The gentle craft A discourse containing many matters of delight, very pleasant to be read: shewing what famous men have beene shoomakers in time past in this land, with their worthy deeds and great hospitality. Declaring the cause why it is called the gentle craft: and also how the proverbe first grew; a shoemakers sonne is a prince borne. T.D.

The pleasant Historie of S. HVGH ; and first of all his most constant loue to the faire Virgin WINIFRED .

COnquering and most imperious Loue , hauing seized on the heart of young sir Hugh , all his wits were set on worke , how for to compasse the loue of the faire Uirgin Winifred , whose disdaine was the chiefe cause of his care hauing , receiued many infinite sorrowes for her sake : but as a streame of water being stopt , ouerfloweth the banke ; so smothered desire doth burst out into a great flame of fire , which made this malecontented Louer to séeke some meanes to appease the stri●e of his contentious thoughts , wherevpon he began to incourage himselfe : Tush Hugh , let not a few froward words of a woman dismay thée , for they loue to be intreated , and delight to bee wooed , though they would make the world beléeue otherwise ; for their denyals procéed more of nicenesse then niggardlinesse , refusing that they would feignest haue . What if sometimes Winifred frowne on thée ? yet her fauours may excéed her frowardnesse . The Sunne is sometimes ouercast with clouds , so that his brightnesse is not séene . In warres the ●orer the fight is , the greater is the glory of the victorie ; and the harder a woman is to be wonne , the swéeter is her loue when it is obtained : wherefore I le once againe try my fortune , and see what successe my sute shall find . On this resolution sir Hugh returned to Winifred , gréeting her thus : Now faire Lady , hauing slept away the remembrance of your sharpe answers ; I come againe in a new concest , to reviue an old sute , and to sée if the change of the ●ay will yée da change of dolours . Truly Sir Hugh ( quoth she ) if with the change of the day you haue changed your opinion : your dolour will bée driuen away well enough : but as touching your sute it shall be n●●dlesse to repeate it because I am not willing to preferre it .

Stay there ( quoth s●● Hugh ) I will preferre it , so that you will accept it . Now quoth she , I will accept it , if you will preferre it ; in sending it backe to the place from whence it procéeded , and I would to God I could send you away as soone as your sute . Why then belike I am not welcome , said sir Hugh . Yes quoth she , as welcome to me , as a storme to a distressed Mariner : I muse greatly that reason will not rule you , nor words win you from your wilfulnesse : if you were as weary to wooe as I am wearie to heare you , I am perswaded that long since you would haue ceased your vaine sute . You thinke by these perswasions to turne my opinion , but as well you may thinke that you may quench fire with oyle : therefore I pray you good sir Hugh , be not so tedious vnto me , nor troublesome to your selfe .

Come , come , quoth he , all this will not serue your turue , ponder with thy selfe Winifred that thou art faire , O that thou wert as fauorable ; thy beauty hath bound me to be thy seruant , and neuer to cease till I sée another obtaine thée , or my selfe be possessed of my hearts content . Thou art a Kings daughter , and I a princes sonne , staine not the glory of true Nobility with the foule sin of obstinacie , but be thou as kind , as thou art courtly , and gentle as thou art noble , & then shall our strife soone end .

Winifred perceiuing that the farther off she was to grant loue , the more eager he was to desire it , shifted him off thus : Sir although your ouerhastinesse driue me into the greater doubtfulnesse , yet let me intreat you , if you loue me , to giue me one moneth respite to consider on this matter , and it may be that vpon my better deliberation it shall be pleasing vnto you , and not at all discontent me .

Faire loue , quoth he , farre be it from my heart to denie so kind a request ; I am content to stay a moneth from thy sight , were it two or thrée , vpon condition that thou wouldest then grant mée thy good will : thrée moneths , although it bee very long , yet it will come at last , and could be content for that time to bee dead for thy sake , in somuch that my life might be renewed by thy loue .

Nay ( quoth Winifred ) stay thrée moneths and stay for euer : by this a Maid may see how readie men are vpon a light occasion to take long daies , whose loues are like a Ferne bush , soone set one fire , and soone consumed , and séeing it is so , in faith sir Hugh I doe meane to try you better before I trust you .

Pardon me faire Winifred , said sir Hugh , if my tongue doe outslip my wit : in truth I speake but to please thée , though to displease my selfe : but I pray thée , let it not be thrée houres , nor thrée quarters of an houre , if thou wilt .

Nay , nay ( quoth she ) your first word shall stand : after thrée months come to me againe , and then you shall know my minde to the full , and so good sir Hugh be gone : but if I doe euer heare from thée , or sée thée betwixt this time and the time prefixed , I will for euer hereafter blot thy name out of my booke of Remembrances , and neuer yeild thée that courtisie which thou at this time so earnestly intreatest for .

Sir Hugh vpon these words departed betwixt hope and dread , much like to a man committing a trespasse , that stayed for the sentence of life or death .

O vnhappy man , quoth he , how hath my ouer slippery tongue lengthened the time of my sorrow : she of her selfe most courteously requested of me but one months stay , and I most willingly & vndiscréetly added there to eight wéekes more of misery : much like the Hind , that hauing a knife giuen him to paire his nailes , did there with murder himselfe .

Now I could wish that the Sunne had Eagles wings , swiftly to fly through the faire ●●rmament , and finish sixe daies in one dayes time : With that he began to count the dayes and houres that were in thrée months , falling ( in a manner ) to despaire with himselfe when he found them so many in number : and therewithall melancholily and sadly he went to his fathers house , where his brother Griffith found by his counttenance the perfect map of a pensiue louer : whervpon he said vnto him .

Why how now brother ? hath Winifreds faire beauty so greatly wounded you , as you cannot speake a merry word to your freinds , but sit in a corner , as if you were tonguelesse like a Stocke : tush brother , women are like shadowes , for the more a man followes then the faster mey run away : but let a man turne his course , and then they will presently follow him . What man ? plucke vp a good heart : for there are more women now , then liued in the time of our old father Adam .

O , said Hugh , were there ten thousand times more then there are now , what were that to me , if Winifred he vnkinde ? yet is she the oile that still maintaines she lampe of my light , and without her there is nothing comfortable to my sight .

Then ( replied Griffith ) you are as much troubled in loue , as a Goat in an ague , and as blind as a Flie in October , that will stand still while a man cuts off his head . Come , goe a hunting with me , that will driue away your ouer●ond conceits , and you shall sée that these thrée months wil come vpon you as a quarter day vpon a poore man that hath neuer a pennie ready towards the payment of his rent .

CHAP. II.

How beautifull Winifred being ouermuch superstitious , forsooke her fathers wealth and liued poorely by a springing fountaine , from whence no man could get her to goe ; which Spring to this day is called Winifreds ▪ Well .

WInifred , who had but of late yéeres with her owne father receiued the Christian Faith , became so superstitious , that she thought the wealth of the world for euer would haue béene an heauie burthen for hersoule , and haue drawne her mind from the loue of her Maker , wherfore forsaking al manner of earthly pomp she liued along time very poorely , hard by the side of a most pleasant springing well : from which place neither her freinds by ●ntreaty , nor her fees by violence could bring her : which sir Hugh hearing , he went thither immediately after vnto her , which was the time limited by them both , & finding her mind altogether altered , hee wondred not a little what shee meant . And when he aproached neare vnto the place where she safe , all s●●ed in simple attire , he sa●●●ed her with these words .

All health to faire Winifred : I trust ( my deare ) that now the Deffin●es haue yéelded a conuenient oporunity for me to finish my long begun sute , with the end of my former sorrowes . Long and tedious hath the winter of my woes béene , which with nipping care hath blasted the beautie of my youthful delight , which is like neuer againe to flourish , except the bright Sun-shine of thy fauour doe renew the same : therefore ( faire loue ) remember thy promise made vnto me , and put me no more off with vnpleasing delaies .

Shee ( which all this while safe solemnly reading in her booke ) lent little eare vnto his words ; which he perceiuing , pluckt her by the arme saying : Wherefore answereth not my faire Loue , to her dearest perplexed friend ?

What would you haue , quoth she ▪ can I neuer be quiet for you ? is there no corner of content in this world to be ●ound ?

Yes Winifred , said he , content dwe●ls here or no where , content me and ● will content thée . If my content may be thy content then read this booke , and there rests content , said Winifred ; and if thou refuse this , then thinke not to find content on earth .

Sir Hugh replied , What , is this all the reward I shall haue for obeying your heart-cutting commandement Haue I thus long hoped , and find no better ha● ? You wot well that it is now thrée long monthes since these eyes tooke comfort of thy beauty , and since that time that my bléeding heart hath receiued ioy in thy great gentlenesse .

I haue forgot you quite , said she , what thrée moneths is that you speak of ? for my part I assure you , that it is as farre out of my mind , as you are from the mount of Calvary .

Faire Winifred ( quoth he ) haue you forgotten me , and there withall my loue which was so effectually grounded opon your good liking ? you told me , that now I should receiue an answer to my content .

O Sir ( quoth she ) you haue stayed ouerlong , and your words are in my hearing , as vnprofitable as snow in haruest : my loue is fled to heauen , from whence no earthly man can fetch it , and therefore build not in vaine hope , nor doe thou deceiue thy selfe by following an vnprofitable snite : if euer I loue earthly man , it shall be thee , insomuch as thou hast deserued an earthly Ladies loue ; but my loue is setled for euer , both in this world , and in the world to come : and this I most earnestly intre●t ●hee to take for a finall answer .

With that Sir Hugh turning his head aside , wept most bitterly , and in going away , he glanced his eye still backe againe after his loue , saying to himselfe : O vnconstant women , wauering and vncertaine , how many sorrowes are fond men drawne into by your wily inticements ? Who are also swallowed vp in the gaping gulfe of care , while they listen after the heart-liking sound of your inchanting voices . O Winifred , full little did I thinke that so hard a heart could haue béen shrouded vnder so swéet and louing a countenance : but seeing that my good will is thus vnkindly requited , I will altogether abhorre the sight of women , and I will séeke the world throughout , but I will find out some blessed plot , where no kind of such corrrupt cattell doe br●ed .

Hereupon all in a hot hasty humour he made preparation for to go beyond the Seas , suting himselfe after the nature of a melancholly man ; and arriuing in France , he tooke his iourney towards Paris , which city ( at that time ) was well replenished with many goodly faire women , as will as Brittaine , though to his thinking nothing so louely , but neuerthelesse what they wanted in beauty , they had in brauery : which when sir Hugh saw , he suddenly departed from that place , counting it the most pernicious place in the whole Country ; and from thence hée went into Italy , where he found such ●●ately Dames , & louely Ladies , whom Nature had adorned with all perfection of outward beauty , whose sight put him againe in remembrance of his faire Loue , which like fresh fuell newly augmented the flame of his burning desire : O ( sal● he ) how vnhappy am I to be haunted by these heart-formenting f●en●s , bewitching the eyes of simple men with Angel ▪ like faces , & like enchanting circes , bring them to a Labyrinth of continuall woes .

O Winifred ▪ thy pée●●●nesse hath bred my dangers , & done thy selfe no good at all Thou sittest wéeping by a Christall streame , where is no need of water , while I wander vp & downe , séeking to forget thee , thou neuer remembrest me ; hauing drawne the fountaine of mine eyes dry through thy discour●eous disdaine . Might I neuer sée any of thy sexe , my heart would be more at quiet , but euery place where I come puts me in mind of thy perfections , & therewithall renewes my paine : but I will from hence as soon as possible I can , though not so soon as I would for feare le●● these swéet serpents should sting me to death with delight .

Hereupon he passed on so farre , that at length he came to a City sti●●ted in the Sea , and compassed with she wilde Ocean . Here ( quoth sir Hugh ) is a fit place for melancholy men ; where it is supposed no women doe line , insomuch that their delicate bodies cannot abide the sa●t fauor of the mounting waues : if it be so , there will I make my residence , counting it the most blessed place vnder heauen . But he was no sooner set on land , but he beheld whole troopes of louely Ladies , passing vp and downe in most sumptuous attire , framing their gestures answerable to their beauties and comely personages .

Nay now I sée ( quoth sir Hugh ) that the whole world is infected with these deceiuing Syrens , & therefore in vaine●st is for me to séeke for that I shall neuer find ; and therewithall sought for some house wherein he might hide himselfe from them . But by that time he was set to supper , dames a ●rue of courtlike dames richly attired , and with wanton eyes and pleasant spéech they boldly sate downe by him ; and perceiuing him to be a stranger , they were not strange to allure him to their delight : Wherefore while hesateat meate , they yéelded him such mirth as their best skill could affoord ; and stretching their nimble fingers , playing on their swéet sounding instruments , they sung this ensuing song , with such cleare and quauering voices , as had béen sufficient to allure chasthearte● Xenocrates vnto folly : and still as they did sing , sir Hugh answered in the last liue , insomuch as it séemed to be a dialogue betwéen them ; and in this manner following the women began their song .

The Curtizans song of Uenice . Ladies . WElcome to Uenice , gentle courteous Knight , Cast off fond care , and entertaine content . If any here be gracious in thy sight , Doe but request and she shall soone consent : Loues wings are swift , then be not thou so slow , Hugh .

Oh that faire Winifred would once say so .

Ladies . With in my lap lye downe thy comely head , And let me stroke those golden locks of thine , Looke on the teares that for thy sake I shed , And be thou Lord of any thing is mine , One gentle looke vpon thy loue bestow . Hugh .

Oh that faire Winifred would once say so .

Ladies . Embrace with ioy thy Lady in thine armes , And with all pleasures passe to thy delight : If thou doest thinke the light will worke our harmes , Come , come to bed , and welcome all the night , There shalt thou find , what louers ought to know . Hugh .

Oh that faire Winifred would once say so .

Ladies . Giue me those pearles as pledges of thy loue , Add with those pearles the fauour of thy heart : Doe not from me thy ●ugred breath remoue , That double comfort giues to euery part . Nay stay sir Knight , from hence thou shalt not goe . Hugh .

Oh that faire Winifred would once say so .

When sir Hugh had heard this Song , and therewithall noted their wanton gestures , he began to grow suspitious of their profers , & thinking in himselfe , that either they thought his destruction , as the Sirens did to Ulysses ; or that they intended to make a prey of his purse , as Lais did of h●riouers : and therefore supposing some adder to lie lurking vnder the fairest ●wres of their proffered pleasures , he determined the next morning after ( with spéed ) to depart from the City . So when he had with good discretion auoided their company , while hee lay ●ormented with restlesse thoughts on his stil tossed bed , began thus to meditate .

Now I well sée mine own vanity , that is as ill pleased with womens fauours as their frownes ; how often haue I with heart sighing sorrow complained of womens vnkindnesse , making large inuectiues against their discourtesies ? and yet here where I find women as kind as they are faire , & courteous as they are comely , I run into a world of doubts , & so suspitious of their faire profers , as I was earnest to win Winifreds fauour : it may be ( quoth he ) that it is the nature of this gentle soyle to bréed as kind creatures , as the Country of Brittaine bréeds c●y dames .

Undoubtedly , had my loue first taken life in this kind and curteous Climate , shée would haue béene as kind as they . If I mis-iudge not of their gentlenesse , because I haue alwayes béen inured to scornfulnesse ; me thinkes they are too faire to be harlots , and too bold to bee honest , but as they haue no cause to hate me that neuer hurt them , so haue they little cause to loue me , being a far stranger borne , to them a man altogether vnknowne .

But it may be that this time of the yeare is onely vnfortunate for loners ; as it is certainly known to al men that euery season of the yeare br●●ds a sundry commodity , for Roses flourish in Iune , & Gilliflowers in August , and neither of them both doe so in the cold winter . Such as seeke for fruit on the saplesse trées in the month of Ianuary , lose their labors as well as their longing : then why should I couet to gather fruits of loue , when I sée that loue is not yet ripe ? Now let me obserue the season that yéelds the swéetest comfort to loue sicke persons , and so I may reape the ioyfull fruits of hearts content : I will therefore returne to my former loue , hoping now to find her as freindly , as at my departure she was froward ; I will once againe intreat her , and speake her excéeding faire ; for with many drops the hardest stone is pierced , so also with many importunate intreaties a ●●inty hart may be moued to some remorse . I take no pleasure at al in any place , but only in her presence with the which she continually graceth a running streame ; farre be it from her mind , to kisse her owne shadow in the chryst all spring , & to be in loue with her own similitude , for so she might be spoiled as Narcissus was : for it is commonly séene , that sudden danger followes fond opinions : so with this and the like thoughts he dro●e out the night , till the Suns bright eye began to péepe at his chamber window , at what time dressing himself he went to the water side , where he found a ship ready to transport rich merchandise into the Westerne Ilands in the which ●ir Hugh became a passenger . But when they were put off to sea , there arose so sudden a storme , and of long continuance , that no man looked for life but expected euery moment present death , so that the Mariners quite forsooke the tackle , and the Master the helme , committing themselues to God , and their ship to the mercy of the swelling ●eas , by whose ●urious waues they were somtime tossed vp towards heauen , anon throwne downe to the deepe of hell : in which extremity sir Hugh made this lamentation : O vnhappy man , how eagerly doth mischance pursue me at my h●●les for betwixt my loue on the land , and danger of life 〈◊〉 the sea , it hath made me the wretchedst man breathing on earth .

