Haigh for Deuonshire A pleasant discourse of sixe gallant marchants of Deuonshire. Their liues, aduentures and trauailes: with sundrie their rare showes and pastimes shewed before the King in Exeter. Besides many pretie mery ieasts by them performed: as well in forraine countries, as in their owne. Very delightfull for the reader. Written by H.R.

A pleasant discourse of six gallant Marchants of Deuonshire .

CHAP. I. How these gallant Marchants of the West , beganne their first familiaritie , and what happened them .

THe famous Citie of Burdeux is scituated in Brittaine , part of the French Confines : in which Citie , yearely neare the moneth of September , is held a Mart of long continuance : to which Mart or Uyntage , from all places Marchants make their trafficke , for such wines as the countries thereabouts doth plentifully yéeld . Amongst many of sundry countries , which made their voyage to this famous Porte , thrée gallant youthes Marchants of great reputation , wealth , & credit , hauing to names , William , Robart , and Otho , all from the well knowne and honourable Citie of Exeter , had residence at Roane in Normandie : where their great affaires ended , hauing some idle time , and waying not the expence of a hundreth or two of Crownes , in a merriment , gaue faithfull promise each to other , to passe for Burdeux , as well to sée the manner of the Uyntage , and order thereof , as witnesse to themselues , whether report of the great fléete which yearely there laded might be true , as also to méete with some their countreymen of Deuonshire , and with them to frolicke : for which iourney , according to time prefixed , being prouided . To Burdeux they are come , where they frequent the gallantest company of all Nations thereof , demeaning themselues in such manner , that their company was acceptable and desired of all men : companions for al sportes , or exercises , whether gaming , drinking , sporting , or reuelling : what any durst do , they neuer refused it : such Boone companions they are , and so of all men estéemed .

Not long after their comming to Burdeux , fortune bringeth with happinesse from the Westerne shore of England , a tall ship , well equipped and furnished , fit for the voiage : of whose arriuall , William and his accomplisses being aduertised , as men glad to heare of their countries welfare and friends , make such enquirie for the ships company , that in good time they are met , with three other gallants Merchants , ( viz. ) Walter , Oliuer , and Iohn : with whom as straungers méeting , and questions propounded and answered , William knowing curtesse , in kindnesse enuited the new arriued Marchants to his lodging that night to supper : which with thankes they accepted , and accordingly at the appointed houre came , where make no question , they were all as welcome , as friends in forrain parts may be to friends : spending the euening sometimes in discoursing of their Country and acquaintance there : sometimes in gaming , and often carowsing hralths to their Country , kindred , and friends .

Amongst this delight , albeit Oliuer , Iohn , and Walter , were as wel pleased in their company , as countreymen might be : yet were their mindes other where : especially Oliuer and Iohn , who yearely traffickt for that Porte , had there loues neare adioyning , one dwelling at Bloys , the other at S. Martines : such as for beautie , wealth and reputation , might draw men of more worth to their liking : of whom Oliuer and Iohn , in priuate whisperings , tooke great care , entending that night to haue séene them , and deliuer such presents as they brought from England : had not this méeting of their countreymen preuented them .

To all which priuate talke , William and Robert tooke good héede . But William specially gaue eare , and ouerheard their speech : vnderstanding by many motions , that willingly they would haue bene frée from their companies , which he , could well haue wished them , to their best liking : but that he entended to search them as he could , and make tryall what mettall his countreymen were of : & for that purpose , when he had well lined their hoodes with the iuyce of Grape , a potion that maketh the coward bolde , and ouerthroweth the stoutest , William singleth from his companion , the best demeaned Oliuer , and with him , of many matters discoursed : betwéene whom , such enchatinting words passed , that an inuiolable league of friendship was profest , as nothing might haue power to violate : and consequently amongst them all .

William growing on this new-vowed friendship , to more familiar parly , besought Oliuer and the rest , hauing acquaintance in that place , to bring them to their femall friends in the Citie , where they might spend that night to sée the fashions of those damsels , for that they were straungers & had no acquaintance : for requitall of which , he promised them if they could finde opportunitie to come to Roane , where they had abiding , they would so quite their kindnesse as they should well like of .

Oliuer , as well disposed to mirth as his friend William , and as pleasantly conceited , imagined that his owne spéech to his companion Iohn was ouer heard , whereon this question was propounded , tooke in good part his words , and thankfully acepted all friendship offered , and cheare receiued . Beseeching pardon , not accomplishing his desire , whom he assured was of more continuance in the Citie , then himselfe , that had not bene full foure and twentie houres a shoare : and therefore rather ought to be a conductor to him and his companions , his experience being more then twentie such Idiots as himselfe in such causes . Therefore good brother ( quoth Oliuer ) rather let vs participate with your teminine pleasures , that being Ledgers are not vnprouided : and hereafter if you haue cause to vse vs , it may be we poore men may proue as kinde to you vpon like occasion .

William thus pretily trumped by his friend Oliuer , returning the point of his own weapon into his bosome , thought it ill halting before a Cripple , and hereby iudged his countreymen no Clownes ▪ nor their answeres to séeke , which on the sudden could giue them such bones to gnaw . Wherefore leauing to reply , least words in ieast spoken , might break their familiaritie by acceptions taking , they here with a fresh carouse , end their nights sportes , leauing euery man to his rest : taking this order with them by generall consent , that euery of them should not faile at times ordinarie for repast , to haue their dyets at one house , to be chosen by whole consent , where whosoeuer shuld be absent , not hauing such businesse as the company might tollerate , must forfet a summe by them to be agréed on . To this when they had all said Amen , and hands giuen for continuing their begun friendship , they betooke themselues to their rests .

CHAP. II. How these new acquainted friends iournied to Roane in Normandie , and what hapned to them .

THese gallant youths ( as you haue heard ) vsing such continuall company , theyr liking encreased , and their familiaritie was admired , which was generally noted of all straungers in the Cittie of Burdeux , where they had commendations , not onely for their mirth , good fellowship , & company kéeping , but in regard of their businesse , ( then whom ) none more forward , vsing all times to fit purpose , if leisure permitted : who more frolike ? or what were they in the whole company of any Nation , that durst vndertake these sixe gallants at any sporte , exercise , or gaming whatsoeuer , whether in pleasure or for coyne ? whose purses were not tyed with miserie , nor did they account of Crownes before their countries honour .

Oliuer , Iohn and Walters being well acquainted in Burdeux , well beloued and graced amongst the better sort of Marchants , with whom they did vsually trafficke , had offer of most the best Wines that came thither , whereby they made the sooner dispatch , laded their ship , and made readie wines for her second returne : which done , and they at leisure to take their pleasure , William , Robert , and Otho , were called away to Roane for supply of businesse , desirous of their good friendes companies , with many sutes importuning them for the same , whom after many denialls they graunt , prouiding them horses and other necessaries for their iourney : which done , and solemne farwell taken of their friends that staid behind , forward they set , as pleasant and merrily disposed as might bee , eache one glad of others company ; framing occasions of solace , the better to beguile their time of trauell , continuing their iollitie all that night in their lodging , fearing no man , nor dreading any ill to betide them .

But as the fairest dayes by cloudes are soone ouer cast , the greatest ioyes eclipsed with plaints , and all men subiect to crosses , so fell it out with these faithfull friendes , who taking their way by iourney as it laie , through the Forrest of Ardine , were beset with a company of Outlawes , Théeues which laie in ambush to entercept them : who comming neare the thicket where the treacherous villaines laie , suddenly issued , and furiously assailed them : first with their Pistolles , which daungerously they discharged against them , renuing the fight with their Rapiers : in which first assault , Robert & Iohn with their Pistolles were dangerously hurt , William , Otho , Oliuer and Walter , maintained the fight with great courage , so applying themselues , that in short time they made frée passage , in despight of those villaines which made sure account to haue had their spoile , of whom two were in fight slain , and diuers hurt , who trusted better to their héeles then staying , to saue theyr liues .

William and his company séeing so good a riddance of these companions , & none séene néere them , not assured what rescue might come , made no stay , but binding vp the wounds of Robert and Iohn as they could , hasteneth on their way , making all spéede to a Towne not farre from them , where , by a Fryer skilfull in Chirurgery , they were dressed : this night reposing themselues , comforting their friends , and the next day taking with them such Implaisters , Balmes , and other prouision néedfull to their wounds , to serue till they came to Roane , they set forward , which within thrée dayes to their great content , they recouered .

CHAP. III. How Robert and Iohn were lodged in the Nunnery of Saint Bennites in Roane , where by the Lady Abbas they were cured .

AS soone as these good friendes recouered Roane , and had housed their wounded companions , to ease them whilest other prouision was made : William and Otho being best acquainted , knowing the Ladie Abbas of S. Bennets to be a very charitable & skilfull woman in Surgery , made meanes vnto her , for fauour to be showne to their wounded friends , louing the Countrey ( as many kisse the childe for the Nourses sake ) after small entreatie , was content to accept them into the Monastery , whom she the more tendered , because they receiued their woundes by trechery of her Country men : but when she sawe their persons , she wonderfully affected them : for whom beyond ordinary , she caused prouision to be made , both for dyet & lodging , such their friends that visit them , her selfe dressing their woundes , and so applying them , that the danger of their griefes were soone past : which very much pleased the Lady , hauing a zeale to do them good , for that she held it meritorious ,

CHAP. IIII. How Oliuer , for his vnreuerent demeanour at the Procession , was committed to prison , with his companions .

WHilest the two wounded men , Robert and Iohn , were recouering their health , their other companions kept in the Citie of Roane , youthfully imploying themselues , imboldned by the countenance of William , whose acquaintance were many , and friendes great : by which meanes sundry lewde prankes were not séene , which deserued imprisonment and punishment , ( by their law ) so long continuing their boldenesse without regarde , that a worse hap then chanced : Oliuer , being a very pleasant conceited fellow , ( in his humour ) chanced to be amongst a multitude , standing in the chiefe stréete of the Citie , to vew the solemne Procession passing by , where on a sudden , to the great admiration and trouble of the company , stepping to the Fryar that carried the rich Crosse , violently tooke it from him , and dashed it so furiously against the ground , that it brake all to péeces : which by the multitude was taken in such ill part , that by commandement of the Clergie , he , and as many Englishmen as were then in his companie , were taken , and to straight prison committed , where they were cruelly vsed , for whom no sute might preuaile .

This mad pranke was generally spoken off , throughout the Citie of Roane , and by ill hap , came to the hearing of Iohn and Robert , who were now , by the helpe of God and the Ladies good indurstry well recouered : but by their friendes trouble brought to such melancholy , bewayling their ill hap ( which was perillous ) that nothing might mooue them to myrrth , or cause their content . Albeit yet the good Abbas and other their friends did what possible they could : that by their woe , many greefes ariseth , the Aabbas sorroweth , and the whole company complaineth for their comfort , whom none but their friendes libertie can comfort , especially such of the Uirgins that exchanged there French puritie for English loue , estéeming more of the imprisoned English then the whole countrey . Amongst those that loue had tyed in liking , the Lady Abbas was not least in affection , who dayly dressing the woundes of Robert with her owne handes , beganne so well to bée pleased in his company , that shée forgat her Paternosters , her stomacke so wambled with this little god of loue , that hauing small time to cloath her , was often compelled to make her offerings a bed .

Robert , againe of an humble and thankefull spirit , hauing strength and ability to performe the office of a man , hath so well pleased the Lady , that shée rather desired priuate conference with Robert , ( her new deuoted seruant ) then to heare the sweetest Channon chaunte in the Quire , descant hée neuer so well , yet the Ladyes deuotion is colde to the Church , but burning to the Chamber .

This loue of the Lady Abbas to Robert , must be the meane now to relieue their friends , and procure their libertie , whereof Robert promiseth himselfe assurance : to effect which , knowing the Ladie doated in his liking , and desired his health and contentment , he continueth his melancholly in such extréeme maner , demeaning himself in those passions , that his grief caused all the Nuns sorrowe , who neuer durst leaue him , fearing his distemper might cause him vse violent handes one himself , but with many good words perswaded him to comfort , whose eares were shut to the doctrine they preached .

So long continued this franticke humour on Robert , that the good Lady ganne to finde want of her delight , and missed Roberts recourse to her lodging , which bred in her a great discontent , and more troubled in her want , then Robert was for his destressed friends . Wherefore to reclaime him from these sullen humours , shee studied and deuised all possible meanes she could to doe them good , for which hauing conceited a Plot , she sendeth her secret kéeper with her ring , intreating Robert of the loue he professed her , instantly to visit her in her closet : which kinde message Robert refuseth , railing and exclaming against her , and her people , cursing and hauning , the Countrie , the citie , & Communaltie , that iniured his friends : continuing this fit so long , that the good Lady moued with remorse , in her night-gowne came to visite him : vnto whom hauing giuen much holesonie counsell , ( which hée hearkeneth vnto ) gently wringing him by the tender hands , she entreateth him to walk with her to her gallerie , where by solemne oath shée protesteth if he would frolickt it as he was woont , and no more be crossed with these passions , to ouerthrowe his owne estate and greene those whose ioy hée is , by that meanes shée had deuised , his friends ere two dayes be expired should haue their libertie , and he enioy his owne contentment .

