighbour
to
the
gallowes
;
and
miserere
mei
,
had
beene
the
best
mattens
,
had
not
one
paire
of
legges
been
better
then
two
paire
of
hands
.
For
thus
it
fortuned
,
that
not
long
after
his
comming
home
out
of
Ireland
,
he
went
to
a
Market
towne
called
Spalding
,
not
farre
from
the
place
where
hee
was
borne
,
where
comming
into
an
Inne
in
the
same
towne
,
he
insinuated
himselfe
into
the
loue
and
league
of
a
seruant
,
Maid
in
the
same
house
,
with
whom
he
preuailed
so
farre
,
what
with
his
pleasing
speach
(
and
with
what
else
he
pleased
her
I
know
not
)
that
hee
was
the
onely
man
in
the
maides
estimation
.
Insomuch
that
in
his
absence
(
for
he
was
comming
and
going
thither
often
)
the
Maide
preuailed
so
with
her
Mistresse
,
that
hée
before
any
other
guest
should
bee
admitted
the
priuiledge
of
the
Parlour
.
But
as
had-I-wist
comes
too
late
,
and
kindnesse
oftentimes
receiues
not
her
deserued
effects
.
So
fell
it
out
in
this
his
so
sodaine
intertainment
:
for
he
only
made
that
his
mean
to
awaite
some
oportunitie
,
when
he
might
spie
out
a
purchase
and
effect
his
purpose
,
as
it
shortly
after
fell
out
he
did
.
For
a
Farmer
,
or
husband-man
,
comming
to
the
same
Inne
(
as
it
was
his
custome
vpon
Market
dayes
)
to
pay
a
matter
of
fortie
pounds
to
a
Gentleman
dwelling
there
,
which
was
due
vpon
a
bond
,
called
the
Hostesse
aside
,
and
desired
her
,
that
she
would
lay
vp
the
same
safe
for
him
(
being
sealed
vp
in
a
bagge
)
till
the
Market
was
done
,
which
shee
receyued
,
and
promised
to
doe
accordingly
.
And
comming
into
the
Parlor
where
Ratsey
remained
,
she
shewed
herselfe
nothing
squeamish
to
shew
what
trust
was
reposed
in
her
:
but
locking
the
same
in
a
Presse
,
he
thought
(
that
her
backe
once
turned
)
hee
would
discharge
her
of
that
charge
.
For
as
hee
had
an
Eagles
eye
to
espie
aduauntage
,
so
had
he
a
Lions
heart
to
effect
his
purpose
:
for
hée
was
not
long
hammering
it
in
his
head
,
but
with
a
quicke
dispatch
,
vnlocked
the
Presse
,
and
pocketted
the
bagge
.
Which
when
he
had
got
,
it
was
bootelesse
to
bid
him
haste
away
:
for
he
presently
bade
them
farewell
in
the
Inne
for
a
while
,
and
told
them
hée
would
but
walke
into
the
market
,
and
come
againe
by
and
by
,
although
he
meant
nothing
lesse
,
and
they
mistrusted
nothing
at
all
.
But
hée
hied
home
to
Deeping
,
where
in
his
Mothers
Orchard
,
hee
digged
a
pitte
,
and
buried
the
bagge
of
money
,
doubting
there
would
bee
search
made
after
him
for
it
,
and
not●●●g
found
about
him
,
or
in
his
mothers
house
,
it
would
be
out
their
yea
,
and
his
nay
,
and
so
the
matter
might
hee
the
more
easily
aunswered
.
Now
you
must
imagine
,
that
the
market
béeing
done
,
and
the
Farmer
calling
for
his
bagge
of
money
,
and
the
Hostesse
finding
that
the
same
was
taken
out
of
the
Cupboord
,
and
her
Presse
opened
,
was
not
a
little
perplexed
in
minde
,
but
it
stroke
such
a
quandarie
to
her
stomacke
,
as
if
shée
had
drunke
a
draught
of
small
beere
next
her
heart
in
a
feostie
morning
.
Shee
came
backe
to
the
Farmer
,
with
her
handes
emptie
,
and
her
heart
full
of
cares
,
exclayming
agaynst
Ratsey
,
whome
shée
remembred
shee
left
in
the
Parlour
,
but
that
auayled
nothing
.
Thereupon
they
both
went
to
a
Iustice
of
Peace
dwelling
neere
Spalding
,
and
opening
their
sayde
griefes
and
losses
,
desired
his
warrant
to
bring
Ratsey
before
him
,
which
hee
graunted
,
and
they
procured
to
bée
serued
by
a
Constable
of
Deeping
.
So
Ratsey
béeing
apprehended
,
and
brought
before
the
Iustice
,
stoode
stiffely
in
the
deniall
thereof
,
and
was
committed
to
the
safe
keeping
of
the
Gayler
,
vpon
suspition
of
felonie
.
Where
he
had
not
long
remained
,
but
money
was
wanting
vnto
him
,
and
he
had
no
meanes
to
relieue
his
necessities
in
prison
,
but
to
reueale
the
hiding
of
the
money
in
the
sayde
Orchard
,
and
therefore
bethought
him
whome
in
such
a
case
hee
might
make
the
same
knowne
vnto
,
with
his
best
securitie
.
Wherevpon
hée
resolued
to
make
none
acquainted
therewithall
,
but
his
owne
mother
,
to
whom
hee
addressed
secret
knowledge
thereof
.
Which
when
shee
heard
,
shee
was
in
a
great
perplexitie
what
to
doe
,
whether
she
should
proue
vnnaturall
in
reuealing
the
same
,
or
by
concealing
it
,
hazard
her
reputation
in
the
Countrey
.
In
the
which
she
was
alwayes
verie
well
esteemed
with
the
most
and
best
,
both
for
wisedome
and
vertue
.
His
mother
to
be
further
aduised
,
reuealed
it
to
her
daughter
dwelling
in
the
same
Towne
,
her
daughter
to
her
husband
,
and
so
from
one
to
another
,
(
as
two
may
keepe
counsaile
,
if
the
third
be
away
:
)
it
came
to
the
Iustices
hearing
,
where
,
and
in
what
place
,
and
vnder
what
trée
in
the
Orchard
it
was
hidden
.
Ratsey
hauing
secret
information
of
notice
giuen
to
the
Iustice
,
and
that
he
should
be
further
examined
concerning
the
same
,
knew
that
deniall
would
not
then
serue
his
turne
,
but
resolued
to
set
all
his
wits
abroach
,
to
frée
himselfe
from
their
hands
,
which
could
by
no
meanes
bee
done
,
but
by
escape
,
which
he
effected
in
a
morning
betimes
,
out
of
a
very
narrow
passage
in
his
shirt
.
But
the
time
was
not
long
after
his
escape
before
he
was
missed
,
and
hast
made
after
him
on
euery
side
,
both
by
horse
and
foote
.
He
was
egerly
pursued
,
yet
knew
the
Country
well
;
and
was
a
long
space
followed
so
hardly
,
that
he
was
at
last
forced
to
a
very
dangerous
great
water
,
which
he
tooke
and
swamme
ouer
;
and
being
ouer
,
he
staid
and
turned
himselfe
towards
them
,
and
after
some
brauadoes
giuen
them
,
(
for
he
knew
none
of
them
durst
follow
him
)
he
went
his
way
and
out-stript
them
all
.
A
kinde
conceipt
of
Ratsey
,
performed
by
him
in
his
way
vpon
a
Seruing-man
that
ouer-tooke
him
by
chance
,
riding
to
London
with
his
Maisters
horse
to
fetch
him
from
the
Tearme
.
AFter
he
had
made
this
escape
,
hée
tooke
his
way
to
a
friend
of
his
not
farre
off
,
with
whom
hee
might
bee
bolde
for
sute
of
apparrel
,
and
to
furnish
him
with
such
necessaries
as
his
case
required
.
The
which
his
friend
furnished
him
withall
,
and
put
some
small
matter
of
money
into
his
purse
to
beare
his
charges
,
for
he
knew
as
soone
as
Ratsey
had
strooke
a
hand
,
he
should
be
no
loser
by
it
.
Ratsey
,
as
a
man
then
halfe
armed
to
enterprise
any
exploit
,
and
well
flesht
by
his
late
escape
,
tooke
his
iourney
on
towards
London
,
thinking
there
to
finde
men
of
all
faculties
,
and
copes-mates
to
fit
his
humour
in
euery
condition
.
For
although
by
the
great
discretion
of
the
Iudges
and
Iustices
,
many
are
daily
trussed
vp
,
yet
still
there
springeth
vp
yong
that
grow
,
in
time
,
to
beare
fruit
fit
for
the
gallowes
.