Here we may sée that miseries haue power ouer men , and not men ouer miseries . Now must I die farre from my friends , and be drenthed in the déepe , where my body must feed the fishes that swim in the rich bottome of the Sea . Therefore faire Winifred , the chiefe ground of my grie●es , here will I sacrifice my last teares vnto thee , and powre forth my complaints .

Oh how happy should I count my selfe , if those fishes which shall liue on my bodies food , might be meate for my Loue ! it grieueth mée much to thinke that my poore bléeding heart , wherein thy picture is ingrauen , should be rent in péeces in such greedy sort ; but thrice accursed be that fish , that first setteth his nimble f●●th thereon , except hée swimme there with vnto my Loue , and so deliuer it as a present token from me .

Had my troubled starres allotted me to leaue my life in the pleasant valley of Sichnant , then no doubt but my Loue with her faire hands would haue closed vp my dying eyes , and perhaps would haue rung a peale of sorrowfull sighes for my sake .

By this time was the weather ▪ beaten Barke driuen vpon the shore of Sicilie , where the men had safety of their liues , although with losse of their ships , and spoyle of their goods : but they had no sooner shaken off their dropping wet garments on the shore , but that they were assaulted by a sort of monstrous men that had but one eye a piece , and that placed in the midst of their foreheads , with whom the tempest heaten souldiers had a fierce fight , in which many of them were slaine , and diuers of them fled away to saue themselues ; so that in the end sir Hugh was left alone to Fortune in a double Fray : and hauing at last quite ouercome all his aduersaries , he went his way , and so passing vp the country in darke night , in the end he lost his way , and was so farre entred into the darke wildernesse , that hee could not deuise with himselfe which way ha should take to get out , where he was so cruelly affrighted with the dreadfull cry of fierce Lyons , Beares , and wilde Bulls , and many thousand more of other dangerous & cruell rauenous beasts , which with gréedy mouthes ranged all about for their prey : in which distresse , sir Hugh got him vp to the top of a trée , and being there , brake out into this passion .

O Lord ( quoth he ) hast thou preserued me from the great perill and danger of the Sea , & deliuered me out of the cruell hands of monstrous men , and now suffer me to be deuoured of wild beasts ? Alas , that my soule sins should bring so many sundry sorrowes on my head .

But for all this may I thanke vnkind Winifred , whose disdaine hath wrought my destruction . Woe worth the time that euer my eyes beheld her be witching beauty . But hereby we may sée that the path is smooth that leadeth to danger . But why blame I the blamelesse Lady ? Alas , full little did she know of my desperate courses in trauell . But such is the fury that hants franticke Louers , that neuer feare danger vntill it fall , and light vpon their owne heads .

But by that time that the day began to appeare he perceiued an huge Elephant with stiffe ioynts stalking towards him , and presently after came a f●ery tongue Dragon , which suddenly assaulted the peacefull Elephant , in whose subtile encounter the wrathfull Dragon with his long wringing taile did so shackle the hinder féet of the Elephant together , that like a prisoner fast fettered in irons , he could not stirre a ●oot for his life ; what time the furious Dragon neuer left till hée had thrust his stender head into the Elephants long h●ked nose , out of which he neuer once drew it , vntill by sucking the Elephants blood , he had made him so féeble and so weake , that he could stand no longer vpon his féet ; at which time the fainting Elephant with a grieuous cry , fell downe dead vpon the Dragon : so with the fall of his weighty body , burst the Dragon in péeces , and so killed him ; whereby their bloods being mingled together , it stained all the ground where they both lay , changing the gréene grasse into a rich scarlet colour .

This strange sight betwixt these two beasts , caused good sir Hugh to iudge that nature had planted bewixt them a deadly hatred , the fire whereof could not be quenched , but by shedding of both their hearts blood . Now when sir Hugh saw that grim Death had ended their quarrell , and perceiuing no danger néere , he came downe from the tree , and sought to find out some inhabited towne , but being intangled in the woods , like the Centaure in his Labyri●th , he could by no meanes get out , but wandred in vnknowne passages , leading him to many perils .

At last another Elephant met him , who according to his kinde nature neuer left him till he had conducted him out of all danger , and brought him out of the Wildernesse into the way againe ; whereby sir Hugh at the length came in sight of a Port-towne , where in foure dayes after hee imbarked himselfe in a ship bound for Brittaine , and at last obtained the sight of his natiue Country , where hée arriued in safety , though in very poore sort , comming on shoare at a place called Harwich , where for want of money he greatly lamented , and made much ●●oane . But méeting with a merry Iourney-man Shoomaker dwelling in that towne , and after some conference had together , they both agreed to trauell in the Country , where we will leaue them , and speake of Winifred , and of her great troubles and calamities .

CHAP. II.

How faire Winifred was imprisoned , and condemned to dye for her Religion : and how sir Hugh became a Shoomaker , and afterward came to suffer death with his Love : shewing also how the Shoomakers tooles came to be called Saint Hughes bones , and the trade of Shoomaking , The Gentle Craft .

A Non after that the Doctrine of Christ was made knowne in Brittaine , and that the worship of heathen Idols was forbidden , yet many troubles did the Christians endure by diuers the outragious blood-shirstinesse of woluish Tyrants , that by the way of inua●ion set f●●ting in this Land , as it fell out in the dayes of Dioclesian , that with bloudy mindes persecuted such as would not yéeld to the Pagan law : amongst which the Uirgin Winifred was one , who for that shée continued constant in faith , was long imprisoned . During which time Sir Hugh wrought in a Shoomakers shop , hauing learned that trade through the coueteous directions of a kind Iourney-man , where he remained the space of one whole yeere , in which time h●● had gotten himselfe good appatell , and euery thing comely and decent . Not withstanding though hée were now contented to forget his birth , yet could hée not forget the beauty of his Loue , who although she had vtterly forsaken him , yet could he not alter his affection from her , because indéed affections alter not like a palefaced coward . The wildest Bull ( quoth he ) is tamed being tied to a F●g-trée ; and the ●oyest Dame ( in time ) may yéeld like the stone Charchaedo●●s , which sparkles like fire , and yet m●lts at the touch of soft war . Though Roses haue prickles , yet they are gathered ; and though women séeme froward , yet will they shew themselues kinde and friendly . Neither is there any ware so hard , but by often tempering , is made apt to receiue an impression : Admit she hath heretofore b● n● cruell , yet now may she be courteous . A true hearted Louer forgets all trespasses , and a smile cureth the wounding of a frowne Thus after the manner of ●ond Louers he flattered himselfe in his owne folly● , and in the praise of his faire Lady , hée sung this pleasant Ditty her● following .

THe pride of Brittaine is my hearts delight , My Lady liues , my true loue to requite : And in her life I liue that else were dead , Like withered Leanes in time of winter shead . She is the ioy and comfort of my mind She is the Sunne that clearest sight doth blind ; The fairest flower that in the world doth grow , Whose whitenes doth surpasse the driuen snow . Her gentle words more sweete then hony are , Her eyes for clearnes dimmes the brightest star . O were her heart so kind as she is faire , No lady might with my true love compare . A thousand greifes for her I haue sustained , While her proud thoughts my humble sute disdained , And though she would my hart with torments kill , Yet would I honour , serue , and loue her still . Blest be the place where she doth like to live : Blest be the light that doth her comfort give : And blessed be all creatures farre and neare , That yeeld reliefe unto my Lady deare . Neuer may sorrow enter where she is , Neuer may she contented comfort misse , Neuer may she my proffered loue for sake , But my good will in thankfull sort to take .

Thus feeding his fancy with the swéet remembrance of her beauty , being neuer satisfied with thinking , and speaking in her praise , at length he resolued himselfe to goe into Flint-shire , where he might sollicite his suite anew agains : but comming néere to the place of her residence ; and hearing report of her troubles , he so highly commended her faith and constancy , that at length he was clapt vp in prison by her , and in the end he was condemned to receiue equall torment , for a triall of his owne truth .

But during the time that they lay both in prison , the Iourney ▪ men Shoomakers neuer left him , but yéelded him great reliefe continually , so that hee wanted nothing that was necessary for him ; in requitall of which kindnesse he called them Gentlemen of the Gentle Craft a●● a few dayes before his death , he made this Song in their d●e commendations .

OF Craft and Crafts-men more and lesse , The Gentle Craft I must commend : Whose deeds declare their faithfulnesse , And hearty loue unto their freind : The Gentle Craft in midst of strife , Yeelds comfort to a carefull life . A Prince by Birth I am indeed , The which for Love forsooke this Land : And when I was in extreme need , I tooke the Gentle Craft in hand , And by the Gentle Craft alone , Long time I liu'd , being still unknowne , Spending my dayes in sweet content , With many a pleasant sugred Song : Sitting in pleasures complement , Whilst we recorded Louers wrong : And while the Gentle Craft we us'd , True Love by vs was not abus'd . Our shooes we sowed with merry notes , And by our mirth expell'd all mone : Like Nightingales , from whose sweet throats . Most pleasant tunes are nightly blowne ; The Gentle Craft is fittest then , For poore distressed Gentlemen ▪ Their minds doe mount in courtesie , And they disdaine a niggards feast : Their bodies are for Chivalrie , All cowardnesse they doe detest . For Sword and Sheild , for Bow and Shaft , No man can staine the Gentle Craft . Yea sundry Princes sore distrest , Shall seeke for succour by this Trade : Whereby their greifes shall be redrest , Of foes they shall not be afraid . And many men of fame likewise , Shall from the Gentle Craft arise . If we want money ouer night , Ere next day noone , God will it send , Thus may we keepe our selves upright , And be no churle vnto our freind : Thus doe we live where pleasure springs , In our conceit like petty Kings . Our hearts with care we may not kill , Mans life surpasseth worldly wealth , Content surpasseth riches still , And fie one knaves that live by stealth : This Trade therefore both great and small , The Gentle Craft shall ever call .

When the Iourney-men Shoomakers had heard this Song , and the faire Title that Sir Hugh had giuen their Trade , they ingraued the same so déepely in their minds , that to this day it could neuer be razed out : like a remembrance in a ●arbiest●ne which continueth time out of mind .

But not long after came that dolefull day , wherein these two Louers must loose their liues , who like two méeke Lambes were led to the slaughter : the bloody performance thereof was to bée done hard by that faire Fountaine , where the Loue despising Lady made her most abode : and because she was a Kings daughter , the bloody Tyrant gaue her the priuiledge to chuse her owne death : to the which she passed with as good a countenance , as if she had béen a faire yong Bride prepared for marriage .

( viz. ) When they were come to the place of execution , and mounted vpon the S●affo●d , they séemed for beauty like two bright Stars , Castor and Pollux , there they e●braced each other with such chaste desires , as all those that beheld them , admired to see how stedfast and ●●rme both these Louers were , ready in hearts and minds to heauen it selfe .

At what time the Lady turned herselfe to Sir Hugh , and spake to this effect : Now doe I find thee a perfect Louer indéed , that hauing setled thy affection aboue the Skies , art ready to yéeld thy life for thy Loue , who in requitall thereof , will giue thee life for euer .

The Loue of earthly creatures is mixed with many miseries , and interlaced with sundry sorrowes ; and here griefe shall abate the pleasures of Loue , but ●e well assured that ●●y shall follow the same .

Thou didst wooe me for loue , and now haue I wonne thee to loue ▪ where setling both our loues vpon God his loue , we will loue one another ; and in token of that heauenly loue receiue of mée I pray thee a chaste and louing kisse from my dying lips .

Faire Winifred ( quoth he ) it is true indéed ; I neuer loued truly , vntill thou tàughtest me to loue , for then my loue was full of discontent : but now altogether pleasing , and more swéet is the thought thereof than any tongue can expresse .

The thing that I euer before called Loue , was but a shadow of loue , a swéetnesse tempered with gall , a dying life , and a liuing death , where the heart was continually tossed vpon the Seas of tempestuous sorrowes , and wherein the minde had no calme quietnesse : and therefore blessed be the time that I euer learned this Loue . With that hée was interrupted by the Tyrant , who sayd , You are not come ●●therto talke , but to dye ; and I haue sworne you both shall dye at this instant . Thou Tyrant ( sayd Sir Hugh ) the very like sentence is pronounced against thy selfe ; for Nature hath doomed that thou sh●lt die likewise , and albeit the execution thereof be something deferred , yet at length it will come , and that shortly , for neuer did Tyrant carry gray haires to the graue .

The young Lady desired first to dye , saying to Sir Hugh , Come deare friend and learne magnanimity of a Maid : now shalt thou sée a silly woman scorne death at his téeth , and make as small account of his cruelty , as the Tyrant doth of our liues , and there withall script vp her silken sléeues , and committed her slablaster armes into the executioners foule hands , hauing made choice to dye in bléeding : at what time being prickee in euery veine , the scarlet blood sprung out in plentifull sort , much like a precious fountaine lately filled with Claret wine .

And while she thusbled , she said , Here doe I sacrifice my blood to him that bought mée , who by his blood washt away all my sinnes , O my swéet Sauiour , thus were thy sides pierced for my transgressions , and in this sort sprung thy precious blood from thee , and all for the loue thou barest to mankinde : I féels my heart to saint , but my soule receiueth strength , I come swéet Christ , I come . And therewithall her body ●ai●ting , and the blood failing , like a Conduit suddenly drawne dry , the young Princesse fell downe dead , at what time a pale colour ouer-spread her faire face in such comely sort , as if a heape of Roses had béen shadowed with a shéet of pure Lawne .

But it is to bee remembred , that all the while the young Prinsesse bled , her blood was receiued into certaine basons , which being in that sort saued together , the Tyrant caused to be tempered with ●oyson , and prepared it to bee the last drinke that Sir Hugh should haue , saying ; That by her loue whom he so dearely loued , hée should receiue his death . And thereupon incontinently , without any further delaying of time , hée caused a cup of that most deadly poysoned blood to bee deliuered into his hands , who with a louely and chearefull countenance receiued the same , and then vttered his minde in this manner .

O thou cruell Tyrant ( quoth hée ) what a poore spite is this to inflict vpon a dying man , that is as carelesse how he dies , as when he dies ? Easie it is for thee to glut me with blood , although with blood thou art not satisfied . Swéet blood ( quoth he ) precious & pure , how faire a colour dost thou cast before mine eyes ? Swéet I say wast thou , before such time as this ill sauoring poyson did infect thee : and yet as thou art , I nothing despise thee . O my deare Winifred , full little did I thinke , that ouer I should come to drinke of thy heart blood .

My gréedy eye that glutton-like did féede vpon thy beauty , and yet like the Sea was neuer satisfied , is now with thy gore bloud fully gorged . Now may I quench my thirstie desire with loue , that like hot burning coales set my heart in such an extreme heate , that it could not be quenched before this time ; For if faire Winifred could spare any loue from Heauen , assuredly she left it in her blood , her swéet heart blood I meane , that nourished her chaste life : sée , here is a Ca●dl● to coole my vaine affections . Farre bée it that my true Louer should euer taste the like .

But this punishment haue the iust heauens poured vpon me , for the preferring the loue of an earthly creature before the loue of an heauenly Creator ; Pardon , O Lord , the ●oule sinnes of superstitious Louers , that while they make Idols of their Ladies , they forget the honour of thy diuine Maiesty . Yet doth it doe my heart much good to thinke that I must bury swéet Winifreds blood in my body , whose loue was lodged long agoe in my heart : and there withall , drinking the first draught , he said , O Lord , me séemeth this potion hath a comfortable taste , farre doth it surpasse that Nect●r wherewith the gods were nourished .

Well ( said the Tyrant ) séeing it pleaseth thee so well , thou shalt haue more , and therewith another cup of the same blood was giuen him to drinke .

Yes come ( quoth he ) my thirst is not quenched ; for the first draught gaue me but a taste of swéetnesse , and like a longing woman , I desire the rest ; and with that he dranke the second draught . The third being deliuered him , he tooke the cup into his hand , and looking about , he sayd : Loe here , I drinke to all the kind Yeomen of the Gentle Craft .

I drinke to you all ( quoth he ) but I cannot spare you one drop to pledge me . Had I any good thing to giue , you should sóone receiue it : but my selfe the Tyrant doth take , and my flesh is bequeathed to the Fowles , so that nothing is left but onely my bones to pleasure you withall ; and those , if they will doe you any good , take them : and so I humbly take my leaue , bidding you all farewell . There with the last draught he finished his life , whose dead carkasse after hanged vp where the Fowles deuoured his flesh , and the young Princesse was contemptuously buried by the Well where she had so long liued . Then had he the title of Saint Hugh giuen him , and she of Saint Winifred , by which termes they are both so called to this day .