Robert well pleased with these wordes , was in his minde more quieted , yet made no semblance thereof , but accused her of flattery and dissimulation , séeming in spéech so vehement , as if he would haue murdred all that came neare him : which the pitifull Lady with teares bewayled , vowing by ▪ her holy Order , and by all rights of her honour , to perfourme her promise , or it shoulde cost all the wealth shée had , and hazarde of her best friendes , on which giuing him her hand , shee leadeth him like a good Nurse , carefull least harme should betyde her Infant : conducting him to that place where so often she desired his company , where hée still continued , vrging her to performe her promise .

Earely in the morning , as carefull of her charge by vowe made , shée sendeth for the Prior of the Iacobins , an auncient ▪ Benefactor to her house , whose shame shée had many times couered , and remitted his sinne offending with her Holy maydes . With this Iacobine , shée so by large promises and lamentable spéech preualeth , that in hope of performance , and frée accesse to the house at his pleasure , with libertie of his olde loue , the match is concluded , the Iacobine hath giuen his faith , swearing by his Cowle and Crooked staffe , he will not leaue them vntill they were frée , which by his friends hee so laboured to those in authoritie , that by generall consent of the whole Clergie , the Englishmen enioyed liberty , and the Iacobine his pleasure .

CHAP. V. How Oliuer , Robert and Otho , departed towardes Burdeux , William and his two companions , arriued in England .

RObert by his great pollicie hauing purchased his countreymens libertie , and being both perfectly cured of their wounds , time drawing on , appointed for méeting their ship comming from England , after they had a while feasted with the Marchantes of the Citie , ( desiring their company ) and frollickt with his friends , which done , Robert and Iohn , willing to shew their thankfulnes to the Lady Abbas , which would receiue no money , they procured two of the best Iewels and rarest they could finde , which in all humblenesse they presented her , which she thankfully accepted : with a heauy heart giuing a loth farewell to her beloued Robert , with whom when shee had in secret conuersed , shee commended them to their prosperous iourney , whom she promiseth in her prayers to remember : giuing vnto Robert , a paire of Beades , so rich and beautifull as he neuer saw the like : a Crucifire and chayne valued at a thoutand crowns , with rewardes to Iohn : which don , she gaue commandement for her coach , and twelue of her honest Tenants well mounted , to accompanie them to Burduex .

Robert receiuing these great fauours , in requitall , tendered his loyall seruice , with many humble duties by vow to be performed : which was more vallued at her Ladiships handes , then all the wealth he could offer : such was the Ladies affection vnto him , whose absence , howsoeuer she for fashion sake coloured , it causeth her heartes extréeme sorrow . But howsoeuer , the time is now come to leaue then his company brauely mounted , attend to bring him on his way , which made knowne , the Abbas bids farewell with many kinde fauours , and a million of Paternosters , Aue-maries , and Créedes , long fastings , often watchings , and a worlde of religious ceremonies for his good successe : what the other prittie pure soules doe for their loues , good Gentle-men imagine , for it is like they would be as well vsed as their mistresse .

Onwardes nowe are our Gallants towardes Burdeux , where by the way , Robert acquainted his friende William and the rest of his company with his fortunes , continuing these pleasant discourses till they came to their lodging , where that night , they had mery chatting and carousing to their friendes , the Lady Abbas , and the sisters healths : the next morning they tooke their leaue one of another : Oliuer and his two friendes for Burdeux , and William and his companions , to Roane .

William had not long continued at Roane , but a ship arriued from Exeter , by the marchants whereof , he receiued the wofull newes of his masters death , with commandement from his mistresse and the executors , to gather in his debtes , make sale of such goods as hée had , perfect his accounts , and with the first ship , to come for England . All which , when hée had ouerpast his sudden sorrowe for the losse of so good a friend , like a carefull man , to please the liuing as hée had his disceased maister , with such effect followed his busines , that by the ships returne , hée was ready with the first to goe aboord : For which voyage , hauing shipped his prouision and such goods as hée had , hée inuited sundry his good friendes to banquet : which ended , with kinde imbrasings , hée biddeth farewell to them that wish his prosperitie at sea .

CHAP. VI. How William after his returne to England , traded for himselfe in the Citie of Exeter , and wooed a wife .

GOod Fortune & fauourable windes , hath safely landed William & other his frends , who being carefull , could not be quiet nor mery with any company , vntil he had deliuered his accounts , which to the good lyking of the widow and the Executors he performed , hauing their quittance generall : which done , aduised by his friendes , he seated him in a good place , trading for himselfe , with good successe , in which he so profited , that wealth increased aboundantly : gaining by his good behauiour , charitie , and good conscience , the generall good opinion of the whole Cittie : vnto whom many men tendred their daughters with great dowries : but that life liked he not . When he had with great care and labour spent some two or thrée yeares , substance encreasing , and customers flocking , he tooke to Prentise an honest Farmers sonne named Iames : shortly after this , as time ouercommeth all things , and experience maketh men wise , especially where man with man perswade .

William after many kind aduertisements of friends , continually putting him in minde of the comfort of marriage , and pleasures therein , the ioyes fathers haue of their children , and honours thereby obtained , was wonne at length to consider thereoft and resoluing to marry , offer was made him of a proper Mayden , the onely childe of a very honest and wealthy man , not farre from the Citie : with whose Parents the friend● of William hauing conference , hearing a very good report of the man , her Father agreed , promising a good portion with his daughter if they could like . Therevpon William was by his friends inuited to her Fathers house the Sunday following to dinner : against which time , Ione ( for so the Maydens name was called ) in the best maner apparelled her selfe , knowing to what end this iolly wooer came , where he was welcome to her father , but better to the childe that longed to be a wife : Dinner ended , where wanted no good cheare , euery man betaketh himselfe to passe the time as best contenteth him . William not forgetting his errant was for a wife if he could get her , desired the maiden to be his conducter to the Garden , where after they had walked two or thrée turnes , viewing the bewtie thereof , and commending the pleasure of the same : William being a bashfull young man , after many friuolous questions , fearing to be counted a coward hauing such aduantage , solicites her for loue , with such pretie questions , and her wittie answeres , that William , after the first assault became valiant , whetting his wittes to answere her parley , wherein he so preuailed , that the skirmish waxing faint , his hope was the greater to scale the Forte without more danger . And like a conquerer might vaunt with honor , the Towne ●● his , though with some faint denialls , for modestie the said nay : yet vpon conditions , her father said Amen . Ioane writes Content .

This short worke contented William well , who was now pleased in thought of marriage ▪ hauing such hope in his sute , hating to be long a wooing , and rather chusing to liue euer without a wife , then tied long to lingring suites : yet to please Ioane whose ioy he now is , how well soeuer his choise and her answeres pleased , kept it to himselfe , comforting her father , and his friends , that all should be well he doubted not : but as they wished , after this first méeting and loue of either giuen secret to other , William euery day with letters solicited his Ioane ▪ betwéen whom many pretie tokens was enterchanged , and of both parties accepted , all furthering loue and good liking : and was pleasing to father , mother , and his friends , before whom , shortly after they were made sure .

CHAP. VII . How Iames , Williams seruant , abused his maister to Ioane , hindering their loue .

WIlliam assured by promise to his Ioane , and the Banes publikely asked , many his familiar friendes , some in iest , others in good sooth , bad God giue him ioy : his seruant Iames , enquiring of his masters forwardnesse of many , was somewhat discontented and greeued : considering the vncontrolled life hee then liued , and the care hée should haue to please a Mistresse , had many knauish deuises hammering in his head to breake the match , and to kéep his Master a Batcheler still . Amongst many other his practises , one onely hée intended to effect , if oppertunitie would giue him leaue : which not many dayes after sorted to his desires , and thus vnhappily he practised it .

Diuers Marchantes of Exeter , Williams very good friendes , being ready to put to sea , inuited ( as their custome is ) their familiar acquaintance to their parting banquet , amongst which guests , William was solemnly bidden , Iames knowing his Maister safe for stirring , prouided a horse ▪ and in al the hast poasted to Ioane , entending to try his wittes : whither hée came in the euening neare bedde time , who séeing the old man and his wife sitting at the doore , earnestly desired to speake with Ione : vnto whom he deliuered a very solemne message in name of his Maister , desiring her of all the loue shée doeth professe , spéedily to come vnto him , if she tooke pleasure in his life that was dangerously sicke on the suddaine : so strangely taken , as no life was expected .

This suddaine newes appalled the whole houshold , Ioane cried , the father lamented , and the mother with wringing hands bewailed this vnhappie fortune of William : to satisfie whose minde , preparation was made for Ioanes iourney , Iames hearing what was broached amongst them , laughed to himselfe , and verie earnestly hastened the olde man to sende away his Ioane , vnto whom he made tender of his seruice , to be her conuoy for so small a iourney , if it pleased them ▪ wherof her father was glad : loth so late to be troubled himselfe , or his seruants , to Iames deliuered her , commending them to good spéed . Iames possessed of his adopted mistresse , hauing her from her fathers house , bethought him of his entended knauery : hauing then the best oportunitie , with a déep sigh , & voice mournfull , as a graue man moued to pitie , began to commend her bewty , personage , good gifts , honest parentage , and wealth likely , with other her excéeding vertues , worthie for the best man in the Citie , to be vtterly cast away by marriage with his Maister William .

Ioane hearing these protestations , albeit her mind was cumbred with Iames his tydings , yet gaue good eare to his spéech : whereof taking the aduantage , cut him off , and with kinde words besought him to explaine his meaning , that marrying his maister she were cast away .

Which Iames by no means , either for promise of fauour , gifts or entreatie would graunt against his maister , whose welfare he estéemed as his life , although it mightily concerned her good .

These latter spéeches , put her into further dumps , causing more desire to be resolued . But Iames in no wise would grant , vntill by great oathes he swore her to conseale from all people , either the cause , or reuealer of the same . To all which couenants Ioane sware to be iust , and faithfully to kéep , which done he said : Sweete Mistresse Ioane , though my yeares deny me that experience which many good men proue , yet am I not so sencelesse , but can conceiue the pleasures parents haue in vertuous children , the ioyes in wedlocke , and the swéete content therein : where husband and wife participate in one simpathie of loue , and so much the more greeue , to sée such a one as your selfe , marked of God to be the mother of many swéet Infants , wherein your fathers aged yeares should be blessed , and the world by procreation encreased , should be depriued of al rights due in marriage to the poorest begger : robbed of mothers honorable name , and pleasure therein , all procéeding from the imperfections of nature , in him whose wife by full graunt you are .

Ioane hearing these reports from ▪ Williams owne seruant , who thought she sorrowed to the death , for his supposed sitnesse , wished his head off , so she were rid of him : entring into consideration of Iames particular spéech , the losse of wombes pleasures , and mothers delight , so nearely touched her , that as in a trance she had like to haue fallen from her horse , if Iames had not the more regarded her . Whose extremitie when he saw , stricken with fear of his mistresse Ioanes wel doing , he wished that vndone which was begunne : yet taking heart of grace , knowing care must be comforted , cheared her with the best spéech he could : so long perswading , that she reuiued againe : calling to minde , the great losse of that she most hoped for : the thought of William was loathsome vnto her , wishing neuer to heare or sée him more : earnestly desiring Iames , as he tendered her life , to returne to her fathers house : for if she procéede , there is no hope but to expect death . Iames more willing to entreat her , then Ioane to craue , ( for fashions sake ) be sought her to go forward to his maister . But nothing might preuaile , home she would , no deniall could serue : whither Iames made such haste , that they came before the old man was in bedde .

The sudden comming of Ioane with her guide Iames , much amazed them : especially séeing their dearest childe in such a pittifull case : and not-knowing the cause , thought verily that some hobgoblings or theeues had frighted them : which to assure them , finding Ioane in weake case , and not to be questioned , the mother and her maides were very carefull in hauing her to bed : meane while the father earnestly enquired of Iames , what the occasion of his daughters griefe was : who like himselfe , so suttelly pleaded , that the olde man was not a whit the wiser : Iames hauing broached this deuise , how wel or ill so euer it spéedeth in the end . After he had in secret coniured Ioane by her holy oathes to remember her promise , with all spéed hasteneth to Exeter , where he discharged his horse , and recouered his maisters house , long before the company brake vp : William little suspecting what his man had bene about .

CHAP. VIII . How the Father and Mother of Ioane , seeing their daughters sicknesse increase , sent for William .

IOane languishing in this conceited feare of her Williams want , gan grow so weak , that her friends had smal hope of her recouery , being in best confort when she might be alone : where with sighes and gréeuous complaints of her fathers rashnesse , she exclaimeth on her hard fortune , being so vnhappily marked aboue all the women she hath knowne : vtterly inueying against William , that knowing his imperfections , durst seduce any woman to his deceitfull loue : defying wealth , honour , and not caring to be married to the greatest Monarke , hauing those necessary wants .

Her good Father , whose comfort was his Ioanes health , when he could not learne by all possible meanes the occasion , and sicknesse rather encreasing then ceasing , aduised by his kindred , sent for her Loue William , hoping his presence might comfort her : who like a kind man , leauing al to his man Iames ▪ presently procured from the Apothecaries such comfortable drugges as he could get for mony , with sugars and spices of his owne store , hastning to his loue Ioane , where to her father and mother he was a welcome man . But Ioane tooke little pleasure in his sight or company , his presence being so irkesome , and Iames his tale troublesome , William offering her kindnesse , comming to her bed side to speake with her , she violently thrust him from her , turning her to the other side , not caring for his courtesie or him , but earnestly entreated them to take him from her . This strangenesse which she shewed William , whom they thought would haue bene a comfort , more troubled them , then any other accident , especially William , whom it most concerned : who entred into all iudgements séeming reason , sauing the principall , which they neuer suspected . William censuring al things to the best of her whom he dearly loued , was therefore the more in spirit cumbred : yet pacifying himselfe as he best might , walked abroad , spending time vntill the euening , when he thought sléepe might better quiet her , and giue some better temper to her wittes : which happened not so well , for no sooner came he in her sight , but presently she followed her olde humor , to Williams great griefe , séeing other men well entreated and welcome to her , he onely despiced : in this chollericke humor he would haue left the house , and like to haue sworn by great oaths neuer to come thither more , had not the company which wished them both well pacified him : at whose request and great entreatie , he stayed , though in small content all night , to see if any alteration would be .