As
hée
had
thus
trauailed
two
or
thrée
daies
towardes
London
,
booted
and
spurrd
,
and
afoote
,
hee
turning
backe
to
breathe
himselfe
,
being
wearie
,
espied
a
Seruing-man
riding
after
him
with
a
spare
nagge
,
for
hée
ledde
his
owne
horse
in
his
hande
,
and
roade
vppon
his
Maisters
Gelding
;
which
good
opportunitie
was
soone
apprehended
by
Ratsey
,
for
hée
presentlie
beganne
to
call
his
wittes
about
him
,
and
to
bethinke
him
howe
hee
might
ouer-reach
the
plaine
seruing
creature
that
followed
him
.
Who
no
sooner
ouer-tooke
him
,
but
hée
straitway
vailde
his
bonnet
at
the
sight
of
Maister
Ratsey
;
who
seeing
the
young
Nouice
so
full
of
curtesse
,
resolued
to
repay
him
with
craft
ere
they
parted
.
For
Ratsey
fell
presentlie
a
questioning
with
him
,
if
hée
didde
not
ouer-goe
a
Seruing-man
leading
a
Gelding
(
as
hee
did
)
in
his
hand
?
who
made
him
answer
,
that
he
met
not
any
such
.
Then
Ratsey
beganne
to
faine
himselfe
in
a
fustian
sume
,
and
swore
his
man
should
neither
carry
it
to
hell
nor
heauen
for
abusing
him
so
,
for
I
bade
him
follow
mee
(
saith
hee
)
and
he
sure
mistooke
mee
,
thinking
I
would
ride
to
such
a
Gentlemans
to
night
,
and
hath
so
left
me
as
thou
séest
.
But
if
thou
béest
an
honest
fellow
(
quoth
hee
)
let
me
ride
vpon
thy
léere
horse
and
I
will
giue
thée
a
couple
of
shillings
to
drinke
.
The
séely
fellow
gréedie
of
two
shillings
,
(
for
it
was
a
great
deale
of
money
in
his
purse
)
and
séeming
to
be
sory
that
such
an
honest
Gentleman
(
as
he
thought
)
should
goe
a
foote
and
he
a
space
horse
in
his
hand
,
gaue
his
good
will
,
which
Ratsey
tooke
hold
of
,
and
presently
mounted
himselfe
.
So
they
roade
a
great
part
of
the
day
together
,
passing
the
way
with
much
idle
prattle
.
But
yet
Ratsey
was
not
satisfied
in
his
minde
,
that
the
Seruingman
should
ride
vppon
the
best
Gelding
,
and
not
hee
,
and
resolued
to
haue
a
fling
at
him
for
that
too
.
So
the
afternoone
being
well
spent
,
and
night
drawing
on
,
Ratsey
beganne
to
betake
himselfe
to
his
first
discontent
,
and
roade
a
prettie
way
without
any
chat
or
prattle
,
as
hee
hadde
before
.
Which
the
simple
Seruing-man
perceiuing
,
thought
hee
would
chéere
him
vppe
alitle
,
and
beganne
to
aske
him
how
hée
did
,
and
what
ayled
him
:
Ratsey
told
him
his
mans
negligence
stucke
still
in
his
stomacke
,
and
hée
could
not
forget
it
.
For
saith
hée
,
I
am
now
néere
the
place
where
I
intende
to
lie
all
night
,
and
I
haue
many
worshipfull
friendes
and
kinsfolkes
there
,
and
it
grieues
mee
to
the
heart
,
that
I
should
bee
séene
come
riding
into
the
Towne
in
such
a
fashion
and
so
meanelie
horsed
,
for
I
tell
thee
(
friend
saieth
hee
)
I
neuer
came
thither
without
my
man
or
twoo
with
mee
,
and
a
very
good
Gelding
vnder
mee
.
The
Seruingman
hearing
this
,
told
him
,
if
that
were
al
if
his
Masters
gelding
would
pleasure
him
,
he
should
ride
on
that
,
and
hee
would
change
horses
with
him
.
Yes
mary
quoth
Ratsey
,
(
for
he
aimed
at
that
)
for
I
hold
thy
Maisters
Gelding
to
be
worth
some
twentie
ponnd
:
he
cost
not
a
penny
lesse
,
quoth
the
Seruingman
.
So
they
interchange
horses
,
and
riding
on
,
Ratsey
perswaded
him
,
séeing
he
had
béen
thus
kind
,
to
do
him
one
other
pleasure
,
and
he
would
pay
for
his
horse
meate
and
mans
meate
that
night
,
and
set
him
forth
frée
in
the
morning
,
with
somewhat
in
his
purse
to
drinke
.
The
Seruingman
asked
of
him
what
it
was
;
nothing
(
saies
he
)
but
to
lie
at
my
Inne
too
night
,
and
be
to
me
as
my
man
,
and
I
will
reward
thy
paines
,
for
thou
shalt
both
saue
thine
owne
charges
,
and
continue
my
credite
.
That
I
will
(
saith
he
)
with
all
my
heart
,
and
doe
you
the
best
seruice
I
can
.
So
the
séely
fellow
for
that
night
became
Ratseys
man
,
and
comming
to
the
Inne
,
the
horses
were
set
vp
,
and
he
commanded
his
man
to
direct
that
supper
should
bée
prouided
.
Which
being
done
,
and
supper
ended
,
Ratsey
goes
into
the
stable
,
and
giues
order
that
his
horses
be
well
drest
and
looked
too
.
For
(
●aies
he
)
my
man
is
but
new
come
to
me
,
and
I
dare
not
as
yet
trust
him
with
dressing
my
Gelding
,
which
the
Ostlers
promised
to
do
accordingly
.
And
perceiuing
the
gentleman
to
be
a
kind
man
,
they
thought
they
would
doe
some
kindnesse
to
his
seruant
in
the
bottome
of
the
Seller
.
For
while
Ratsey
was
playing
at
dice
aboue
,
with
some
others
that
were
there
,
his
new
man
was
carowsing
below
.
And
wanting
that
vim
etentiuam
,
and
abilitie
that
the
rest
had
to
carry
their
liquor
,
he
beganne
to
fell
Dakes
in
the
Tap-house
,
and
his
best
braines
were
wrapt
in
a
leaden
cap
:
for
he
was
so
heauie
in
the
head
,
that
he
could
not
stand
on
his
feete
.
So
he
was
had
to
bed
presently
.
It
fitted
Ratseys
purpose
well
,
that
while
hée
lost
his
money
at
Dice
,
his
man
did
gaine
his
loading
with
drinke
,
for
hee
had
an
intention
to
sende
him
away
on
foote
,
and
so
he
did
.
For
by
that
they
had
done
playing
,
the
morning
beganne
to
waxe
gray
,
and
hée
fell
a
bargayning
for
his
best
Gelding
with
the
Host
of
the
house
,
and
receyued
ninetéene
pounds
for
him
.
Who
was
no
lesse
glad
of
the
one
,
then
Ratsey
was
of
the
other
.
So
he
discharged
the
house
,
and
commaunded
his
mans
Nag
to
be
sadled
for
him
,
(
while
he
was
all
this
while
asleepe
.
)
Which
being
done
,
he
left
some
small
matter
of
money
behind
him
for
his
man
,
and
gaue
order
that
hee
should
follow
him
to
such
a
Gentlemans
house
,
where
he
neuer
meant
to
méete
him
,
and
so
rode
his
way
.
Now
what
a
sorrowfull
and
troubled
heart
this
yong
Nouice
had
,
when
he
rose
and
found
his
new
maister
gone
with
his
old
maisters
Geldings
,
I
referre
to
to
them
that
haue
grieued
at
the
like
losse
.
How
Ratsey
met
George
Snell
,
and
Henrie
Shorthose
,
and
of
their
riding
togither
in
North-hamtonshire
,
and
his
robbing
of
nine
men
alone
.
RAtsey
resolued
after
his
late
purchase
,
neither
to
buy
house
or
land
with
his
xix
.
li.
but
séeking
for
copsmates
of
his
owne
condition
,
that
were
as
readie
to
liue
vppon
spoile
as
himselfe
:
at
last
her
met
with
Shorthose
an
old
friend
and
Countrey-man
of
his
(
for
Shorthose
was
likewise
borne
in
Market-deeping
.
)
And
although
Shorthose
(
till
hee
perswaded
him
)
neuer
gaue
consent
to
enter
into
anie
malefaction
,
but
was
driuen
for
matter
of
debt
to
forsake
his
natiue
countrey
.
Yet
being
very
poore
hee
was
glad
of
Ratseys
companie
,
and
holpe
him
to
spend
a
great
part
of
his
money
so
lately
,
and
so
lewdly
got
,
which
in
a
little
space
drew
néere
an
end
,
(
for
two
hands
in
one
pocket
soone
makes
a
light
purse
.