CHAP. IV ▪

How the Shoomakers stole away Saint Hughes bones , and made them working tooles thereof , and the vertue that they found in the same : whereby it came , that when any man saw a Shoomaker travelling with a packe at his backe : they would presently say : There goes Saint Hughes bones .

VPon a time it chanced , that a company of Iourney-men Shoomakers passed along by the place where Saint Hughes dead body was hanging , and finding the flesh pickt cleane off from the bones , they entred thus into communication among themselues .

Neuer was Saint Hugh so bare ( quoth one ) to carry neuer a whit of skin vpon his bones ; nor thou neuer so bare ( said another ) to beare neuer a penny in thy purse .

But now séeing you talke of Saint Hugh , it brings mée to remembrance of his Legacy that he gaue vs at his death : What was that said the rest ? Marry ( quoth he ) I will tell you , When the gentle Prince saw that the cruelty of the time would not suffer him to be liberall to his friends , but that his life was taken away by one , and his ●leth giuen to others , he most kindly bequeathed his bones vnto vs .

Tush ( quoth another ) that was but to shew his minde towards the Shoomakers , because he had receiued of them so many fauours : for alas , what can the dead mans bones pleasure the liuing ? No ? ( quoth another ) I can tell you there may be as great vertue found in his bones , as the braines of a Weasill , or the tongue of a Frog : Much like ( answered the rest ) but I pray thee shew vs what vertue is in those things you speake of . Quoth he , I will tell you ; The braines of a Weasill hath this power , experientia docet , that if the powder thereof being mingled with the ●unnet , wherewith women make their Chéefe , no mouse dares euer touch it : In like manner , the tongue of a water frog hath such great force in it , that if it be layd vpon the breast of any one sléeping , it will cause them tell whatsoeuer you shall demand ; for by that meanes Dicke Piper knew bée was a Cuckold . Againe , I know that those that are trauellers are not ignorant , that whosoeuer puts b●t s●r● leaues of Mugwor● in his shooes , shall uere be wearie , though he trauell thirty or forty miles on foot in a forenoone . That indéed may be true , quoth one , for by the very same hearbe my last Dame kept her Ale from so wring : and it i● said , that where houseléeke is planted , the place shall neuer be hurt with thunder . Pimper●ell is good against Witchcraft ; and because my sister Joane carried alwayes some about her , Mother Bumby could not abide her : Therefore what vertue a dead mans bones may haue , we know not till we haue tried it .

Why then sayd the third man , let vs soone at night steale Saint Hughes bones away , and albeit the Tyrant will bée displeased , yet it is no theft , for you say they were giuen vs , and therefore wee may the bolder take them , and because wée will turne them to profit , and anoyd suspition , wee will make diuers of out Tooles with them , and then if any vertue doe follow them , the better wée shall finde it .

To this motion euery one gaue his consent , so that the same night Saint Hughes bones were taken downe , and the same being brought before a sort of shoomakers , there they gaue their opinion , That it was necessary to fulfill the will of the dead , and to take those bones in as good a part , as if they were worth ten thousand pounds ; whereupon one steps out , and thus did say .

MY freinds , I pray you lift to me , And marke what S. Hughs bones shall be . FIrst a Drawer and a Dresser , two Wedges , a more & a lesser : A pretty blocke three inches high , in fashion sqared like a Die , Which shall be called by proper name , a Heele blocke , the very same . A Hand-leather and a Thumb-leather likewise , to pull out shoo-threed we must despise ; The Needle and the Thimble , shal not be left alone The Pincers and the pricking Aule and the rubbing Stone . The Aule steele and Tackes , the Sow-haires beside , The Stirrop holding fast , while we sowe the Cow-hide , The whetstone , the stopping sticke , and the Paring knife : All this doth belong , to a Journeymans life . Our Apron is the Shrine , to wrap these bones in : Thus shrowd we Saint Hugh in gentle Lambes skinne .

Now all you good Yeomen of the Gentle Craft , tell me now ( quoth he ) how like you this ?

As well ( replyed they ) as Saint George doth of his Horse , for as long as we can sée him fight with the Dragon , we will neuer part from this Posie .

And it shall bee concluded that what Iourney-men soeuer hée bée hereafter , that cannot handle the Sword and Buckler , his Long Sword , or a Quarter staffe , sound the Trumpet , or play vpon the Flute and beare his part in a thrée mans Song : and readily reckon vp his tooles in Rime ; except he haue borne Colours in the field , being a Lieutenant , a Sergeant or Corporall , shall forfeit ▪ and p●● a pott●es● wine , or be counted for a colt : to which they answered all viva voc● Content , content , and then after many merry Songs , they departed And neuer after did they trauell without these fooles on their ●●ckes : which euer since were called Saint Hughes bones .

CHAP. V.

How Crispianus and his brother Crispine , the two sons of the King of Logria , through the cruelty of the Tyrant Maximinus , were faine in disguised manner to secke for their lives safety , and how they were entertained by a Shoomaker in Feversha●● .

When the Roman Maximinus sought in cruel sort , to berea●e this Land of all her noble youth or youth of noble blood , The vertuous Quéene of Logria ( which now is called Kent ) dwelling in the Citie Durovernum , aliàs Canterbury , or the Court of Kentishmen , hauing at that time two young Sons , sought all the meanes she could possible to kéepe them out of the Tyrants clawe● ; and in this manner she spake vnto them .

My deare and beloued sonnes , the ioy and comfort of my age , you sée the danger of these times and the stormes of a Tyrants raigne , who hauing now gathered together the most part of the young Nobility , to make them slaues in a forraigne Land , that are frée borne in their owne Country , séeketh for you also , thereby to make a cleare riddance of all our borne Princes , to the end he might plant strangers in their stead . Therefore ( my swéet sons ) take the counsell of your mother , and séeke in time to preuent ensuing danger , which will come vpon vs suddenly as a storme at sea , and as cruelly as a Tyger in the wildernesse : therfore suiting your selues in honest habites , séeke some poore seruice to sheild you from mischance , séeing necessity hath priuiledged those places from Tyranny , And so ( my sons ) the gracious Heauens may one day raiss you to deserued dignity and honour .

The young Lads seeing their mother so earnest to haue them gone , fulfilled her commandement , and casting of● their attire , put homelie garments on . and with many bitter teares , took leaue of the Quéene their mother , desiring her before they went , to bestow her blessing vpon them .

O my son● ( quoth she ) stand you now vpon your ceremonies ? had I leasure to giue you one kisse , it were somthing ; The Lord blesse you , get you gone , away , away , make hast I say , let not swift time o●er●●ip you , for the Tyrant is hard by : with that shee pushed them out of a backe doore , and then set herselfe downe to wéepe .

The two young Princes , which like pretty lambes went straying they knew not whether , at length by good fortune , came to Feversham . where before the dayes péepe , they heard certaine Shoomakers singing , being as pleasant as their notes , as they sa●e at their businesse , and this was their Song :

WOuld God that it were Holiday , hey dery downe downe dery : That with my love I might goe play , with woe my heart is weary : My whole delight is in her sight , would God I had her company , her company , Hey dery downe , downe a downe . My Love is fine , my Love is faire , Hey dery downe , downe dory : No maid with her may well compare , in Kent or Canterbury ; From me my Love shall never move , would God I had her company , her company , Hey dery downe , downe a downe . To see her laugh , to see her smile , hey dery downe , downe dery : Doth all my sorrowes cleane beguile , and make my heart full merry ; No griefe doth grow where she doth goe , would God I had her company , &c. Hey dery downe , downe a downe . When I doe meet her on the greene , hey dery downe , downe dery : Me thinkes she lookes like beauties Queene , which makes my heart full merry ; Then I her greet with kisses sweet , would God I had her company , &c. Hey dery downe , downe a downe . My love comes not of churlish kinde , hey dery downe downe dery ; But beares a gentle courteous minde , Which makes my heart full merry , She is not ●oy , she is my joy , would God I had her company , &c. Hey dery downe downe adowne . Till Sunday come , farewell my deare , hey dery downe downe dery . When we doe meet , wee le have good cheare , and then I will be merry : If thou love me , I will love thee , and still delight thy company , thy company , Hey dery downe downe adowne .

The young Princes perceiuing such mirth to remaine in so homely it cottage , iudged by their pleasant Notes , that their hearts were not cloyed with ouer many cares , and therfore wished it might be their good ●ap to be harboured in a place of such great content .

But standing a long time in doth● what to doe , like two distressed strangers , combating twixt hope and feare ; at length taking courage , Crispianus knocked at the doore : What knaue knockes there ( quoth the Iourney man ) and by and by , downe he ●akes his quar●er staffe and opens the doore , ●being as ready to strike as ●o●ake , saying : What lacke you ? To whom Crispianus made this answer : Good sir , pardon our holdnesse , and measure not our truth by our rudenesse ; we are two poore boyes that want seruice , stript from our friends by the fury of these warres , and therefore are wée enforced succourlesse to craue ●eruite in any place . What haue you no friends or acquaintance in these parts to goe to ( said the Shoomakers ) by whose meanes you might got preferment ? Alas sir ( sayd Crispianus ) necessity is despised of euery one , and misery is trodden downe of many ; but seldome or neuer relieued : yet notwithstanding , if our hope did not yéeld vs some comfort of 〈◊〉 happe , wée should grow desperate through distresse . That were ●●at pitty ( said the Shoomaker ) be content for as our Dame often ●els our Master . A patient man is better than a strong man . Stay a while and I will call our Dame to the doore , and then you shall heare what ●hée will say . With that he went in , and forth came his Dame , who be holding the sayd youths , sayd : Now alas , poore boyes , how comes it to passe that you are out of seruice ? What , would you be Shoomakers , and bearne the Gentle Craft ? Yes forsooth ( said they ) with all our hearts . Now by my ●roth ( quoth she ) you doe looke with honest true faces . I will entreat my husband for you , for wée would gladly haue good boyes ; and if you will be iust and true , and serue God , no doubt you may doe well enough : Come in my lads , come in . Crispianus and his brother , with great reuerence gaue her thankes ; and by that time they had stayed a little while , downe came the good man , and his wife hard by his héeles , saying : Sée husband , these bée the youths I told you of , no doubt but in time they will be good men .

Her husband looking wishtly vpon them , and conceiuing a good opinion of their fauours , at length agréed that they should dwell with him , so that they would be bound for seuen yéeres . The youths being contented , the bargaine was soone ended , and so set to their businesse ; where at they were no sooner setled , but that great search was made for them in all places ; and albeit the officers came to the house where they dwelt , by the reason of their disguise they knew them not : hauing also taken vpon them borrowed names of Crispianus and Crispine . Within a few dayes after , the Quéene their mother was by the Tyrant taken , and for that she would not confesse where her Sonnes were , shee was layd in prison in Colchester Castle : whereunto shee went with as chearefull a countenance , as Cateratus did , when hée was led captine to Rome : and comming by the place where her son tes sate at worke , with a quicke eye she had seene espied them , and looke how a dying coale reu●ues in the wind , e●en so at this sight she became suddenly red : but making signes that they should hold their tongues , she was led along : whom seuen yéeres after her Sons did neuer sée . But as men stand amazed at the sight of Apparitions in the aire , as ignorant what successe shall follow , euen so were these two Princes agast to sée their owne mother thus led away , not knowing what danger would ensue thereof .

Notwithstanding , they thought good to kéepe their seruice as their liues surest refuge : at what time they both bent their whole mindes to please their Master and Dame , refusing nothing that was put to them to doe , were it so wash dishes , scoure Bettles , or any other thing , whereby they thought their Dames fauour might bée gotten , which made her the readier to giue them a good report to their Master , and to doe them many other seruices , which otherwise they should haue missed ; following therein the admon●tion of an old Iourney-man , who would alwayes say to the Apprentices :

Howsoever things doe frame , Please well thy Master , But chiefly thy Dame .

Now by that time , these two young Princes had truely serued their Master the s●ace of foure or fiue yéeres , he was growne something wealthy , and they very cunning in their trade ; whereby the house had the n●me ●o bréed the best workemen in the Country ; which report in the end prefer'd their Master to be the Emperours Shoomaker : and by this meanes , his seruants went to Maximinus Court euery day : but Crispianus and Crispine fearing they should haue béene knowne , kept themselues from thence , as much as they could . Notwithstanding , at the last perswading themselues , that Time had worne them out of knowledge , they were willing in the end to goe thither , as well to heare tidings of the Queene their Mother , as also for to séeke their owne preferment .

CHAP. VI.

How the Emperours faire daughter Ursula , fell in love with young Crispine , comming with Shooes to the Court ; and how in the end they were secretly married by a blmd ●rier .

NOw among all the Shoomakers men that came to the Court with shooes , young Crispine was had in greatest regard with the faire Princesse , whose Mother being lately dead , shee was the onely ●oy of her Father , who alwayes sought meanes to match her with some worthy Romane , whose renowne might ring throughout the whole world .

But faire Vrsula , whose bright eyes had entangled her heart with desire of the Shoomakers fauour , despised all proffers of Loue , in re●ard of him . And yet notwithstanding shée would off checke her owne opinion , in placing her loue vpon a person of such low degr●● , thus reasoning with herselfe .

Most aptly is the god of Loue by ●unning Painters drawne blind , that ●o equally shoots forth his ●●ery shafts : for had hée eyes to sée , it were vnpossible to deale in such sort , as in matching faire Ven●rs with soule Vulcan , yoaking the Emperiall hearts of Kings to the loue of beggars ▪ as he did to Cofetua , and as now in my selfe I finde how mad a thing it would séeme to the eyes of the world , that an Em●erors daughter should delight in the fauour of a simple Shoomaker .

O Vrsula take héed what th●●●●●t , staine not thy royal●y with such indignity . O that Crispines birth were agr●●able to his person ! for in mine eye , there is no Prince in the world comparable to him : if then while he is clothed in these rags of seruitude , he appeare so excellent , what would he be , were hée in Princely attire . O Crispine , either thou art not as thou séemest , or else Nature , in disgrace of Kings , hath made tho● a Shoomaker .

In these humours would the Princesse be often , especially at Crispines approach , or at his departure : For , as soone as euer hée came within her sight with shooes , a sudden blush like a flame of lightning would strike in her face , and at his departure an earthly pale colour , ●●●e to the beames of the bright ●un obscured by coale blacke clouds . But after many weary conflicts with Fancy , shée fully resolued , at his next comming , to enter into communication with him , but ima●ining his stay from Court ouer long , on the sudden she sent pre●ently for him , finding great fault in the last shooes hée brought her . At which time Crispine most humbly on his knée greatly craued pardon for all such faults as she then had found , promising amendment in the next shooes she should haue .

Nay ( quoth she ) I le shew thee , they are too low something in the instep ; also the héele is bad , and besides that , they are too strait in the ●oes . You shall haue a pai●e made ( said he ) shall ●it you better , ●or none shall set a stitch in them but mine owne selfe . Doe , sayd the Princesse , but let me haue them to soone as thou can●● , and there with Crispine departed .

The Princesse then all solitary , got her selfe into her Chamber , entred there into consideration , and found within her selfe great trouble and sorrow , while the tongue , the hearts aduorate was not suffered to speake . At last ●he heard Crispines voyce , enquiring of the Ladies in the great Chamber for the Princesse , who answered , That hauing taken little rest the night before , shee was now layd downe to sléepe , and therefore they willed him to come againe some other time . Asléepe , replied the Princesse ! I am not a sléepe , bid him stay : what hasty huswife was that which sent him he●ce ? Call him againe quickly I would aduise you ▪ And therewith all changing melancholy into mirth , shee arose vp from out of her bed , and as a bright ●tarre shooting in the ●lemen she swiftly got her ●●●th tp méet the Shoomaker , whose faire sight was to her as great a co●for● as a Sun-shine before a sh●w●● of raine ▪ How now ( quoth shée ) ●ast thou brought me a paire of shooes ? I haue ( gracious Madam , quoth he . ) Then ( quoth the Princesse ) come thy selfe and draw them on ▪ there with shée sitting downe lifted vp ha● well proportioned l●g vpon his gentle knée . Where , by that time her shooes were dra●●ne on , she had prepared a good reward for her shoomaker , and giuing him a handfull of gold , ●he said : Thou ●ast so well pleased mée in making of these shooes , that I cannot but reward thee in some good sort , therefore shoomaker , take this , and from henceforth let no man make my shooes but thy selfe . But tell me Crispine , art thou not in loue , that thou dost sm●g vp thy selfe so finely , thou wast not wont to goe so neatly : I pray thee tell me what pretty wench is it that is mistresse of thy heart ? Truely , faire Madam ( quoth he ) If I should not loue , I might be accounted barbarous , for by natures cours● there is a mutuall loue in all things : the Doue and the Peacocke lo●e intir●l● , so doth the Turtle and the Popiniay : she like affection the fish Musculus ●eareth vnto the huge Whale , insomuch that 〈◊〉 leadeth him from all danger of stony rocks : and as among birds and fishes , so amongst plants and trées the like concord is to be found , for if the male of palme trées be planted from the female , neither of both prosper : and being set one neare another , they doe flourish accordingly , imbracing with ioy the branches one of another . And for mine owne part , I am in loue too : for first of all , I loue my Make● and next , my good Master and Dame : But as concerning the loue of pretty wenches , verily Madam , I am cleare : and the rather doe I abstaine from firing my ●ancy on women , séeing many sorrowes do follow the married sort , for a dram of delight hath a pound of paine .