CHAP. IX . How Iames was troubled in mind for that which happened , and what meanes was vsed to know the cause of Ioanes sicknesse .

IAmes hauing ended his businesse , being at some leisure , began to consider what wronges he had offered his Maister and his friend , and what might follow this diuellish practise , in this quandary , when he had wayted some time extraordinary for his Maister that came not , he gat to bed , where the guiltinesse of his foule offence so cumbred him , that he tooke small rest . The morning no sooner gaue light , but Iames wearied with his nightes disquiet , got vp about his businesse , and not long after came William home , as heauie and full of passions as a man might be losing his delight , her Father and mother with wéeping neare wearied , and the whole housholde mourned for their disquiet . The old woman who had a motherly care of the Mayden , searching all wayes and meanes for her daughters health , principally noted the small content she tooke in Williams company , who hearing that he was gone , began more chéerfully to talke , calling for such things as she liked : this amendment caused her Mother to imagine , some discontent it was that troubled her , which would be her destruction if some meane were not found , to know the cause from whence it procéeded . To effect which , pollitikely she insinuates with an auncient Mayden seruant of theirs , that had bene her daughters bed-fellow euer since she was weaned , whome Ioane loued wel : to her the Mother maketh great mone , promising mony plentifull , and what other friendship they could do for her , if she could by any deuise attain the knowledge of her griefe , for that they were assured was the chiefest cause . The mayden wroght by her old Mistresse , promised faithfully to do her best to satisfie them , not forgetting her Maister & Mistresse good words , and rich proffers of mony , as one that could well handle the matter , watching in the night with Ioane , vttred many faire words , bemoaning her extremitie , and pittying her distresse , saying she was perswaded that some secret sorrow cumbred her , willing whatsoeuer was in her minde , to reueale it to some one whom she best trusted therewith : which would be the more comfort for her in sicknesse : so might she the better ease her heart of sorrow , and haue meanes to releeue her : otherwise there was no hope of life . Ioane hearkening to her approued friendes good counsell , after she had sworne her to conseale what she had to impart vnto her , and the seruant promising faithfully to fulfill whatsoeuer she was enioyned , with many sighes which like smoke came from her stomack , out it came , which sore burned her hart and consumed her bodie : vttring wherof ; she enueyed against her Father , Mother , William , and all friends thereto consenting . The seruant hearing her , beléeued verily shee had found where the hurt lay , and smoothed her more to feele the bottome of her heart , which Ioane faithfully discharged at full , leauing nothing hid from her . With which newes , the Mayden laboured as a woman with childe to be deliuered , wayting opportunitie , to her Maister and Mistresse she came , and vnto them deliuered what Ioane vnder Benedicitie had reuealed : assuring her Maister that was the cause . Her mother at hearing thereof , grew into admiration how Ioane should come to knowledge of so great a secret , yet was glad at the heart , she had that giuen her to vnderstand .

The better to eschew ill to such chances incident , with more tender compassion , bemoning her , that being a woman as shée was , should so be deluded , loosing the benefit of youth , the rytes to marriage in dutie appertaining .

The olde woman finding by Ioanes trustie friend where her griefe laie , on the morrow came vnto her , inciting her , by the dutie of a childe , to let her know if any thing troubled her minde , and fréely speaking without blame , she should be comforted , if all the abilitie she had would procure it .

Ioane hearing her mothers spéeches , though modestie willed her conseale it , trusting her mother would be secret to her in like manner , reuealed the substance of Iames his tale & cause of her griefe : which the old woman was glad of , willing her to take comfort and be of good cheare , for she should not haue that wrong by her consent : blaming her most , for so long consealing the occasion , so highly to gréeue her selfe : which sooner made knowne , order had bene taken before that time , for a husband sufficient . Ioane well pleased with her mothers saying , assured of her loue , began to comfort her selfe in hope , and by little and little recouered some strength .

Her mother whose secrets she could not kéepe , to a Gossop a neighbour of hers , reuealed the cause of her childes malladie , and the imbesilitie of William . So long this newes was carried , that it came by a Nourse dwelling in that parish , to Exeter , who told her Mistresse , which was wife to a wealthy Marchant , what common talke was through their parish of William . The Marchants wife , whose husband loued William wel , could not be quiet , but assoone as her husband came in , acquainted him with that report . The good man smiling at his wiues simplicitie , that was no better imployed then to spend her time hearing so bad a tale . Wife ( quoth he ) I hope your modestie is more , then to be a carrier of such tydings : to answere you , as I would do all others that speake it , I will on my oath iustifie , that he is a man sufficient for any reasonable woman : what I speake is trueth , I know it well : hauing bene his bedfellow almost thrée yeares , learning our language in Spaine .

The Marchant acquainted William herewith , who in choller , accompanied with some friendes , hyed to the Farmers house , requesting to see Ioane , who would not be spoken with : wherfore taking her Father aside in priuate , he discoursed how he was abused : and vehemently protested he wold not be made a scorne by his daughter if she were a Lady : therefore willed to let him know the originall of this scandall , or by heauen he protested , the next Sunday at diuine seruice , in their parish Church , to quit himselfe of so great an ignomy , he would naked shewe himselfe , to her and their great shame , that deuised the same . The old man séeing William so angry , by mild spéech brought him to more reason , and at his intreatie discouered vnto him , what modestie forbad : on which assurance , her Father with his daughter and mother so preuailed , that taking his word for currant , and Williams for good payment , she apparelled her selfe , and came amongst them : where all broyles were ended , and promises faithfully giuen , neuer more to be remembred : and shortly after to both their contents were wedded . Ioane finding her man Iames to be a strife-maker , though she neuer for her oath discouered his doings , secretly enuyed him euer after .

CHAP. X. How the sixe Marchants , William Oliuer , Otho . Iohn , Walter and Robert , in their iourny to Bristow met , and what hapned them .

WIlliam hauing espoused his Ioane , placed her in Exeter , he following his businesse : which pleased Ioane and her Parentes well , who hath now found his manhood , and reproued the scandales . Not long after the mariage , was the Faire for Saint Iames at Bristow , to which , from all places of the West , commeth Marchants , Drapers , and Chapmen , to buy and sell : amongst which resort , these sire Marchants , William , Otho , Iohn , Walter , Oliuer , and Robert , being from their owne homes on their iourney at Tanton , by great fortune happily met , glad of one the others company : hauing taken their Inne earely , they bespake their dyets to sup togither , spending the time at bowels & other sports , till it was readie , as frollicke and merry as euer they had bene , none of them sparing , hauing all wealth sufficient : the next day to Bristow they came , where they lodged orderly togither , for no frends or acquaintance might part them . Night approaching , and their businesse for that time ended , William was by a Mercer of London , inuited to the horshead a Tauern , to supper , which he refused , saying : If I come , I must bring my good friends and companions with me , for we go togither . Content quoth the Mearcer , you shall all be welcome . Whom William sought , and tooke them with him to the place appointed , where his friend the Mearcer and other Londoners met them ▪ To supper they go , where wanted no cheare , wine nordaintie Musick , to whose company the Westerne Merchants were very welcome : supper ended , some betooke them to dice , others to dance , as best liked them . William , Oliuer , and Robert . standing ydle , séeing money so plentifull and gamesters so franke , fell in amongst the company , where the dice running crosse , Robert and Oliuer , was quite of all their coyne , William holding his owne in reasonable manner .

The Londoners which were winners frumped them , and were pleasant , amongst which , one challenged William , to throw one cast for all his money before him , which was a good summe : which offer , Oliuer and Robert would haue taken , offering to pawne their wares in the hall to make it good , scorning to be braued by their betters . But William was the man they shot at , whom they entended , to giue as drie a shauing as his companions . William perceiuing whereat they aymed , was more moued with his companions that sought to hinder him then the others : and in choller thrust his money from him , challenging the proudest to couer it : who gaping for the money , making a sure reckoning it was their owne , was striuing who should be the man : which William séeing , laughed heartily , saying : by the holy Trinitie , I neuer saw carrion crowes more gréedie , then these good fellowes of my money : which win ( quoth William ) and in Gods name take it : when that is lost , if lost it wil be , I haue yet in money and credit with my neighbours , a thousand crownes more which you shall haue amongst you .

The gamesters séeing his courage , left contending , couered the golde , for which William had a chance and woon it : wherat his companions showted . This losse set our gallants in a heat , which William perceiuing , thus cooled : Gentlemen , we are poore men of the West , and you of the famous Citie : yet all subiects to our Soueraigne , friends I trust we are , if not , say so . Care that wil : heare you friends , square not without cause , our money you wonne , and with good will had it , then be as well content to loose : if you be not well , loe there it lies , pawne it , and a gods name win it and weare it : if we loose this , we shall not beg to our homes .

The Londoners séeing his gallant mind , commended him for his bountie , loath to be braued , put their heaps to one , and had a chance for it . William minding to try what was in them , offered a thousand Crownes , praising his chance , either win the horse ( quoth he ) or loose the saddle , fortune cannot begger vs with one throw at dice , away the Boate , and a straw for a pecke of Ryalls . William shewing so pleasant a minde , and franke to the standers by , was wished well of all the whole company : but his iollitie quelled his gamesters , that they durst not praise their chances . The worse for William , whose fortune was to win their monies , and had all on the boord in his possession , which with frowning countenances , his fellow gamesters maligned : which William perceiuing , thus cheared . Gentlemen , you haue made vs poore men good cheare , bestowing on vs , Fidlers fare , meate , drinke , and money : for your sporte we thanke you : and that you may know we trauellers of the West be good fellowes , wishing no mans harme that would vs well , the shot I will pay : friends we met , and so wish to continue . Oliuer take here your principal you drew , and Robert yours : this hundreth pounds shall buy my Ioane pinnes : for the rest Gentlemen , if you scorne not a good fellows proffer , share it amongst you that be loosers .

The Londoners which were farre spent in this brauerie , gaue him thankes : others better able to beare their losse , in scorne refused his profer , yet with a litle intreatie , wonne to take it : but generally , the whole company admired and praised William : who bestowed on them a costly banquet , rewarded the Musitians , largely paied the house and attendants . For that time parting company , with thankes to William for his cheare and large gifts .

CHAP. XI . How William in his iourney homewards was robbed , and how for a couple of Connyes he made in meriment his company pay his losses .

WIlliam and his companions ending their businesse , tooke their iourney by Bathe , where pleasantly they spent a day or two , feasting and making merrie with their friends . From thence to Welles , and so to Bridgewater , ouer the downe called Poldonne , a place often frequented with such as lighten honest trauellers of their monies . These good companions passing the downe , the way faire and gréene , and they pleasanty discoursing , William of a necessarie businesse was enforced to stay behinde : wherin being earnestly imploied , came to him thrée tal fellows wel appointed , with short swords and bucklers , commanding him to deliuer his mony . William being thus surprized on the sudden , nothing daunted with their words , presently said . It is done like cowards and not men , to take me at such aduantage . Now I sée the old prouerbe verified , It is easie kissing a mans tayle when his hose are downe .

If you be men , as you haue the forme of men , shew me faire play and do your worst . The théeues hearing him so pleasant , though their hast to be gone was great , dreading his company should rescue him , would trie what was in him , setting so good a face on it , willed him to chuse his first man , and best do , best haue . William hearing such good words from so bad mindes , tooke his Capcase from his Saddle bow , setling himselfe to such weapons as he had . Good fellowes ( quoth he ) for Gentlemen I scorne to name you : that you may say hereafter , you met with a true man and a good fellow , there lieth my money , twentie pounds I take it : on this condition , that if I hurt or foyle this good fellow , the money to be mine without more adoor further chalenge of any of you : if I receiue the like , the money is yours , & much good may it do you : with this consent of both parties , to it they went . William being a very tall man , held him play vntill his sword brake , when closing with him , William shewing a Deuonshire tricke , laid him flat on his backe , and might haue slaine him , had not his fellowes bin so neare . With this the fray ended , and William craued leaue to passe with his money according to promise : which they deliuered . William hauing it at his Saddle bow readie to take horse , two of them holding him fast by the armes , said . ( Gentleman ) I doubt not but you wil confesse to your friends , we haue vsed you as our honest promise was , you haue your money and we all good friends : which considered , though our wants be great , yet euery honest man is their words maister : we will not steale , for that is forbidden : marrie we haue here two good Rabbets , which you shall buy . William hearing the théefe talke so much of honestie , blessing himsefe , saith : when the Fore preacheth , beware the Géese . My maisters ( quoth he ) I haue farre home , and my diet prouided in euery Inne if I haue money , I haue no vse for your Rabbets , therefore séek some other chapman . By our Lady ( quoth the théefe ) but you shall . Nay if you sweare ( said William ) I am content so your price be reasonable . What must I pay ? all the money in your Capcasse ( quoth they ) therefore dispatch , for we haue businesse ▪ Dispatch ( quoth William ) no hast but good : I must haue some more time to view my commoditie before I pay my money . With that they laid all hands vpon him to binde him , vnto which he was loath to subiect himselfe : wherefore willed them to take his money and let him go : to which , though they they were loath to agrée , yet vpon his oath that he should not pursue them , they shaked the money into their hat and bad him farewell .