)
Then
came
they
both
in
companie
by
chaunce
with
Snell
,
whome
Ratsey
perceiued
,
as
well
by
conference
,
as
by
countenance
,
(
as
Quam
difficile
est
animam
non
prodere
vultu
)
as
apt
to
incline
to
desperate
courses
,
as
themselues
,
(
as
indeede
hee
had
beene
before
,
)
for
hée
was
twice
burnt
in
the
hand
in
Newgate
for
his
bad
conditions
.
Well
:
they
all
layde
their
heades
togither
,
and
foorth
they
went
,
although
none
horsed
but
Ratsey
,
and
layde
theyr
plottes
for
Northamtonshire
,
and
those
partes
,
for
there
hée
was
most
skilfull
of
the
Countrey
:
and
comming
to
a
place
called
Helpson-heath
,
they
espyed
nine
men
riding
towards
them
together
,
that
were
bound
for
London
.
Ratsey
resolued
to
shew
his
resolution
vppon
them
,
and
bade
his
other
companions
to
goe
on
the
infide
of
the
Hedge
into
a
coppice
,
while
he
lay
on
the
outside
cracking
of
Nuts
:
and
bade
the
other
not
come
forth
vnlesse
they
saw
great
necessitie
of
their
helpe
.
The
men
drew
somewhat
neere
the
place
where
Ratsey
lay
,
and
being
within
sight
of
him
,
one
of
them
knew
him
,
(
for
they
were
all
Lincolneshire
men
)
and
bade
the
rest
bee
resolued
to
loose
their
purses
now
,
for
(
sayeth
hee
)
yonder
lyes
Ratsey
,
whom
I
know
to
bee
a
daungerous
and
desperate
fellow
,
and
he
awaytes
nothing
but
a
prey
.
Ratsey
makes
roughly
towardes
them
,
and
tolde
them
that
he
came
for
money
,
and
money
he
must
haue
,
and
would
haue
:
therefore
dispatch
(
quoth
her
)
for
one
of
your
companie
héere
knowes
me
,
and
knowes
I
will
not
be
trifled
with
.
On
our
faythes
(
sayde
they
)
maister
Ratsey
,
wee
are
no
better
prouided
then
will
be
are
our
charges
to
London
,
and
that
at
the
most
is
not
twentie
shillings
a
man
,
if
you
will
haue
that
,
you
shall
haue
it
with
all
our
hearts
.
Nay
(
sayes
Ratsey
)
that
will
doe
mee
no
good
:
for
it
is
well
knowne
I
robbe
not
for
trifles
.
But
what
haue
you
sir
,
sayes
hee
to
one
that
stoode
aloofe
from
the
rest
,
in
your
Portmantgle
?
Fayth
,
sayes
hee
,
I
haue
a
little
money
that
I
am
to
pay
vppon
bond
by
a
day
,
and
wee
are
two
or
three
of
vs
heere
bound
to
pay
it
,
if
you
take
it
from
vs
wee
are
vndone
.
How
much
is
it
,
sayes
Ratsey
?
Two
hundred
poundes
(
sayes
the
other
)
I
Marrie
,
quoth
Ratsey
,
such
a
lumpe
I
looke
for
.
And
seeing
there
are
so
many
to
pay
it
,
it
will
not
hurt
you
much
if
all
of
you
loose
it
.
Therefore
be
briefe
,
deliuer
it
,
for
if
you
stand
vppon
tearmes
,
or
delayes
with
mee
,
I
haue
Whelpes
within
the
inside
of
the
Hedge
,
that
vpon
a
Watch-worde
will
presently
come
foorth
,
and
they
neuer
barke
till
they
bite
:
if
they
stirre
,
it
is
all
thinges
to
nothing
,
but
some
of
you
loose
your
liues
,
and
your
limmes
.
This
beeing
heard
,
the
money
was
presently
deliuered
,
for
of
two
euils
,
they
thought
it
best
to
choose
the
least
.
And
Ratsey
,
hee
thought
it
the
best
cracking
of
Nuttes
that
euer
he
made
,
that
yeelded
such
shelles
;
And
so
they
parted
.
How
Ratsey
robbed
a
Coniurer
.
RAtsey
had
secrete
notice
giuen
him
of
a
Coniurer
that
was
a
maister
of
Artes
,
and
a
Scholler
of
Cambridge
(
for
he
had
his
intellegencers
abroad
,
although
against
the
state
of
the
Common-wealth
)
and
was
directed
which
way
hee
roade
,
with
his
bookes
of
coniuration
in
a
Cloake-bag
behinde
him
.
But
Ratsey
thought
all
his
bookes
should
not
saue
him
:
for
he
meant
to
coniure
him
without
booke
,
not
so
much
for
the
money
sake
(
for
he
had
knowledge
that
the
Scholler
had
not
aboue
fiue
or
sixe
poundes
aboute
him
.
)
But
for
that
it
should
be
sayd
that
he
once
in
his
life
,
his
courage
and
spirit
out-stript
and
daunted
the
cunning
and
arte
of
a
Coniurer
.
For
following
him
till
hee
came
in
Bawtrie
Lane
,
where
hee
intended
this
exployte
,
and
which
indeede
is
a
verie
daungerous
place
for
theeuing
,
Ratsey
made
towardes
him
,
and
the
Coniurer
thought
a
good
paire
of
Spurres
better
than
Spelles
or
Coniuration
at
that
time
,
and
beganne
to
pricke
forwardes
his
Horse
,
which
indeede
was
so
farre
better
then
Ratseys
,
that
had
not
Shorthose
stept
in
,
who
lay
to
preuent
his
escape
,
the
Coniurer
had
out-rid
Ratsey
,
and
saued
both
his
bookes
and
money
.
But
now
the
Coniurer
is
in
hucksters
handling
,
there
is
no
wap
with
him
but
one
,
for
Ratsey
seises
both
vpon
his
money
and
bookes
,
for
the
which
the
Coniurer
pleads
hard
,
but
prou●●es
not
.
And
thinking
his
paine
had
béene
past
,
be
begins
to
take
his
leaue
of
maister
Ratsey
,
and
to
ride
away
:
nay
sayes
Ratsey
(
and
takes
his
horse
by
the
head
)
I
haue
not
done
with
you
yet
;
I
haue
a
quarrell
to
this
gallant
too
,
he
must
goe
with
me
,
for
presuming
to
ouerrunne
me
:
it
may
be
you
haue
infusde
some
Arte
into
your
horse
,
that
may
stand
me
in
stéed
hereafter
,
for
I
like
him
well
at
hand
,
howsoeuer
he
is
at
length
.
So
the
Coniurers
horse
went
with
Ratsey
,
which
was
an
excellent
good
Gelding
,
for
Ratsey
was
oftentimes
offered
xx
.
pound
for
him
,
which
he
refused
,
for
he
prooued
so
fit
for
his
purpose
,
that
all
the
prankes
that
Ratsey
plaid
afterwards
,
was
vpon
the
Coniurers
horse
.
The
Coniurer
he
walkes
now
a
foote
,
and
had
he
not
had
two
or
thrée
péeces
of
golde
left
in
a
secret
place
,
which
Ratsey
found
not
,
I
thinke
he
would
with
Batillus
haue
hangd
himselfe
.
How
Ratsey
robd
a
Scholler
of
Cambridge
,
and
causde
him
make
an
Oration
to
him
in
a
Wood.
RAtsey
another
time
riding
by
the
way
,
and
Snell
and
Shorthose
with
him
,
(
for
they
still
serued
for
his
men
,
vnlesse
vpon
the
performance
of
any
exploit
)
met
with
a
Scholler
,
that
had
béene
to
receiue
a
part
of
his
wiues
dowrie
which
was
foure
score
pound
and
vpwards
:
And
Ratsey
pretending
his
course
the
same
way
that
the
Scholler
did
,
they
rode
together
a
great
while
,
they
past
away
the
time
with
much
talke
of
many
matters
.
And
the
Scholler
(
thinking
at
least
he
had
béene
in
the
company
of
a
Knights
soune
and
heire
,
for
that
Ratsey
rode
with
his
two
men
,
one
before
,
and
another
behinde
)
began
to
discourse
of
many
former
accidents
,
and
after
fell
into
complaint
of
the
iniquitie
of
the
time
,
the
corruptions
of
mens
conditions
,
and
the
obduracie
&
hardnesse
of
their
hearts
,
for
(
saith
the
Scholler
)
it
is
a
world
to
sée
how
little
regard
is
now
a
dayes
had
of
Schollers
and
Souldiers
,
how
they
range
in
euery
corner
without
respect
,
or
reliefe
.