That is ( answered the Princesse ) where Contention setteth the house on fire , but where true Loue remaines , there is no discontent : and what can a man more desire for this worlds comfort , but a vertuous wife , which is reported to be a treasure inestimable . Therefore Crispine , say thy minde , if I preferre thée to a wife , euery way deseruing thy loue , wouldest thou take it well .

Truely Madam , ( sayd Crispine ) if I should not accept of your good will , I should shew my selfe more vnmannerly than well nurtured : But séeing it pleaseth you to grace me with your Princely countenance , and to giue me liberty to speake my minde , this is my opinion : If I were worthy to choose a wife , then would I haue one ●aire , rich , and wise ; first , to delight m●●e eye : secondly , to supply my want : and thirdly , to gouerne my house .

Then ( said the Princesse ) her beauty I will referre vnto the ●udgement of thine owne eyes , and her wisedome vnto the triall of Time : but as concerning her portion , I ●●●e make some report , because it well deserueth to be praised : For at her marriage thou shalt haue ●●ag full of rare vertues with her . Truely Madam ( quoth Crispine ) such coynes goe not currant among Tanners : and I know , if I should goe wit● it to the Mar●et , it would buy me no soale leather . Notwithstanding , when I do● sée her , I will tell you more of my mind .

The Princesse taking him asi●e priuately , walking with him in a faire Gallery , sayd ; In looking vpon me , thou mayest ●udge of her , for she is as like me as may be . When Crispine heard her say so , hée right prudently answered : I had rather Madam she were your owne selfe , than it●e yourselfe : and although my words sauour of presumption , yet with your fauour I dare boldly pronounce it , that I hold my selfe worthy of a Quéene , if I could get her good will . And were 〈◊〉 no danger to match with your Excellency , so it should please you , it should not dislike me .

Then said the Princesse , Now Shoomaker I sée thou hast some courage in thee : and doubt thou not but if I were of that minde , but I would bée as ready to guide the● from the dangerous rockes of my Fathers wrath , as the fish called Musculus is for the Whale : But , couldest thou not be contented to dye for a Ladies loue ? no Madam , ( ●●oth he ) if I could kéepe her loue , and liue .

Then liue faire friend ( answered she ) enioy my Loue , for I will dye rather than liue without thee . Crispine hearing this , was stricken into , an ex●asie of io● , in such sort , as he wi●● not whether he were asléepe or dreamed : But by that time hée had summoned his wit● together , with ●he plighting of his faith , he o●ened his estate and high birth vnto her , shewing all the extremities that he and his brother had béen put vnto since the death of their royall Father , and of the imprisonment of the Quéene their Mother .

The which when faire Vrsula with great wonder heard , giuin● him an earnest of her loue with a sw●●t kisse : she sayd ; My deare Loue , and most gentle Prince , euer did I thinke , that more than a common man was throwded in these poore habiliments , which made me the bolder to impart my minde vnto thee , and now dread no more my Fathers wrath , for the ●●re thereof was lon● a●oe quenched .

No , no , ( quoth Crispine ) an Eagles thirst is neuer expelled , but ▪ by blood . And albeit your father haue now ( perhaps ) qualified the hea●● of his ●ury by the length of time , yet if be should vnderstand of this my loue to thee , it would cause him to take out of the ashes , hot burning coales of displeasure againe : and then might my life pay a deare price for thy loue .

Therefore ( my deare Vrsula ) I desire thee , euen by the power of that loue thou bearest to me , to kéepe secret what I haue the wet thee , nothing doubting but that in time , I may finde release of these miseries ; in the meane space wee will be secretly married , by which holy knot , wée as well in body ▪ as in heart , he vnseparately tyed together .

To this Vrsula consented most gladly , and thereupon told him that she would méet him in her Fathers Parke , at any houre he would appoint ; which she might doe the more easily , in respect she had a key to one of the garden doores , which gaue present passage into the Parke ▪ The day and houre being concluded vpon , they parted for this time ▪ both of them indued with such content , as in all their liues they neuer found the like .

And at this time there was in Canterbury a blinde Frier that in many yéeres had neuer seen the Sun , to this man did Crispine goe , thinking him the fittest Chapplaine to ●hop vp such a marriage , who méeting with him at Christ church one euening after the Antheme , broke with him after this manner .

God spéed good father : there is a certaine friend of mine that would be secretly married in the morning bet●mes ; for which purpose hée thinkes you the fittest man to performe it in all the Cleyster : and therefore , if you will be diligent to doe it , and secret to conceale it , you shall haue foure angels for your paines .

The Frier being fired with the desire of his gold , rubbing his elbow and scratching his crowne , swore by the blessed ●ooke that hung by his knée , that hée would be both willing and constant to kéepe it secret . Tush young man , you may trust mee , I haue done many of these feates in my dayes ; I know that youth are youth , but they would not haue all the world wonder at their doings : and where shall it be , sayd the Frier ? quoth Crispine , at Saint Gregories Chappell , and because you shall not make your boy acquainted therewith . I my selfe will call you in the morning . Good father be not forgetfull to obserue the time , at two of the clocke is the houre , and therefore looke you be ready when I shall call you . I warrant you ( replied the Frier : ) and because I will not ouersléepe my selfe , I will for this nightlye in my clothes , so that as soone as euer you call , I will straight be ready . Then father I will trust you ( quoth Crispine ) and so departed .

When he came to his Master , he made not many words , but so soone as he had supt on Sunday at night , he went to his Chamber , and layd him downe vpon his bed , making no creature in the house priuy to his intent , not his owne brother , his mind still running on his faire mistresse , and the happy houre that should tye them both in one : neuer was there hunger starued man that did long more for the swéet approach of wholesome food , than did Crispine for two a clocke . And so soone as the silent night had drawne all things to rest , Crispine got him vp , and to Canterbury goes he to méet his rose chéeked Lady in her fathers Parke , who also tooke hold of Times for locke , and like cleare Cynthia shaped her course to sooke out Sol in the Meridian . But so soone as her searching eye had spyed him the commended his vigilancy , saying : He well obserued his houre : O my deare ( quoth he ) rich preyes doe make true men théeues : but finding thee here so happily , I will fetch the Frier straight : he had no soone called at the Friers doore , but he presently heard him ; and groaping the way downe , he opened the doore , and along they went together : but the Frier finding his iourney longer than he expected , said ; That either Saint Gregories Chappell was remoued , or else he was not so good a footman as he was wont to be : that is likely enough ( said Crispine : ) for how much the older you are since you went this way last , so much the weaker you are to trauell , but be you content , now we are at the last come to the place , and therefore good Frier make what speed you may . I warrant you ( quoth he ) and there withall hée puts his spectacles on his nose The faire Princesse perceiuing that , laughed heartily , saying : Little n●●d hath a blind man of a paire of Spectacles . Truly Mistresse , sayd he , as little néed hath an old man of a young wife ; but you may sée what vse is : Though I bée blind and can sée neuer a letter , yet I cannot say Masse without my Booke and my Spectacles , and then he procéeded to solemnize their marriage , which being finished , the Frier had his gold ▪ and home hée was led : in the meane time the Princesse stayed still in the Parke for her bridgroome , where when he came , on a banke of sweet Primroses , he pluckt the rose of amorous delight : and after the Princesse came to her Fathers Palace , and Crispine to his Masters shop .

CHAP. VII .

How Crispianus was prest to the warres , and how he fought with Iphicratis the renowned Generall of the Persians , who made warre upon the Frenchmen : shewing also the occasion that a Shoomakers sonne is said to be a Prince borne .

IN the meane time that Crispine was secretly busied about his marriage , his brother Crispianus the same night , with many other , was prest to warres into the Countrey of Gaule , now called France , which made his Master and Dame full of woe , who had committed to his gouernement the whole rule of his house . And when Crispine came home , they told him what chance had hapned . And demanded where he had béen , they sayd ▪ they were glad he had so well escaped .

Crispine excusing himselfe so well as he could , sayd , he was sorry for his brothers sudden departure : notwithstanding , the ioy of his late marriage mi●●igated much of his sorrow : to whom in his brothers absence , his Master gaue the ouersight of his houshold , which place he guided with such diseretion , as thereby he got both the good will of his Master , and the loue of the houshold . And as he sate one day at his worke , he sung this song in commendation of marriage , himselfe sung the Ditty , and his fellowes bore the burthen .

AMong the joyes on earth , though little joy there be , hey downe downe adowne , fine is the silken twist , Among the married sort most comfort I doe see : hey downe downe adowne , beleeve it they that list . He that is a married man , hath beauty to embrace , Hey downe downe adowne , and therefore mickle woe : He liveth in delight , and is in happy case , Hey downe downe adowne , in faith we thinke not so . His wife doth dresse his meate , with every thing most meet , Hey downe downe adowne , faire women love good cheare : And when he comes to bed , she gives him kisses sweet , Hey downe downe adowne , for thankes he payes full deare . A hundred honey sweets , he hath when that is done , hey downe downe adowne , the truth is seldome knowne , He hath in a little time a daughter or a sonne , hey downe downe adowne , God grant they be his owne . A wife is evermore , both faithfull , true and just , hey downe downe adowne , 't is more than you doe know : Her husband may be sure , in her to put his trust , hey downe downe adowne , most are deceived so . While he doth ride abroad , she lookes unto his house , hey downe downe adowne , the finest cloth is torne : And when he comes , she gives him brawne and sowse , hey downe downe adowne , and oftentimes the horne .

Now now , what is that you say ( quoth Crispine ? ) Nothing ( quoth they ) but onely beare the burthen of your Song . And surely we thinke it great pitty that you are not married , séeing you can sing so well in the praise of marriage . Truly ( quoth he ) were it not for that holy Iustitution , what would the world but be a brood of haplesse bastards , like to the cursed s●●d of Cain , men fit for all manner of villany , and such as would leaue behind them a race of runnagates , persons that would liue as badly as they are lewdly begotten .

The rest of the Iourney-men hearing him enter into such a déepe discourse of the matter began therefore to demand many questions : but s●●ing it appertaines not to our matter , wée le leaue them to their disputation : and in the meane space I will shew you something of Crispianus , who is now in France , with many other Noble Brittaines , whom Maximinus sent thither to aide the Gaules against the mighty force of Iphicratis the Persian Generall , who had at this time inuaded their countrey with a great power . The day of battell being appointed , the Armies met in the field , at what time both the Generals like two Lyons filled with wrath in their proud march viewed one another , breathing forth on both sides words of dis●aine , and thus the Generall of the Gaules began .

Thou insolent Commander of the Easterne troupes , how durst thou set thy ambitious foot within our territories ? Cannot the confines of Persia content thee , nor those conquered Kingdomes already in thy hand , but that with vn●atiate desire thou must come to vsurpe our right ? Know thou , that the vndaunted Gaules doe scorne thee : for albeit that Alexander like , thou séekest to subdue the whole world , flattering thy selfe in thy fortunes , yet neuer thinke that the sonne of a Shoomaker shall bend our necke to a seruile yoke . Therefore in our iust right we are come to giue thee hire for thy pride , and by the force of our swords to beat downe the Scepter of thy proud thoughts .

The renowned Iphicratis vpon these words made this replie : Now may I report that the Gaules can doe something , finding them such good scolds : But know this that I come not to ra●le , but to reuenge these contemptuous spéeches , and with the points of sturdy Lances to thrust them downe your throates againe . Indéed , my fathers trade is a reproach vnto me , but thou art a reproach to thy father : but thou shalt vnderstand that a Shoomakers son is a Prince borne , his fortunes made him so , and thou shalt finde no lesse . And hereupon the ●r●mpets sounding to a charge , and the drums striking alarum , there followed a sore and cruell fight : wherein Crispianus like a second Hector layd about him , he wing downe his foes on euery side . Whose ●alianey and Princely courage was noted of all the Gaules . And this fierce fight ended with the nights approach , each Army tooke their rest . At what time ●he Noble Generall of the Gaules sent for Crispianus , and receiuing him with sundry kinde imbracements in his Tent , he demanded of what birth he was . To whom Crispianus sha●ed this answer : Most worthy Generall , my birth is not meane , and my secrets lesse , but by trade I am a Shoomaker in England .

A Shoomaker ( said the Generall ! ) If such ●ame waite vp●o Shoomakers , and such magnanimity follow them , well were it for vs , if all the people in the Kingdome were Shoomakers . And as great thankes I am to giue Maximinus for sending me such a Souldier , as he may be proud to haue such a subiect : and now right sorry am I , that euer I reproached famous Iphicratis , with his Fathers trade , séeing I finde it true that Magnanimity and Knightly Prowesse , is not alwayes tyed within the compasse of Noble blood . And for my owne part , I will so honourably requite thy deseruings , that thou shalt blesse the time thou euer camest into these wars .

The next morning the Generals ioyned battell againe , resoluing in this fight either by death or victory , to make an end of these troubles , where the Souldiers on each side strou● for the golden wreath of ren●wne , The two Generals méeting in the battell , ●ought most couragiously together ; in which bloody conflict the Prince of the Gaules was thrice by Iphicratis vnhorsed , and as many times of Crispianus mounted againe : but in the end the great Commander of the Easterne Army , so mightily preuailed , that he had seized on the person of the French Prince , and was carrying him cap●iue to that Colours .

But so highly was Crispianus fauoured of fortune , that he and his followers met him in the pride of his conquest : who then all besmeared in the Persian blood , set vpon Iphicratis , and so manly behaued himselfe , that her recouered the Prince againe , and in despight of the Persians , brought him to his Royall Tent : in which encounter the Noble Iphicratis was sore wounded , by reason whereof the Souldiers had rest for thrée or foure dayes : in which space Iphicratis sent to the Prince of Gaules , to know what kin he was , that in such valtant sort rescued him out of his hands , saying ; that if he would serue him , he would make him ruler ouer a mighty Kingdome .

The French Prince sent him word , that it was a right hardy Brittaine , which had performed that honourable seruice : but no knight , though well deseruing greater dignity , but a shoomaker in England : and thus ( quoth he ) a Shoomakers son was by a shoomaker foyled .

When Iphicratis vnderstood this , he sent word againe to the Gaules , that for the fauour of that worthy man , he would not onely cease the warres , but for euer after be a friend to the Gaules : which ioyfull message when the French king vnderstood , most willingly he imbraced the vnlooked for tydings of happy peace : and thereupon made Crispianus a knight .

After the which there was a great feast ordained , whereunto the renowned Iphicratis was inuited , and the two Generals , with Crispianus friendly met together . Thus the sowre warre was ended with swéet feasting : and Iphicratis soone after departed out of the Country with his Army , and neuer after annoyed them .

Then the French king , writing his Letter of thankes vnto the Emperor Maximmus , did therein certifie him of the Princely a●ts of Crispianus , whereby he was brought into the Emperours fauour ; and with these Letters Crispianus returned into England .

CHAP. VIII .

How the Lady Ursula finding her selfe to be with childe , made her great mone unto her husband Crispine , and how he provided for her a secret place , where she was delivered .

IN the meane space the Lady Vrsula finding her selfe to bée with childe , and her vnknowne husband comming one day with shooes vnto her , she made her moane vnto him , saying : O Crispine how shall we doe ? the time of my sorrow and shame draweth on ; I feele that ●i●ing in my wombe , which , I feare , will bring death vpon vs all : Why my deare Lady ( answered he ) art thou with childe ? kéene thy Chamber close , and wi●tily excuse thy griefes , vntill I haue found meanes to procure our safety .

But dost thou meane faithfully ( sayd she ) will thou not deceiue me , and for feare of my Fathers wrath fl●e the Country : if thou shouldest doe so , then were I the wretchedst . Lady aliue . Forsake me not swéet Crispine , whatsoeuer thou doest , but take me with thee wheresoeuer thou goest : it is not my fathers frownes that I regard , so I m●y haue thy fauour , what doe I care for a Princely Pallace : an homely Cottage shall content me in thy company .

O my Loue , I will rather learne to spi●ne hemp for thy sh●● thréed , than liue without thee in the greatest pleasure .

I will not leaue thee my deare ●oue , ( quoth he ) by that faith I ●ow , which I plighted to thee at our blessed marriage ; and therefore be contented , and it shall not be long before I returne . Leauing thus his sad Lady he came home , and secretly brake the matter vnto his Dame , desiring her counsell in this his extremity .

