A recantation of an ill led life, or, A discouerie of the high-way law with vehement disswasions to all (in that kind) offenders : as also many cautelous admonitions and full instructions, how to know, shun, and apprehend a theefe : most necessarie for all honest trauellers to per'use, obserue and practise / written by Iohn Clauell ... ; approued by the Kings Most Excellent Maiestie, and published by his expresse commaund.

CLAVELL'S Recantation . ☞ STand and deliuer to your obseruation , Right serious thoughts , that you by my relation May benefit , for otherwise in vaine I write , you reade , vnlesse from hence you gaine The happinesse I meane you ; blest is he That will make vse of others ieopardie . Be warn'd by me , so may you purchace hence At a cheape rate my deare experience . You must not looke from me to haue the straine Of your Black-friers Poets , or the vaine . Of those high flying men , whose rare Muse brings Forth births , that Gossipt are by Lords and Kings . For though I oft haue seene Gadd's-hill , and those Red tops of Mountaines , where good people lose , Their ill kept purses , I did neuer climbe Pernassus Hill , or could aduenture time , To tread the Muses Mazes , or their floore Because I knew that they are lightly poore , And Shooters Hill was fitter farre for me , Where pas'd releifes for my owne pouertie . I neuer rode on Pegasus ( for then I had fled farther then pursuite of men ) If therefore you expect a loftie straine , You wrong your selues , and me , your thoughts are vaine . Perchance my Verse may amble , trot , or flie As if my frights presented Hue and Crie To dogge me still , nor ( Poetlike ) I faigne My theame is Truth , my selfe the subiect plaine . I cannot play the Satire ; my disguise Fairely pluck't off , I am nor grim , nor wise , Nor curst enough to scourge , no Beadle I To punish you with petilasherie : I meane to paint my selfe , and not to be The Chronicler of others infamie . I will not ayme at Motes within your eyes , For I confesse in mine a beame their lies ; Which I plucke out , and deale as punctually As if I spake against mine enemie . Let this inuite you then , these newest wayes Of selfe inuectiue writing . Now adayes Each one commends himselfe , and others blame Of faults , when he is guiltie of the same , Yea and of worser too , and seeming wise As folly will the daintest Wits despise . Such has beene my conceite , for I was prone To blame each action , which was not mine owne , Belieuing what I did was good , maintaining That my vngodly and worst way of gaining Was more legitimate , and farre more fit Then borrowing , and thus I argu'd it . Who , in the way of loane , takes from his friend Whom he findes kinde , and ready for to lend , The maine of his estate , with an intent ( Premeditated basely ) fraudulent : Betrayes a trust , and in performance slacke , Breakes both his word , his owne , and his friends backe , Who findes no remedy ; but who hath lost His purse , repayd is at the Countries cost , Besides the theefe sayes not he will repay , Nor is 't expected from him , and yet they That borrow , will a thousand oaths let fly , And wish they may be damn'd eternally If that they faile , and thus the purse they fill , Make light their oaths , and load their soules with ill . But hence capitulation , hee 's not free From ill , that would by ill excused bee . Such Sophistrie as this , and such beleefe The Prince of darknesse Satan , that old theefe Did prompt me to ; he first perswades to sin , Then firmely that we may continue in The foule transgressions we commit : he tells What faire excuse we may alledge ; which quells Our good intentions to desist : he saies Vnto the quarreller it is a praise For to affront the meeke , and a great glorie To boast thereof , and to repeat the storie . The enuious , and the sullen minded man That aimes at bloud , and ruine all he can , He cherishes , and sayes it is but meet , Bids him persist , and that reuenge is sweet . Thus Satan pleads , thus he deludes vs all , And then at last he glories in our fall . ☞ But horrid Sire of Hell , I doe descry , And finde thou art the Father of each lie , That a delinquent has for his excuse , And therein doth consist thy maine abuse Vnto mankinde , immediatly next that Temptation which made Eue to perpetrate ; For since that damned act of thine , 't is true We sinne by nature , but are borne anew Through Christ , which blest regeneration Has notwithstanding no relation To those accursed , that doe want the grace , For to appeale thereto : or haue the face To iustifie themselues , and with a lie As 't were confront the sacred deity . Had Adam too , not from his iust God fled , Had he confess'd , as otherwaies he did Denie what he had done , and had he cried For mercy , when himselfe he iustified , I doe beleeue the vengeance for his sin Had not so lasting , and so heauie bin . Thus I debated with my selfe when I Was first attach'd , and kept so priuately That none must visite me , and euen then Not being allowed to haue aduice of men , To thee my gracious God I did appeale , To thee ( who knew'st before ) I did reueale , Confesse , acknowledge , and bewaile my sinnes , Assertained that whosoeuer winnes Mercy and fauour from thee , must repent , That onely causes thee for to relent And stay thy wrath , I said within my heart , All idle wandring thoughts first set apart , O God most mercifull thou knowest all , What is , what was , and what hereafter shall , If thy foreseeing knowledge doth descry , That if I liue , I will liue wickedly , And licking vp the vomit of my sinne , The same or a worse way of ill begin Now let thy thundring hand my curs'd dayes end , But if my euill daies I shall amend , And by a true conuersion yeeld thee praise And glory , then , O then in mercy raise Me from the snares of death , direct me to Both what I am to speake , and what to doe . Thus I besought my God ; what comfort then And ease came to my minde , neither my pen Can write , nor you imagine , for that blisse He onely knowes , by whom enioy'd it is . But whilst this contemplation did transport My rauish'd minde , behold another sort O thoughts assault me , that the Deuill might Lose all his power in me in this great fight , Me thought vpon a sodaine I beheld My Conscience frighted with my sinnes , that yeld , And cry'd , accusing me , my ills were such , The glorie that I saw , I might not touch ; The World , on th' other side , by me offended Inditing me , with euidence transcended All trialls here , for who will nor con●esse , Addes to his fault , and doth a new t●an●gresse . The heauenly Iudge knew all , and could enforme The Iurie how my passages were borne . Then Satan that had tempted , next comes in , And though he fashion'd , yet reueal'd my sinne . So that I conscious , all amazed stood Betwixt so much of ill , so much of good . And as my comforts reached at the Crowne , Frozen despaire assayes to plucke me downe . At length my sinnes ( me thoughts ) like clouds did fly , And vanish'd quite , and none accuser by To peale against my pardon , which seal'd stood , Writ in the Lambes deare innocence , and blood ; And all my ruines were restor'd in that He that must iudge me is my Aduocate . And thus prepar'd , induc'd , assur'd , I came To my confession here , resolu'd to name And to particularize all my offences , My ill got goods , and dearer times expences , To satisfie sterne Iustice in each point , Vnscruing my disguises ioynt , by ioynt . Not caring though this freenesse might depriue My being here , and take me from the liue To mingle with the dead , if but from hence My forfeit life might pay for mine offence , I did not then vnto the Iudge at home Deny those ills , which were perhaps vnknowne To his enquirie , nor refuse to tell What euer I had done that was not well . And at the barre when death and iustice stood Not greedy for , but challenging my blood As debt to them : I did not faintly then Before the faces of so many men That witnesse my arraignment , or deny My foulest deeds , nor could the feare to dye About me houer with a face so grimme , As not to ease my conscience of the sinne I had committed , that my iudgement might , How sad so ere , be equall yet , and right . And that the glorie vnto God might be More than the pitie was bestow'd on me . Nor was it hope of mercie , that my youth Might purchace fauour only for this truth , Or that the Bench in policie might saue Me from the clawes of death , in hope to haue Such freenesse from the like offenders still , When they should see my plainesse thriu'd not ill ; And that the law because I vented all , Would but my follies chide , not let me fall . No , it was none of these , my wounded minde , That could no rest , no ease , no quiet finde , But in confession , plainly prou'd that I Was lesse afraid of dying , then a lye : I knew besides that in concealing so