Their
distresse
is
in
euery
mans
eie
,
but
out
of
euery
mans
heart
,
so
that
our
present
times
make
good
that
old
saying
:
Charitas
laudatur
at
alget
.
With
much
other
prattle
to
this
effect
:
which
Ratsey
hearing
,
soothed
vp
a
pritty
while
,
till
he
came
to
a
conuenient
place
,
néere
a
wood
side
,
and
then
whistled
,
and
both
his
men
came
about
the
Scholler
,
for
the
whistle
was
a
watchword
betwéene
them
,
which
when
he
saw
,
he
was
in
a
pittifull
plight
,
and
Ratsey
spake
to
him
thus
,
or
to
this
effect
.
Now
honest
Scholler
,
for
so
thy
talke
and
thy
habit
shewes
thée
to
be
;
know
we
are
not
as
we
séeme
,
for
we
are
Gentlemen
and
Souldiours
,
such
as
thou
didst
talke
of
before
:
we
are
in
want
,
and
we
scorne
to
crye
out
our
wants
in
the
stréets
,
for
we
shall
not
be
heard
;
we
will
haue
money
if
it
walke
vpon
the
earth
.
And
therefore
to
be
short
,
you
must
néeds
minister
your
purse
to
me
presently
.
Come
dispatch
,
make
no
delay
,
for
we
cannot
tarry
.
This
stroke
cold
to
the
schollers
heart
,
for
he
little
thought
that
the
spéech
he
made
would
produce
such
effect
.
But
séeing
he
perceiued
there
was
no
remedie
,
but
he
must
néeds
vntrusse
(
for
he
saw
they
were
all
resolute
)
he
quietly
deliuered
his
money
vnto
them
,
and
would
haue
beene
gone
.
Nay
sayes
Ratsey
you
must
néeds
stay
with
me
a
little
,
for
I
must
talke
a
word
or
two
with
you
in
yonder
Wood
:
The
Scholler
fearing
if
he
had
him
there
,
he
would
binde
him
,
and
do
him
some
bodily
harme
,
fell
on
his
knées
,
and
desired
him
to
be
good
vnto
him
;
Rise
vp
man
,
sayes
Ratsey
,
come
I
meane
not
to
hurt
thée
,
I
would
but
haue
thy
counsaile
in
a
matter
.
Well
,
when
they
were
in
the
wood
together
,
Ratsey
told
him
,
that
he
lik●d
his
discourse
so
well
at
first
,
and
sped
so
well
after
it
,
that
he
was
destrous
he
should
preach
vnto
him
some
short
Sermon
of
Repentance
,
for
sayes
he
,
I
haue
béene
a
long
malefactor
,
and
it
may
so
preuaile
with
me
,
that
it
may
worke
me
to
some
good
déeds
,
after
my
many
euils
.
The
Scholler
knew
he
must
néeds
do
as
he
would
haue
him
,
now
being
in
his
hands
,
&
therefore
stept
to
a
Trée
,
chose
his
text
to
that
effect
,
and
made
a
speach
of
halfe
an
houre
long
:
which
being
ended
,
Ratsey
gaue
him
a
brace
of
Angels
back
of
his
money
,
and
tolde
him
if
euer
he
came
to
be
a
Lord
,
he
would
make
him
his
Chaplaine
for
his
labour
.
How
he
robd
two
men
,
and
Knighted
them
.
THis
Gamaliell
Ratsey
,
&
his
two
other
companions
,
Snell
&
Shorthose
,
hauing
laine
two
or
thrée
dayes
in
an
Inne
in
Stamford
,
expecting
some
booty
worthy
the
taking
;
At
last
there
came
into
the
same
Inne
where
they
lay
,
two
men
that
had
forty
pounds
a
péece
about
them
,
and
were
riding
into
Lincolnshire
to
buy
wool
,
which
when
they
heard
,
they
were
not
a
little
glad
of
,
for
they
made
account
it
was
their
owne
straight
,
&
dealt
with
the
Chamberlaine
of
the
house
to
learne
which
way
they
rode
in
the
morning
,
which
the
chamberlaine
performed
accordingly
&
that
with
great
care
&
diligence
,
for
he
knew
he
should
partake
of
their
fortunes
,
and
share
with
them
,
if
they
sped
.
So
they
were
directed
by
him
,
which
way
the
two
men
did
intend
their
trauell
in
the
morning
.
The
morning
being
come
,
the
Chamberlaine
gaue
them
such
an
huntes-vp
,
as
made
them
rise
presently
,
for
;
Quid
non
mortalia
pectora
cogit
Auri
sacra
fames
?
They
slept
not
soundly
that
night
,
till
the
thirsty
desire
of
their
purchase
was
effected
.
Vp
t●ey
got
with
all
speede
,
and
gaue
order
that
their
horses
should
be
made
readie
,
which
being
in
readinesse
,
they
rode
easily
before
the
same
way
that
the
Chamberlein
directed
them
,
for
they
imagined
the
two
men
would
not
follow
them
in
an
hower
,
or
two
after
.
But
they
made
too
much
hast
for
their
little
profit
for
they
had
not
stayed
one
whole
hower
,
when
they
might
espie
the
two
Clothiers
fiue
miles
beiond
Stamford
ryding
towards
Lyncolne
.
And
at
Fiue
mile
Crosse
,
Ratsey
gaue
them
such
a
good
morrow
,
as
with
fowre
wordes
speaking
,
(
Stande
,
deliuer
your
purse
)
he
fetcht
fourescore
pounds
from
them
at
one
clappe
.
This
being
done
,
he
had
them
knéele
downe
&
drawing
forth
his
weapon
,
he
asked
them
what
their
seuerall
names
were
,
and
of
what
profession
.
They
told
him
,
and
answeared
they
were
Woolmen
by
trade
,
Ratsey
then
laying
his
weapon
on
the
shoulder
of
one
of
them
had
him
rise
vp
Sir
Walter
Woolsack
,
&
of
the
other
rise
vp
Sir
Samuell
Sheep-skinne
.
You
are
now
(
saies
he
)
both
my
knights
,
as
I
haue
many
others
besides
you
;
that
haue
payd
mee
their
seuerall
fées
,
according
to
their
abilities
,
as
you
haue
done
,
for
their
election
into
the
order
of
Knighthood
:
If
any
aske
you
who
bestowed
that
dignity
vpon
you
,
saye
you
mette
with
K.
Ratsey
,
and
so
farewell
.
Thus
they
rid
away
,
and
left
the
two
Woolmen
heauie
in
heart
and
emptie
in
purse
,
and
how
little
they
ioyed
in
their
poore
Knighthood
so
richly
paid
for
.
Let
euery
indifferent
opinion
iudge
by
himselfe
,
as
if
he
had
beene
in
their
taking
.
How
Ratsey
dealt
with
a
poore
man
going
to
a
Market
,
whom
he
intended
to
haue
robd
.
ANother
time
Ratsey
ryding
betweene
Huntington
and
Cambridge
(
for
he
kept
for
the
most
part
in
those
parts
)
he
mette
with
an
old
Man
going
to
S.
●lves
to
a
faire
,
And
thinking
he
had
had
more
store
of
monie
about
him
,
he
began
to
be
briefe
with
the
old
Man
,
and
his
wife
(
for
she
was
likewise
in
his
company
)
and
to
tell
them
that
he
lackt
money
,
it
was
a
hard
time
for
men
of
his
profession
,
there
were
no
warres
,
and
Souldiers
had
no
imployments
.
Therefore
(
father
sayes
he
)
I
must
haue
your
money
,
I
come
for
it
,
be
short
and
deliuer
it
.
The
old
man
hee
sto●d
shaking
as
if
a
man
had
bene
giuing
vp
the
ghost
.
And
told
him
that
in
all
world
hee
had
but
fiue
nobles
and
that
he
was
faine
to
make
hard
shift
for
,
and
sell
some
of
his
houshold
stuffe
to
make
it
vp
,
and
if
he
should
die
hee
left
not
one
penny
at
home
to
helpe
him
,
and
my
wife
(
saies
he
)
hath
but
one
Edward
shi●ling
and
a
Mill
sixpence
,
which
hath
seene
no
sunne
these
seauen
yeares
,
and
that
she
hath
taken
in
her
purse
if
we
should
want
money
,
and
all
this
we
haue
pacht
vpp
togeather
(
maister
)
to
buye
vs
one
cow
to
keepe
me
and
my
wife
now
we
are
old
.
If
you
take
if
from
vs
we
are
vtterly
vndone
.