William hauing his Rabbets , the dearest commoditie hee euer bought , hastneth after his company , who missing him , at the foote of a hill stayed his comming , vnto whom he shewed no maner of discontent , but ieasting , said : you my maisters of Barnestable and Tiuertonne , being so neare , make hast to be with your wuies , and misse all good bargaines : sée what I haue bought to make my Ioane merrie when I come home . Nay quoth one , though they be good and well worth the carriage , yet will they not kéepe so farre , the weather being so hote . Therefore let vs eate them to dinner , and be merry togeather before we part . Eat them quoth William , soft sirs , they cost me more . Why said they , you shall haue as much as they cost you with thankes . You say like honest men , said William , let vs ride no further then Bridgewater to night , and take my bargaine , on this condition you pay me what they cost , and my selfe go cleare for buying and cariage . To which they all assented , and forward they set a round pace to Bridgewater , where they dined , bespake good cheare for supper , where the Rabbets were a dish : enuited their friends of the Towne , with whom they were very merrie at supper . William often demaunding how they liked their cheare , which they all commended . The guest gone , a reckoning was called and the hoast payed . Now Signior William ( quoth Oliuer ) what cost the Rabbets ? and wel remembred said Otho , we had like to haue forgotten them . Yea had said William , that is all one , forbearance is no quittance : giue me my present money as your promise was , and after I wil bestow on you to bedward a gallon of the best wine in the towne . You will gaine much by that said Robert . Get or loose I will do it . Tell vs then ( quoth Walter ) what cost they ? My maisters I doubt not but you will all beléeue me : speaking on my credit , twentie pounds they cost me , and some odde money , how much I do not perfectly remember : wherefore pay me twentie pounds , and let the rest go . Muse not at my large account , for your haste was cause thereof : leauing me in such manner without regard : recounting all that hapned betwéene the theeues and him . Whereat though they were ashamed , and more gréeued for the daunger he was in , they could not forbeare to laugh . Well my maisters said William , ieast on , you shall not scape one penney better cheape : for as I am an honest man , you shall pay it , to teach you leaue your honest friends hereafter : whose life was by your negligence in great hazard . So iustly sharing the twentie poundes amongst them , turning it to a ieast , with a good will they deliuered it . William called for his gallon of wine promised , which they merrily drunke to wash downe the Rabbets : and the next morning when they had rid thrée or foure houres togither as their way lay , they parted euery man to his home faithfull friends , and true louers one of the other .

CHAP. XII . How these famous Marchants for wrongs done them by the Frenchmen , equiped twelue ships of worth , by authoritie of the King , and their successe .

THe Frenchmen in times past , hauing secret enuie against our Nation , some discord hapning betwéene the Kings of both the Realmes : great broyles were in hand on either partie , and many outrages by land and sea committed , the poore Marchants euer hauing the worst , whose goods were taken , rifled and solde , without recompence . Mongst those which had great cause to complaine of their losse , the Marchants of Exeter and the Westerne parts , had not their parts least : being men of trade , aduenturing euerie where , lost much : so long endured ▪ without redresse , that vexed thereat , and some of them neare vndone , by humble suite to the King , obtained Letters of Reprisall , to serue against those and their Adherents which spoiled them : wherevpon the Marchants of Fxeter furnished and manned in warlike manner , sixe tall ships , at their owne proper charge : of which Fléete , they made choise of William for Admirall : who hauing the charge , minding carefully to accomplish what he had vndertaken , sent vnto his Consorts of the other Townes , requesting their companies and aide : who willing to accompany their friend , as also to recouer part of their losse , furnished in like manner , other sixe ships , themselues seruing for Captaines of their owne goods .

William hauing the charge of Generall , with such countenance demeaned himselfe , valiant and courteous , that euery man presaged good successe in his fortunes : that sundrie Gentlemen and men of valour made suite for to accompanie him .

William carefull of what he had in hand , hauing the most his owne charge , slacked no time : but hearing of the arriuall of his Fléete at Dorthmouth , the place appointed of méeting , frollikes with his friends , viewing and mustring their companies , which were all goodly men , and well furnished . Not long after a faire winde blowing , to the fauour of God they commended their actions , and the equitie of their cause : putting forward with great resolution to the sea . At their going forth , taking their farewell after the manner of such seruice , as all the country admired and cheared their friends which were beholders thereof .

These Gallants leauing our owne coast , according to directions , plied for Bell I le , the trade , and other places fit to find their enemies . Of whose being vpon the Coast , the Admiral of France was aduertised , who by chance was then in the Road of Charleboyes , sharing English goods lately taken : and hearing of these warlike shippes , in the night fell lower to the mouth of the riuer , and in the morning taking the aduantage of the Tyde , came to sea . Where shortly by our Fléete , which looked sharpely out for them , they were discouered , and a view taken of their Fleete , which were twise as many , and more goodly ships : but William resolued to sée their courage and trie it : after he had called his fléete togither , and giuen direction for the fight , assured of his company , and their faithfull industrie , prouided euery way fit for the same , they Bare with the French , displaying Saint George ouer their toppes . The Frenchmen séeing these Gallants , rather thought them mad then otherwise , so to boorde them , hauing the oddes , especially on their owne Confines , stood with them , entending to haue compassed the whole Fléete , and so to haue made quick dispatch : Boording them , and carrying them away , wherein they were deceiued . For William●●●●● ●●●●● with more resolution , as they afterward found to theyr cost . Our Fléete comming vp with them , after a defiance with Trumpets giueth ▪ William and his Uice-Admirall Oliuer , thrust amongst the Fléete , and in despite loorded the Admirall , and tooke the Generall into their owne ship , leauing some men aboorde to kéepe her : and sending the French men all away with their boates , to séeke their fortunes . This onset beginning with good successe , added courage to our companies , and greatly discomforted the French , hauing lost their Admirall . Yet continued the fight very hotly foure or fiue houres : In which time many of the French lay drenched in the déepe , both men and ships . William keeping his owne , who was so well followed by his companions , that the French wearied with the fight , and their hope , past hope to escape , William and his company hauing the aduantage of the shore , lying betwéene them and the sea , yéelded themselues to his mercie : of whom being possest , he tooke the principall men prisoners , made choise of the best ships , and manned them with their Ordinance , such Marchandise and money , whereof they had a boundance aboord : freed many Englishmen they had taken : sincking the most part of the ships , sauing the worst to carrie men a shore . Which done , in despite of those on land which should contradict his doings , went into the Road of conquest , fired the ships in the Roade , and brought two Gallies away . This finished , when he had houered vpon the coast two whole wéekes , to sée if any durst come and finde fault with what was done : with great wealth and more honour to the countrey , he returned to Dorthmouth , recompencing his company , well satisfied for their losse , and richly stoaring the kings treasure , to the good liking of his Maiestie , who gaue them many thanks : and generall ioy of the whole land , whose honour it was .

CHAP. XIII . How Ioane UUilliams wife , for sundrie mad parts plaied , could not indure her seruant Iames : and his departure to Spaine .

MIstresse Ioane growing now to more reckoning of her selfe , standing on her husbands aduancement , béeing Maister Captaines wife , expected from her neighbours more honour then had of custome bene tendered , especially of her seruants : which Iames her man perceiuing , scorned to doo as she commanded , being the eldest seruant , the principall dealer for his Maister , hauing charge of all : which Mistresse Ioane stomacked much , and often wold crosse him with tanting spéeches , not forgetting the knauish pranke played betwéene his Maister and her : albeit she consealed the same . Amongst many the madde tricks Iames offered his Mistresse , this one she tooke most exceptions at . In the time of her husbands absence , her selfe lying in of a young sonne , many her neighbors banquetted with her , as the custome is in that Country , at which time with other Williams friends , sundry the best in the Cittie oft times to William ▪ bad themselues to supper , against whose comming , all daintie vyands that money or friends could procure was prouided , all things fit to content : on these guestes , Ioane gaue strict charge , diligent attendance by her seruants be giuen , for the better credit of themselues and their Maister : which they promised to doo . The guests set , and their Cates orderly serued , Iames wayted in good sort , yet not to Mistresse Ioanes content , hauing many to imploy : some by chance wanted cleane Trenchers , for which , she tooke occasion in open presence to checke her man Iames , commaunding him to see if there wanted nothing on the Table : and willed him to bring in a whéele-Barrow , to carry away the bones and foule trenchers . Iames hereat moued , following her counsell , like a diligent seruant , ranne hastily for the same , and brought it to the Table . At which ieast the company had good sport , and long time busied them with laughter . But Mistresse Ioane , séeing her selfe before her friendes so scorned , frowned , powted , and swelled on Iames , and hardly could forbeare wéeping : yet let it passe amongst many other prankes , vntill her husbands returne from seas : vnto whom with teares , she complained her of sundry wrongs done by her seruant Iames. Which William like a kinde Maister , waying his youth , and good seruice he had receiued from him , sought to excuse with gentle words : perswading his wife to the like . Which Ioane hearing , passing the bounds of modestie , she protested , that if he kept him longer in his house , he accounted more of him then of his wife : nor might she be brought otherwise to beléeue : and so vowed , that either one or other of them two , must part , if William entended to liue in quiet . William wisely waying the benefit of so good a seruant , was loth to leaue him , vntill by continuall clamours of his wife he was enforced : whom to content , he found meanes to send Iames his man to the ports of Cales and Saint Lucas in Spaine , with his marchandise that he had then shipped , as Marchant and chiefe Factor : on which motion made to Iames by his Maister , and assurance there to continue thrée yeares , which was all the time he had to serue , Iames was wel pleased , being perswaded of his Maisters loue , how much soeuer he was discontent with his Mistresse , whose enuy he was assured to be principall cause thereof : which with patience hée tooke in as good part as he could : prouiding himselfe to go with the ship : which being readie , his Maister deliuered him his chartie partie , and Billes of lading , with many good and graue aduertisements : So taking his farewell of Maister and Mistresse , & all his fellow seruants , he left behinde him this Adieu in writing , and so betooke him to his affaires .

Thogh parting be mourning Where friendship is deere : Yet better be packing , Then stay longer heere . Our William , sweet William , Is matched with Ione , Whose will , not Williams , Doth cause me to mone . The wrath of a woman May no man endure : For where they maligne , Their woe they procure . Experience hath taught it , And true it doth proue : The Diuel and a woman , Seld conquerd by loue . A woman enuious , Whose chance is to wed : Were better be troubled With a diuel in his bed . Therefore my good fellowes From whom I must part : Forget not to learne This lesson by hart . What euer your Maister Appoint to be donne : Regard your Mistresse If blowes you will shunne . The night Crowes fauour Seeke you to obtaine : More shall be your quiet , But better your gaine . For women how euer They chance speak you faire : Will alwaies be readie Your woe to prepare . If in the least sort You crosse their intent : They 'l dye in the quarell But they wil cause you be shent Say Iames for his farwell This lesson doth giue : And please your Mistresse So long as you liue .

CHAP. XIIII . How the Kings Army marched to Exeter , to relieue the Citie , besieged by the Cornish Rebelles .

AMongst sundry Tumults , and rebellious assemblies , wherewith in times past this lande was afflicted , a route of Traytors were gathered togither in the West , verie mightie was their power , and their tyrannie more , who spared not to waste , spoyle , and ruinate , all along the whole Countrey as they marched together , without regard of God , Prince , or naturall affection , of that clymat where they receiued life . The tyrannie of these Rebels bruted throughout the Country , euery man fled for safegard of their liues , wiues and children , to the noble Citie of Exeter : as a place of sanctuary from those blood-thirstie reprobates : Where the Rebels followed with their mercilesse army , and with strong siege begirt it : vsing all possible means they could , by force and pollicie to gaine the possession thereof : which in vaine they practised , many assaults they made , which were manfully resisted by the honourable and true liegemen Citizens of the same : and sundry valiant and daungerous scalies made by them vpon the enemy , weakening their force with great slaughter , and pulling from them of their store of victualls , to reléeue their wants , which were very many and great : yet dismayed they not , but continued their defence with great valour , and euerlasting honour vnto them . In this time of trouble , was William called to high office amongst them , in his owne person doing great and worthie seruice , to the incouragement of the multitude : whom of his owne bountie and charge of victualls he reléeued : sauing their liues both by valour and liberall store of prouision , famine had so generally possessed the same .

Of these outrages by the Rebels committed , the King was aduertised , who gratiously tendering their distresse , and pittying those his louing subiects , whose vatour and constancy to him was such , spéedily leuied a power of men at armes , and with such hastie iournies as was requisite , marched towards Exeter for their reliefe . Of whose comming , the Rebels hauing knowledge , like a rable of faint hearted miscreants , raised their siege , and departed with bagge and baggage . The tydings of whose departure , by Postes to his highnesse was signified , who notwithstanding continued his iourney to Exeter , to sée their battered walles , and by his presence to encourage them and others his subiects to like loyaltie , if such chaunces should happen . Unto whom his Maiestie was most ioyfully welcommed , as appeared by their entertainment : which was graciously accepted , as by his honourable thankes giuen did appeare .