I striu'd to keepe my ills , not let them goe . And he that in excuses folds his shame Retaines his sinne , although he saue his fame . Hence then my ill companion , I no more Will striue to hide thee , but vnlocke the dore Where my offences lye , whose vgly shape Shall nor the worlds , nor mine owne censure scape . Of all the hainous facts man can commit , There 's none like this of mine , for it is right Rebellion against God and man , so foule That it deserues the losse of life and soule . ☞ Now you licencious Rebels , that doe make Profession of this wicked course , and take A pride therein , and would be term'd by me Knights of the Rodes , or else at leastwise be Stil'd High-way Lawyers ; No , I doe defie You , and your actions , I will tell you why ; But first plucke of your visards , hoods , disguise , Masks , Muzles , Mufflers , patches from your eyes , Those beards , those heads of haire , and that great wen Which is not naturall , that I may ken Your faces as they are , and rightly know If you will blush at what I speake , or no ; As well you may-but that you want the grace Forlorned men , I pitty though your case , Because it hath been mine , and gladly I Would suffer death , to be a remedy , And your example , onely that I know It will doe better for to liue , and show Vnto the world your basenesse , to preuent Others that yet sinne onely in intent , Conceiuing that it is a gentile course , Not to be discommended , whilst non's worse , Or baser on the earth , yet it is true Some Gentlemen perhaps , before they knew The poorenesse of this way , to serue their neede Haue more then once attempted some such deede , But now they see their warlike Prince take Armes , They scorne to liue vpon their Countries harmes , But will goe on , whence there may Honour grow To blot out quite their fames first ouerthrow . Expressing to the world , that want of Action . As much as Moneys , made them know your faction . Which though your courser natures follow still , The Actiue spirit leaues , and knowes it ill ; But what are you , that nothing can reclaime From giuing to your soules so foule a name ? Who neither feare of heauens , nor earths iust Law Can , into compasse of selfe knowing , draw ? Whose honours , strumpetted to this base course , Haue made you of your selues , take no remorse ? But hugging your owne ruine , and foule shames , Are proud in losing your repute and fames ? Now I consider better , 't is not strange That you this life will for no other change ; For you haue got by this vile course of sinning A kinde of state , nere knowne to your beginning ; And from attending others , are become The principall , and best men in the roome ; Where ( like the Asse in trappings ) you doe awe The silly beasts , that Beere and Claret draw ; For they you Captaines , and Lieutenents call , And tremble when a frowne you doe let fall , For Peerelesse now your selues are masters growne , That in mans memorie were Foot-boyes knowne ; And your dispaire as base as your condition Makes you beleeue , if you should leaue perdition In these attempts , you should againe be made From being sunnes your selues , anothers shade , And that your worthlesse spirits cannot rise In any course , that walkes without disguise , For bred on dunghills , if vnmask'd , you feare You shall too much , in your owne filths appeare ; ☞ And as the witch , and damn'd Euchaunters pay Their tributes to the Deuill , and doe pray In a loose forme , vnto that beastly spirit , From whom they doe their wickednesse inherit , Haue their oaths , orders , and distinctions so , As they that in a tract of goodnesse goe : Such irreligious forme , and course you take For your accursed , damn'd , Protectors sake . And fearing that your acts were not enough To make you his , an oath of such blacke stuffe You haue compounded , as you meant to tye Yours lues to sinne be your owne periurie . For he that truth for sweares , but to his ills Makes conscience of a vow , which conscience kills , And so is periur'd as he sweares to be True to vntruths , and false to honestie . With this you tempt and binde vnhappie men , Who doubting to be damn'd , are damned then , And to those vowes still stiriuing to be true Forsake all good , in being iust to you . This hellish oath you minister , and now Out ere they ride you charme them to their vow , That if misfortune in your traffique doe Betray you to the Law , and danger too , You must not tell your Complices , nor name How by this cursed trade , and life you came ; For if you are examin'd , when you fell To these lewd courses ? Then you are to tell That you came vp here with a full intent To goe for seruice ; ere the forces went ( Which you must ready be to name ) you had Spent ●ll your money ; here must you looke sad . And fetch a sigh or two , and then confesse Onely for one supply , this wickednesse You fell into so may you moue beliefe , Whilst you are thought to be a poore yong thiefe Lately seduc'd , and hence will pittie grow ; Then must you vow you will no more doe so : Thus shall you cousin Iustice of her due , Quickly get off , and to this course anew . Nor must remorce of conscience touch you , for Your sacrament relenting doth abhorre ; And ( entred in ) you must resolue to grow Old in your Vice , and keepe your contract so . For you are sworne to vse these courses still , And so indeede are married to your ill . But be assur'd our Lawes are of that force , They will on easie suite graunt a diuorce . Yet you not minding this , doe next agree Both of the time , and where the place shall bee Appointed for a meeting , scarce in this . ( Though in all goodnesse slacke ) will any misse . ☞ So being come together , there you lie In some odde corner , whence you may discrie Such booties as shall passe , and then sayes he That is the oldest theefe , be ruld by me , And marke what I shall say , thus must you place Your Maskes and Chin-clothes , thus then you your face May soone disguise , and what is he can sweare Directly and precisely who we were ; And that your words may yeeld a differing tone , Put in your mouthes each one a pible stone . Now must we chuse a watch-word somewhat common , As ( what 's acnocke ) for feare least we should summon , Their thoughts into suspition , then be sure The word once nam'd , each man to deale secure We that are strongest at the gripe will seaze , Then be assur'd for to obserue me these ; With your left hand to catch the Bridle fast : And let the right vpon the sword be cast , The one preuents escaping , tother then Quells their resistance , let our weaker men That are not thus imploy'd , cry boldly stand ; And with their Swords and Pistols them command , Whilst you afright we will perswade , so that By faire or foule meanes they shall yeeld , that 's flat . ☞ Perhaps Whilst he is talking yet , one cryes , Arme , Arme Camaradas , yonder comes a prize ; If vp the hill you meete , if downe they ride You follow after , and then side by side Each hauing singled out his chosen one : And the Coast cleere , you ioyntly seize vpon . And then in troth 't is very strange to see What different qualities in men there bee . You shall haue able fellowes , strong , well set As ere your eyes beheld , when they are met , And set vpon ( great Boobies ) tremble quiuer , And cry like Children at the word Deliuer , Though to affright them there 's no weapon drawne , Nor money in their purses to be tane . Such cowards there are many , others then That are as Pigmies to these taller men ) Though they are nere so threatned to be shot , Or to be straight wayes murthered , feare it not ; But fight couragiously whilst they haue breath , Not daunted at the present shew of death : On disaduantages yet being caught ( Not yeelding though ) by you strong theeues are brought With their sad fellowes , likewise in the lerch , Out of the way , where you begin your search : Then euery place about them you see sift , That it is impossible that they should shift A peny out of sight and if so be You find some gold that 's quilted priuately , You call them villaines , and dishonest men For their intended coozenage , happ'ly then The Traueller cryes out he is vndone , Because in that all his estate is wonne ; Which moues not , for your consciences are grosse , You value gaine , and not the poore mans losse , Then chop you Horses most familiarly , Exchange you tell them is no robberie . And next most desperately you make them sweare , That they shall neither follow you , nor reare The Country with a hue and cry , so vext , Robb'd , rifled , destitute , amaz'd , perplext , You leaue them , and are gone , they know not whither Nor scarce the number , but you went together , And that 's all they can say , here is poore light To those that doe pursue , yet in your flight You shew your cowardly feare , each Crow you see Seemes like a Constable , and if so be A Colt or Calfe