What , how now ( quoth she ) hast thou got a Maide with ch●ld ? Ah thou whorson villaine , thou hast vndone thy selfe , how will thou doe now ? thou hast made a faire hand ; here is now sixteene pence a wéeke beside Sope and Candles , Beds , Shirts , Bigpins , Wastcoat● , Headbands , Swadlebands , Crosseclothes , Bibs , Taileclouts , Manties , Hose , Shooes , Coats , Petticoates , Cradie and Crickets , and beside that a standing stoole , and a Po●net to make the Child Pap ; all this is come vpon thee , besides the charges of all her lying in . Oh Crispine , Crispine , I am heartily sorry for thee .

But in good faith , if I knew the queane that hath brought thee to this folly ; I would haue her by the face ● sweare to you : for though I speake it before thée ( Crispine ) thou art a proper fellow , and thou mightest haue done full well , if thou hadst had grace . God hath done his part on thee : and with that she began with kindnesse to weepe . Whereupon her Husband comming in , asked what she ailed : O man sayd she ) Crispine ! Why what of Crispine ? tell me . Why speakest thou not ? We shall loose a good seruant , so we shall . What se●u●nt shall we loose foolish woman ( quoth he ? ) Tell me quickly . O husband ! by Cocke and Pie I sweare , I le haue her by the nose . Who wilt thou haue by the nose ? What the Deuill art thou mad , that thou wilt not answere mée ? Crispine , who at his Masters comming shunned the roome , lending an eare vnto those words , went to his Master , and said vnto him : Sir , these foure yéeres haue ● serued you ; and the fi●t drawes néere to an end ; and as I haue found you a good Master to mée , so I trust you haue had no great cause to complaine of me , though ( through ignorance ) I haue sometimes made offence : and knowing at this instant , no man so néere a friend vnto me as your selfe , I haue thought good to impart my secret counsell to you : something I presume vpon my Dames fauour : which made me open that vnto her , which now I wish I had not discouered . Notwithstanding , resting more vpon your discretion than her secre●y , I would desire your counsell in a matter that concernes me very néere . Uerily sayd his Master , if it be a thing wherein I may doe thee good , thou shalt finde that I will not fall from thee in thy sorrowes , and therefore be not abashed to declare thy mind : for I sweare , if I may procure thee right , thou shalt put vp no wrong . Why then sir , thus it is ( quoth he ) my will running before my wit , I haue gotten a Maiden with childe , and I wot not in this case what to doe , that I might preserue the Mayde from shame , and my selfe from discredit : desides , I doubtifit be knowne , it will cost me my life : therefore in such case good Master , be secret . Tush man feare not ( quoth he ) it is a matter of nothing : but I pray thee , now tell mée , what wanton wagtaile is it that thou hast clapt thus vnder the apron ? O Master ( quoth he ) the Kings faire Daughter Vrsula is my Loue , and she it is that liues in care for my sake . Passion of my heart thou whor●on Knaue , quoth his Master , thou art a dead man . I maruell how the Deuill thou camest to bée so bold with her : Surely thou hast drawne on her shooes on Sunday , I may say , thou hast left so good a token behind : but intruth my boy I commend thee : that thou wouldest shoot at the fairest . Yea sir , quoth Crispine , and I haue hit the marke I frow , and doe verily beleeue , that none will shoot 〈◊〉 néere againe . Nay sweare not , said his Master , many may aime at faire markes , and more than one man hits them now and then : but what wouldst thou haue me to doe in this case ? My good Master ( quoth Crispine ) the truth is , she is my wife ; and the very same night my brother was prest to the warres , I was married to her : and if you could tell me how she might be deliuered of her burthen without any suspition , I should not onely remaine beholding to you while I liued , but would also gratifie your kindnesse in such sort as should content you . His ●ame all this while listned to their talke , and when ●he vnderstood he spake of the kings daughter , and that he had married her , she sayd : Now Gods blessing on thy heart Crispine , that thou art so carefull for thy wife , but it maketh me wonder shée would marry a Shoomaker , and a poore fellow too . Master and Dame ( quoth Crispine ) séeing I haue begun , I●● shew you a further matter , as strange as the other . The necessity of these times makes many Noble personages to maske in simple habite , as Jupiter did in a shepheards wéed , and the truth is , that Lady Vrsula is not ignorant , that by matching with mée she hath wedded a Prince , and you may say , that these fiue yéeres two Princes haue serued you obediently , vnder the simple borrowed names of Crispine and Crispianus .

Our Royall Father was slaine by the Emperour Maximinus , and the Quéene our Mother yet lies imprisoned , and your poore house , and these leather garments , haue béen our life of defence against the blood ▪ thirsty tyrant . Now you see , that though there were hate towards vs in the father , yet there is loue yéelded vs by the daughter . This must be kept for a certaine time from the knowledge of him lest our liues pay a deare ransome for our loues . Well Crispine ( quoth his Dame ) be of good cheare , for I haue a deuice in my head , how to get thy Loue out of her fathers Pallace , that shée may bée brought to bed in my owne house , without either hurt to thee , or dishonour to her , if thou wilt doe as I wish thee . When you doe perceiue that shee growes néere vnto the time of her trauell , I would w●sh you to worke such meanes as to set some trée on fire late in the night , that standeth somewhat néere one of the Beacons vpon the Sea coast , whereby it will follow , that such watchmen as watch at our Beacons , supposing the Beacons at the Sea coast to be on fire , will set theirs on fire also . Then will there be a great hurlie burlie , with the preparation of men at Armes on all sides to withstand a supposed foe , that which they shall neuer find : then ( as you know ) Maximinus with his houshold will be in most feare , because hée is most hated , that whilest he is abroad , the rest of his houshold will euery one of them séeke for their owne safegard , amongst the which , let faire Vrsula be one , who by that meanes singling her selfe alone , may take vp my house , and here she may be closely kept till she bee deliuered , taking vpon her the name and habite of a simple woman . But the truth of this matter ( quoth Crispine ) I doubt it will soone be perceiued and found out , then how shall Lady Vrsula doe , for she will straight be missed . Tush that 's no matter ( qd his Dame ) and missed let her he , vntill such time as she is in a better case to go abroad again ; for in such a tumult as then will bée , they will suppose many things , that one mischance or other is befal●e her : or if she be in health , that she hath wandred into the woods or some other vncouth place ▪ where she might best prouide for safety : and when she comes home againe , I warrant thee Crispine she shall be welcome . Then ●aid his Master , I like my wiues counsell well ; therefore by my consent put it in practice : Whereunto Crispine consented , and so making the Lady priuy to the purpose , at length it was put in execution , at what time there was crying out on all sides , Arme , Arme , Arme : our enemies are comming vpon vs . Where quoth they ? ) at Rutupium said one , at Aruvagus Castle sayd another : quoth the third it is at Doris : I tell you ( quoth the fourth ) it is at Duur : And all this is but Dover , ( said the fifth man ; ) and at Dover it is vndoubtedly , therefore haste , haste away : for neuer was there more neede : so that Maximinus was almost at his wits end , as one not knowing which way to turne , the cries of the people came so thicke , one after another , the waiting Gentle women left the Princesse , and sought their owne safety . Thus while some were busie in carrying out the Kings treasure , others hiding the plate , and others the goods , Vrsula had an easie passage into the Shoomakers house .

The young Prince Crispine was gone with the rest of the Towne towards Dover , where when they came , there was nothing to doe , which when Maximinus saw , he was not a little glad the warres were so soone ended : But when hee came to the Court , and missed his daughter , there was posting vp and downe in euery place to séeke her , but all in vaine , for no man could meet with her , for which hée made a great lamentation , making a Proclamation throughout the whole Countrey , That whosoeuer could bring her to him , he should not onely haue a Princely reward , but also if hée were a man of Noble blood , hée should be honoured with the marriage of his faire daughter . This was good newes to Crispine , who was not to learne to make profit thereof . But by that time his Lady was i●●ht , Crispianus his eldest brother arriued into England wi●h great honour , as before you haue heard . And before he went to the Court he thought it good to visite his old Master , who came also in good time to the christening of his brothers childe , which when hee with wonder beheld , noting what a strange accident there was , that Maximinus daughter should be his brothers wife . But after that he had in Princely manner saluted the new deliuered Lady , taking the infant in his armes , he kissed it , saying , Now I will say and swea●e ▪ said he that a Shoomakers Son is a Prince borne ioyning in the opinion of phicratis , and henceforth Shoomakers shall neuer let their terme ●ie .

Then turning to his Master and Dame ( he said ) how much deare Master and Dame are we bound to your fauours , that haue maintained our honours with our happinesse ; for by this meanes , I hope wée shall make a ioyfull conclusion of our sorrowfull beginning , and I will so worke , that the Emperor shall confirme what is already begunne , I meane , the honour due to these Princely Louers , and together with our happy fortunes procure our mothers liberty .

Hereupon , within a short time after , hee made preparation to the Court , hée attired himselfe in Princely manner , and with a most knightly grace he deliuered to Maximinus , the ●ing of Gaules letter , where he certified the Emperor of the honourable déeds performed by Crispianus , whereupon he receiued him to great fauour , and said vnto him : Right renowned knight , for the great honour thou hast done me in France , I will honour thee with any thing which thou shalt command , that standeth with the Maiesty and credit of an Emperour to giue . Then I beséech your Highnesse ( quoth he ) to grant mée the life and liberty of my deare mother , that late Quéene of Logria . Art thou her sonne said Maximinus ? although thy father was my foe , yet I must néedes say , hee was a most couragious and warlike Prince : thy sute is granted . And once I had a daughter worthy of thy loue , but vnconstant Fortune hath bereft me of that blisse ; but had it pleased the faire Heauens to haue left her me till this day , I would haue made thee more honourable by her match : But séeing that my wishing doth nothing profit thee , take hence the richest Iewell I haue , and be thou next my selfe in authority : with that hee tooke from his owne necke a ●ollar of most , precious Diamonds , and gaue it to Crispianus , saying , Be thou as fortunate as Policrates .

CHAP. IX .

How faire Ursula came before her father with Crispine her husband , who was joyfully received by him , and in the end had his good will to confirme the marriage betwixt them , whereupon there was great joy on both sides . And the Shoomakers in honour of this happy day , made a joyfull Song .

WIthin a certaine space after , word was brought to the Emperour , that his daughter was with a Shoomaker , come to the Court ; whereat Maximinus was stricken into a sudden ioy , saying : An honourable Shoomaker may hée be that hath brought my faire daughter againe , Welcome my swéet Vrsula , and in good time welcome to thy father , and welcome also is this happy young man that hath so fortunately brought thee : and turning to Crispianus he said : Noble Sir Knight , take here my daughter to wife ; Not so deare Father ( quoth she ) this man hath best deserued my loue , that hath preserued my life , and his wife will I ●e . Why Vrsula ▪ said her father , wilt thou darken the sun shine of my ioy , with the clouds of foule obstinacy , and yoke thy selfe so vnequally ? This man is a Prince . And this mans sonne is another ( quoth she ▪ ) That is strange said the Emperour ; can that childe be a Prince , whose father is but a Shoomaker ?

Then answered Vrsula , My Royall Father , a Shoomakers sonne is a Prince borne : Most gracious Lord ( quoth Crispianus ) the very like sentence did I heare the renowned Iphicrates pronounce to the King of Gaules . when hee vpbraided him with his birth : with that Crispines Dame presented the childe to the Emperour , and faire Vrsula was very diligent to discouer the childs face , and held it to her Father . Why daughter ( quoth he ) art thou not ashamed to henour a base borne brat so much ? hence with the Elfe , and therewithall pusht it from him ; whereat his daughters teares trickled downe her chéeks , and so kissing the childe , gaue it againe to the woman . What ( said Maximinus ) doest thou loue the childe so well , that thou must kisse it , and wéepe for it ? I haue cause deare Father ( quoth she ) for that this childes mother lay in my mothers belly .

At these words the Emperor suspected something , and demanded of Crispine of what parentage he was . And then knowing that he was Crispianus brother , all the controuersie was ended , and their secret marriage confirmed openly , with great ioy and triumph : at which time the Shoomakers in the same towne made holiday : To whom Crispine and Crispianus seat most Princely gifts for to maintaine their merriment . And euer after vpon that day at night the Shoomakers make great cheare and feasting , in remembrance of these two Princely brethren : and because it might not be forgotten they caused their names to be placed in the Kalender for a yéerely remembrance , which you shall finde in the moneth of October , about thrée dayes before the feast of Simon and Jude .

The Shoomakers Song on Crispianus night . Two Princely brethren once there ▪ were , Right Sonnes unto a King . Whose father tyrant Maximus to cruell death did bring : Crispianus one was call'd , the eldest of the two ; Crispine was the others name , which well had learned to wooe , These brethren then were after faine , from fathers house to flie : Because their foes to spoile their lives in privy waite did lie : Into a kinde Shoomakers house , they suddenly stept in ; And there to learne the Gentle Craft , did presently begin . And five yeeres space they lived so , with great content of minde ; So that the Tyrant could not tell ; whereas he should them finde : Though every day to Court they came ▪ with Shooes for Ladies feet ; They were not knowne by their attire , they us'd themselves so meet , At length unto the furious warres was Crispianus prest ; Whereas his knightly prowesse then he tried above the rest : But Crispine found him better sport , would I had Crispine beene ; The Kings faire daughter lov'd him well , as it was after seene . The length of this faire Ladies foot , so well did Crispine know , That none but he could please her mind , the certaine truth is so : Came he by night or else by day , he was most welcome still ; With kisses sweet she did him pay , and thankes for his good will , So oft these Lovers twaine did meete , by day and eke by night : That at the last the Lady said , she should be shamed quite ; What was the matter tell me true , that so her sorrow bred ? Her Shoomaker most daintily had got her Maidenhead . But he at length so wisely wrought , as doth the Story tell : Her fathers right good will he got , and every thing was well . And Crispianus came againe from warres victoriously : Then Shoomakers made Holiday , and therefore so will I. And now for Crispianus sake , this wine I drinke to thee , And he that doth this marke mistake , and will not now pledge me : He is not Crispianus friend ; nor worthy well I wot , To have a Lady to his Love , as Crispine he hath got .

CHAP. X.

How Sir Simon Eyer being at first a Shoomaker , became in the end Mayor of London , through the counsell of his wife : and how he broke his fast every day on a Table that he said he would not sell for a thousand pounds : and how he builded Leaden Hall .

OUr English Chronicles doe make mention , that sometime there was in the honourable City of London a worthy Mayor , known by name of Sir Simon Eyre , whose fame liueth in the mouthes of many men to this day , who albeit be descended from meane parentage , yet by Gods blessing , in the end he came to be a most worthy man in the common-wealth .

This man being brought young out of the North Countrey , was bound prentise to a Shoomaker , bearing then the name of the Gentle-Craft ( as still it doth ) his Master being a man of reasonable wealth , set many Iourney-men and prentises to worke , who followed their businesse with great delight , which quite excludeth all wearines , for when seruants doe sit at their worke like Dromedaries , then their minds are neuer lightly vpon their businesse : for it is an old prouerbe ,

They prove servants kind and good , That sing at their busines like birds in the wood .

Such fellowes had this young Lad , who was not behind with many Northerne I●gs , to answer their Southerne Songs . This youth being the youngest prentise in the house , as occasion serue● , was often sent to the Conduit for water , where in short time he fell acquainted with many other prentises comming thither for the same intent .

Now their custome was so , that euery Sunday morning diuers of these prentizes did vse to goe to a place neare the Conduit , to breake their fast with pudding Pies , and often they would take Simon along with them : but vpon a time it so fell out , that when hee should draw money to pay the shot with the rest , that he had none ▪ whereupon hée merrily said vnto them : My faithfull friends , and Conduit companious , treasurers of the Water-tankerd , and maine pillars of the pudding-house , I may now compare my purse to a varren Doe , that yeelds the Kéeper no more good than her empty carkasse : or to a bad nut , which being opened hath neuer a kernell : therefore , if it will please you to pardon me at this time , and excuse me for my part of the shot , I doe here vow vnto you , that if euer come to be Lord Mayor of this City , I will giue a breakfast vnto all the prentizes in London . We doe take your word ( quoth they ) and so they departed .

It came to passe , that Simon hauing at length worne out his yéeres of Apprentiship , that hee fell in loue with a Maiden that was a néere neighbour vnto him , vnto whom at length he was married , and not him a shop , ●●d laboured hard daily , and his young wife was neuer idle but straight when she had nothing to doe she sate in the shop and spun : and hauing liued thus alone a yéere or thereabout , and hauing gathered something together , at length he got him some prentizes and a Iourniman or two , and he could not make his ware so fast as be could haue sold it , so that ●e stood in great néed of a Iourni man or two more .