CHAP. XV. How Wiliiam and his companions , Oliuer , Otho , and the rest , to make the King sport chalenged all commers , at wresling , foote-ball , and hurling , which he performed .

THe King whose countenance hath purchased the Cities libertie , reposed him amongst those his loyall subiects of Exeter , who to shewe their loue , inabled their greatest diligence . Amongst which , William and Oliuer , whose wealth was matchlesse ▪ and best able to performe what they vndertooke : entending to shewe their Countries accustomed exercises of actiuitie before his Highnesse , made generall challenge throughout the Countrey of Deuon , and Cornwall , 24. men , to 24. chuse them where they could , at Exeter before the King , on a day prefixed , at these sportes , viz. wrestling , hurling , and footeball . This challenge giuen out , William that had his felicitie in kéeping men of actiuitie , chiefly excelled in these qualities : sent likewise to his friends , Walter of Totnes , Otho of Plymouth , Iohn of Barnestable , and Robert of Tyuerton , to furnish him with such men as as they could of their owne , which were able to maintaine the chalenge . Who hauing notise thereof , and knowing the assured day , fayled not their old friend William , but accordingly brought to Exeter twelue good men of theirs , to ioyne with William and his twelue . To encounter which , according to the proclamation , repaired to Exeter many worshipfull Gentlemen , with their followers , and sundry chiefe and well experienced in those qualities . William and his companions , willing to encourage their people , hath for the purpose , against the first day , suted all their company in Crimson Satten , with scarlet Cappes and Feathers , vnder which , euery man to play in , wore a Wastcoate of like coloured Taffata . The time assgned come , and the King taking his place to behold this exercise of wrestling , appointed for the first dayes pastime , William and his friends aboue named , apparelled in Coats of black Ueluet and Chaines of Gold , accompanied with many Whiflers to guard the place , marched on to the Greene called Southing-Hay , without the Citie walles , followed with his appointed troupes , attyred as you haue heard : who taking their places , were instantly followed by the Country men . Then to answere them , apparelled in suites of purple Satten , and ledde by a Knight of great name , who passing by his highnesse place , bowed themselues , and marching once or twise about the rayles tooke their stande , opposed with the Citizens . This done , proclamation was made for the quiet of the Gamesters , who proceeded to their pastimes , wherein of both sides was shewed many manfull feates , and slights of pollicie , to his Maiesties great pleasure : who by generall voyce of the whole company , gaue the honour of that dayes exercise , to Williams Prentises & their fellowes . Which done , they marched away in order as they came , the Citizens tryumphing for their successe .

The next day at the houre appointed , the King being placed , William with his company marched in like maner to the field , who were apparelled in Wastcoates , and Hose of white Laffata , with wrought Nightcaps on their heads , readie to their pastime of hurling . And the defendants in watched Laffata , likely suted . Where betwéene them , much valour and agilitie of bodie was shewed , as leaping , vauting , running and wrestling , wherein they excelled : and for their cunning , of the King worthily praised and rewarded , who highly commended the sport , wishing all his subiects such as they were .

This dayes honour to the Prentises was likewise adiudged : who like Uictors left the field this second day , to the great contentment of William and his followers .

The third dayes sport which was footeball , appointed to be performed , William and his comperes marched to the field , his companies apparelled as before , in red and blew Taffata , and the Country defendants , in Orenge Tawny . No sooner entered they the field , their duties done , and the players stripped , the King to do them grace and encourage them to their play , caused a Noble man of his traine to cast vp their Ball , which came no sooner on the ground , but was taken at aduantage : then began the strength and nimblenesse of men to be tried , with lifting , throwing , and casting one the other , some with violence , others with fine slights , generally commended , continuing their sport without victory on either side , a long time , vntill by vnhappie chance , one of Williams company , a proper man , and a Gentleman borne , was with a fall from a loftie mans armes , vnfortunately slaine . This Traget is more gréeued the King and all his company , then any thing , who commaunded their pastime to cease , adiudging the honour to Exeter Citizens , yet recompenced royally the defendants , and gaue them many gracious spéeches of commendation : but sorrowed more for the slaine Gentleman , then for the losse of a million of Golde . The Gentleman he caused with great pompe to be enterred , and gaue the prize euer after to Deuonshire and Cornewall , for those exercises : which continue them matchlesse to this day .

CHAP. XVI . How the Cardinall for some especiall businesse , leaning his Highnesse at Exeter , departed towards London .

THe Cardinall then Legal from the Pope , accompanying the King on his iourney , hearing of Letters , and some spirituall ambassage ariued , tooke leaue of his highnesse , for his iourney to London : whom to accompany , William and his fellow Aldermen of the city , addressed themselues : ryding on , pleasantly discoursing of their pastimes and entertainment , vntill they came to the stones , markes of the Cities libertie , which the Cardinall taking notise of , said ; Gentlemen I perceiue that here your liberties end , wherfore I wil trouble you no further : returne now I beséech you , and acknowledge my dutie to the King . William being of more spirit then many of the others , that thought not on their paines , in a pleasant humour thus said .

Pleaseth your Grace to pardon vs , though here ende our Cities liberties , yet may we bring our friends further , and therefore will bring your Holinesse to the Gallowes and there leaue you : meaning a place of execution , distant from the Citie a myle and better .

The Cardinall taking his words short , said : No no my maisters , turning it to a ieast , without any exceptions , and accepted their companies to that place : In which way thitherward , the Cardinals horse chanced to drinke in a brooke , where his horse so pleasantly conceited , would faine haue drunke , but he restrained him : which the Cardinall perceiuing , said . Syr , why let you your horse from drinking ?

Pleaseth your Grace ( quoth he ) he shall not drinke before your Graces horse hath done . At which the Cardinall laughed hartily , saying : Syr , I knowe not how to requite this great kindnesse , but if euer your horse come where mine may shewe like curtesie , assure you , your horse shall drinke first , in despite of his téeth .

Thus passed they on the way merily , to their iourney appointed , to bring his Holinesse : where the Cardinall remembring his friends kinde proffer , said .

Syr , I take it , this is the place , where by couenant we must bid farewell : wherefore I thank you for my great chéere and sport , and for your paines . This is the Gallowes I take it , whither since you would néedes accompany mée , here I meane to leaue you , and so to you all gentle friendes farewell . Where with moste friendly and louing imbrasings they left the Cardinall to his iourney , and the Citizens returned to Exeter : where to the King they recomunt what hapned them : who tooke great pleasure therein , and often would vse in merriment , the parting of the Cardinall , with the Citizens . Who , a waeke after , feasted his highnesse and his traine , and so with great thankes left them .

CHAP. XVII . How Iames UUilliams seruant accompanied the Dukes of Medina and Florence , at play , and how Iames at one cast , lost fiftie thousand Duckets .

IAmes , the first seruant of William , continuing long in Cales and Saint Lucas , on his maisters businesse , by his good carriage and gentle behauiour had more credit then all the English Marchants there resident , or thither trading : not onely with the countrey , but with the Duke of Medina , who continually vsed Iames as a companion at all exercises , or play whatsoeuer : such was his bountie and nourture , who thought himselfe a Spanish Duke , or a Noble man at least . Fauour of all estates he had , as worthily deserued : his purse euer pliant to the poore , who euer sought him in distresse , whether Stranger or English , felt his bountie .

These good parts of Iames , gained him loue and fauour , especially with the Duke , who being a. Prince of noble minde , fauoured no Nation like the English , or had pleasure with any but them . Frolike he was in their company , commending their bountie , and wondring at their costly fare and attire , which would cause him many times to leaue his owne Table and omit himselfe to their dyet , gracing them more then all Nations with his presence .

The Noble Duke who by often resort to their house , and other times had noated their seuerall dispositions , and highly commended them , purposed to trie at full what was in them , hauing on a time the Duke of Florence in his Court , vnto whom he had liberally spoken our Englishmens praise : and that he might better credit his spéech , he ordained a most costly banket : to which he inuited the chiefest of our English Marchants : amongst which , Don laques de Engleterre , for so hée named him , was not forgotten .

Iames , which cared not for coyne , but wayed his countries honour , against the prefixed time , suted himselfe very rich after our countrey fashion : and with his companions to the Court is come : where with great welcomes of both Dukes they were entertained , and feasted most costly with rare Cates , spending the time of dinner with mirth , and much pleasant parley .

Dinner ended , to sundry sportes they fell : some dance , some discourse , other court the dames . Iames and other two of his companions , accompany the Dukes at dice : betwéene them was very great game , and store of money on each side walking . The Duke setting great summes which was neuer refused . The Duke of Medina perceiuing it , thought verily to make them turne crauen . Being somewhat discontent , loosing so much , and few Crownes before him , pulled a Iewell from his chaine , valued at fiftie thousand Duckets : daring in high tearmes , the proudest Englishman to throw at it . This sterne chalenge of the Duke , dismaied our gallants , who looking one on the other , strained curtesie who should accept it , none so so hardie to aduenture thereon , the value being so great , all their substance not able to counteruaile it , and loath to lie in prison for a cast at Dice .

Iames nothing the timerousnesse of his companions , chearing their faint sprites , said .

Countreymen , what all amort ? hath one proude word ouerthrowne you , that hitherto scorned to be dared , but like true Liegemen to our King , hath maintained his and our countries honour ? No gallants no , were his King here and would pawne his Crown , making so peremptorie a chalenge , my selfe would giue the aduenture thereon : if life , goods , of credit would answere the losse thereof . Therefore Saint George Englands honoured Patrone ( quoth Iames ) I am the man : and stepping to the table , clapped hand on the Iewel , and couered it with his pawne : promising to make good , the valued summe of fiftie thousand Duckets , if he lost it : which the Duke accepted .

But in vnhappie time for Iames , who lost by fortune of the Dice , at that throw , not onely all the wealth he had gained , but his Maisters stock , and all the goods he had of other Marchants : to deale for as factor : all which neuer daunted his courage , nor could the Duke perceiue in his countenance any change , but with great chearefulnesse , drew the money he had of his owne , and borrowed of his companions all they had about them : he paide it in part , pawning his honest word for the rest , to be satisfied within ten dayes next following . Which don , spending some time in banketting , they tooke their leaues , all the company gréeued in heart for Iames , who in that humor had vtterly vndone himselfe .

Iames recouering his lodging , heauie in heart , although he were light of substance : began to consider of his estate , it gréeued him more for his good friends in England , his Maister , and such whose goods he had lost , then for himselfe . In these passions of discontent , when hee had a while , like one lost from himselfe remained , chearing his spirits , hee thus said .

Base peasant , vnworthy the name of Englishman : what dishonor were it for thée and thy Nation , if thy cowards thoughts by these proud Spaniards could be perceiued ? accountest thou more of trash then thy countries honour ? or shal this pelfe alter thy former contented humour , drawing thy pleasant conceited minde , to a laborinth of cares , and so quite ouerthrow thy self ? No , no , cease to sorow , a pound of care neuer paid one ounce of debt . Let this be thy comfort : thou wast for the time , companion to the greatest Prince in Spaine , then fail not to dispaire , quiet thy effects , follow thy businesse , and satisfie the Duke : least this more disgrace thy countrey for none payment , then the insolent Spaniards , hath gained welth by his Indies . Lis farre better to die a begger in thine owne countrey , then here to be disgraced , and discountenanced : the which all those Gallants of my countrey , that shal come hereafter into these Confines , with Millions of gold cannot redéeme . Bestir thee then , make sale of thy goods , call for thy debts , & hauing the summe , glut the myser Duke with golde , though hereafter thou sterue .

Thus said , leauing his studie , with diligence he applied him , against this promised time to procure the money , which by his friends he conueyed to the Dukes house , where he tendered the vtmost farthing .

The Duke of a milde and honourable inclination , bethinking him what a great losse it was for a Marchant , tendering his estate when he had sundry waies discoursed with him , caused his Steward to returne him the one halfe of his money , deuiding it betwéene them : which Iames tooke in great scorne , and more gréeued to be found other in the latter ende , then at the beginning : yet with courtesie and thankes returned the same : saying to his companions , That neuer Spaniard should report he was Benifactor to an Englishman . So taking leaue of the Dukes of Medina and Florence , departed to his lodging , lamented of those Princes for his losse : but highly honored for his magnanimitie and haughtie spyrit , which made the Dukes censure him , to be doubtlesse , the sonne of some mightie Potentate , how basely so euer shrowded in those his accustomed attires .

CHAP. XVIII . How Iames trauelling from Cales to Saint Lucas , encountered a gallant Lady , widow of a Spanish Cauoleere of great honour .

IAmes this Deuonshire gallant , hauing finished with the Duke , and passed all accounts with his friends , satisfying all such summes at full which he had taken vp , for clearing this great sum , had notise of the arriuall of certaine English ships at Cheryes . To which place he hired a guide and post-horse to heare the newes from England : taking his adieu of his companions , away he goeth , only accompanied with his guide . So long trauelling , that his horse being wearie , desired his Maisters lodging in the fields , for lodging that night he was not likely to recouer : his guide fearing some hard measure , being better horst left him , thorow his threatning spéech , which brought him to a very melancholy humour . While he was debating with himselfe what should betide him that night , hauing brought himselfe within such a Thicket or Groue of Drenge , Lemmon , or Pomgranat trees , casting vp his eyes betwéene the glimsing of the light , he espied a gallant Cauolere brauely mounted , vpon a swift running Genat .