within the bushes stirre , You thinke you are beset , in hast conferre One with another how you shall get gone From that so imminent destruction , Did not I see of late , after a prize , A strange confusion on such poore surmize ; An Owle which into Sanctuarie gat To shunne the ayrie quires wondring at , Screend in a hollow Tree , so discontent Began with fatall hoopes the ayre to rent , At which you switch'd apace , fearing that hollow Was of the Country , that your flight did follow , Thus more a fraid then hurt you often are The more the pitle , afterward you share And doe deuide the spoyle , here let me show Another piece of Knauery that I know , You play the double theeues , you cheate , forsweare , Reseruing the best part , from those you dare , And curse your selues to Hell 't is all ; for I Haue found you in your damned periury , ☞ But makes no matter , whither more or lesse , 'T is soone consum'd againe in wickednesse , Ill gotten goods can neuer prosper well , Nor can they thriue that haue no place to dwell , The rolling stone can hardly gather mosse : Those that liue on , doe alwayes liue in losse . You haue no trade , no calling , no vocation Whereby to liue , and saue ; you haue relation To nothing that is good , wastfull expence Is of your lawlesse gaines the recompence . Thus to be furnish'd then , is iust as tho A man should thatch his dwelling house with snow , Which melts , drops , soulters , and consumes away Euen the time of one sun-shining day . For when to Innes or Tauernes you doe runne That note your wayes , there are you twice vndone . For well they know their bils you dare not chide , If you presume your actions they must hide , And so to make them rich , you forfeit all That men may wife , or good , or honest call . And as you sinn'd in gaining , so are faine To be in spending coozen'd , not complaine Although yon know't , so thriftlesse is their way That doe on ruines of their Countrey prey . I had a treble income , by the meanes Of such as were my men , and yet my gaines Scarce counteruail'd my charge , yet was I warie Not wastfull in expence , but alwayes chairie In that particular , to blinde mens eyes , For feare that thence suspition might arise . Yet ( notwithstanding all this thrift ) I could Neuer grow rich by sauing , nor yet would The somme I had , when I was doom'd to die , Pay for my buriall , and my Coffin buy . Whence I conclude , though we goe late to bed , And rise betimes , and likewise eate the bread Of carefulnesse , the vantage will be small Vnlesse God giues his blessing there withall . Which he will neuer doe to such attempts ; Your wicked and vnlawfull course exempts You from that gracious benefit , and tho You doe subsist awhile , God suffers so To try if that you will reclaymed bee , If not , his heauie vengeance shall you see Out poured in abundance , then too late You will repent you , cursing cruell fate When 't is past remedie , the Pots you know That ouer often to the Riuer goe ☞ At last come broken home , O then forsake This life , least you your Inne the Prison make ; And here arriu'd , O Heauens ; Hell not retaynes More fuller tortures , torments , woes , and paines . Which were enough to punish all offence Though with the forfeit life , the Law dispence . For here no sooner entred , but you meete A thousand wretched soules , that loosely fleet From place , to place , where sighing is their ayre , Their comforts coldnesse , and their food despaire ; And euer as they see a Keeper come They start , as fearing some new martyrdome . Whilst the insulting Rascall swels to thinke The crauen soule should from his power shrinke , And standing on the tiptoes of poore pride Screwes his ill fauour'd face , on tother side ; As the poore Prisoner with a dolefull looke Seemes to petition some thing , ( as the Booke Of his sad face may tell ) the Iayler vild , His deuillish heart is from remorse exild . The minutes of your rest ( if rest there be Within the wals of so much Iniurie ) Are frighted with your cares , or some rude noyse Of sencelesse creatures , from whose drunken voice , The night is quartred into Earth-quakes sad , That you would thinke eu'n the whole World were mad And you another humorist shall heare , Cursing the Stars , the Earth , and all that 's neere , Another vild , and franticke in his oaths His blasphemies 'gainst God and Angels throwes , Cursing his cruell Creditors , and fate That makes him begge his food within a grate . Perhaps some pray , but if they doe , 't is so As if the good they meant they did not know , But as their wants or customes doe prouoke They in distraction , doe their Gods inuoke , Who heares as little , for such vowes as those The best effects of true petitions loose . Here are you mingled with the various straine Of fainting need , and euery humour vaine , And must of force endure the idle way Of those that doe blaspheme and such as pray At one selfe instant , here what other ill Your owne corruption knew not , meete you still , And if a little tainted when you came Ere you depart y' are all compos'd of shame , And grow as cunning now in all offence As he that tempted Mans first innocence . Nor is that humour which some Parents haue , ( Thinking their vilder sonnes they thus may saue From vtter ruine or reclayme from sinne , If but a prison once they are put in ) To be forgiuen ; for in sauing so They doe precipitate their ouerthrow ; The cause is easie , for examples ill Purge not , but doe adulterate the will , Too prone to giddie folly , and beside They that enioy the ayre and Region wide , When from a Kinsman or a friend confin'd . They haue a Message , or a Letter sign'd As if they had him sacrific'd to Hell , Nor know him , nor the place where he doth dwell , Or if they call his mention from the dead , It is as faint as of those buried . So that the liuing deaths of prisoners bee The feelingst Mon●me●ts of miserie , But these are but the Interludes to those Sad Tragedies writ in your ouerthrowes , And as the quickest passage in your Scene , To your Catastrophes , so slight , so meane , That he that sees your ends , may truly say The Prison was the best of all your play , For there your fatall lodging , and sad roome , Presenting to you your accursed doome , May well instruct you , that abuse of aire Hath brought you to this chamber of despaire , Where when the tell-tale Sunne through crannies spies Your day-bard carkasse , lock'd in miseries , It snatches his free beames from your dull sight , As who should say , you had abus'd his light By doing that it was asham'd to see , And therefore darknesse must your portion bee . The night , which you can scarce distinguish then , ( Whilst your sad thoughts your errours may condemne ) Instead of sleepe , should with a thousand feares , Sound your wak'd conscience larums in your eares , Vnfold your guilts , and crowne your watchfull eyes Not with a dreame , but sence of Miseries , Then death , which or you feare not , or despise Must coldly in your apprehensions rise , And teach you truly what it is to die , Not natures , but the sonnes of infamie . ☞ But such considerations haue long since , With your worst thoughts , a cruell difference . For you beleeue you haue deseru'd to bee Admir'd , not scorn'd , for your past villany , And that the actions , you haue done are such As pace with honour , can endure the touch Of cruell'st censure , whilst you fondly deeme That men you braue , and valiant doe esteeme , And so are bound with your ills to conniue , And in despight of Law keepe you aliue . So from the Gaole vnto the halter goe Carelesse of now , or after ouerthrow . Base vsurpation , and conceits as vaine As are your liues , expenses , and your gaine . For good and braue men censure right your sinne , And pitty you , and the course you are in Rather in common Pietie , then that Your vilde defeatings should be wondred at ; And since you are discouered thus by mee , If by mistake before a man might bee So cheated with your boastings , and lowd talke , Because he neuer knew the tracke you walke With your disguises , now his Iudgement may Be altered , betterd , or quite throwne away . When all your fained worths , appeare to be , But faint protectors of your infamy Disabled in the poore things you commit , Which neither are for worth , nor valour fit . Your ends besides ( if nothing else ) might draw ☞ You into feare to breake the rigorous Law ; Vnhappie he that hangs vpon a tree , The wretched guerdon of impietie . Nor Dyes the shame with him that suffers so , His family in such an ouerthrow Participate and share , whose innocence Are Dyed in scandall , but for his offence . And the whole stocke , aboue an age in time , Is blasted for this debt , he paid his crime . And yet these sencelesse Caitiues who inherit This way of dying by their owne demerit , Laugh at this Iudgement , call it a fine thing . Thus to be