You
are
an
old
dissembler
(
Sirra
saies
Ratsey
to
him
,
I
haue
met
with
such
as
you
that
haue
said
as
much
as
you
doe
,
and
yet
I
haue
found
more
siluer
and
gold
in
a
russet
hose
then
in
veluet
breeches
.
It
may
be
so
quoth
the
old
Man
,
but
on
my
faith
and
hollidome
I
deale
truly
with
you
sir
.
And
with
that
he
drew
forth
his
leather
purse
,
and
powred
forth
his
store
,
and
his
wife
hers
,
and
badde
him
euen
deale
with
them
,
as
hee
would
.
Ratsey
seeing
this
was
true
,
tooke
the
monies
of
both
of
them
,
but
returned
it
backe
,
and
told
them
hee
had
too
high
a
mind
to
looke
vpon
so
low
a
matter
,
and
therewithal
gaue
the
old
Man
Forty
shillings
out
of
his
owne
purse
,
and
bad
him
by
a
couple
of
kine
:
for
I
hold
it
worse
then
Sacriledge
(
sayes
Ratsey
)
to
rob
the
spittle
,
and
while
I
liue
the
Sermon
in
the
wood
must
teach
me
to
fauour
and
pitie
them
that
are
poore
,
and
helpe
them
,
for
the
rich
can
helpe
themselues
.
Thus
did
Ratsey
leaue
the
old
Man
both
lighter
at
heart
,
and
heauier
in
purse
then
he
found
him
,
but
how
honest
a
theefe
the
old
Man
thought
him
to
be
when
hee
was
gone
,
let
euery
poore
Man
iudge
,
that
lackes
a
Cowe
&
hath
fortie
shillings
giuen
him
to
buy
one
.
How
Ratsey
got
300.
poundes
in
one
night
by
his
venture
of
50.
pounds
with
a
farmer
,
that
he
neuer
saw
til
they
met
together
in
an
Inne
.
IT
fortuned
that
Ratsey
,
and
his
company
lying
at
an
Inne
in
New
Market
,
there
came
into
the
same
house
a
farmer
,
or
husbandman
by
occasion
of
businesse
that
way
,
who
intending
to
lye
there
all
night
,
and
being
alone
,
demaunded
of
the
Hoste
,
if
there
were
no
companie
with
whom
he
might
suppe
,
he
made
him
answere
that
he
had
no
guests
that
night
,
but
one
Gentleman
and
his
Men
,
and
he
knew
not
whether
he
would
permitte
any
straunger
to
suppe
with
him
,
but
(
saies
the
Host
)
I
will
aske
of
him
.
So
Ratseys
pleasure
being
damaunded
in
that
case
,
he
was
very
wel
content
:
for
it
was
an
accident
that
fitted
his
expectation
,
that
lay
there
to
no
other
end
,
but
to
awaite
opportunities
:
&
it
was
a
good
wind
he
thought
that
would
blow
him
some
profit
.
Then
Ratseys
supper
being
ready
,
the
straunger
was
calin
to
his
chamber
,
where
the
cloath
was
laid
▪
and
Ratsey
gaue
him
a
kinde
welcome
,
though
with
a
Iewish
heart
,
(
for
he
meant
to
rob
him
,
though
indeede
it
sell
out
otherwise
)
So
they
fat
downe
,
&
Ratseys
two
supposed
seruingmen
,
waited
as
dutifully
,
as
if
they
had
had
a
Maister
of
a
better
condition
.
But
all
supper
time
the
farmer
vsed
verie
few
words
,
was
discontent
,
and
very
heauie
at
heart
,
which
he
could
not
but
discouer
,
which
Ratsey
perceiuing
,
demanded
of
him
the
cause
of
his
so
great
griefe
and
melancholy
,
which
with
much
adoe
he
told
him
.
The
truth
is
,
saith
the
farmer
,
I
haue
much
cause
of
griefe
,
and
for
my
life
I
cannot
dissemble
it
,
it
toucheth
me
so
néere
;
For
to
morrow
I
am
to
paie
two
hundred
pounds
to
a
Gentleman
not
farre
from
hence
which
I
am
bound
to
discharge
,
and
more
then
my
bond
,
my
house
,
and
land
is
morgaged
vnto
him
,
and
I
remaine
at
his
mircie
,
for
I
haue
had
such
losses
and
hindrances
,
that
all
I
can
make
amounts
but
to
one
hundred
and
fifty
pounds
,
&
I
&
mine
are
vtterly
vndone
,
vnles
I
can
take
new
order
for
payment
of
the
other
fiftie
pounds
by
a
day
,
which
I
am
very
doubtfull
of
;
he
is
reported
to
be
so
cruell
,
and
vnconscionable
.
If
this
be
all
(
sayes
Ratsey
)
be
of
good
chéere
,
for
although
my selfe
am
vnknowne
vnto
him
,
yet
I
am
sure
he
hath
heard
of
my
friends
,
for
they
are
not
dwelling
farre
from
him
:
And
I
will
do
so
much
for
you
as
to
ride
with
you
in
the
morning
to
him
,
and
doubt
not
I
will
preuaile
,
that
he
shall
forbeare
you
till
a
further
time
,
without
forfeiture
or
aduantage
taken
:
for
I
presume
one
gentleman
will
not
deny
another
such
a
request
being
so
neere
neighbors
.
The
Farmer
gaue
him
great
thanks
,
&
was
well
comforted
by
that
promise
,
for
it
séemed
a
very
likly
thing
,
the
a
gentleman
of
that
shew
that
Ratsey
was
of
,
might
both
perswade
and
preuailed
with
his
creditor
.
So
supper
ended
,
they
parted
to
their
seuerall
todgings
and
the
poore
man
was
much
merrier
by
this
hope
conceiued
.
Well
,
morning
being
come
,
they
rode
altogether
according
to
promise
,
and
as
they
rode
,
still
Ratsey
would
faine
haue
béene
dooing
with
this
hundred
and
fiftie
pound
,
but
(
as
God
would
haue
it
)
his
purpose
was
still
croft
by
the
continuall
comming
too
and
fro
of
passengers
,
who
made
Ratsey
at
that
time
volens
nolens
,
to
play
the
true
man
against
his
will
.
But
he
thought
he
would
goe
through
stitch
now
,
as
he
had
beg●nne
,
and
indéed
(
although
at
first
he
neuer
meant
it
,
when
he
sayd
it
)
rode
with
the
Farmer
to
the
Gentleman
his
house
,
where
Ratsey
as
well
as
he
could
playd
the
Rhetoritian
,
to
perswade
the
G●ntleman
to
beare
with
his
debtor
for
a
time
for
the
odde
fiftie
pounds
&
told
him
,
if
either
he
or
any
friend
of
his
had
cause
to
vse
him
,
or
his
meanes
,
where
he
dwelt
,
(
for
he
tooke
vpon
him
the
name
of
a
Gentlemans
sonne
some
xx
.
miles
from
thence
of
great
reckoning
)
he
should
commaund
him
to
requite
his
courtesie
.
Sir
,
said
the
Gentleman
▪
I
haue
no
acquaintance
with
your
father
but
this
I
haue
heard
,
that
he
is
a
man
of
great
worth
&
worship
in
the
country
,
and
could
I
without
my
great
preiudice
,
pleasure
this
man
at
your
request
,
it
is
as
like
you
might
obtaine
it
at
my
hands
,
as
any
man
liuing
to
whom
I
am
not
further
engag'd
.
But
beléeue
me
sir
,
as
I
am
a
Gentleman
,
I
am
to
ride
to
morrow
to
pay
300.
pound
for
a
purchace
,
&
my
credit
is
bound
for
it
,
&
I
haue
so
depended
vpon
the
paiment
of
this
money
,
as
I
haue
neglected
to
prouide
for
my selfe
otherwise
,
vpon
the
assurance
of
it
.
Therfore
you
must
néeds
excuse
me
,
and
so
turnd
his
back
,
and
was
going
away
Nay
stay
sir
sayes
Ratsey
,
I
will
once
in
my
life
play
the
Marchant
venturer
,
and
hazard
fifty
pounds
vpon
a
man
I
neuer
saw
before
:
Oh
sir
,
sayes
the
man
(
and
sell
vpon
his
knées
)
if
you
will
do
this
pleasure
to
a
stranger
,
you
shall
binde
me
,
my
wife
,
and
children
to
pray
for
you
,
and
I
will
be
as
carefull
to
make
you
restitution
,
as
I
am
now
desirous
to
be
helpt
in
this
extremity
:
and
I
hope
you
shall
not
stay
long
for
your
mony
.
Ratsey
made
that
reckoning
soo
,
for
he
intended
to
be
paid
at
some
of
their
hands
before
they
parted
.