This sight hapning in a place so suspitious , more appalled him then the losse of his money , dreading more company and bad conditions , of some lurking théeues to take away his life : yet arming himselfe with courage , resolued to make them buy it dearely , if they did not ouermatch him : determining with himselfe for his owne safetie , he came nearer to his suspected enemie , who crossed him the way betwéene the trées in such manner , as might driue a man to doubt .

Iames comming vp to him , and hauing a vigilent eye , espied at his saddle bowe a Case of Pistolles , and a Case of Rapiers by his side , shewing in his countenance a sterne and heauie looke , which made him more mistrust , not without cause , holding on his course with such spéed as his tired Iade would make : ( at length well ouertooke ) the Spaniard hauing seene Iames , making lesse haste for his company : being met , according to the Spanish fashion , great welcomes is enterchanged with the Basilanus Manus ▪ the Spaniard pacing easily by him , desiring his company , and questioning him , of what countrey and profession he was .

Iames that neuer feared or shamed the name of Englishman , told him what he was , and how by villainie of his guide , he was thus distressed . Which the Spaniard hearing , tendered his estate being a stranger , swearing by his fathers beard ( for he had none of his owne ) that could he tell how to méete the villaine that offered the wrong , he would reuenge it on him with his life . This courtesie deserued thankes : which Iames very thankefully rendered him : yet trusted nothing more his good words : passing on the way , diuersly discoursing , the Spaniard courteous in words said .

( Gentleman ) albeit I haue bene no farre traueller , the better to yéeld the dutie therevnto appertaining , yet the law of humanitie tieth men by reason , one man to tender other in distresse : what my good or bad fortune may be , t is best knowne to him that guideth mens thoughts . I may perchance , be likewise distressed as you are now , where I should be glad of fauour . If therefore you dare commit the charge of your selfe to my company , I will be this might your conduct and warrantise from all harmes : your hoast a worthy Gentleman , and my very good friend , dwelling in these vallyes : where how euer you fare , your welcome shall be good , and so much the better welcome to my selfe , being of that famous Countrey of England .

Iames , that with Spanish courtesie could not be ouermatched , returned great thankes for so kinde an offer , howsoeuer he was affected to take or refuse it : holding it small wisedome to accept euery kinde profer of straungers , for feare of repentance : yet when he had considered how comfortlesse hée was left , with the perill he was subiect too , lying all night in those Desarts , rather consented to yéeld his lifes safetie to men endued with reason , then hazard it amongst vnreasonable beasts : wherefore commending his safetie to his power , gainst whom no enemie hath resistance , with many kinde thankes accepted the Spaniards fauour and accordingly was brought by him to the mansion of a very braue Gentleman : who hearing of their arriuall , commanded their horses to be well ordered : themselues by the Maister and Lady of the place , with more then ordinarie entertainment .

The Mistresse of the house and her daughters , kéeping them company in their chamber , while their supper was puruaying , where in pleasant discoursing , commending one the others Countrey , Iames for fashions sake praising the courtesie of Spaine , and the Spaniards the gallantnesse of England , and our Countreymen .

CHAP. XIX . How Iames lay with the Spaniard his companion , and found him to be a woman .

THeir respast taken , and the night growing on , euery man requiring rest , a seruant of the house appointed for that seruice , demaunded if they pleased to lodge together , or haue their beds sunderly prepared : which question , Iames gaue the Spaniard leaue to answere , as best acquainted in the house , and loth to offend with boldnesse , any one , especially him who had prouided him of so good an hoast .

The Spaniard hauing in his owne choise , to take a bedfellow , said : Gentle Englishman , séeing you haue put it to my direction , and the weather requireth warme lodging , let it please you , to accept me for your bedfellow this night , so shall our ease bée the more , and the seruant of the house lesse troubled .

Thankes good sir ( quoth Iames ) for this great fauour , which I am carefull how to deserue : besides my payment , which I will largely in the house discharge .

Sir ( quoth he ) our hoast is a Gentleman , bountifull and courteous , who in his owne kinde nature , doth hold it meritorious , to entertaine straungers , especially such as are distressed .

While they were at this parley , word was brought them , their lodging was prepared , to which they prouide them . Iames and his bedfellow contending who should in courtesie make choise of their place : which in the end Iames protested should be the Spaniards .

Where vpon to bed he goeth : Iames detracting time , lingering vntill he perceiued the Spaniard quiet a sleepe , then slipping off his doublet , wherein his most store of gold was quilted , he priuily conueied the same betweene the mattresses , whereon they lay . That done , and the doores fast made , to bed he hyeth , not so easily , but that his comming awakened his bedfellow .

Who verie friendly bad him welcome , with whom entering into discourse , the Spaniard entreated him , to shew him the difference if any were , betwéene the Spanish and his countrey Gentlewomen : which in such manner by Iames was accomplished , as the one was not more praised , neither for bewtie , or vertue , then the other commended : which equall iudgement , was thankfully balanced by him , that gaue him many thankes for the same .

Continuing their parley , the Spaniard vnder Benidicitie , besought him yet further to tell him , if in time of all his soiournying in Spaine , hee had not made choise of any one to participate with in mariage , or that he had bestowed his loue and liking on any his countreywomen . All which questions , Iames could conceiue no reason of , nor to what end they were demanded . But simply answered the truth , he neither was married , or giuen consent to any , but his choise was yet fréely to be made , where fancie best pleased , and he was likeliest to obtaine .

With this , laying his hand ouer Iames naked brest , féeling his body , he desired Iames to do the like : in search whereof , he found his bedfellow a woman : bewtiful , and of an excéeding goodly personage , Iames astonied at this metamorphosis , was by her thus reuiued .

Kinde companion and courteous Englishman , let not this suddaine motion dismay thée , for no disparagement shall it be , to lend thy loue and liking ( if thou canst loue ) vnto me , who am honourably descended , and sometime wife to a most noble gentleman , as is any in this Countrey : sister I am to the principallest man in account with our King : by whom if thou list to loue , thy estate shall be to honour aduanced : with my coyne , liuing , Iewels , and Plate , I will richly endowe thée : in such abundance , that thou shalt neuer néed i●hazard to aduenture thy life : my people shall honour thée , and maister shalt thou be of all my possessions . Then loue braue man , loue her that liueth in the swéete hope of thy contentment , and euer enioy the loyaltie of my true and spotlesse loue .

Iames that had many hammers beating in his braines , was more set a worke by this vnexpected chance , looking more for death , then to purchase so good a wife , his bedfellow rather resembling a Cauelere , then a Countesse , began to listen to the swéete notes of this pleasing Nightingale , tuning such high notes of honour , wealth , and Wedlocke , could hardly on the suddaine be wonne to credite her spéech , but rather coniectured to be some Curtizan , then a Lady of honour or worth : wherefore desirous to learne further , by faire words , neither denying or graunting her sute , he besought her in loue to explaine , for his better satisfying , the occasion of her disguise , and place of habitation , armed in such maner .

Know my deare Loue ( quoth she ) for so let me entreate to call thée , my husband of whom thou shalt heare much honour , when thou shalt arriue at Cheries , hauing a deadly quarell , ah deadly I may too well say , for to him so it proued : being by his enemies watched , as harmelesse he was following for pleasure his Hawkes , was suddenly by the wretched homicyde surprised , and by his slaues , blood-thirstie villaines , ●utchered : whose death in mine owne person , sundry times as you sée me disguised , I sought to reuenge : working many meanes to accomp●●●● my will therein , as this day I did , hauing assurance by some neare him , ( which with money I haue subborned ) to giue me intelligence of his trauel , which vnhappie , I haue vnfortunately missed , to my great discontent . Beléeue me gentle friend , that speakes no more but trueth , for no more but trueth will I say to thée , whose ioy thou art , and whose loue shall be more pleasing then the worlds treasury , as thy selfe shalt manifest when thou shalt come to thy iournies ende : if Cheries be the place thou entendest to go .

Deare Loue ( quoth she ) I am troublesome vnto thée , which art weary and discontent : wherefore pardon me , and with this kisse , let me commit thée to thy swéete rest , which I hope shall proue both our contens .

Iames , that was not so bad a Pylat , but he had learned how many ancors longed to the Trade , commended her likewise to rest : albeit his owne was not like to be much , so many sundry thoughts encreasing of his swéet bedfellow , with whom he could wish friendship to be continued , as wel in regard of her person , as her honour and great abilitie , which more affected , considering his estate , desirous to cleare with his good friendes in England , whom in a humour he had wronged , consuming their wealth , how euer he liketh or disliketh , in spirit is he cumbred : taking it for a great fauour of God , in his distresse to giue him this comfort in ieopardie of his life , in a wildernesse vnfrequented , where no reliefe was to be found , by her to be fauoured and preferred , he determined how euer to procure her Loue , and requite it : but not with sure promise to tye himselfe , that may not with conscience be recalled .

While he was at his Memento , in an extacie what should betide him , the Lady awaked , imbrasing him in her armes , in in such kinde manner and proffers of loue , as might haue giuen life to Pygmalions Image . Whether it be Englishmens vnkindnesse to requite such fauour with disdaine , I referre to your censures . But how so euer it fell out betwéene them , the Lady was so excéedingly well pleased , as shée loued euer after Englishmen , better then her owne Country men , to her death .

The wearisome winters night is not more displeasant to a troubled spirit , then the griefe both conceiued in enioying so short a time of familiar contentment , well content of either part , to haue entertained their hard lodging for longer time . But Iames hastening to sée the end of these hoped fortunes , desired to be on his iourney , though better pleased with his Spanish bedfellow , then with all his Country men : protesting by no small vowes , that if all Spaniards in bed brought such contentment , he would neuer desire to lye with Englishman more .

CHAP. XX. How Iames accompanied the Ladies to Cheryes , and what entertainment she gaue him there .

THe Sunnes bright beames so gloriously displaying , telleth these contented Louers the morning is farre spent , which hastened them to arise , making all the spéede they could to performe their iourney : for which being prouided , Iames tendered mony largely for his vyands , which of the Hoast and Mistresse of the house , was refused : wherefore bountifully rewarding the seruants attendants , they tooke their leaues , taking their horses which were well refreshed , spéeding them with all haste to Cheryes , where being arriued , Iames as it was betwéene them agreed , taketh his lodging in an Ostrey , by her assigned him , her selfe by a backe way , secretly conuayed to her owne house , appointing Iames to stay the comming of her Messenger , which should be his conduct to her .

No sooner arriued Iames in this place of contentment , but sundry of his Country men and acquaintance he meeteth , by whom he had certaine knowledge of the welfare of his Maister & all his friends in England . With this company a while he merily conuersed , perusing his Letters , and taking order for discharge of such goods as they brought , consealing the heauinesse of his hearts sorrow , and colouring his thoughts with showes of content .

The houre being come of appointment , when he should visit his new acquainted friend , who fayled not her time , as carefull thereof , but accordingly dispatched her conducter for her Loue Iames , of whose comming , assoone as Iames had knowledge , taking leaue of his companions , he followed his guide to the house of the Gentlewoman , whom in her owne forme we call Madam Petronella : who desirous to shewe all kind welcome to her friend , prouided to giue him entertainment with most costly and rare cheare , thinking all things too little , how costly so euer , that mony or loue could procure , for a guest of so high extéeme , which might commaund his Mistresse and all she had .

Iames that came not before he was expected , was espied a farre off , of his kind Lady Petronella , who attended his comming at the gate , where louingly unbrasing him , she bad him most hartily welcome to his owne house : leading him by the hand to place appointed for supper . Iames , seeing this straunge chaunge of his new bedfellow , being now her selfe most sumptuously apparelled and adorned with rich Iewels of great value , was striken into a dumpe , eftsoones admiting her stately personage , beautie and grace , her modest countenance , and costly furniture of her mansion , which rather resembled a Paradice then any other thing .

In midst of these extremities , which reason required to ende , calling himselfe to minde , and not forgetting his dutie to the kind Lady , he rendered many thankes , returning her imbrasings , with kisses , and interest , farre aboue ten in the hundred . The Lady hauing welcommed her Loue , as you haue heard , to beguile time , while supper was readie , led him to her bed Chamber , which for the rare and rich hangings of Embrodery he neuer had séene the like : in which the armes of her late husbands auncestries and her owne , was with cunning wrought , in such manner as Art could not amend . To please his minde yet farther , she openeth her Closet , her Casket of Iewels , Chests of Plate , and bagges of mony : all which , with her selfe , she againe tendered him . Long had not Iames contemplated on this heauenly blessing of God prouided for him , when word was brought that supper attended their comming on the Table , at which they past the time with much pleasant parley , but chiefly the Lady desires , to discourse of English Ladies , and their guise , the maner of the Country , and such which Iames with rare perfection fitted to her content , passing from one discourse to an other , so long , that Iames calling to minde his Maister William and other good friends in England , his pleasant humour was abated , and his minde not on his halfe-penny , ( as our English Prouerbe is ) , but studied how to satisfie them , and maintaine his credit .

To this alteration , Petronella gaue good héed , imagining that her Loue tooke litle regard of all her profer , wealth , loue , or beautie , yet to bring him from his passion , she said .

Signior Iaques , since our first acquaintance , which hath not bin long , regarding thy welfare , and tendring thy good , I haue diligently noted thy person , the onely content of my soule on earth , and with all , thy melancholy disposition , and déepe fetcht sighes , too too farre vnbesaeming thy selfe , which hath made me much admire , and causeth my great sorrow . The occasion whereof , if thou please to participate with me , my endeuour shall be to redresse it , if in my power it rest : if not , but that you conseale your hearts discontent , and therby fall to daungerous sicknesse , thou shalt encrease my griefe that loueth thée , and afflict on your selfe such a mischiefe as all thy friends will gréeue to behold .