pulld to heauen in a stringe , And that the Apoplex , fleames and Catarre , More cruell to the soules of Christians are Then hanging , for these passions take men hence , Ere they can thinke of dying , or haue sence Of their repentance , being snatcht away Scarce with so poore a warning , as to pray . But these haue Sermons , prayer , Sacrament , Psalmes , and alwayes to bring them to repent , And a great audience of the people by . For whose faire warning th' are content to dy , And thus their strong deluder drawes them on To laugh at , and deserues destruction . What should be their example , and afright them Doe rather please , reioyce , content , delight them , ☞ But you fond men it may be doe suppose Because I scap'd , that you shall neither loose Your sorfeit liues , I wish the grace I found May not to any of your harmes redownd , I meane to your encouragement , you know But of particulars no generalls grow , One Swallow makes no Summer , though Noyes flood Once ouerwhelmed all the liuing brood That stroue against the streame , topping the rankes Of the great Mountaines , and the lesser Bankes , With euery Crawling creature ( not one mist ) Though they Lent all their powers to resist , Yet God hath promised ( we haue vnderstood ) He will not send vs such another flood . Things seldome are not vsuall : besides strong The reasons are , that did my life prolong You must conclude , that had the time not byn The Iubily of mercy , when my sinne Was cald in question , I had president Bin not in writing , but in punishment : For that great power by whom we gouern'd are , To limit my ill courses ( straind so farre ) Thus tooke me from my sinne , and did contriue How by strange meanes I should be kept aliue , For know , iust at that instant when the ioyes Of great men , good men , old men , young men , Boyes , Had but one obiect , like the heauenly spheares , Whose harmony , one note , one burthen beares , Then when each face did like a Bridegroome smile , And one entire contentment crown'd this Isle , The Birds , the Beasts , the men , and euery thing Presenting their glad Aues to their king , Who like a Sunne new risen on the earth , Disdaines to view a corner where 's not mirth , So threw a beame on me , whose lucklesse fate Was then midst all this ioy disconsolate . Then was my apprehension , euen iust then As if my faults distinguish'd me from men That were ordain'd for ioy , or mine offence Deny'd my share in blisse of Innocence . Yet this preseru'd me ; Barabbas must be At the great Feast from death and bondage free , It was no fauour to the man , or crime , That sau'd his life , his blessing was the time , Nor could my glorious Sunne , that Rose so faire , With blood infect or cloud the laughing aire , Or die the Crimson of his Morne with red Of Malefactors blood ( so early shed ) His beauty is his owne , nor would he shine At first in Iustice , though 't is cald diuine . Hence grew the Mercy , that my ioy so might Be in respect of all mens tripartite , For besides this I had an Aduocate Whose vertue could the hardest penetrate , And make compassion easie , for her smile Could the sad browes of sternesse reconcile ; Her sweetnesse can the angry Ocean calme , And turne the Aspe his poison into Balme , And stay the thunders heauy hand , iust then When it is threatning ruine to all men . The Tiger of her yong-ones robd would stay But at her presence , and forbeare her prey . The angriest things must at her sight appeare As smooth as August , or the springing yeare . She the rich partner of his royall bed Who weares a triple crowne vpon his head . Embrac'd him , cald him Lord , and at that word , Who could denie a pardon to afford . She ask'd , he gaue , and my deare fate in this Got my free pardon , she a bountious kisse . So sweetly seald was my remisse from death , So ratified by this so royall breath . Presume not yet on this , occasion so Will not her liberall aide to all bestow , One thiefe was sau'd , that no man should despaire , But one , so that presumptions forfeit are : He with his Sauiour died , blest time for him , Who else had found no pardon for his sinne ; I in my Soueraignes glory was to die , And that time set my life at liberty . Note the occasions strange that set vs free Me from this death , him to eternitie . My Prince's crowning , his Redeemers death , Assur'd his soule , and did restore my breath . But euery day is not Coronation ; Nor D●d many suffer with our Sauiour . And mercy at such times as these extended . To Iudgements turne , if grace be twice offended . And now you thinke me happy being free From death and shame by this benignitie , But if you doe a little backe reflect On the recharges of my foes , th' aspect Of this sun-shining day , you cloudy find And much foule weather in my face behind , For now , as I haue seene a tired Hare Of his owne swiftnesse in a faint despaire , After whose fearefull feet , the yelping cry , Of the whole kennell , follow eagerly . Which spi'd , some Huntsman or some Shepheard neere , Seeing the weary Wat halfe dead with feare , In the Pursuers sight , in his safe armes Folds the poore creature from their cruell harmes , 'Bout whom the angry chasers leape and bay , Assaulting him that keepes them from their prey , And with their fearefull noyses fright it more , Then the poore beast was in pursuit before . Euen iust thus is my poore life pursu'de , Whilst I thought danger past , it was renew'd For first they followed with much speed , and cry , After poore mee ( that fled but easily ) And when the King of Forrests and of Chafes Thus found me destitute , before their faces , ( Ready to be deuour'd ) snatch'd me away Iust then , as they were seizing on the prey , And in his royall armes of grace embrac'd My panting life , before so hotly chac'te , And yet behold my Aduersaries rore With lowder exclamations , then before . And would with horrid clamours him constraine What he preseru'd , thus to destroy againe . Appeales and Caueats , and such things they bring To force me from the bosome of my King . On which diuinest altar whilst I hold I cannot be vnto their furies sold. And yet the rarest eloquence in Law That I could to my causes handling draw , I was enforc'd to craue ; so strongly they Did although pardon'd 'gainst my life inuay . Here I a new must muster vp my friends Wearied before ; to crosse their irefull ends . Make their endeauours such to saue me now As if the King no Pardon did allow , Thus though my life they cannot take , you see They make me weary of 't by troubling mee . Thus a Delinquent must of force endure : He knowes not when he 's freed ; nor when secure . Behold , the Map of your proceeding heere , A Glasse in which to life , there doth appeare The forme of all your actions ; which I know Are vglier yet in substance then in show . As they are vilde , your Aymes are worse , your ends As bad againe , yet these your Hope transcends , For both in ill designes , it leads you on , And will most faile , when most you trust vpon . ☞ Now then if that you are not quite bereft Of likelihoods for grace , if there be left Roome but for one good thought , if vnto sinne You haue not sold your selues out-right , let in This motion I shall make , behold your fact , Summon your guilty conscience , which is rackt And gladly would speake truth , that it might gaine Ease to her selfe in her ensuing paine , She would account , and be discharg'd , thereby The worme a breeding would soone liue , soone die , A hideous horrid sight it must needs bee , When in their vgly shapes , you chance to see Your monstrous sinnes appeare ; yet happy men You cannot euer be at all till then : No nor then neither , if it be to late , 'T is some mens cursed and vnhappy fate , That they can ne're be touch'd at heart vntill The damned bed-roll of their sinnes o're-fill Their guilty conscience , in stead of prayer In vaine as they conceiue , they then despaire , Not able to appeale to Christ his passion , They greedily lay hold on their damnation . If not the feare of this your temporall death , Let the eternall moue , the one 's but breath : The other endlesse , euer-liuing paine , Ere it be done , it still begins againe , Pitty your silly soules , that else must frie In burning lakes of Brimstome , neuer die Where worse then Egypt's darknesse hems you in , With seuerall tortures for each vgly sinne . Where howles , and hollow groanes the coapes-mates be To this eternall night of Miserie . Where frosts , fires , drownings , sulphur , choakings come Encreasing still , ne're ending ; here 's your doome . And these the torments that prepared are , Of which ( vild men ) you must expect your share . If you will still persist , and not giue o're , 'T is then in vaine for to perswade you more . I 'le cease my faire meanes therefore , and will try If I can fright you with an Hue and Cry , Here would I name both you , and your abode , But that you varie those , on euery rode , Yo' are East , now West , and next North-Country men , And then your names as oft you change agen . Thus to informe then , were to put in doubt , Not to giue light to men to finde you out . You in another kinde I will describe , That euery man shall know you as you ride , Or to auoid you how , or his purse lost I teach you a true rule how he shall coast , And dogge you as you ride , how to be sure To take you , when you thinke your selues secure . ☞ Because I liu'd by spoyle of Passengers Thus will I recompence them , this worke 's theirs Meant for their good , the guerdon for my gaine Is to aduise , how they may not sustaine A farther losse , come be you rul'd by me , And well obserue , these your instructions bee , When as you carrie charge , let no man know Nor of your money , nor yet when you goe . You haue a humour when you are to ride Your Neighbours Kinsmen , or your friends you bid To sup , or breake their fasts , only to drinke Healths to your good returne , you little thinke There 's any harme in this , yet I haue knowne A Father thus betray'd by his owne Sonne , A Brother by a Brother , and a friend Most deare in outward shew , to condescend . And lay the plot with theeues , bid them prepare Such a prize comes , whereof he takes a share . Whilst , but for him they neuer had bin met . Another kind of men there is , that set , Ten times more dangerous , you often choose Some one to guard you for feare you should loose Your money by the way , yon doe relye Both on his valour , and his honestie , Now as you ride together , if he see You light on any other company , He rounds you in the eare ( as if he tooke The greatest care ) and sayes that yon mans looke He likes not , you perswaded slacke your pace , So that alone he brings you to the place Where his confederates lie , and then surpris'd ( As 't was by him and them before deuis'd ) They hacke , and hew against each others sword , Till threatned to be shot , you giue the word , And bid him yeeld , ( which he seemes loth to doe ) Nay more he is inform'd which way they goe , And as you follow with an hue and Cry , He will be sure to leade you quite awry . ☞ Oft in your Clothiers and your Grasiers Inne , You shall haue Chamberlaines , that there haue bin Plac'd purposely by theeues , or else consenting By their large bribes , and by their often tempting , That marke your purses drawne , and giue a gesse What 's there , within a little more or lesse ; Then will they gripe your cloak-bags , feele there weight There 's likewise in my Host sometimes deceit , If it be left in charge with him all night , Vnto his roaring Guests he giues a light , ( Who spend full thrice as much in wine and beare ) As you in those , and all your other cheare ) These inconueniences doe oft arise For want of heed , and care , be therefore wise . ☞ Forbeare to ride vpon the Sabbath day , In which God sayes , Remember , rest , and pray ▪ As we our seruants oftentimes command , When many businesses they take in hand ▪ That chiefly one by no meanes they forget Aboue the rest ; iust thus much in effect Imports the word Remember , though our law Be not of force enough to keepe in awe The Sabbath-breaker , yet God in the way Oft meets with him , and giues him as a prey To high-way theeues , that day they rather choose Then any other , fittest for their vse , For then the roads are quiet , and they know None ride but those haue great affaires to doe , Which to effect , 't is thought , they haue about them Great store of Coyne , and this makes theeues misdoubt them . And as the Cut-purse is in prime of play , When men at Church doe most deuoutly pray , So are the High-way Cutters ; for the Deuill Is not content to tempt them to doe euill , But teaches them presumption in the Act , Which well he knowes doth aggrauate the fact . Lastly , if you are rob'd on that high day , It is not fit that then the Country pay Your money backe againe , that remedy , The Iudge in conscience will to you deny , What reason is it men should leaue to pray , To wait vpon your theeues that run away ? ☞ Noe , ride at lawfull times , and you shall meet Store of good company for you to keepe ; Associate though with none , vnlesse with those That you finde rather willing for to loose Then haue your company ; for they that still Presse to be neere you , though against your will , Are somewhat dangerous ; but I will show How you shall finde if they be theeues , or no ; Take but occasion for to make some stay , Then marke ; if that they keepe not on their way But slacke their pace , or else alight and goe ; Or if perchance they doe refuse to doe As I haue said , iust then , before your face ; Follow some halfe hower after , a slow pace ; If so you ouer-take them , then take heed , For that 's the very tricke of theeues indeed . Next of a theefe , the vsuall markes be these , ( Which as you ride you may obserue with ease ) They muffle with their cloakes , or else their coate Hides all their clothes , that so you may not note What sutes they haue , a Handkercher they were About their neckes , or Cipresse , which they reare Ouer their mouthes , and noses , with their hand Iust at the time , when as they bid you stand ; Perhaps since here I haue discouered this , They will now leaue them off , that you may misse Your obseruation , be you therefore sure As soone as they come riding somewhat neere To gaze full at their faces , you shall see Them turne their heads away , as if so bee They had spide something on the tother side , Which if they doe , then keepe your distance wide , But now they will not may be , yet may you Haue by these meanes a full and perfect view , And know them when you see them next , or whither Their great bush beard , and face , agree together . This aboue all I wish you for your good , By any meanes shun him that weares a hood , Beware of them that whisper , and those men That are inquisitiue , for surely then They but examine you that they may know By circumstance , whe'r you haue coine or no. ☞ You and your friend perchance doe ride together , Your company 's increased by another , A seeming honest man , and you are glad Where 's two to one suspition none is had . You call him fellow-trauellor , and he Reioyces in your honest companie , About some two miles riding there o'●e-takes Some three of his companions , then he shakes , Trembles , and quiuers , and seemes sore afraid , And cries , directly friends we are way-laid , If you haue charge about you let me know , That I may cocke my Pistoll as I goe , By those , and such like words , he will soone find , Whether , or no , your Purse be richly lin'd , And whil'st you thought , there had been three to three , Your Iudas is on t'other side you see . ☞ Had you not need be wary , iudge I pray ? Let me perswade you , doe not ride by day With any summe you are afraid to lose But in the night , but then take heed of those Base Padding Rascalls , for their kill-calfe law I am not priuy to , I neuer saw Them , nor their actions , then I cannot show How to preuent the thing I doe not know . But thus much I assure you , you are free From any horsmen you shall meet , or see , For they beleeue that none will ride at night , But onely those whose Purses are too light , And hardly worth the taking ; next they must Keepe lawfull howers , for feare they through mistrust Be apprehended , that 's their chiefest eare ; And then againe , I know they hardly dare Aduenture in the darke ; for they can spie Neither aduantage , opportunitie , Nor whether you haue Pistolls , nor yet know , Whether that you be likely men , or no , And you haue time your money to conuey , And much more benefit by night , then day . But since God hath ordain'd this time to rest , And not to trauell in , I doe my best So to aduise you , that you shall be sure What time so e're you ride , to be secure . ☞ This is a generall rule , and obseruation , Your high-way theeues doe alwaies keepe their station Vpon your greatest roads , that out of those That do passe by , they may both picke and choose ; And so they cull the likeliest out of many ; But on your petty By-roads , where scarce any Are wont to trauell , they nere vse to bee , You may be safe from any ieopardie If here you coast , which I aduise you to Rather then on your great high roads to go . ☞ But aboue all which way so e're you ride , A Butts length distance at the least diuide Your selues from one another , so keepe on , For I assure you they nere set vpon A scattered troope , for feare of somes escaping , Which may endanger their immediate taking , Besides , their company they doe diuide And set at seuerall stands , and should you ride All in a cluster , they will sally out Before , behinde , and compasse you about . Now if that following , they attempt , you spie Their drift and resolution presently By their