To
be
short
,
Ratsey
tendered
downe
fifty
pounds
in
gold
presently
in
the
mans
behalfe
,
which
the
Gentleman
receiued
,
&
was
so
wel
conceited
of
Ratsey
,
that
he
made
them
al
his
guests
the
night
.
The
night
being
past
ouer
,
and
the
morning
come
,
the
Gentleman
of
the
house
gat
vp
,
&
bagd
the
thrée
hundreth
pounds
,
and
made
himselfe
ready
for
his
businesse
,
&
to
ride
:
Ratsey
was
not
long
after
,
before
he
was
as
ready
as
he
,
for
he
meant
to
accompany
him
which
way
soeuer
he
rode
,
So
breakfast
being
past
,
Ratsey
tolde
the
Gentleman
he
would
ride
some
part
of
his
way
with
him
,
as
he
pretended
occasion
of
businesse
,
which
the
Gentleman
was
very
glad
of
,
for
he
was
so
farre
from
any
mistrust
of
him
,
(
for
that
he
nam'd
himselfe
such
a
Gentlemans
sonne
)
as
he
held
himselfe
much
grac'd
by
his
company
.
The
Farmer
tooke
his
leaue
of
them
both
,
and
was
not
a
little
glad
that
he
had
escapt
his
late
danger
.
Ratsey
and
the
Gentleman
had
not
rode
many
miles
together
,
when
the
Gentlemans
mans
horse
(
for
he
carried
the
thrée
hundred
pounds
in
a
Port-mantle
behinde
him
)
began
to
faint
,
being
a
grasse
Nagge
,
and
they
were
much
troubled
with
him
;
which
Ratsey
perceiuing
,
had
the
Gentleman
(
if
he
pleased
)
to
let
his
man
take
it
behind
him
(
being
better
horst
)
as
long
as
they
rode
together
.
The
Gentleman
thanked
him
very
heartily
.
So
the
money
was
remooued
,
and
set
behind
Shorthose
.
This
was
that
which
Ratsey
aimd
at
,
for
now
he
knew
his
venture
of
fiftie
pofids
would
come
home
with
profit
.
Shorthose
hauing
the
Portmantle
behinde
him
,
néeded
no
directions
what
to
doe
,
for
their
mindes
were
well
enough
knowne
the
one
to
the
other
.
But
as
the
Gentleman
&
Ratsey
past
the
time
away
with
talke
of
many
matters
,
little
minding
the
way
before
them
,
so
Shorthose
by
little
and
little
mended
his
pace
,
and
in
very
short
time
gotte
much
ground
of
them
,
which
the
Gentleman
perceiuing
,
told
M.
Ratsey
that
his
man
rode
too
fast
.
Then
Ratsey
began
to
call
and
whistle
to
his
man
,
but
he
would
take
no
notice
of
it
,
but
the
more
he
calde
or
whistled
,
the
more
he
stole
away
by
degrées
.
At
the
which
Ratsey
séem'd
much
mou'd
,
and
did
sweare
and
teare
excéedingly
,
and
told
the
Geatleman
that
he
would
ride
&
ouertake
him
&
stay
him
with
a
vengeance
,
who
all
this
while
mistrusted
nothing
,
for
Ratseys
assumption
of
such
a
Gentlemans
name
,
drownd
the
conceit
of
any
doubts
or
suspition
.
But
being
ridden
after
his
man
,
Snell
likewise
begins
to
pace
after
his
maister
(
as
it
was
his
duty
)
&
the
faster
they
followed
Shorrhose
,
the
faster
he
rode
from
them
so
that
in
a
little
time
as
they
grew
néere
together
,
and
at
a
conuenient
place
of
changing
the
way
,
they
raind
their
horses
back
towards
the
old
gentleman
(
who
followed
likewise
as
fast
as
he
could
)
and
wau'd
their
harts
ouer
their
heads
as
a
farewell
for
his
300.
pound
,
and
so
rid
cléere
away
.
The
Gentleman
he
made
hue
and
crye
after
them
,
but
to
no
purpose
for
they
were
so
well
horst
and
so
well
experienced
in
euery
by
way
,
that
at
their
pleasure
they
would
outstrip
a
countrey
.
The
Gentleman
went
about
to
trouble
the
Farmer
,
because
he
brought
him
to
his
house
but
it
auaild
him
nought
,
for
he
produc'd
such
sufficient
proofe
how
they
met
by
chance
in
the
Inne
together
,
and
was
so
well
knowne
to
be
of
honest
life
and
conuersation
,
that
any
matter
suggested
against
him
,
could
not
preuaile
to
his
hurt
.
So
the
old
Gentleman
with
his
man
return'd
home
by
Weeping
Crosse
,
and
all
he
had
for
his
thrée
hundreth
pounds
,
was
but
a
Caueat
hereafter
to
beware
how
he
gaue
such
sodaine
entertainment
to
strangers
.
A
true
and
merry
conceipt
Ratsey
performed
vpon
a
Pick-lock
that
trauelled
the
Countries
as
a
foot-post
.
IT
chanced
that
as
Ratsey
rode
abroad
,
he
heard
still
of
a
fellow
that
trauelled
vp
and
downe
the
countrie
,
in
the
name
and
nature
of
a
foot-post
,
with
a
long
pikt
staffe
on
his
necke
,
and
a
Leatherne
bag
ouerthwart
his
shoulder
and
vnder
his
arme
,
that
protended
to
carry
letters
too
and
fro
,
but
in
stéed
of
packets
,
his
bag
was
fild
with
picklocks
,
and
in
euery
Inne
and
Asehouse
where
he
lodg'd
all
night
,
he
paid
the
hostisse
with
her
owne
money
,
and
carryed
somewhat
away
besides
too
,
for
there
was
not
a
Cupbord
or
Chest
that
he
could
come
néere
,
but
he
would
pick
open
,
and
if
th●re
were
no
money
in
it
,
then
money
worth
should
walke
with
him
;
and
he
would
not
sticke
to
rob
poore
Milke-maids
,
and
seruants
towards
an
euening
,
if
be
met
them
handsomly
,
if
they
had
not
aboue
sixe
pence
in
their
purses
.
Ratsey
came
in
no
place
,
but
complaints
were
still
made
of
such
a
fellow
,
and
he
did
enuie
the
practises
of
such
deiect
and
base
conditions
,
and
resolued
in
his
minde
if
euer
he
met
with
him
,
both
to
redresse
&
reuenge
his
villanies
,
&
to
effect
some
matter
of
conceipt
vpon
him
,
that
should
be
worth
talking
,
and
deceiue
the
foot-post
in
his
art
of
lock-picking
.
It
chanced
that
not
long
after
the
foot-post
came
into
an
Inne
in
Stilton
to
drinke
,
where
Ratsey
was
at
dinner
,
who
espying
him
out
of
the
casement
of
a
window
that
stood
open
,
(
for
he
had
certaine
notice
what
kind
a
fellow
he
was
,
&
in
what
attire
and
fashion
he
trauelled
)
he
causd
him
to
be
called
in
,
and
after
some
questions
,
Ratsey
made
him
to
drinke
,
and
to
sit
downe
to
dinner
with
Shorthose
and
Snell
.
They
fild
his
veines
with
good
victualles
,
and
wine
,
&
that
made
the
footpost
very
merry
.
I
pray
thee
footpost
(
saies
Ratsey
)
which
way
dost
thou
trauell
?
faith
Sir
(
saies
he
)
I
go
euery
way
,
euen
as
the
directions
of
my
letters
giue
me
occasion
,
But
now
I
am
going
to
Cambridge
:
I
pray
thee
then
quoth
Ratsey
,
let
me
intreat
thee
to
carry
me
a
letter
to
the
Iailor
.
For
my
father
sent
in
a
fellon
thither
the
other
day
,
and
I
should
send
word
to
the
Iaylour
that
hee
should
not
be
bailed
.
Marry
that
I
will
in
most
dutifull
manner
(
quoth
this
supposed
footpost
)
and
much
more
for
your
worship
then
that
:
Then
Ratsey
demaunded
his
name
which
he
told
him
,
Giue
him
a
cuppe
of
wine
(
sayes
Ratsey
:
and
while
hee
is
drinking
and
at
dinner
I
will
write
my
letter
,
&
make
it
ready
.
But
in
stead
of
a
letter
Ratsey
counterfeited
a
Iustice
of
peace
his
hand
in
Cambridge
shire
and
wrote
his
Mittimus
,
and
set
it
in
with
this
Prouiso
,
that
he
should
be
kept
fast
boulted
or
els
he
would
breake
away
.
As
soone
as
the
Mittimus
was
made
,
sealed
,
and
subscribed
in
forme
of
a
letter
,
Ratsey
deliuered
it
to
the
footpost
,
and
said
giue
this
to
the
chiefe
Iaylor
of
cambridge
,
and
here
is
halfe
a
crowne
for
thee
to
drinke
for
thy
labor
.