At the last , one of his seruants spring one goe along the stréet with a ●ardell at his backe called to his Master , saying , Sir , yonder goes S. Hughes bones , twenty pounds to a ●●nny . Run presently quoth he ) and bring him hither . The boy running forth , called to the man , saying , Good fellow , come hither , here is one would speake with you ▪ The fellow being a French-man , that had not long béene in England , turning about , sayd : Hea , what you sea ? Will you speake wed me , Hea ? what you haue ? tell a mee , what you haue ▪ hea ? And with that comming to the stall , the good man ask● him if hee lackt worke , We par ma foy , quoth the French-man . Hereupon Simon tooke him in , and to worke hee went merrily , where he behaued himselfe so well , that his Master made good account of him , thinking hee had béene a Bachelour , but in the end it was found otherwise .

This man was the first that wrought vpon the low cut sh●●e , with she square toe , and the latchet ouerth wart the instep , before which time in England they did weare a high shooe that reached aboue the ankles , right after the manner of our husbandmens shooes at this day , saue onely that it was made very sharpe at the toe turning vp like the taile of an Island dog : or as you sée a Cocke carry his hinder feathers .

Now it is to be remembred , that while John Denevale dwelt with Simon Eyre , it chanced that a ship of the I le of Candy was driuen vpon our Coast , laden with all ●inde of Lawnes and Cambrickes , and other linnen cloth : which commodities at that time were in London very scant , and excéeding deare : and by reason of a great l●ake the ship had got at Sea , being vnable to faile any further , he would make what profit he could of his goods here .

And being come to London , it was John Denevales chance to méete him in ●he stréets , to whom the Merchant ( in the Gréeke tongue ) demanded where he might haue lodging , for he was one that had neuer béene in England before ; and being vnacquainted , wist not whither to goe : but while he spake Gréeke , John Denevale answered him still in French , which tongue the Merchant vnderstood well : and therefore being glad that he had met with one that could talke to him , hée declared vnto him what tempests hee endured at Sea , and also how his ship lay vpon the Coast with such Commodities as he would sell. Truely Sir ( quoth John ) I am my selfe but a stranger in this Countrey , and vtterly vnacquainted with Merchants , but I dwell with one in the City that is a very honest man , and it may be that hée can helpe you to some that will deale with you for it , and if you thinke it good , I will moue him in it and in the meane space , I le bring you where you may haue a very good lodging , to morrow morning I will come to you againe .

Sir , said the Merchant , if you please to doe me that fauour , I le not onely be thankfull vnto you for the same , but also in most honest sort will content you for your paines : and with that they departed .

Now , so soone as John the Frenchman came home , he moued th● matter vnto his Master , desiring him that hée would doe what hee could for the Merchant , when his Master had heard each circumstance , noting there with the want of such commodities in the ●and , cast in his mind as he stood cutting vp his worke , what were best to bee done in this case , saying to his man John , I will thinke vpon it betwixt this and the morning , and then I will tell you my minde : and there withall casting downe his cutting Knife , he went out of his shop into his Chamber , and therein walked vp and downe alone very sadly , ruminating hereon : he was so farre in his muse , that his wife sending for him to supper two or three times he nothing regarded the maides call , hammering this matter in his head : at last his wife came to him saying : Husband , what meane you that you doe not come to supper ? why speake you not man ? Heare you ? good husband , come away , your meat will be cold : but for all her words , he staid walking vp and downe still , like a man that had sent his wits a wool gathering : which his wife séeing , pulled him by the sléeue , saying , why Husband in the name of God , why come you not ? will you not come to supper to night ? I called you a good while agoe . Body of me , wife ( said he ) I promise thee I did not heare shee : no saith , it séemeth so ( quoth she ) I maruell whereupon your mind runneth : Beleeue me wife quoth hée , I was studying how to make my selfe Lord Mayor , and thée a Lady .

Now God helpe you ( quoth she ) I pray God make vs able to pay euery man his owne , that we may liue out of debt and danger , and driue the Woolfe from the doore , and I desire no more . But wife , said he , I pray thee now tell me , Doest thou not thinke that thou couldst make shift to beare the name of a Lady , if it should be put vpon thee ? In truth Husband ( quoth she ) I le not dissemble with you , if your wealth were able to beare it , my mind would beare it well enough . Well , wife , replyed he , I tell thee now in sadnesse , that if I had money , there is a commodity now to bée bought , the gaines whereof would be able to make me a Gentleman for euer . Alasse husband , that dignity your trade allowes you already , being a squire of the Gentle-Craft . then how can you be lesse than a Gentleman séeing your fonne 〈◊〉 Prin●e ●●rne ? Tush wife , quoth he , those titles doe onely rest in name , but not in nature : but of that sort had I rather be , whose lands are answerable to their vertues , and whose rents can maintaine the greatnesse of their mind . Then swéet husband , tell me , said his wife , tell me , what commodity is that which you might get so much by ? I am sure your selfe hath some money , and it shall goe very hard but I●e procure friends to borrow one forty shillings , and beside that , rather then you shall lose so good a bargaine , I haue a couple of crownes that saw no Sun since we were first married , and them also shall you haue .

Alas wife ( said Simon ) all this comes not n●●re that matter : I confesse it would do some good in buying some backs of leather , but in this thing it is nothing : for this is Merchantize that is precious at this time and rare to be had , and I heare , that whosoeuer will haue it must lay downe 3000 pounds ready money . Yea wife , and yet thereby he might get thrée and three thousand pounds profit .

His wife hearing him say so , was inflamed with the desire thereof , as women are ( for the most part ) very couetous : that matter running still in her minde , she could scant finde in her heart to spare him time to goe to supper , for very eagernesse to animate him on to take that bargaine vpon him . Wherefore so soone as they had supt , and giuen God thankes , she called her husband , saying : I pray you come hither I would speake a word with you : that man is not alwayes to bée blamed that sometimes takes counsell of his wife : though womens wits are not able to comprehend the greatest things , yet in doubtfull matters they oft helpe on a sudden .

Well wife , what meane you by this ( said her husband ? ) In truth quoth she , I would haue you to plucke vp a mans heart , and spéedily cho● vp a bargaine for these goods you speake of . Who , ● ? quoth he , which way should I doe it , that am not able for thrée thousand pounds , to lay downe thrée thousand pence ? Tush man quoth shée , what of that ? euery man that beholds a man in the face , knowes not what he hath in his purse ; and whatsoeuer he be that owes the goods , he will no doubt be content to stay a moneth for his money or thrée wéekes at the least : and I promise you , to pay a thousand pounds a wéeke , is a pretty round payment , and I may say to you , not much to be misliked of .

Now husband , I would haue you in the Morning goe with John the French man to the Grecian Merchant , and with good discretion driue a sound bargaine with him for the whole fraught of the S●i● , and thereupon giue him halfe a dozen Angells in earnest , and eight and twenty daies after the deliuery of the goods , condition to deliuer him the rest of his money ; But woman ( quoth he ) doest thou imagine that hee would take my word for so waighty a masse of money , and to deliuer his goods vpon no better security ?

Good Lord quoth she , haue you no wit in such a case to make shift ? ●le tell you what you shall doe : Be not knowne that you bargaine for your owne selfe , but tell him that you doe it in the behalfe of one of the chiefe Aldermen in the City ; but beware in any case , that you leaue wi●h him your owne name in writing , he ●eing a Grecian cannot reade English : and you haue no need at all to shew John the French man , or if you should , it were no great matter , for you can tell well enough that he can neither write nor reade .

I perceiue wife ( quoth he thou wouldst ●aine be a Lady , and worthy thou art to be one , that dost thus ●●●loy thy wits to bring thy husband profit : but tell me , if he should be desirous to sée the Alderman to conferre with him , how shall we doe then ▪ Iesus haue mercy vpon vs ( quoth she ) you say women are fooles , but mée seemeth men haue néed to be taught sometimes . Before you come away in the morning , let John the French-man tell him that the Alderman himselfe shall come to his lodging in the afternoone : and receiuing a note of all the goods that be in the ship , he shall deliuer vnto him a Bill of his hand for the payment of his money , according to that time . Now sweet heart ( quoth she ) this Alderman shall be thine owne selfe , and I le goe borrow for thee all things that shall be necessary against that time . Tush . ( quoth her husband ) canst thou imagine , that he séeing me in the morning will not know me againe in the afternoone ? O husband quoth thee , hee will not know thee , I warrant thee : for in the morning thou shalt goe to him in thy doublet of shéepes skins , with a smutched face , and thy apron before thee , thy thumb leather and hand-leather , ●uckled close to thy wrist , with a foule band about thy necke , and a greas●e tap on thy head . Why woman ( quoth he ) to goe in this sort will be a discredit to mée , and make the Merchant doubtfull of my dealing : for men of simple attire are ( God wot ) slenderly estéemed .

Hold your peace good husband ( quoth she ) it shall not bee so with you , for John the Frenchman shall giue such good report to the Merchant for your honest dealing ( as I praise God hée can doe no lesse ) that the Grecian will rather conceiue the better of you , than otherwise : iudging you a prudent discr●●t man , that will not make a shew of that you are not , but goe in your attire agr●●able to your trade . And because none of our folkes shall be priuy to our intent , to morrow w●●le●ing at my Cousin John Barbers , in S Clements Lane , which is not farre from the George in Lumbard-street , where the Merchant ●●rangers lie . Now I le be sure that all things shall be ready at my Cousin Jo●ns , that you shall put on in the afternoone . And there he shall first of al with his scissers , snap off all the superfluous haires , and fashion ●hy bushy ●eard after the Aldermans graue cut : then shall he wash thee with a swéet Camphire Ball and ●esprinkle thine head and face with the purest rose water ; then shalt thou scoure thy pitchy fingers in a bason of hot water , with an ordinary washing Ball : and all this being done , strip thee from these common ●eeds , and I le put thee on a very faire doublet of tawny sattin , ouer the which thou shalt haue a cassocke of branched damask , furred round about the shirts with the finest foynes , thy breeches of blacke ●eluet , and shooes and stockings fit for such array : a band about thy necke as white as the driuen snow , and for thy wrists a pretty pa●●● of cuffs , and on thy head a cap of the finest blacke ▪ then shalt thou put on a faire gowne , welted about with Ueluet , and ouerthwart ●he backe thwart it shall bée with rich foyne , with a paire of swéet gloues on thy hands , and on thy forefinger a great seale-ring of gold .

Thou being thus attired , I le intreat my Cousin John Barber , because he is a very handsome youngman , neat and fine in his apparell , ( as indéed all Barbers are , that he would take the paines to wait vpon you vnto the Merchants as if he were your man , which he will doe at the first , because one of you cannot vnderstand the other , so that it will be sufficient with outward curtesie , one to gréet another ; and he to deliuer vnto you his notes , and you to giue to him your E●ll , and so come home .

It doth my heart good , to sée how trimly this apparell doth become you , in good faith husband , me seemes in my minde , I sée you ●●●t already , and how like an Alderman you will looke , when you are in this costly array . At your returne from the Merchant , you shall put off all these clothes at my Cousins againe , and come home as you did goe forth . Then tell John the frenchman , that the Alderman was with the Merchant this afternoone ; you may send him to him in the morning , and bid him to command that his ship may be brought downe the Riuer : while she is comming about , you may giue notice to the Linnen-Drapers , of the commodities you haue comming . Enough wife ( quoth he ) thou hast said enough , and by the grace of God , I le follow thy counsell , and I doubt not but to haue good fortune .

CHAP. XI .

How Simon Eyer was sent for to my Lord Mayors to supper , and sh●wing the great entertainment he and his wife had there .

A Non after , supper time drew néere , shee making her selfe ready in the best manner shee could deuise , passed along with her husband vnto my Lord Mayors house : and being entred into the great Hall , one of the Officers there certified my Lord Mayor , that the great rich Shoomaker and his wife were already come . Whereupon the Lord Mayor in courteous manner came into the Hall to Simon , saying , You are most heartily welcome good Master Eyer , and so is your gentle bedfellow . Then came forth the Lady Mayoresse and saluted them both in like manner , saying : Welcome good Master Eyer and Mistresse Eyre both , and taking her by the hand , set her downe among the Gentlewomen there present .

Sir ( quoth the Lord Mayor ) I vnderstand you are a Shoomaker , and that i● is you that hath bought vp all the goods of the great Argozy . I am indeed my Lord of the Gentle Craft , quoth he , and I praise God , all the goods of the great Argozy are mine owne , when my debts are paid .

God giue you much i●y of them , sayd the Lord Mayor , and I trust you and I shall deale for some part thereof . So the meat being then ready to be brought in , the guests were placed each one according to their calling . My Lord Mayor holding Simon by the hand , and the Lady Mayoresse holding his wife , they would néedes haue them sit néere to themselues , which they then with blushing chéekes refusing , my Lord said vnto them , holding his ca● in his hand ;

Master Eyre and Mistresse Eyre , let me entreat you not to be troublesome , for I tell you it shall be thus : and as for those Gentlemen here present , they are all of mine old acquaintance , and many times wée haue béen together , therefore I dare be the bolder with them : and albeit you are our neighbours also , yet I promise you , you are strangers to my Table , and to strangers common courtesie doth teach vs ●o shewthe greatest fauour , and therefore let me rule you in mine house , and you shall rule me in yours .

When Simon sound there was no remedy , they safe them downe , but she poore woman was so abashed , that she did eate but little meate at the Table , bearing her selfe at the Table with a comely and modest countenance : but what shee wanted in outward féeding , her heart yéelded ●o wi●h inward delight and content .

Now so it was , many men that knew not Simon , and séeing him in so simple attire sit next my Lord , whisperingly asked one another what he was . And it was enough for Simons wife with her eyes and eares , to sée and hearken after euery thing that was said or done .

A graue wealthy Citizen sitting at the Table , spake to Simon , and said , Sir ▪ in good will I drinke to your good health , but I beseech you pardon mee , for I know not how to call your name : with that my Lord Mayor answered him : saying , his name is Master Eyre , and this is the Gentleman that bought all the goods that came in the blacke Swan of Candy , and before God , though he sit here in simple sort , for his wealth I doe verily beléeue he is more sufficient to beare this place than my selfe . This was a man that was neuer thought vpon , liuing obs●ure amongst vs , of none account in the eyes of the world , carrying the countenance but of a Shoomaker , and none of the best sort neither , and is able to deale for a bargaine of fiue thousand pounds at a c●ap . We doe want many such Shoomakers ( said the Citizen : ) and so with other discourse droue out supper , at what time rising from the Table , Simon and his wife receiuing sundry salutations of my Lord Mayor and his Lady , and of all the rest of the worshipfull guests , departed home to their owne house : at what time his wife made such a reci●all of the matters ; how brauely they were entertained , what great cheare was there , also what a great company of Gentlemen and Gentlewomen were there , and how often they dranke to her husband and to her , with diuers other circumstances ▪ that I beléeue , if the night had béene six moneths long , as it is vnder the North pole , the would haue found talke enough till morning . Of a truth ( quoth she ) although I sate closely by my Ladies side , I could eate nothing for very ioy , to heare and see that wee were so much made of . And neuer giue me credit husband , if I did not heare the Officers whisper as they stood behind me , and all demanded one of another , what you were , and what I was : O quoth one , doe you sée this man ? marke ▪ him well , and marke his wife well , that simple woman that sits next my Lady : What are they ? What are they quoth another ? Marry this is the rich Shoomaker that bought all the goods in the great Argozie : I tell you there was neuer such a Shoomaker seene in London since the City was builded .

Now by my faith ( quoth the third ) I haue heard much of him to day among the Merchants in the stréet , going betwéene the two Chaines : Credit me husband , of mine honesty this was their communication . Nay , and doe you not remember when she rich Citizen dranke to you ( wh●ch craued pardon , because he knew not your name ) what my Lord Mayor sayd ? Sir ( quoth he ) his name is Master Eyer , did you marke that ? and presently thereupon he added these words : This is the Gentleman that bought , and so forth . The Gentleman vnderstood you , did you heare him speake that word ?

In troth wife ( quoth he ) my Lord vttered many good words of me , I thanke his honour , but & heard not that . No ( queth she ) I heard it well enough : for by and by he procéeded further , saying : I suppose , though he sit here in simple sort , hee is more sufficient to beare this charge than my selfe . Yea thought I , he may thanke his wife for that , if it come so to passe . Nay , sayd Simon , I thanke God for it . Yea , & next him , you may thanke me ( quoth she . ) And it did her so much good to talke of it , that I suppose , if she had liued till this day , she should yet be prating thereof , and if sléepe did not driue her from it .

And now séeing that Simon the Shoomaker is become a Merchant , we will temper our tongues to giue him that title , which his customers were wont to doe , and from henceforth call him master Eyer , who , while he had his affaires in hand , committed the gouernment of his shop to John the Frenchman , leauing him to be a guide to his other seruants , by meanes of which fauour , John thought himselfe at that time to be a man of no small reputation .

CHAP. XII .

How Iohn the French-man fell in love with one of his Masters Maides : and how hee was crossed through the craft of Haunce the Dutch-man .