deuision , and haue time to shun The thing intended , ere it be begun . Besides , they dare not doe but altogether , That they may be at hand with one another , To helpe where there 's occasion , say they should Aduenture desperately , they neuer could Bring you together , nor aside the way , Without much trouble , and a greater stay ; And peraduenture , ere halfe this be done , Vnto your rescue there are others come . Now I coniure you that ride by the while , Let neither threats nor faire words you beguile Nor yet diswade , from yeelding your reliefe To those you find in action with the thiefe , I doe remember I haue often beene Thus wickedly imploy'd , whilst I haue seene Some others riding in to this our fray , I only wish'd them to keepe on their way , With such perswasions , I found suted best With their amaze , see fairely thus distrest And to our mercies , they haue left those men That very eas'ly might haue rescu'de beene . ☞ Now thus much for preuention , here you see From point to point , a plaine discouerie , Of the theeues policie , I shew'd you how You may auoyde it , let me tell you now What you haue next to doe , If you espie ( As you may guesse by my discouerie ) That there are theeues amongst you , doe not gaze On this , and tother side , nor in a maze Affrighted stand , as if your only hope Were some to rescue you , that will prouoke And not dishearten them , then minde it not , But be as though all feare you had forgot , And looke as bigge as they , and if they proffer Be sure to draw , as soon's they make their offer Remember then the cause you haue in hand , Your reputation , and your money stand At gage in this , and if you dare not fight , It grieues me much to doe you thus much right . They , ( if they find you resolute and stout ) Dare euen as wellbe hang'd , as fight it out , Not out of cowardize , but that they know To their discomforts , that in fighting so They striue against a Countrey , Iustice , Law , Right , equity , and these keepes them in awe . They studie most , how they may bugbeares seeme , And who are rob'd , but those that doe esteeme Their threats , vnlesse you yeeld without delay , We shoot you thorow , they perhaps may say ; But who thus threatned , yet resisting still Can say vnto me that he fared ill . Some though are somewhat resolutely bent , T is true , yet is it farre from their intent To shed your blood , for they in doing so , Should worke their owne immediate ouerthrow , They could not then subsist , for though they passe , Sought after slightly for the monies losse , Should they take life and all , they could not ride To any place where they might safely bide , But through continuall search they would be found , And then pay dearly for each bloody wound . This the euent would be , which they well know , Rather then hurt you , they will let you goe , And stay a while vntill they meet with some Which their faire words , or threats will ouercome . Besides , the right is of your side , and though You are o're-match'd , God may enable you so Those Caytifes may be vanquish'd by your hand ; Then what good seruice you shall doe your land , Your Prince , and Common-wealth , you may suppose , Euen in the act by apprehending those Who liue vpon the spoile , then hold them play And yours shall be the honour of the day . ☞ But 't is a fault of yours , you doe consent And yeeld too patiently , you are content Not onely to be rob'd , but let them goe , And basely wish they may escape , that so The Countrey may be lyable , for why If they not taken be with hue and cry , You must haue all restor'd , and what care you : One thing more I will tell you , which is true , You often double and misname the summe , You know the hundred willing is to come To composition with you , if they doe , You cousen both the theeues and Country too . And when you tell the story , then although You say they were fiue , six , or at least fower , You were rob'd fairely , and but two to two , And that you fought it out aboue an hower , And then you cut and slash your harmelesse clothes , And say that in the fight 't was done by those That tooke your money , which God knowes you gaue Without resistance 〈◊〉 they scarce did craue . Doe no more so , nor striue that men may deeme You valiant , for it is a poore esteeme To be accounted , if you be not so ; And they haue farre a harder taske to doe To keepe opinion , falsly vndergone , Then those haue none , for to atchieue to one . Be what your Images , doe represent , Men nobly spirited , 't was God's intent When he created you , not much vnlike His Image most diuine , that you should fight In a iust cause , because he is all iust , And herein failing you betray God's trust , Neglect your dutie , and doe animate Not curbe , the vild'ones , that doe perpetrate . ☞ But now suppose through negligence you fall Into their clutches , and surpris'd with all You are vnthought of , 't is no fault of mine You might haue taken better heed in time . Thus yet I will aduise you , if you see That you must yeeld and ouer-mastred bee , Striue not at all , but giue the fairest words Your best inuention and your wit affords , Wish that you had more monies , and withall Deliuer some , and so perhaps you shall By searching of your selues , and freenesse too , Without a further re-examining goe . But if they make an offer , doe not you Seeme to dislike , what they doe meane to doe Then will they sift you soundly , doe not hold Your hand vpon your money , they are told Thus where it is , and surely they will guesse , They haue not all by your owne fearefulnesse . I haue obserued many times , when I Had tane such money , as did satisfie , Out of the pocket hauing no intent To make a further search , but only meant To lead the Passenger aside the way , ( Because I knew what danger 't was to stay ) Fast'ning my clutches on his arme , or thigh , With a sad looke , he would begin to cry He was vndone , if I tooke what was there , Thinking I felt ( because my hand was neere ) His greater summe , which I by that should find Hid in his sleeue , or in his shirt behind . But now then , if they find not such a summe As was expected , they will bid you come , Into some corner , then protest , and sweare , If patiently a while , you will sit there , You shall haue all restor'd , that they mistooke You like are , but not those , for whom they looke On these fond hopes you rest , vntill that they Haue watch'd their time , and seiz'd another prey . To which you now are accessaries growne , But see where are their promises become ? ( Nor meant thev otherwise ) those rifled to They take their Horses and away they goe , And leaue you destitute , so with the rest To tell the storie whether fared best . ☞ Yet loose no time , but on with all the speed That possible you can , and then take heed , It much concernes you , for when they espy That you pursue , the formost cunningly Falls into some by lane , 't is vndescride For you suppose they altogether ride , So whilst you thinke , you keepe at distance farre , Anew amidst them you surprised are . Here 's their maine plot , you are forewarn'd , But say You cannot ouertake them , and that they Haue left the roade , and you in a great doubt , So that you know not how to finde them out , Let me direct you , I will instance thus , Suppose on Colebrooke way you lose your purse , The Theeues to Vxbridge roade , or Stanes will ride , And not to faile will there all night abide , This is the chiefest Maxime in their law , The Subt'lest surely that I euer saw , It stands by reason , for they know full well None vse to trauell thus athawrt to tell The Passages , or to describe the men They rest at pleasure , and are gone agen Ere that the lazie-tithing hue and Cry Comes to enquire , and the authority Of some poore silly fellow , who is plac'd In that meane office , that he may be grac'd For double-diligence , oft as he goes Through wretched wilfulnesse attaches those That nere ment harme , yet being apprehended , They often lose their liues , though ne're offended . But to deale safe and sure , without delay Scoure you the next great right and left hand way , And if at night you misse , a carefull spy Next day shall surely see them riding by . Grant Now they leaue this custome , all their art , Their wit , inuention , neuer can impart The like againe , I vow , I doe not see Whither they can betake them to be free : But by the way know thus much , if they light On a great summe , then will they ride that night Vnto their Rendeuous here in the City , Which is too sure a shelter , ( more 's the pitty , ) But follow my aduise , and marke me well , For here a cunning plot of theirs I tell , If you are rob'd out in the Easterne quarter , When you with hue and cry the theeues make after , Ride not to London in the roade you were , Nor raise those parts , you will not finde them there , But hie to Westminster , Holborne , the Strand , And for a speedy search there giue command , If Northward they light on you , straightwayes ride And search both Southwarke , Lambeth , & Banckeside , Thus they doe alwaies plant themselues , for so They haue the Citty betwixt them and you . And ere your search comes at them ( by the way Which often dyes ) there 's time at will to stay . I haue obseru'd ( and it is still in vse , Nor will it ere reforme the vild abuse It hath a leuell at ) a needlesse care Wherewith all sorts of people troubled are , And charged too , when any one hath lost His purse to theeues , then at the Countries cost There is a watch prepar'd to guard that place Where the poore man by them surprised was ; This is like shutting vp the Stable doore , When as the Horse was stolne out before , 'T is not to be suppos'd the thiefe will come And make a needlesse breach , to thanke the Groome For feeding of the best ; loe then iust so , Nor meane the high-way theeues that way to goe Where there is waite laid for them , say they should ; I doe protest here ; I did euer hold ( And found it by experience ) that high-way That had a watch vpon it , best for prey . For first the honest Trauellers suppose It is impossible , that they should lose Their money being guarded thus ; and hence They grow more carelesse , doubting none offence Can any wayes betyde them ; whilst alasse A thiefe may doe his list , and freely passe , The watchmen neere the wiser ; for they stand Setled at one place by a strict command . It is indifferent when the theefe layes hold , His booty singled out , he will make bold To seize him any where ; all places are All one alike to him , he will not care So that the coast be cleare , and then how can He be distinguish'd from an honest man ? I neuer past by , but the watchmen gaue Me courteous language , wishing me to haue A speciall care I was not rob'd ; whil'st I Was a chiefe actor of that villanie . But now suppose they had examin'd me , I would haue answer'd them so courteously , That they could not suspect . Now what are they That are appointed watchmen for the way ? Poore , silly , old , decrepped men , that are Fitting for nought else , but to loyter there ; Haue not I seene a dozen such , all stand ( With each of them a Holbert in his hand ) Amaz'd , affrighted , and durst neuer quatch , Whil'st we before their faces all ; did catch , Assault , seize , rifle such as did passe by , When we were gone ( perhaps ) then would they cry Theefes , theefes , ( to little purpose ) I haue knowne Some that by way of parly , thus haue growne Familiar with the watch , and as they found A fit occasion , they haue tane , and bound The silly fellowes hand , and foot ; then stood Like a safe guard set for the Countries good , With browne bils in their hands , and so made bold ( As with authority ) to stop , and hold All that did come that way , I doe suppose A watch of Holbarteers were good for those Foot-padding-night theeues ) but for these you see Such care , and trouble all in vaine will bee . But if you will needs haue it so , choose then Strong , able , stout , and resolute young men , Arme them with Bow , and Arrowes , Muscets , Shot , And with a Horse or two , that they may not Be thus abus'd , but if occasion be May follow on to purpose ; but by me And mine instructions here , I hope you shall Be well secur'd , and need no watch at all . ☞ I thinke it fitting now for me to show Vnto the Inne-keeper , how he shall know Such guests from other men , my Host take heed , To winke at such faults were a fault indeed , Respect then rather honesty , then gaine . Know well your seruants whom you entertaine , Trie them , that you may trust , their helpe in this Subtill discouery , most needfull is . Your Ostler must obserue , and he shall see About their horses , they will curious bee They must be strangely drest , as strangelyfed With Mashes , prouender , and Christians bred ; If this be wondred at , they cannot hold , Their goodly qualities they must vnfold , Crying , they doe deserue it , and that they By their good seruice will their cost repay With ouer-plus , or some words more or lesse , By which relation he may shrewdly guesse . And then they will be asking , who is he That ownes that horse ? and whose those horses be That stand beyond him ? what their Masters are ? What kind of men ? whither they ride ? how farre ? And when ? so by his answeres they surmize Which of them all will be their likeliest prize . Next of their Cloak-bags let him notice take , They onely carry them for fashion'd sake , For they are empty ones , in pollicie , Because their horses should not laden be . Your Chamberlaine shall finde , when as they come Vsher'd vp by him to their Lodging roome , He shall be sent away , let him giue eare , And not to faile , he shall be sure to heare The gingling of their money , Let him pry Behind some secret Cranies priuily , And he shall see them share , what they haue got , And euery one to take what is his lot . This they by no meanes will deferre , for feare , Who has the purse , should cheat them in the share ; This done , they hug each other , next they call Their rauish'd sences home , and then withall They knocke againe for him , who shall be sheut For not attending , though enioyn'd he went . Now must he draw a cup of curious Sacke , Then next mine Hoast your company they lacke , With farre-fetcht complements they will salute And bid you welcome , marke from their dispute What you can gather , you may somewhat guesse By their mens sawcy peremptorinesse , For seruants when their Masters ills they know Cease their obedience , and presumptious grow . Enquire a part , each ones particular name , And let your seuerall seruants doe the same , And you shall finde them tripping , they well may Forget the new names , that they tooke that day ; At supper time let some one hastily Knocke at your gate , as with authority , You shall obserue a sudden fearefull start , Marke then their lookes ( the Index of the heart ) And you shall finde them troubled , looke you sad , And aske if yonder Constable be mad ? Bid them say quickly , what their danger is , Then promise no authority of his Shall enter there , if they command it so , By this , into their priuate thoughts you go , They will confesse for succour , needs no more , 'T is euident what you but thought before , But say hereafter they should carelesse grow , Then are they taken with the lesse adoe . Now say they come about the noone of day , You shall well know them , by their needlesse stay , Their carelesnesse of time , for they but bait , That they may stand at gaze , and fitly wait For honest passengers , when they haue spide A likely-moneyd booty by them ride , Then will they bussle , and make hast away With farre more speed then tedious was their stay . And cry yon rides their Vncle , or their friend With whom some earnest businesse they pretend ; When in an Inne , they must all-night abide , They cunningly , sometimes themselues diuide And come as seuerall companies , thereby To crosse the number in the Hue and Cry . Besides thus parted , they are sure to know If otherwise then well , the squares should goe , They of each other will no notice take Of you ( mine Host ) they will enquirie make What their companions are ? what Countrimen ? Whether you know them yea or no ? and then If they can finde you haue a Ielousie Shrewdly suspecting either company , Hauing discouered your opinion With all conuenient speed , they will get gone , But if you doe ( as well you may ) mistake them And that for honest trauellers you take them , They ( as by chance ) will in your kitchen meet , And as meere strangers , one another greet , There will they drinke together , ere they goe From thence , so louing and so kinde they grow That they willsup togeather , marke them well And you their cunning knauery shall smell . Still strangers to each other will they bee , Whil'st any of your house are there to see ; But see , and be not seene , and you shall finde Them all familiar in another kinde , They will Embrace , reioyce , laugh at their plot And at mine Host that he suspects it not . The fairest Innes they vsually frequent , Out of a wary-politicke intent , Presuming , for disparaging the man They will not search his howse , and there they can Rest vnmolested , but since this you know Let not the subtile theefe , escape you so . ☞ Loe here I haue vnclasp'd this obscure booke , And full Quotations on those secrets tooke , That the plaine eye of Iudging reason , may Discouer such abuses of the way , And as 't is said , that true repenters must Their secret sinnes , and all ills from them thrust , Lest the vild tainture of one crime behinde Contaminate againe the sinfull minde , Thus haue I left no nooke , no cranny small , Which men may cunning or pernicious call Vn-open'd here , before the curious day As