So
the
foot-post
tooke
the
letter
and
the
money
,
and
with
many
a
cappe
and
knee
thanked
Ratsey
and
departed
.
And
made
hast
till
he
came
at
Cambridge
,
and
staide
not
in
the
towne
somuch
as
to
tast
a
cuppe
of
nappie
Ale
,
before
he
came
to
the
Iaylor
,
and
to
him
very
briefely
hee
deliuered
the
letter
,
The
Iaylour
tooke
it
,
and
read
it
,
and
smilde
a
good
,
and
sayde
,
Footepost
thou
are
welcome
,
for
such
a
Gentlemans
sake
,
He
bids
mee
giue
thee
the
best
intertainment
I
may
,
I
,
Sir
,
quoth
the
Footpost
,
the
Gentleman
loues
me
well
,
and
I
thanke
him
for
it
,
I
dined
well
with
his
Men
to
day
.
But
I
pray
you
(
saies
the
footpost
)
hath
the
curteous
Gentleman
remembred
such
a
poore
man
as
I
am
in
his
letter
?
I
mary
doth
he
(
fellow
)
quoth
he
,
and
therefore
Sirra
(
saith
the
Iaylor
,
and
calls
to
one
of
his
men
)
take
the
footpost
into
the
lowest
ward
,
clappe
a
strong
paire
of
bolts
vpon
his
heeles
,
and
search
what
other
letters
he
carries
in
his
leatherne
Casket
,
which
his
man
performing
,
found
nothing
in
the
same
,
but
3.
or
4.
bundels
of
picklocks
,
Then
the
Iaylor
commaunded
he
should
haue
a
paire
of
shackles
clapt
on
more
,
and
bad
him
to
see
if
his
picklockes
would
serue
his
turne
to
baile
him
thence
.
But
the
footpost
(
or
rather
picklocke
)
hearing
his
Mittimus
,
was
blanke
and
cold
at
heart
,
and
had
not
a
worde
to
say
his
Conscience
did
so
accuse
him
.
But
there
he
lay
while
the
next
Sessions
and
was
hanged
,
for
many
matters
did
come
against
him
.
Now
let
true
men
iudge
,
what
knauerie
is
amongst
Théeues
when
one
crossbites
another
to
the
Gallowes
.
How
Ratsey
robd
a
Preacher
,
by
perswasion
.
ANother
time
Ratsey
ryding
by
the
way
,
vpon
New
Market
heath
,
ouertooke
a
Preacher
,
vpon
whom
he
intended
to
passe
some
pranke
,
and
resolued
there
could
be
no
better
iest
practised
vppon
a
Parson
then
to
picke
his
purse
by
perswasion
,
without
drawing
of
any
weapon
,
And
at
the
first
gaue
him
this
encounter
.
You
are
well
ouertaken
sir
.
You
are
welcome
sayes
the
Preacher
.
Pray
you
how
farre
ride
you
this
way
quoth
Ratsey
,
I
ride
sayes
the
Preacher
to
such
a
place
:
if
you
ride
that
way
,
I
would
be
glad
of
your
cōpnay
:
yes
indeed
(
answers
Ratsey
)
that
same
waie●lies
my
businesse
,
and
I
will
accompanie
you
with
all
my
heart
.
Thus
their
seuerall
salutatons
ended
vpon
their
first
meeting
:
they
entered
into
further
communication
of
diuers
matters
and
so
beguiled
much
time
and
way
with
such
talke
,
but
that
was
not
the
matter
which
Ratsey
aymed
at
,
for
hee
meant
to
giue
the
Churchman
another
text
to
preach
vpon
.
Therefore
fell
roundly
to
his
purpose
in
this
fashion
.
I
perceaue
Sir
by
your
habit
you
are
a
Preacher
,
and
Schollers
both
by
art
and
nature
are
kind
and
curteous
,
I
doe
little
therfore
misdoubte
your
friendly
respect
of
what
I
shall
speake
vnto
you
Know
then
that
I
am
a
Gentleman
,
and
haue
béene
a
man
of
better
meanes
then
my
present
fortunes
makes
shew
of
;
But
by
the
fortunes
of
warre
,
and
my
owne
disorder
I
am
fallen
into
the
hands
of
Extremity
,
and
am
forst
to
lay
my
wants
open
to
the
helpe
of
others
,
and
I
thinke
I
cannot
fitter
communicate
my
griefes
to
any
then
a
man
of
your
condition
,
for
you
preach
to
others
the
Doctrine
of
good
deedes
and
Charity
,
therefore
I
doubt
not
but
your selfe
will
be
respectiue
of
such
as
are
needye
.
I
confesse
I
haue
beene
a
great
malefactor
,
bu●
am
sory
for
what
is
past
and
would
willingly
preuent
any
misfortunes
to
come
:
Yet
I
was
neuer
neerer
the
mouth
of
mishappe
,
then
I
am
now
at
this
instant
,
For
my
wants
are
such
,
and
so
desperate
as
if
I
haue
it
not
of
you
,
I
must
and
will
haue
mony
of
him
I
méete
next
,
although
I
hazard
my
déerest
blood
.
Therefore
as
you
are
a
Gentleman
,
and
a
Scholler
,
tender
my
distresse
:
and
consider
the
force
and
powre
of
Necessity
,
which
constraines
them
that
are
needy
to
rod
,
and
take
away
the
goods
of
their
neighbors
,
&
oftentimes
to
endanger
their
liues
and
limmes
,
&
so
at
last
bring
themselues
by
such
lewd
courses
to
vntimely
end
.
If
I
doe
passe
from
you
vnpitied
and
vnreleeued
,
notwithstanding
I
thus
make
my
minde
and
extremities
knowne
vnto
you
,
and
afterwards
be
constrained
to
fall
into
Theft
,
or
murther
,
assure
your selfe
you
are
partaker
of
my
euill
,
in
that
you
haue
not
reduced
me
going
awry
,
nor
supported
me
being
ready
to
fall
.
The
Preacher
was
feelingly
toucht
with
this
passion
,
&
told
him
that
he
was
inwardly
grieued
that
a
gentleman
of
his
ranke
and
fashion
should
be
driuen
to
so
lowe
an
ebbe
:
and
that
his
meanes
could
not
answere
his
willing
minde
:
And
so
drew
his
purse
out
of
his
pocket
,
and
saies
to
Ratsey
here
s
mony
,
hold
,
take
it
,
I
thinke
it
be
three
pounds
or
thereabouts
.
I
would
I
were
better
prouided
to
pleasure
you
.
Ratsey
receaued
it
,
and
gaue
him
great
thankes
,
but
resolued
to
sound
him
déeper
whether
hee
had
any
more
store
or
no.
Therefore
seconded
his
spéech
in
this
manner
.
Sir
quoth
Ratsey
,
this
is
money
indeed
,
and
will
serue
a
mans
present
occasions
for
meat
and
drinke
,
but
not
to
furnish
me
to
such
preferment
as
I
am
hopefull
of
:
and
my
minde
giues
mee
(
I
cannot
tell
what
the
reason
is
)
that
you
haue
more
money
about
you
,
If
you
haue
,
it
ill
befits
a
man
of
your
profession
to
dissemble
,
for
that
is
a
fault
you
much
reprehend
in
others
:
Therefore
as
you
will
answeare
before
God
,
I
charge
you
tell
me
the
truth
howsoeuer
it
bée
:
Why
then
(
quoth
the
preacher
)
to
deale
plainly
with
you
:
I
haue
tenne
poundes
more
which
I
receiued
this
Morning
.
Let
me
see
it
(
saies
Ratsey
)
So
hee
drew
it
out
of
his
other
pocket
,
and
deliuered
it
to
Ratsey
:
Who
returning
the
purse
and
thrée
poundes
backe
to
the
Preacher
,
kept
the
tenne
pounds
and
told
him
,
that
(
he
thought
)
would
serue
his
turne
,
and
saue
him
from
imminent
daunger
that
before
he
was
ready
to
fall
into
.
And
(
sayes
Ratsey
)
if
euer
my
estate
bée
raised
to
that
ability
that
I
bee
able
,
I
pray
you
tell
mée
your
name
and
dwelling
,
and
I
will
make
you
vndoubted
restitution
for
it
,
in
the
meane
time
I
will
but
borrow
this
of
you
till
my
better
fortunes
.
And
so
would
haue
taken
his
leaue
and
departed
.
Nay
(
sayes
the
Preacher
)
I
pray
you
leaue
me
not
to
night
,
but
lie
at
mine
Inne
with
me
,
and
I
promise
you
(
for
all
this
)
I
will
beare
your
charges
,
and
be
merry
with
you
.