AT the same time there was dwelling in the house , a iolly lusty wench ▪ whose name was Florence , whom John the Frenchman loued dearely well , and for her only sake he brought many a good bottle of wine into the house , and therewithall so soone as their Master and Mistresse were gone to bed , they would oftentimes make merry amongst themselues ; which Haunce , a Iourney-man in the same house perceiuing , sought to crosse them as much as in him lay , thereby to bring his owne purpose the better to passe , which was to ioyne the Maidens fauour to his owne affection .

And because the Frenchman had greatest gaines vnder his Master , and being thereof no niggard when hee had got it , the Maids did most delight in him , and little estéemed the Duchman , though his good will ware as great towards her as the other : for they could not be in any corner of the house together , nor could they méet in any place abroad , but the Dutchman would still watch them .

Upon a time , Florence being at Market , her Loue John went forth of the shop to meet her , and Haunce stayed not long behinde , who at length espied them , and heard his fellow John questioning with her in this sort .

What Florence , what haue you in your basket ? hea , let mée sée what you buy . Marry John ( quoth she ) I haue bought Béefe and Mutton , and other things . Come , come , must you péepe in my basket ( quoth she ) away for shame away . Be got Florence , mee will sée a little : ha , ha ! Florence , you buy the pudding , hea , you loue de puddings ? Florence hea ? Yea Sir ( quoth shee ) what it I doe loue puddings ? what care you ? of my tra Florence , if I be your husband , me will giue you pudden shall warren . My husband ( quoth she ) in faith sir no , I meane not to marry a French man . What Florence , de French man be de good man : but Florence , me will giue you a pinte of wine by my treat .

O , I cannot stay now , I thanke you John : ( quoth he ) What Florence , no stay with your friend ? I shall make you stay a little time : and so with that , taking her by the hand into the Tauerne they goe , and Haunce the Dutch man following them , and sate close in the next roome , and by that meanes he heard all that they said , and that they appointed the next Sunday to goe to Islington together , and there to be merry : and so the Maid hasting away they departed .

Well ( quoth Haunce secretly to himselfe ) it shall goe hard but I le disappoint you . Sunday in the afternoone being come , John the French man , according to appointment ▪ went before to Islington , leauing Florence to come after , with another Maide which dwelt in the same house , whilest hee prepared good cheare for their comming : and the more to make her m●rry , hée hired a noise of Musicians to attend t●●●● pleasure .

And as it after happened , his fellow Haunce preuented this sport , who watching in the fields for Florence , at length he spied her comming : to whom he said , Well met faire Florence , your friend John hath changed his minde : for whereas he appointed you to méet him at Islington , you shall lose your labour so to doe , for he is not there . No , how so said Florence ? The reason is this ( said Haunce ) So farre as I can vnderstand by him , he thinkes you are very flekle and inconstant ; and because it was his chance this morning , to sée you speake to a young man that passed by , hee saith ver●ly , that you are a maruellous great dissembler : and in this humour he is gone I know not whither .

And is it euen so , said Florence ? I le tell thee what Haunce , because hee hath made thee priuy to his minde , I will shew thee somewhat of mine . Doth hee suspect me because I did but speake to one ? Nay , i● he be so iealous now , what will he be hereafter ? And therefore insomuch that it is so , let him goe to the Deuill , hee shall very well finde , that I will set as light by him , as he doth by mee : Did ●he Knaue get leaue of my Mistresse for me to come abroad this day , and doth hee now serue me thus ? Well , this shall teach mee wit , in faith , and so she turnes backe againe .

Nay ( quoth Haunce ) séeing you are now abroad , let me intreat you to goe to Hogsdon , and I will bestow a messe of creame vpon you . In the end she was won , and as they walked together , Haunce spake thus vnto her : I know not what cause John the French man hath giuen you , to beare him so much good will , as I perceiue you doe , but in my minde , he is a farre vnméet match for you . And thus much I know , he is of a very mistrustfull nature , a wauering minde , and deceitfull heart , hee did pro●esse great good will to you in outward shew , but I haue heard him speake most shamefully of you behinde your backe . making his vaunts , that he had you at a becke of his finger , and how that for a pinte of Wine , he could cause you to follow him vp and downe ouer all the City . Florence , I am a foole to tell you thus much , it may be you will scarce beléeue it , and for my part , I will not vrge you thereunto : but in troth , looke what I tell you , it is for good will , because I haue béene sorry to sée you abused .

I thanke you good Haunce ( quoth she ) I may beléeue it well enough : but from henceforth I know what I haue to doe : I confesse indéed , that I haue drunke with him abroad , but it was at his owne earnest entreaty , neither could I euer be at quiet for the Knaue , hee doth so follow mee vp and downe in euery place , but séeing I know his dissimulation to be such , if I doe not requite him in his kinde , trust me no more : and now I am heartily sorry that I was so foolish as to follow him this day at his appointment : but séeing he hath serued me thus , hée shall not know of my comming out of doores , and therefore good Haunce , doe not tell him that you met mee this day on the fields .

Nay in ●aith Florence ( quoth he ) I will not onely be secret to thee , but will also from henceforth acquaint thee with all my procéedings . And hauing eaten their creame , Haunce brought her some part of the way homeward : and taking his leaue of her , hée went backe to sée if he could méet with John the Frenchman , who hauing stayed at Islington for Florence vntill almost night , and she not comming , hée and the Musicians together were faine to eate vp the meat , without more come pany , which caused John the Frenchman to sweare like a Turke .

And as hée was comming homeward ouer the fields ●hafing and fretting to himselfe , who should hée méete withall but Haunce the Dutchman , who sayd to him : What , John , who thought to méet you here ? Here thou ●éest I am now , sayd John : but when came you from home ? Marry but euen now ( quoth Haunce . ) And who is at home , sayd John ? The other answered , there was no body but their Mistresse , and ●he Maid Florence , with the rest of the houshold : ●s Florence at home , said John ? The diuell take her for mée , shée hath made a right foole of mée indéed ▪ ●ow so , quoth Haunce ? Then the other in a great chafe , said : Be Got shall be reuenged , Florence mocke an me too mush , too mush shée make me beléeue she loue me , an me tinke ●o too , and be Go●●he make me a 〈◊〉 foole . When Haunce heard him say so , he sayd : Alas good John she loue thee ? if you thinke so , you are greatly deceiued : for she is the ●co●●ingest quea● in London : And I haue heard her behinde your backe , to mocke and flout you , saying : Doth shitten John thinke that I will marry him ? in faith sir no. When the Frenchman heard this he stampt like a mad man , and b●● his thumb saying ; Mordue me shall be reuenged be Got : shitten John ? call a shitten John , hea ? Ad●put in corroyname-shant , shitten John , no better name but shitten John ? It is as I ●ell you quoth Haunce : an● moreouer , ●he sayd she scorned to come after you to Islington , saying , she would sée you hanged first . Well be no ma●ra , she no loue me , me no loue shee , but me shall goe home , me shall , and beat as a stock●●sh . Nay , doe not so , said Haunce , but let her alone : for it is no credit for you to beat a woman : and besides that if you should , our Master would turne you out of doores ; therefore be quiet a while , and be secret in that I haue told you , then shall you see how shée v●●th you .

In this humour they d●●aried ▪ at what time , John ●ull of melancholy , stood frow●ing by the fire side : and as the Mayde went vp and downe the house about her businesse ▪ he cast lookes on her , as ●●erce as a Panther ; but shée , by reason of the Dutchmans tale to her , shewes her selfe as scornefull as hee was ●urrish , and not once cast her eye towards him , and thus they droue out the time of a ●●night or a fortnight .

CHAP. XIIII .

How Master Eyer was called upon to be She●iffe of London , and how he held his place with worship .

●● this space Master Eyer following his businesse , had sold so much of his Merchandize as paid the Grecian his whole money ▪ and yet had resting to himselfe three times as much as he had sold , whereof he trusted some to one ●lderman , and some to another , and a great deale amongst substantiall Merchants ; and for some had much ready money , which he imployed in diuers Merchandizes : and became Adventurer at Sea , hauing ( by Gods blessing ) many a prosperous voyage , whereby his riches daily increased .

It chanced vpon a time , that being in his study , casting vp his accounts , hee found himselfe to be clearely worth 12. or 13. thousand pounds , which he finding to be so , ●e called his wife to him , and said :

The last day I did cast vp my accounts ▪ and I find that Almighty God of his goodnesse hath lent me thirtéene thousand pounds to maintaine vs in our old age , for which his gracious goodnesse towards vs , let vs with our whole hearts giue his glorious Maiesty eternall praise and there withall pray vnto him that we may so dispose thereof , as may be to his honour , and the comfort of his poore members on earth , and aboue our neighbours may not be ●uffed vp with pride , that while we thinke on our wealth we forget God that sent it va , for it hath béene an old saying of a wise man , That abundance groweth from riches and disdaine out of abundance : of which God giue vs grace to take h●●d , and grant vs a contented minde .

So soone as he had spoken this , they heard one knocking hastily at doore ; whereupon hee sent Florence to sée who it was , the Mayden comming againe , told her Master it was one of my Lord Mayors Officers that would speake with him . The Officer being permitted to come in , after due reuerence , he said , Sir , it hath pleased my Lord Mayor , with the worshipfull Aldermen his brethren , with the counsell of the whole communalty of the honorable City , to chuse your worship Sheriffe of London this day , and haue sent mee to desire you to come and certifie your minde therein , whether you be contented to hold the place or no.

Master Eyer hearing this , answered he would come to his Honour and their worships incontinent , and resolue them what he was minded to doe ; and so the Officer departed .

His wife , which all this while listned vnto their talke , hearing how the case stood , with a ioyfull countenance méeting her husband , taking him about the necke with a louing kisse , sayd , Master Sheriffe , God giue thee ioy of thy name and place . O wife ( quoth he ) my person is farre vnworthy of that place , and the name farre excéedes my degrée .

What , content your selfe good husband ( quoth shée ) and disable not your selfe in such sort , but be thankfull vnto God for that you haue , and doe not spurne at such promotion as God sendeth vnto you : the Lord be praised for it , you haue enough to discharge the place whereto you are called with credit : and wherefore sendeth God goods , but there withall to doe him and your Countrey seruice ? Woman ( quoth he ) it is an old prouerbe , Soft fire makes sweet mault : for such as take things in hand rashly , repent as suddenly : to be Sheriffe of London it is no little cost . Consider first ( quoth he ) what house I ought to haue , and what costly ornaments belong thereunto , as hanging of Tapistry , cloth of Arras , and other such like , what store of Plate and Goblets of Gold , what costly attire , and what a chargeable traine , and that which is most of all , how greatly I stand charged beside to our Soueraigne Lord the King , for the answering of such prisoners as shall be committed to my custody , with an hundred matters of such importance , which are to such an Office belonging .

Good Lord Husband ( quoth shée ) what néede all these repetitions ? you néed not tell mée it is a matter of great charge : notwithstanding I verily thinke many heretofore haue with great credit discharged the place , whose wealth hath not in any sort béene answerable to your riches , and whose wits haue beene as meane as your owne : Truely Sir , shall I be plaine ? I know not any thing that is to be spoken of , that you want to performe it , but onely your good will : and to lacke good will to doe your King and Countrey good , were a signe of an vnworthy subiect , which I hope you will neuer be .

Well wi●e ( said her husband ) thou dost hold me here with ●rittle prattle , while the time passeth on , 't is high time I were gone to G●●●d-Hall , I doubt I shall appeare too vnmannerly , in causing my Lord Mayor , and the rest to stay my leisure . And hee hauing made herselfe ready , méet to goe before such an assembly as he went vnto , he went out of doores , at what time his wife called after him , saying : and holding vp her finger .

Husband , remember , you know what I haue said : take h●●de you dissemble not with God and the world , looke to it husband : Goe too , goe too , get you in quoth he , about your businesse , and so away he went .

So soone as he was gone out of sight , his wife sent one of his men after him to Guild Hall to hearken and heare , whether her husband held his place or no : and if he do , bring me word with all possible spéed .

I will Mistresse quoth her man .

Now when Master Eyer came to Guild Hall , the Lord Mayor and his brethren bad him heartily welcome , saying : Sir , the communalty of the City hauing a good opinion of you , haue chosen you for one of our Sheriffes for this yéere , not doubting but to finde you a fit man for the place .

My good Lord , quoth hee , I humbly thanke the City for their courtesie and kindnesse , and would to God my wealth were answerable to my good will , and my ability were able to beare it . But I finde my selfe insufficient ; I most humbly desire a yéere respite more , and pardon for this present .

At these words , a graue Commoner of the City standing vp , with one reuerence spake thus vnto the Mayor : My good Lord , this is but a slender excuse for Master Eyer to make ; for I haue often heard him say , and so haue diuers others also , that he hath a Table in his house , where on hee breakes his fast euery day , that hee will not giue for a thousand pounds : Wherefore ( vnder your Lordships correction ) in my simple iudgement , I thinke hee that is able to spare a thousand pounds in such a dead commodity , is very sufficient to be Sheriffe of London . Sée you now , quoth my Lord , I muse Master Eyer , that you will haue so lame an excuse before vs , as to take exceptions at your owne wealth , which is apparently proued sufficient ; you must know Master Eyer , that the Commons of London haue searching eyes , and seldome are they deceiued in their owne opinion , and therefore looke what is done , you must stand to it .

I beséech you my Lord ( quoth Master Eyer ) giue me leaue to speeke one word . Let it be granted , that I will not giue my Table whereon I breake my fast for a thousand pounds , that is no consequence to proue it is worth so much , my fancy to the thing is all ▪ for doubtlesse no man here would giue me a thousand shillings for it when they sée it . All is one for that , quoth my Lord Mayor , yet dare I giue you as much wine as you will spend this yeare in your Shriualty to let mee haue it : my good Lord quoth hee , on that condition I will hold my place , and rest no longer troublesome to this company . You must hold , sayd my Lord , without any condition or exceptions at all in this matter : and so they ended .

The Assembly being then broken vp , the voice went M Eyer is Sheriffe , Master Eyer is Sheriffe . Whereupon the fellow that Mistris Eyer sent to obserue how things framed , ranne home in all haste , and with leaping and reioycing sayd : Mistris , God giue you ioy , for you are now a Gentlewoman . What quoth she , tell mesir sawce , is thy Master Sheriffe , or no● and doth he hold his place ? Yes Mistris , bée holds it now as fast as the stirrop doth the shooe while we sow it ; why then ( quoth she ) I haue my hearts desire , and that I so long looked for , and so away she went .

Within a while after came her husband , and with him one of the Aldermen , and a couple of wealthy Commoners , one of them was he that gaue such great commendations of his Table , and comming to his doore , he sayd , You are welcome home good Master Sheriffe ▪ Nay , I pray you ▪ come in and drinke with me before you goe .

Then sayd hee , Wife bring me forth the Pastie of Uenison , and set mee here my little Table , that these Gentlemen may eate a bit with mee before they goe . His wife which had béene oft vsed to this terme , excused the matter , saying ; The little Table ! good Lord husband , I doe wonder what you will doe with the little Table now knowing that it is vsed already ? I pray you good Husband , content your selfe , and sit at this great Table this once . Then shee whispered him in the eare , saying ; What man , shall we shame our selues ? What shame ( quoth he ? ) fell not me of shame , but doe thou as thou art ●idden , for wee are thrée or foure of vs , then what should wée doe troubling the great Table ? Truly ( answered she ) the little Table is not ready : now good husband let it alone .

Trust me wee are troublesome guests ( said the Alderman ) but yet we would faine sée your little Table , because it is sayd to bée of such price . Yea , and it is my mind you shall , quoth Master Eyer : therefore he called his wife againe , saying : Good wife , dispatch and prepare the little Table : for these Gentlemen would faigne haue a view of it ▪

Whereupon his wife séeing him so earnest , according to her wonted manner , came in : and setting herselfe downe on a low stoole , laid a faire Napkin ouer her knées and set the platter with the pastie of Uenison thereupon and presently a chaire was brought for Master Abderman , and a couple of stooles for the two Commoners , which they beholding , with a sudden and hearty laughter , said ; Why Master Sheriffe , is this the table you ●eld so deare ? Yes truely , quoth hée . Now verily , quoth they , you herein haue vtterly deceiued our expectation . Euen so did you mine , quoth he , in making me Sheriffe : but you are all right welcome , and I will tell you true , had I not thought wondrous well of you , you had not séene my Table now . And I thinke , did my Lord Maior sée it as you doe , he would repent his bargaine so hastily made . Notwithstanding I account of my Table neuer the worse . Nor haue you any cause ( quoth they ) and so after much pleasant talke , they departed , spreading the fame of Master Sheriffes little table ouer the whole City .

But you must now imagine , that a thousand cares combred the Sheriffe , in prouiding all things necessary for his office : at what time he put off his Shoomakers shop to one of his men , and set vp at the same time the signe of the Blacke Swanne swimming vpon the Sea , in remembrance of that Ship , that first did bring him his wealth , and before that time the signe of the Blacke Swanne was neuer seene or knowne in any place in or about the City of London .

CHAP. XIII .