Pardon me deare friend ( quoth she ) and since thou art mute and wilt not say what thou thinkest , let me gesse , take these keyes , the guard of thine owne treasury , which shall conduct thee to more coyne then all Cheryes can affoord : besides my Plate and rare Iewels , ( all which ) with what else I possesse , b●●●ow , sell , or otherwise imploy at thy pleasure : only I craue , thou frolicke , and cast from thee these passiens : if this will not suffice , what commodities this Countrey affoordeth , bargaine for , I and my friends will furnish thée with them , on our credites : then my swéete Loue , seeing all , and all I haue is at thy commaund , leaue longer thus to care , and shew thy selfe as thou séemest , so shalt thou fill my heart with ioy , command in Cheryes , and be honoured of my Noble friendes for my sake .

Iames that with great pleasure heard the wordes of his swéete Lady , spoken in loue , and tender regarde of his good health , was more reuiued , then Rosa solies , or Aqua Celisties a fainting spirit : for which , yeelding praise to God for his comfort in this distresse , rendering all curteous thankes to Petronella , whom faithfully he assured to abolish all things should be displeasing vnto her , assuring her on the faith of an Englishman , that what she would request he would fulfill : and on this profer , a solemne vowe was consumate betwéene them , violable to endure to the ende of their liues . Taking their lodging togither , and full possession of all the wealth he had séene , they passed the night in content . Petronella blessed in her choyse : hauing some doubt , that Iames through his long aboad in Spaine , had learned the manner of her Country-men , who care not for a widow in marriage , how vnworthie so euer he be , and the widowe of good account , especially the Noble and Gentlemen .

This thought arising in Petronella , which was loth to exchange her Loue , caused her earely in the morning to send for her Confessor , vnto whom she reuealed what had past , and had absolution : by whome all rytes and holy cerimonies was in the Chamber performed betwixt them , for which he was well rewarded , and they both pleased . Petronella at her husbands request , entreateth the holy Father to conseale what was done , till time should giue leaue to summon his friendes to their marriage , to which he said Amen . And taking leaue , departed to his Colledge . Iames to his Countrey men , with whom he frolikes : Petronella to her prayers , thanking God for so good and kinde a husband .

CHAP. XXI . How William by one of his neighbours was aduertised of Iames his bad fortunes , and how William gaue him his answere .

IT is commonly séene , that ill tydings suddenly tunne farre , as by this had fortune of Iames appeared , who hauing in his prosperitie many louing and kind friends that loued him dearely , at his downfall hath shewed themselues secret enemies , rather reioysing at his misfortunes , then any way tendering it . Amongst which enuious company , one being kinsman to a Marchant for whom William was Factor , by the first Poast aduertised in his Letters Iames his prodigalitie , particularly as it happened . The report whereof , was no sooner come , but William by his neighbour was aduertised thereof . The suddaine hearing whereof , somewhat appalled him , hauing his best part of wealth with him , yet pacifying choller , and framing himselfe to patience , he againe perused the contents of the Letters , the effect and particulars whereof , when aduisedly he considered , rather commended Iames for his good minde , doing his Country that honour , not to be dared with so great a Prince , but more admired his high spirit , scorning to receiue the one halfe offered him by the Duke . With these conceits being reasonably pacified , turning him to his neighbour thus said .

Syr it is your bad hap to be the first messenger of any ill happe befallen me , and I pray God you may be the last : for your losse , I am more sorie then for mine owne : which I will sée in some sort recompenced , in my mans behalfe : shewe me your accounts , and bate me but ten in the hundreth , and I will cleare you . Prouided this , that you do not by any scandalous spéech depraue my seruants reputation , that hath shewed himselfe a true Englishman , and by his losse gained his Country honour : preferring his reputation before coyne , and his credit aboue his life , for which I commend him : and ioy to heare he hath no otherwaies consumed my substance , nor what he had of other mens : and while I liue , his good deserts shal be thought on , farre beyond those puling Crauons his Country men , that held it no dishonour to be by a straunger dared .

William being so earnest in his man Iames his cause , his neighbour was sory to sée him so moued , being of such countenance in the Citie , besought him of patience , desiring him , for that the example of ryot was perilous to be knowne amongst seruants , he would conseale it , and reforme his seruants at home , who spend their mony in Lauernes liberally , and procured theirs to do the like , and others : all consuming , both their goods and their owne stocks .

William , who tendered his seruants as himselfe , hearing this complaint , was more displeased then before : charging him with great vnkindnesse in such maner to withdrawe his loue from his people , who were for the most part Gentlemen of worship , being in number twentie , very proper men , well maintained , and of good education , the most of them , commonly on his affaires in other Countries : said in very great anger .

Sir , sir , if your comming be to no other ende , then to teach me to order my seruants , you might haue kept you stil , where I care not how soone you be gone : if thou dreadest thy wealth consumeth too fast , looke more heedfully to them that spend it : for my men , what they do I allow : nor wil I fauour any one of them , that shall more account of his purse , then my credit : or dareth not spend an Angell with the best , being better men of byrth then my selfe , for as they spend they get : therfore if thou fearest their expences and doubtest thy people , kéepe thée at home with them , and looke better to their doings : and for my man Iames , I wil be thy pay-maister , bring thy bils , & receiue thy money : but vse him in thy words well , least thou heare of it , and so when you will , begone : but neuer hereafter trouble me more with thy complaints , for it shall not any thing auaile thée .

Here shewed William the perfect loue of a Maister to his seruants , whom he loued more deare then his children : neither should any wrong the poorest he kept : such was his care of them , that euery day their dyet was prouided with his own , and if his guests were but ordinary , they diet at his own table , or very neare him , where they would : amongst themselues , in name of good Beare , which they plentifully had , dranke Claret Wine , and Sacke with Sugar in Stone Pottes : which though he suddenly met with diuers times , yet would he rather smile , then take in ill part any of their honest doings .

CHAP. XXII . How William and his friend Oliuer , accompanied with Otho of Plimouth , passed to Spaine .

WIlliam that had a great stay on his man Iames , albeit he consealed tron the worlds watchfull eyes his conceit of him , and the greefe for his losse , had this comfort : that Iames being so braue and gallant a Marchant , either by his credit or friends would make all whole againe . Yet could he not be pacified , vntill hee might know the certaine estate of his Iames , which hee was perswaded , wold neuer be by reports , men being so diuersly ginen : some to speake well , others to deiame : for his better contentment , he acquainted his old friend Oliuer , who concluded to fraight a small Barke , with some commodities , to defray charges , and vnknowne to any , no not to their wiues , to passe for Spaine : and for this voyage , hauing prouided their goods , left their homes , in charge to their seruants , and to Plymouth they are come of whose arriuall there , wheir Otho had notise , hee sought , and found them . Whom he inuited as his guestes to lodge in his house : where they were very welcome , and royally feasted . Otho walking on the hooe , with his companions , demaunded whether they came to buy commodities , or to ship some from thence . From whom they concealed their pretence , framing an answere that past for currant , betooke them to other parley : and sundry whyes , day by day , deferring time , vntill their Barke was ready , and halled into the sound , onely attending the comming of William and Oliuer : who onely had made the Maister priuie to their voyage to Cales , and their intent to carrie Otho with them for company : laying the plot to get him aboorde , which they easily accomplished , séeing the Bark in the sound , framed an excuse , to deliuer Letters for their men at Cales : so aboord in the ships beate they came , and were entertained in the Maisters Cabine , with such vyands as was for them prouided : passing the timè so merrily , that by the time Otho thought to go a shore , they had sight of the Lyzard : whereat he being astonied , the company in merriment comforted , when acquainting him with their businesse , he was better content : his chiefest care was for linnen and apparell , which they promised to supply . Otho , when he saw no remedie , began to frolike with the best , shortning their voyage with pleasant conceits .

Scantly had one whole wéeke past his course , but drawing neare the Coast , and the day faire and cleare , a boy from the top descried the Clitts of Cales , the Roade recouering in good time : where displaying S. George , well were they could first get aboorde to learne the newes : no sooner our English Li●gers entred the Barke , but finding those thrée friends , to most of them well knowne , they heartily welcommed them to that shore . Like entertainment gaue the visitors vnto them , who albeit they were straungers , by their factors , had knowledge of their great wealth , and what countnance they beare in their Countrey .

Their salutations ended , William enquireth of a trustie friend so Iames the newes of him , and where he was . Marrie Sir , in good time ( quoth the Marchant ) you arriue , to be a guest at his marriage . And drawing a Letter which by Poste from Cheryes that day he receiued , gaue it him to read : wherin he inuited all his countreymen to his marriage , with a relation of the fortunes befallen him , since his leauing Cales : which was great ioy to them all to heare , but most contented William , whom most it concerned : which made him thus pleasantly to beséech the company , to conceale their being , and with all expedition to land their commodities . Which done , ( quoth he ) like Countrey men and good fellowes , we will all go to him , as he requesteth : Iames is a good fellow , and may do as much for you . T is a very good motion ( quoth the company ) wherefore to dispatch our businesse , let vs a shore , and prouide our necessaries . To which they condiscended , taking their lodging in the English house , where their welcome was great : there that night they reposed themselues , and the next day entered their goods in the custome house , and laid it a shore : against which time , waggons and horses were prouided for their iourney to Cheryes , where merrily they went , each one glad of others company , sunderly decoursing of Iames and his fortunes , with much varietie to beguile time .

CHAP. XXIII . How the English Marchants arriued at Cheryes , with their welcomes .

THis pleasant company made such spéede , that they drewe neare their iourneys ende : whither by the height of the Sunne , they perceiued ( it was likely holding on theyr way ) that they should come thither too early : wherefore instantly finding a place both pleasant and delightfull , they reposed themselues vnder the Pomegranet and Orenge trées , pleasing their owne fancies with those fruites , and spending the day with such pastimes as was méet .

Time that stayeth not , calleth them forwards : before their taking horse , the auncient English Marchants , William , Oliuer , and Otho , hauing a desire to trie their welcomes , thought it fit , to enter the Towne before the company , and lodge secretly in some other Inne , vntill the solemnitie of the wedding was consumate . And to this ende , desired the company of kindnesse so to let it passe , and to conseale their béeing there .

The young men which durst not gainesay their Maisters , condiscended , granting them license to take their own course : and therevpon , directions being giuen , the Maisters hastneth to the towne , taking their lodging , closely kéeping them in their Chambers . About two houres after , and not long before the Sunnes downe full in the West , these gallant Marchants , in their brauerie , all curiously mounted , entered the Towne , taking their lodging in the best Osterie in the Towne : of whose comming , Iames being aduertised , he suddenly made his repaire vnto them before they could shift their apparell , where you néed not doubt of their welcome by Iames giuen , to that place , where he entended to be a frée-Demson : as appeared by his cost and kind vsage : which with all kindnesses he shewed , in their iolytie carowsing healthes to all their friends in England : especially by name those worthy Patrons , William ▪ Oliuer , and Otho , who they all very heartily wished present . But William chiefly was most desired by Iames , who little suspected he was so neare .

Thus met these gallant youthes with ioy and great content , that not long since parted with sorrow and effusion of teares : héere was their olde passed sportes reuiued , and their friendship acknowledged , with firme confirmance vowed each to others , euery man heartily reioycing for Iames his good fortune .

At the good spéed of this mirth , and knitting vp this new league , Iames his wife who had notice of their being , and what company they were , richly attiring her selfe , came to the place where they all were : where she in all courteous manner , welcommed them to Cheryes . Beseeching them , of that loue and courtesie they beare their Countreyman her Husband , to accept his house for their lodging : where how homely so euer , your welcomes shall not be bettered amongst your dearest friends in England .

This kinde profer of the Lady , so curteous and hartily performed , the Marchants admired , commending Iames his choise , to be absolute , the worthiest in all Spaine , for bewtie , wealth , and good entertainment , wherein they thought him blessed . Returning her many thankes for her kindnesse : besought pardon and libertie to take their pleasures in their lodging , which were like otherwaies to be troublesome vnto her , and her Husband . To which request , though vnwilling , she condiscended . Taking her leaue for that time , committed them to their ease and best content .

CHAP. XXIIII . How Iames with his wiues honorable frends being at their cheare , was visited of William and his companions , and their welcome .

THe honest yong men which accompanied William and his friends to Cheryes , concealed their secret being in the Towne , that it was not knowne to any but themselues : where two dayes after their arriuall and great entertainment by Iames and his wife , that holy rights of Wedlocke was openly confirmed at the Church in presence of many of honor and great estimation , which betweéne them and the Priest , long before was consummat ▪ to the good liking of both the parties , their friends , and honourable Allyes . Which done , great was their cheare , and ioyes more aboundant , where so good content was equally ballanced .

William and his company hearing by their espialls , how the time of dinner grew to end , was conducted to the Bridall house , where they entended to make triall of their welcome : who by a messenger , gaue Iames to vnderstand , that certaine Marchants lately arriued from England , desired to sée him . Which Iames hearing , gaue charge should be brought in . Iames sitting in his Maiestie as Maister of the feast , was attired in a gowne of wrought Ueluet , a faire Chaine about his necke , and other Abilliments fitly ordered . His Bride richly suted , sitting by him . William beholding his man in this worshipfull manner , admired it : but more to sée that honorable company : whom he saluted with dutifull reuerence . Iames séeing his Maister , on whom his thoughts least harped on : and those other his ancient friends , albeit he could willingly haue done them that dutie to him appertaining : yet kept his place and countenance for that time : bidding them with a courage , welcome to Cheryes ▪ commanding them to take their places as they came : where being set , Iames thus began .