Pardon
me
for
that
,
sayes
Ratsey
;
so
you
may
doe
me
wrong
,
and
charge
the
Constable
with
me
,
and
say
I
haue
robd
you
of
ten
pound
,
when
I
haue
but
borrowed
it
:
I
dare
not
hazard
my
life
and
liberty
so
slenderly
.
As
I
am
an
honest
man
,
sayes
the
Preacher
,
and
looke
for
mercy
at
Gods
hands
at
the
last
day
,
beléeue
me
I
will
not
speake
one
word
of
it
to
any
man
,
neither
shall
you
be
troubled
or
iniured
any
way
by
my
meanes
or
procurement
,
for
I
am
so
well
perswaded
of
you
,
that
if
you
liue
,
you
will
one
day
giue
it
me
againe
.
Vpon
this
religious
protestation
,
Ratsey
rode
along
with
him
,
and
set
vp
their
horses
together
,
supt
together
,
and
lay
together
.
For
Ratsey
handled
his
talke
,
and
behauiour
so
orderly
in
the
presence
of
the
Preacher
,
that
he
conceiued
an
extraordinary
good
opinion
of
him
,
and
imputed
the
former
accident
to
necessitie
,
rather
then
the
corruption
of
Ratseys
condition
.
The
morning
being
come
,
they
brake
their
fast
together
,
and
the
Parson
payd
all
according
to
promise
,
and
Ratsey
brought
him
ten
miles
of
his
way
,
where
they
tooke
their
seuerall
leaues
.
Ratsey
with
redoubled
thanks
,
and
promise
to
pay
the
money
againe
,
and
the
Preacher
with
a
world
of
good
counsell
,
for
(
sayes
he
)
if
that
may
serue
to
saue
you
from
such
perrill
as
you
pretended
,
I
shall
thinke
it
the
most
charitable
déed
that
euer
I
did
in
my
life
.
And
so
they
parted
.
A
true
relation
of
the
Robbery
committed
by
Ratsey
and
his
company
,
within
a
little
off
Bedford
,
for
which
they
were
Executed
at
Bedford
the
27.
of
March
last
.
1605.
A
Gentleman
,
and
his
Brother
dwelling
within
sixe
or
seauen
miles
of
Bedford
,
hauing
bin
in
a
place
where
they
had
receaued
the
summe
of
eight
score
and
fourteene
poundes
,
or
there
abouts
,
Ratsey
had
secret
knowledge
and
intelligence
thereof
,
and
of
the
way
which
they
trauelled
homewards
:
So
both
he
,
and
Snell
,
and
Shorthose
dog'd
both
the
Gentlemen
,
whereof
the
one
carried
the
money
before
him
in
a
Wallet
,
&
could
spie
no
conuenient
place
to
giue
onset
to
their
purpose
,
til
they
came
within
halfe
a
mile
of
the
Gentlemans
owne
house
:
Then
Ratsey
(
by
his
intelligence
)
thought
it
was
either
high
time
to
strike
or
to
desist
from
their
former
resolution
,
for
by
the
notice
that
was
giuen
him
,
he
knew
be
was
not
far
from
the
Gentlemans
groundes
,
and
place
of
dwelling
.
And
therfore
being
well
horst
(
for
hee
was
vppon
the
Coniurers
Gelding
he
toucht
him
with
his
spurres
and
soone
ouertooke
the
Gentleman
.
To
whome
hee
briefely
began
to
tell
the
cause
of
his
comming
,
which
was
(
he
said
for
money
,
and
money
hee
must
haue
.
The
Gentleman
told
him
that
he
wold
not
part
with
his
money
so
easily
and
alighted
and
Ratsey
and
he
betooke
themselues
to
their
weapons
,
and
while
they
were
at
it
,
verie
lustilye
,
the
Gentlemans
brother
began
to
ride
away
with
the
money
,
but
Sne
I
followed
him
and
soone
brought
him
againe
,
who
kept
him
safe
while
the
other
were
fighting
who
should
carrie
away
the
money
.
The
Gentleman
is
knowne
in
his
Countrie
to
bee
verie
stout
and
valiant
,
and
had
not
his
sword
broken
,
it
is
thought
that
Ratsey
and
Snell
both
could
not
haue
rob'd
him
,
(
for
Shorthose
neuer
came
in
.
)
The
Gentleman
hurt
Ratsey
verie
dangerously
,
and
he
himselfe
had
a
maime
in
his
leg
,
which
is
said
to
be
done
by
Snell
comming
in
to
aide
Ratsey
,
and
beeing
both
vppon
him
,
when
the
Gentlemans
sword
failed
,
the
money
was
deliuered
,
and
with
much
danger
Ratsey
and
his
companions
escaped
,
for
hue
&
crie
went
foorth
in
euerie
place
,
but
they
spared
no
Horse-flesh
till
they
Coasted
the
Countrie
and
came
to
Saffron-walden
,
there
one
of
them
had
some
friendes
or
Kinsfolkes
,
with
whome
they
all
reposed
themselues
a
day
or
two
,
and
Snell
and
Shorthose
did
there
change
away
their
horses
.
From
thence
they
tooke
their
seueral
courses
to
London
,
where
they
met
altogether
in
an
Inne
in
Southwarke
,
where
it
is
reported
they
shared
their
money
,
and
that
Ratsey
had
two
shares
allowed
him
in
respect
of
his
hurts
receaued
.
But
as
goods
euil
got
,
are
for
the
moste
part
euill
spent
:
so
they
made
as
little
conscience
in
consuming
their
money
as
they
did
in
getting
the
same
.
And
as
deceipt
hath
stil
his
due
,
and
God
is
iust
in
punnishing
offendors
,
so
fell
it
out
in
their
seueral
apprehensions
,
for
Snel
being
taken
in
Duck-lane
in
London
for
a
Horse
that
hee
had
stolne
from
about
Graues-end
,
not
for
the
robbery
committed
in
Bedford-shire
,
&
being
examined
before
a
Iustice
,
&
readie
to
be
committed
to
prison
,
he
appealed
to
the
Iustice
for
fauour
,
lolde
him
hee
would
helpe
him
to
one
Ratsey
of
whome
such
fame
went
for
many
robberies
,
if
he
weld
be
good
vnto
him
for
his
life
.
The
Iustice
promised
him
his
lawful
fauor
,
&
therupon
Snell
gaue
him
notice
where
Ratseys
Horse
stood
,
and
where
hee
should
haue
him
.
So
by
his
directions
Ratsey
was
taken
,
and
apprehended
neere
the
Doctors
Commons
and
committed
to
Newgate
,
where
he
remained
a
long
time
,
and
Snell
likewise
.
In
which
space
,
two
or
thee
Sessions
past
,
&
they
neuer
call'd
to
any
triall
.
All
this
while
Shorthose
was
at
libertie
,
and
hauing
been
vp
and
downe
in
the
Countrie
,
fiue
or
sixe
weekes
,
and
comming
to
London
to
listen
how
Ratsey
and
Snell
had
sped
the
Sessions
before
,
he
went
and
vnfoulded
his
minde
to
one
Water
Skellington
a
Countrieman
of
his
,
who
reuealed
him
to
the
keepers
of
Newgate
,
and
so
hee
was
likewise
apprehended
in
Long-lane
,
in
the
liberties
of
great
S.
Bartholmewes
.
So
beeing
thus
seuerally
taken
,
Newgate
held
and
contained
them
till
Snell
desired
the
Iustice
to
remooue
him
to
the
Kings
Bench
,
for
feare
least
one
of
the
other
shold
doe
him
some
suddaine
mischiefe
for
reuealing
of
Ratsey
.
A
little
before
the
Assize
time
in
Lent
last
,
they
were
all
remooued
downe
to
Bedford
,
where
they
had
not
remained
long
,
but
Ratsey
had
eaten
off
his
Irons
with
a
water
which
hee
had
gotten
,
and
so
had
escaped
,
but
that
hee
was
espyed
in
time
,
and
preuented
by
the
Keeper
.
To
bee
short
,
the
Assizes
being
come
,
they
were
all
brought
downe
to
the
place
of
Iudgement
,
where
they
shewed
themselues
so
valiant
that
they
thrust
twelue
men
into
a
corner
,
who
sound
them
all
guiltie
for
the
Robberie
committed
in
Bedfordshire
vppon
the
Gentleman
and
his
Brother
.
And
they
were
sent
away
from
the
Barre
with
the
dolefull
sentence
of
Lord
haue
mercie
vpon
you
.
And
the
seauen
and
twentie
day
of
March
last
,
they
were
all
Executed
in
Bedford
aforesaid
.