cleere and plaine , as is the Champion way . No act , or vse which theeues discouer might , No Art , to make the honest know them right . Lest by retaining ought , it might be deem'd , My true recanting is not , what it seem'd . But marke my cautions well , and you will know That these way-riflers must some new way goe Imagination , or their practice yet Could neuer reach to , or before you set Preuention of their worst assaults , their drifts In their attempt , and their best scaping shifts . Nor can I feare , but since so freely I Haue here dissected such impietie , Anatomizing euery hidden Nerue That for the strength of such occasions serue , The charitable world will hence allow , That I those men and actions disauow I make so plaine and hatefull , nor againe Will I my honour in those puddles staine , Nor can it be suppos'd by enuie , that Any relap's of mine be aimed at , For mine owne writ , must then in Iudgement stand And signe me vnto death , mine owne false hand ; The Iurie , and the Iudge , in Euidence , Shall no enquiry need for mine offence , This booke alone against all pittie 's plea , Turnes all excuse into Apostrophe , Whil'st dumbe as death , with double shame I must ‛ Count both my ruine , and my sentence iust . Now let detracting censure , pawse , and stay And turne rank'rous spleenes another way , And know that now in Censure , they doe more Then I haue done in all the rest before , When my determin'd Innocence shal bee A Iudge seuere against their cruelty ; ☞ And such whose most vnnecessary eye , Into forbidden acts of others pry , And when the man they curiously haue read , Must then attempt the secrets of his bed , To poyson all his blessings , nicely draw The Curtaines , whose concealings no man saw Without a rude intruding , for the bed Of lawfull couples being iniured By base detractions , leades that troubled sence Into the fullest foulnesse of offence ; And so my pillowes partner , to whose truth I owe the best reforming of my youth , As if she must be sharer of my wrongs , Though ne're arraign'd ▪ was yet condemn'd by tongs . As if of force because shee 's mine , she must In spight of all her vertue be vniust , But I imagine rather this surmize , Doth from the common ground of ill arise , Or from that Enuy , Sathan left behind , When he infected our first mothers mind : Shew me the man whose tendrest , dearest loue , And whose affection in a straine doth moue Beyond community , vnto his wife , Who but in her , has neither soule , nor life , And giue me reasons why his should transcend The debt I owe to mine vnequall friend ? Then will I yeeld my dotage , his loue rare , And thus our obligations I compare . First , vnto you whose marriages intent Haue to the fortune of your choice extent More then the person , or those faire deserts Which make the blessedst contracts of the hearts , And loue the purchase more of her estate Then her perfections , you ne're leaueld at ; You who were neuer caught with darting eies , Whose best affections in her treasure lies , And neuer had your soules with loue refin'd , Peruerting the true vse of either kind , Can yet in this your portions dotage , not Exceed the Income I by mine haue got . For when I was adiudg'd , and doom'd to die , She onely by strange importunitie Melted the hearts of all resolu'd against mee , Who pittying her , set my lifes danger free , In this my life , my fortune , and my all , I may her portion , and her blessing call . And last for other tyes , which doe obliege Such as to loues faire fortresses lay siege The simpathizing liking , and those parts Of loues religion , which locks louers hearts Was throwne on me , and these who can disproue , Must either haue no heart , or know no loue : In pitty then , to Citharaea's Shrine All you that sacrifice your thoughts diuine , Since we are pleas'd , let none our peace molest , Nor breake the Vnion of so sweet a rest , With nice inquiry , after things , you must Confesse you haue no businesse with , that 's iust , And we shall be , if you but leaue vs so , More happy , then 't is fit for you to know . ☞ Yet for my selfe , beleeue I haue the sence Of mine owne youth's abusing , and offence Which I haue wrought against the Common-weale , Whose wounds by this relation I may heale , If my aduice be follow'd , you will see The soule vnlac'd of high-way subtiltie . That who shall suffer now , in such offence , Has none to blame but his owne negligence , I doe besides my pretious youth lament , My reput's forfeit , honours lauishment , The deare mispences of my fairest time , Conuerting all my blessings into crime , My wit , my Iudgement , strength , courage , and all Vnto my Countries mischiefe , mine owne fall . Nor doe I thinke it halfe enough that I Barely confesse mine owne impiety , And talking onely to the people shew Those guilts , perhaps before I speake , they know Or with a superficiall glosse thus seene To flatter men into a faire esteeme Of my best promis'd actions , whose euent Might proue the speakers of a worse intent ; No , naked as first Adam's Innocence , I strip the deform'd shape of mine offence , Dislodging from my heart that banisht spirit , That can no dwelling there againe inherit , And on iust cause diuorc'd from such a bride , Can hardly now it 's memory abide , Me thinkes thus purg'd , I hate the very roome Which that vild Inmates lodging was become , And as the bodies glorified , scorne The thoughts of ioyes wherewith their frailty's borne . Despising as it were the fullest things Which the dull earth to our admiring brings ; So my refined soule , and my cleare minde Can in these vild companions no peace finde , But troubled at the old acquaintance grow , Thught-sick , that e're such practice they did know . Or as the Epicure , whose working wish Is dreaming still vponsome curious dish , On which , his waking thoughts , and sleepe imploy'd Are busily , vntill it be enioy'd . Which purchac'd , his discretion is farre lesse Then was his couetere he did possesse , For gluttonizing his o're-charged chest , He neither can vngorge , nor yet digest , Till surfeited to death , he loaths it more Then ere he did embrace , or loue before . So I whose easie youth , with fond admire , Was drawne , at first this ill course to desire , Hug'd it in dreames , and in my waking fits Doted vpon 't , to my worse losse of wits , Whil'st esteem'd none braue , or good , but this , But now I know how farre I was amisse . And surfeited , as 't were to death indeed , From which by rare ingredients I am freed . I loath my stomacke-queller , and abhorre What I in too much louing sufferd for , Nor can profession free me from the doome Of cruel'st censure and opinion , These actuall ills of mine freely confess'd Must be in act recouer'd , or exprest My faire intentions cannot be , nor I Sau'd from the taxe of my first infamie . ☞ O may my fate so well prouide as now That power which knowes , may helpe me in my vow , And crowne my resolutions with some way Which of the world , and heauen recouer may All my lost honour , by some acts of mine , That may proue farre more welcome to the time . Then my disastrous courses , and expresse I am much better then I dare professe . And that great king , whose mercy , goodnesse , grace , Hath fixt my tottering life in a firme place , Whose royall bounty do's I know expect From my so great enioying , some effect Which may a thankfull tribute pay to him , And speake the full redemption of my sinne . You , mightie Sir , to whom my life I owe As debt to that great grace you did bestowe , May now command it prostrate at your feet In any danger , ( I shall haste to meet ) That so by seruing in your enterprise , You may perceiue how true a sacrifice I le make againe , of what you gaue so free , And that 's the offering must accepted bee . I hope ( great Sir ) it is not your intent That I shall spend my dayes in Banishment , For happier farre is he condemn'd that dies , Then him you saue t'exile from your faire eies . For what auailes the blinded man to see , If that a dungeon must his prison bee ? Where doubly curs'd to be debarr'd from light He dwells , that knew 't not , whil'st he wanted sight , O let me liue , where euery day I may My most religious offrings truely pay ; And that the life you gaue me , be not made A trouble to me , whil'st my thoughts inuade My discontented soule with torments strange ; Not that I must my aire , and Country change , Or ( bard inheriting thereby ) forgoe The temporall fortunes I am borne vnto . But that the Shryne I worship should not see The constant sacrifice is made by mee . Me thinkes could doe more then common men , ( For no such obligation strengthens them ) That my Prince might his owne great power know , In seruice I could doe vpon his foe ; So let me liue , that vent'ring so to die , I pay my debt , and suffer happilie . Viuit post funera , virtus . FINIS .