Fellow William , of all the men England might afford , the best welcome to this place : especially at this time , where so lately you haue bene often wisht . Braue Gallants of that noble Citie of Exeter , your companies hath cheared my spirits , to sée you all kinde louers and friends : fall to your vyands , and be merrie , for you shall all haue cause to be merrie here , as you shall finde .

These kind shews of loue and courtesie , William and his friends more accepted , then if his supposed lost monies had bene instantly tendered him : the conceit whereof , being eyewitnesse of Iames happinesse , and that honour done him by the states present : for ioy made him forbeare his dyet , but hardly teares : vnto whom , and his company , Iames carued often , drinking healths vnto them & their frends in England . Which fauour , the whole company noted : who iudged them to be of worth : their countenance and attire shewing it . To whose welcome , the Spaniards in honour of Iames and his wife , added many good and kinde spéeches of fauour , which was more then ordinary in that proud Nation : all which , the graue Englishmen with like courtesie returned .

Dinner ended with much mirth and pleasure , Iames in all louing and dutifull maner , imbraced his Maister William : and his friends rendering more then a Million of thankes for their paines that vouchsafed to honour him so , vnexpected at that solemnitie : yet could not his minde be satisfied , doubting some extraordinarie occasion brought them thither : loath that any question should be made of his ill husbandrie in the Towne , taking William into his withdrawing Chamber , he said .

Deare Maister , and especiall friend : that you vouchsafed this vndertaken paines , to witnesse my happinesse this day , I render thankes : yet greatly feare , your comming so secret , and only trauell , hath bene on reports of my misdemeanor : for which , I am the more sorie , that you whose years require rest , should in your age be so cumbred . But how euer , I am glad to sée you : end for your goods mispent , no losse to you shall redound : but your accounts , and all men of your Cittie , whose trust I was , shall be with such profit cleared , as you and they , shall haue no cause to blame my riotous demeanor . William to quite his seruant , hearing him so kinde to comfort him , and giue no occasion to discontent , frankely acquited him of all debts due to him : and for his comming at that time excused it , of a voluntarie match made with the Maister of the Barke , hauing his two friends a boord , and the Barke bound for Cales , to bring them vnawares away . While they were in their earnest talke , the Bride hauing some businesse , or taking occasion to giue them their Bene - Venew , séeing such shews of loue betwéen them , bad them according to their Countrey manner , very welcome . Beséeching them , to take her house for their Ostrey during their stay : wherein they should honour their Countreyman her Husband , and do her great fauour . To which , William and his Comperes were easily intreated , the rather to sée the order and manner of entertainment of the Spanish Gentlewoman , which they found costly , louing , and very kinde to Iames and all his friends , as they could command no more in their owne houses .

CHAP. XXV . How Oliuer and Otho at the house of a gallant Curtizan , was robbed of their money and apparell .

IAmes in the Hauen of Blisse , ioyfull of his good friends company , loath on the sudden to forgo them : by great sute of his wife , whom they all honoured for her kindnesse shewed , consented to spend their time , fifteene dayes with them to frolike : where hauing leisure , they viewed the Churches and Monuments of the same , and all other places of content or pleasure . Wandring thus through the Towne , Oliuer and Otho being alone , chanced to passe by the house of a most rare and bewtifull Curtizan : who espying these strangers , seated her in a window opposite with the stréet , playing on her Lute . To whose tunes , two others chaunted excellent Dytties : vnto which , Oliuer and Otho gaue good eare : viewing and noting their persons and bewtie , sometimes passing too and fro by the window : which the Curtizan perceiuing , as they that were not to learn all fashions , sent her Pandora vnto them , inuiting them to taste a Cup of their Wine . Who like men forgetting themselues , was suddenly entreated : entered into hells mouth , or the diuels apron : where they found the gallant descended into a lower roome to entertaine her pray , whom with kinde embracings , and shewes of fauour , she welcomemed .

These courtesies , when Otho and his companion saw , as they that could their behauiour to all estates , returned her thankes with like fauour , gratifying her kindnesse .

The Curtizan which saw the Fish nibling at the bayt , to bring them within tuch , as wel with pleasant parley as her other delights , thus said .

Gentlemen for so I must call you ) if vertue with your graces and attire ioyne in simpathy , straungers you seeme : and it may be , a gentlewomans courtesie , by your nice curiositie , misconstrued , & our kindnesse with froward scandals rewarded : blame me not Gentiles , to censure the worst : strangers you séeme , whom courtesie commandeth be wel entreated : and so much the rather haue I dained you this fauour for Englands honor : of whence , if I gesse not amis●● , you are : of which Nation I more tender the welfare , then of my natiue Countreymen : if vnder correction I may so say .

Pardon Amoy ▪ honourable Englishmen , that am so plaine , womens tongues are long hanged , and their harts thoughts at the end thereof : but howeuer you please to censure of my speech , if a Gentlewomans courtesie be not reiected , vouchsafe to accept a Cup of Wine , a Lymon , and a péece of Suger : this is all your cheare , but your welcome as much , as if my gracious Duke were present .

The Marchants , albeit the conditions of those alluring Syrins were sufficiently knowne , yet was their mindes so besotted , that forgetting wife , children , and the rumours of euill speech , both hauing lustfull desires , Otho formost in the onset , thus said .

Gentlewoman , like Vlisses enchaunted companions , so are we ouertaken , wondring at your bewtie and other good vertues : but more admiring your courtesie , vouchsafing in such familiaritie to accept of vs , wherein you shew your diuine nature , for nothing is so acceptable as courtesie : which if we reiect , should degenerate from what men ought , and staine our Countrey . With this gentle parley they fell to tasting their wine , and so to Chestes and Premi●o , till the day was spent , when they made haste to their lodging . But no excuses might serue , but sup they must , and afterwards hauing had good store of wine , to sléepe : bedtime drawing neare , the Curtizan not assured of her pray , merrily said . Gentlemen , I sée our harsh musicke sounds not in your eares , they iarre too much : I wish your delight , and gladly would haue you frolike if there be anything in my power to content you . By your fauour ( quoth Otho ) if a man should challenge your word , you would be the first that would recant . If I doo ( quoth she ) let me be burned for an Heritick . I am very sory your hard opinion is such of me : for be it said , albeit not vaingloriously , neuer gaue I such cause to any Gentleman , to haue such thoughts on me : for what I promise , I le performe ▪ as it were the losse of my maydenhead , by holy S. Iulian I sweare . Nay , nay ( quoth Oliuer ) sweare not so vainely : yea , and nay , Cock and Pye , are sufficient for honest dealers . Trust me Lady , for my part , if I promise you , or any these pretie soules to be their bedfellow , you may take my bare word without any oath : if I faile , burne my Cap , and say Cut's a Iade . Is plaine dealing such a Iewell amongst you Englishmen ( quoth she ) and is it my good fortune to finde it ? If you were of our Spanish minds , I should soone trie what mettall you English Marchants are made of : for your Gentlemen are gallants that I knew by good proofe , hauing a Pilgrimage by holy vow to S. Iames in Galisia , it was my good hap , to encounter for like deuotion , a Gentleman of England , whom I found so kinde , that for his sake , what ere he be shall come in my Pater Noster , he and his Countreymen are in my credit . Let that word stand ( quoth Otho ) and Mistresse , because an earnest penney bindes , I take this swéete Farme to mine owne , to haue and hold it this night , and for it there 's my pawne , kissing her swéetely on the lips . As the Mistresse , so her seruants proued Tassells , gentle inough to come at any ture : how loftie so euer they Tower , downe they come with the Murren , as these honest Marchants found to their costs : who were scantly quietly laid in their beds , but a crew of Russians , birds of this neast , entred the house , swearing and tormenting with bitter oathes , they were assured some villaine was in the house , which they would finde . At which words , the Curtizan seemed to feare her husbands terror , and cried mainly out . Oh Sir , I am vndone : this is my husband returned from the Court , who if he finde you , will murther you . While they were in this feare , the Russians brake the doores , with two or thrée Toarches , entered the chamber , trailed the Curtizan by the haire from their bed , & threatned them with death . The Marchants in feare , pleaded for pittie : wherevnto no regard was giuen : but like tyrants they raigned ouer them : vntill one of the companie in coole tearmes , calling the chée●e by the name of brother , entreated for them , and perswaded him to be as they séemed , men harmlesse , and for their Countrey , to which he vowed loue , be sought him let them passe . To whose words he began somewhat to listen , medigated his rage , content to let the birds goe , but so pruned them , that they had neither money , Iewell or apparell left , but naked in their shirts , driuen out at doores : threatned vehemently , that if they made any rumour of their losse , whereby any trouble might ensue , their liues should make them recompence .

With this admonition , Otho and Oliuer lightly attired for sweating , walked the stréetes , and was by the Watch surprized : who enquiring the cause of their late walking , excused themselues , being strangers , that as they were taking ayre of the fields , they were by vagarant people , spoiled of all they had , and bound : where they had continued all the night without rescue , if one by fortune had not reléeued the other : who besought the Watch to be their conduct to the house of Don laques de Enylotoere , where they lodged : who like kinde people shewed them that courtesie , and were let in : excusing them in like manner , to William , and their host Iames and his wife : with whom their counterfeit coyne went for currant , and was of them pittied : but most of the Spanish Gentlewoman bemoned , that tendered more their welfare then her owne nearest of bloud . The Punelles glad that it past so well of their sides , without more suspect , kept their owne counselles , and was neuer knowne but in ieast in England , betwéene themselues .

CHAP. XXVI . How Iames at his Maister William his departure , cleared his accounts , and his recompence , with the courtesie of his wife .

THe time of Williams promise with his ancient seruant Iames , for his stay after the marriage , grew now to end , and a parting time was come , how loath soeuer : against which , Iames by his Factors , had prouided readie at Cale ▪ to be laden , the best Spice , Wines , and Suger , with costly and rich Marchandise , the Countrey could affoord , or money in many sought places might procure . William and his friends being all wearied of that ydle life , hauing some businesse for fraught of their ship , could not be intreated longer to make their abode there . But prouiding for their iourney , Iames and his wife protested by religious oathes , to accompanie them to their Porte , which they performed : passing the time , by easie iournies , pleasantly solacing themselues , till they came to Cales : against whose arriuall , the seruants of Iames had puruayed their lodgings verie bountiful : in which they reposed them that night . Next morning gaue order for sale of their goods , and lading the Barke : which albeit , by those that vnderlook it , was suddenly done , yet Iames his owne ship and goods was as readie to set saile : for whom the wind fauourably blowing , the Maister gaue notice to William and his friends . At their leaue taking , Iame , hauing his billes of lading ready , and small hope euer to sée his Maister after that time , made him tender of the moneys he owed him , and those summes due to such other Marchants of Exeter he dealt for . Which by no meanes he would be drawne to accept , but for his neighhours willed him to haue regard : otherwise it might proue his greefe to heare him ill spoken of . Which kindnesse , Iames with teares accepted . And on his knees crauing pardon , besought his Maister to grant him one request , which William vouchsafed .

Then Syr , for your neighbours ( quoth he ) for whom you wish recompence , to my honest Countreymen there left behinde you , their stocks with interest I will deliuer , for the whole time I haue detained the same . For your selfe , whom I know not how to deserue so great fauour , be now your words warrantife : for so I challenge your graunt : that seeing money or other commodities for that great summe , lewdly wasted by me , you wil not accept , in all humblenesse to my good Mistresse commend mee , and as a poore votary to her and you , deliuer these Letters , and other Papers therein closed . This ship halled into the Roade , shall waite vpon you , wherein I haue some seruants to attend you : if for your better ease , you will vouchsafe of her before your owne appointed Barke : and so in gods peace at your pleasure goe aboord .

William circumuented by Iames , could not tell what thankes to giue him , waying his loue and dutifull minde : though loath , would not gaine say his vrgeant request , but returned him many thankes : and after a solemne farewel taken by their friends , aboord they went , commended by Iames and his wife to happie fortune at sea , who could not forbeare effusion of many teares , for the losse of so good company . Who with rich Iewels and much store , commended her to the father and mother of Iames , and Williams wife . Taking their last Adieu , they stayed to sée them vnder saile , sorrowing at full , for their departure : whom the heauens so fauoured , that in lesse then eight dayes , they recouered the hauen of Dorthmouth : from whence taking horse , they posted to Exeter , where they were all heartily welcome . Hauing reposed themselues two or three dayes , William by his seruants , gaue order for discharge of his goods , feasted the Spaniards , and them richly rewarded : deliuered Iames and his wiues tokens to all his friends in presence of his men , to whom he made a great banket : recounting at large their sonnes estate , with his happie fortune , enioying so louing and kinde a wife . Shortly after , furnishing the Sparash ship , with vendable commodities into that countrey , he dispatched them , with his kind Letters , and many Tokens , from sundry friends . So resting himself in quiet , he enioyed the blessing of God in that most famous Citie : a Patrone and father of the state , vntill the end of his dayes , which was not sudden : as hereafter shall be shewed .

FINIS .