How Haunce having circumvented Iohn the Frenchmans Love was by him and others finely deceived at the Garden .

NOw at that time John the French man , and faire Florence were both at variance , as you heard before , by the Dutchmans dealing ▪ by which subtilty he sought meanes to win fauour for himselfe : which John the Frenchman perceiued , and therefore went about not onely to preuent him , but to take reuenge on him for his deceitfulnes . And meeting Florence as shee went into the Garden for flowres , he began to talke thus vnto her .

What Florence , you goe to the Garden ? And how then , quoth shée , what haue you to say to that ? Me sea nothing , but you be discontent ; you no speake a mee , you no looke a me , nor you no drinke with mée , nor noting a● Florence , how chance dat ?

Goe get thee hence , prating foole , quoth shée , I drinke with thee ? thou shall be piepeckt first . Piepecke ? What be pie peckt a hea ? Be ●o● Florence , you make me a ●acke nape , you mocke a mae , and call 〈◊〉 shitten Jan , and you be soproud , because Haunce lo●●e you , dat shall be maruell : but and if you call mée shitten John any more , par ma foy shall not put vp , shall not take at your hands . Who told you ▪ that I called you shitten John , quoth Florence , I neuer called you so . No Florence ! you no call a me shitten John ? a so me●●ant villain ●●lard Haunce tell a me so : I neuer said so , quoth Florence . But Haunce told mée that you made your boast that I was at a becke of your finger ; and that you could make mee follow you vp and downe the whole City for a pinte of Wine ; no , I would you should well vnderstand , I will not follow a better man than you . Of me fet Florence , me neuer sea so . No ? yes , quoth she but you did , I can tell you by a good foken , for that very time that I should haue met you at Islington ▪ you sayd it , and made me a foole to come ouer the fields to you , and when all came to all , you sent Haunce to tell me you were gone there hence long agone .

Ahcet t●king Haun●r , quoth John , be des fen bon , '● is true , for me tarry dere more den one ▪ two frée houre , and had prouide shapon , de rabit , de creame , de pu●ing pie , and twenty ding more . Well , howsoeuer it was , I am sure , I was made an asse betwixt you , and for that cause I will be ware how I shew kindnesse againe to any : therefore John I pray you be gone , and séeke some other company , for you shall not goe with me : No sayd John ? Wellden , adieu Florence , and so they par●ed .

Now it is to be vnderstood , that Haunce had promised Florence to méet her in the garden , and to bring with him a bottle of wine , and there in the presence of a Mayde or two more , to make themselues sure together : and shee for that purpose , had carried with her a good corner of a venison pastie . But there was an English Iourney-man in the house cald Nicolas that vnderstood thereof , who méeting with John the French man , he made him priuie thereunto saying ; Trust me John , if thou wilt be ruled by mée , wée will not onely disappoint this match , but also with their good cheare make our selues merrie ▪ John , who was glad and ready to doe the Dutchman any iniury , consented to follow Nicolas his counsell in any thing .

Then , quoth Nicholas , it shall be thus : I will goe to the Garden ; and stay for Haunce his comming with the wine , and in the meane space doe thou hide thy selfe vnder one of the hedges of the Garden on the other side , and with thee take a couple of pots , and let ●he one be em●t● , and the other filled with water , and when Haunce is come into the Garden with his bottle of wine ( now he will not let mée sée it by his good will , notwithstanding ) i le obseruo well where hée doth set it downe , and then I will finde the meanes , while they are busie in toying and talking , to conuey the bottle of wine through the hedge to ti●e , and likewise the Uenison : then emptying the bottle , thou shalt fill it with water , and thrusting it through the hedge againe ▪ it shall be set where ●●rst it was sound , which being done , thou shalt ●astily rap at the Garden doore , at what time they shall be told that it is my Master or Mistris , which they hearing , will be in such a maze , that on a sudden they will not know which way to turne themselues , especially for the conueying away of Haunce : Now when you haue knockt twice or thrice , and that ●ou heare no body come to the doore , ●et you away , and stay for mee at the Rose in Barking , and there wée will drinke vp their wine , eate vp the Uenison : and this being done , wēe●e laugh them to s●orne .

Truely Nicholas , quosh John the Frenchman , this will bée braue , and thereupon they prepared themselues to doe the seat . Nicholas therefore got him into the Garden , and by and by after comes Haunce with the bottle of Wine , who knocking at the Garden doore was straight let in : but séeing Nicholas there , hee secretly set his bottle in a corner : but Nicke , who had as searching eyes as Argoes in his businesse , quickly did as before hee had determined , and in stead of wine set the bottle downe againe , where hée first found it , full of water .

Then comes John , and lustily knockt at the doore . There is our Master and Mistris ( quoth Nicholas , ) Alas quoth Florence , what shall wee doe for Haunce ? Then rapt he at the doore againe ; Alas , quoth shée , get you ouer the hedge . Shall I open the doore , quoth Nicke ? O no said Florence , not yet good Nicke . With that he knoc●t more hastily , Anon , anon , quoth she . ●ence Haunce : ●oe to the doore Nicke , Who is there , quoth hée ? and with that opening the doore ●ound ●ust no bo●● . Truely Florence , sayd hee , they are gone whosoeuer they were . God be with you , I can stay no longer .

When hee was departed , the Maides wished that Haunce ▪ had béene there againe . Alas poore fellow ( quoth they ) is hee gone , and left his bottle behinde him ? Marry I am glad that it is no worse , quoth Florence : And now , that the wine is here , wée will drinke it for his sake , and I haue here a morsell of Uenison , that will giue it a good ●el●●● : and therewithall looking for it , she found the cloake , but the mea●e gone . Now a vengeance on it ( quoth ●he ) one skuruy ●u●●e or other hath got into the Garden , and tooke away the meate .

O God , what ill lucke is that ( quoth the Maide ! ) a murren on th●t curre that got it : but seeing it is gone , farewell it . Well , sa● Florence , here is the wine yet , ● know it is excellent good : for hee told mee he● would bring a bottle of the best Renish wine that in London could be bought : and I am certaine hee is as good as his word . But beleeue mee Ioane , hee is as kin●-hearted , and as louing a fellow as euer professed loue to any : I assure you , that here is a cup of Wine that the King migh drinke thereof : but how shall we doe for a glasse ▪ W●●le drinke it out of the bottle , sayd Ioane . Notso ( quoth Florence ) I doe loue to sée what ● drinke , and therefore I le borrow a glasse at the next house . And while shee goes for a glasse , sayd Ioane to her selfe , I le haue a taste of it before ●he returnes againe : and then setting her hand vnto the bottle , and the bottle to her mouth , shee dranke a good draught , and finding it to bee something thinne in the going downe she sayd to Besse that sate by : Credit me now , but for the name of Wine , I haue drunke as good water . It is ●enish Wine ( quoth Besse ) and that is neuer strong . It may bee made of raine well enough , quoth Ioane . At which words Florence entre● with a glasse : and powring it out into the glasse , she extolled the colour , saying : Sée what a braue colour it hath , it is as cleare I do● assure you as rocke-water : and therewithall drinking it off , she sayd , it drinkes very dead : Of a troth quoth shee , this is but bad Wine , it is euen as dead as a doore naile : and so ●●lling the glasse againe , ●hee gaue it vnto Besse : the tasting thereof said : Passion of mée , this is plaine water . Water , sayd Ioane ? is it water : let me taste of it once againe : by my Mayden-head it is water indeed ( quoth shee ) Water , sayd Florence , verily you haue pla●d the drabs in drinking out the wine , and filling the bottle againe with water . 〈◊〉 my faith ( quoth Ioane ) you say not true in so saying : I would you did vnderstand , wée playd not the ●rabs in an ▪ such sort , but Haunce rather playd the ●na●e that brought 〈◊〉 water in stead of Wine . Nay ( quoth Florence ) ●●are not sweare for him that hee would not serue you so . for all the wealth my Master is worth . And I am perswaded it was no body but your selues that 〈◊〉 it : but in faith you might haue dealt so with another and not with mee . Nay then quoth they , you néede not to serue vs so , to cause vs drinke water in stead of wine : and wée would you should thinke , although you be Master Sheriffes Mai●e● wée loue our mouthes as well as you doe yours for your 〈◊〉 , and it was but an homely recompence for our goo● will , I tell you true : neither doe we care how little wee come to be thus de●●ded . Goe to ●●e too , sa●● Florence , you are like to ●enelope's puppy , that doth both bi●e and whine , I know you well enough . Know vs ( quoth oa●● ? ) What doe you know by vs ? wée de●●e you for any thing you can say by vs . Know vs ? Nay , it were well if thou did 〈◊〉 know thy selfe , and hencest thou ? though thou hast thy companions to meete thee at thy pleasure , and we haue not : no , know vs ? wée are knowne to be as honest as thou a●t , or else we should be sorry ; and to the ●e●arted in a ●hase .

Now John the Frenchman and Nicholas hauing eaten the venison , and drunke vp the wine , came backe againe time enough to heare all this ●trife whereat they greatly re●oyced . But so soone as Florence did méet with Haunce againe , ●he kept no small stirre for mocking her with a bottle of water : about the which they fell at variance , in such 〈◊〉 that they were not friends for a long time after .

But during the time that Haunce was out of ●auour , Nicholas ●o●●●t the Ma●●es friendship by all the meanes hée might , but in ●ine was ●●s paines spent therein : for although Florence ( outwardly ●●●med much displeased . yet Haunce had her heart still , and in processe of ●●ne obtained great fauour : the matter was growne ●o forward ▪ that the performance of their marriage was forthwith a●●ointed , which they intended should bée celebrated at the Abbey of Grace 〈◊〉 Tower Hill . Notwithstanding , this matter was not 〈◊〉 so close , but that their secret dealings were knowne , and Nicholas pu●●o●●ng to deceiue the Dutchman , made John Frenchman pr●●● there●nto , saying ; John , it is so that this night at midnight ●●sse ; Florence and Haunce doe intend secretly to be married , and they haue appointed the Frier to doe it so soone as the Tapers are all pu●out , because they will not be seene of any : Therefore John , i● no● 〈◊〉 will be my friend , ● doe not doubt but to marry her my selfe , 〈◊〉 so to giue the Dutchman she ●●●mpam , and ●ore him through ●●●●se with a 〈◊〉 . H● ( quoth John ) be G●t me shall doe as you sea , and therefore Nicholas tell a mée what you doe . Marry John , quoth hée , you know the Dutchman louet● to drinke well , and by that he loueth , wée le cause him to lose his Loue , ●or we will get him out to the ●●uerne , and there cause him to be disguised , that hée shall neither be able to stand nor goe ; and while hee lies parbreaking his minde ▪ I le goe and marry the Maide . The Frenchman hearing this , scratcht his head , and rubbing his elbow , sayd , Ma●foy , Nicholas , ●●s be de f●ne tricke : how shall wée get him forth adoores ? Excellent well , quoth Nicholas , for there is a new ●ourney man come to Towne with Sir Hughes bones at his backe , and you know , that wée being of the Gentle Craft , must goe giue him his welcome , and I will tell Haunce thereof , who being now very ●ocund , by reason that his marriage is so néere , will not deny to come , I know . Therefore you and the strange Iourney-man shall goe before to the Tauerne , and then I will goe fetch him . Ab●ene , content , content said John .

And so to the Tauerne hee hasted with the strange man . Anone comes Nicholas and Haunce , and with them two or thrée Iourneymen more , and all to the new Iourney-man : sitting downe , they get Haunce . in the midst , called for wine lustily , and such varieties , us the Dutchman was soone set packing , for euery one sought to ouercharge him , and being himselfe of a good kinde to take his liquor , spared not to pledge euery man . At what time in the midst of his cups , being well whitled , his tongue ran at randome ( as wine is the bewrayer of secrets ) so it proued by him , for there he opened to his companions all his whole minde , saying , My hearts , for all I sit here , I must bée a married man ere morning . God giue you ioy ( quoth they ) but who shall you marry , sayd Nicke , Florence ? Yea , Florence , sayd the Dutchman , that is the Lasse that I doe loue , and all the world cannot deceiue mee of her now , I am the man that must haue her Maidenhead , and this night wée must bée married at the Abbey of Grace ; and if you be good fellowes , goe with me to Church , will yo● goe with me ? Will we ge● with thée ? ( sayd John Frenchman ) that we will . O John ( said Haunce ) haue wiped your nose , and Nickes too , you must weare the willow Garland . Well , what remedy ( quoth they ) it is the better for you : but in faith Haunce , séeing it is so ( quoth Nicke ) wée le haue one ●ottle of wine more , that wée may drinke to the health of your faire Bride . I le pledge her if it be a gallon ( quoth Haunce . ) Be my set and trot , said John , wée le ha●e ● gallon . Hea Drawer , where be you ? I pray you bring me agallo●● of the best Claret , and a gallon of de best Seck , shall make merry I set : what Florence bee merry and I no know ? ●ut by the time this Wine was drunke , Haunce was layd vp for walking any more that night . When Nicke perceiued that , he stole suddenly out of the Tanerne , and went to meete Florence at the appointed place : but Iohn quickly missing him , knew straight whereabout he went , got ●●n presently to th● Constable of the ●osterne Gate , and told him , that Nicke had layd a man for dead in Tower stréet , and that he was gone to saue himselfe vnder the prfu●ledge of the Abbey of Grace , but ( quoth he ▪ if you will goe along , I shall bring him out with faire words vnto you , and then I desire you to clap him vp to answer this matter in the morning . But where dwell you , said the Constable ? I doe dwell with Master Alderman Eyer ( quoth Iohn ) and there you shall haue mee at all times , The Constable did as Iohn bade him , and committed Nicholas to prison . In the meane space , Florence , and an old woman of Tower stréete , sayd that they did goe to a womans labour , and by that meanes they passed along by the Watch , and to the Abbey of Grace they came . They had not long beene there , but that Iohn Frenchman méeting them , sayd ; Florence , well met , here is a fit place to finish that I haue long looked for : Iohn ( quoth ●he ) thou art like an euill spirit that must bée contured out before a body shall get any quietnesse , vrge not me vpon any such matters , for you be not the man I looke for , and therefore , as taking little pleasure in your presence , as of your proffers ; I would be very glad to sée your backe . What sayd Iohn , haue you no compassion vpon a poore man ? you be hard hearted indeed . But as hee was vttering these speeches , it was his wifes chance to heare his ●on●ue , being newly come from the Barge at Billingsgate , and at that time going towards Saint Katharines , to sée if shée could mée te with some of her Country folkes , that could tell her any tidings of her husband , but as I sayd , hearing his tongue , and knowing him by his speech , she sayd , What , Iohn Denevale ? my husband Iohn Denevale ? What make you wed pretty wence hea ? At which words Iohn was stricken into such a dump , that hee wist not what to say : notwithstanding , hearing Florence to aske if shee was his wife hée answered and sayd , Yea. O thou dissembling fellow , quoth shée , it is ●uen so : Didst thou say thou wast a Batcheller ; séeking to marry me , and hast a wife aliue ? now ●●e on thée : O good Lord , how was I ble●● to e●●ape him ? nay , now I sée , that Haunce may haue a wife 〈◊〉 Flaunders too , although he be here : and therefore by the grace of God , I will not marry a stranger . O ( quoth John ) I thought my wife had béene dead , but seeing ●he is aliue , I will not lose her for twenty thousand crownes . So Florence departed , and left John with his wife .

Now , Haunce neuer waking vntill it was next day at noone ; wh●r● he saw he had ouers●ept himselfe , being very sorry , hee went home , not knowing how to excuse his folly to Florence , whom shée now vsterly forsóoke , as well in regard of his drunkennesse as for that being a stranger , he might ( like John Frenchman ) haue another wife liuing , But Nicholas ( that all this while lay in prison ) being brought before Alderman Eyer , rehearted the truth , and crauing pardon for his offence , was without more adoe deliuered . And Florence being called before him , hee made vp the match betwéene her and his man Nicholas , marrying them out of his house with great credit , giuing them a good stocke to begin the world withall : also for John Frenchman dee did very much , and shewed himselfe a good Master to his man Haunce , and to all the rest of his seruants .

CHAP. XVI .

How Master Alderman Eyre was chosen Lord Mayor of London , and and how he feasted all the Prentices on Shrove-tuesday .

WIthin a few yeares after Alderman Eyre being ●ha●en Lord Ma●or of London , changing his coppy , he became one of the Worshipfull Company of Drayers , and for this yéere he kept a mo●● be ●ntifull house . At this time it came into his minde what a promise once hee made to the Prentices , being at breakfast with them at their going to the Con●uit , speaking to his Lady in this wife . ●oo● Lord quoth hee ) what a chance haue wée had within these thirty yéeres ? And how greatly hath the Lord blessed vs ●●uce that ? blessed ●e his Name for it .

I d●e remember , when I was a young Prentice , what a match I made vpon a Shroue ▪ tuesday morning , ●ein● at the Canduit among other of my companions ; trust me wise ( quoth he ) 't is worth the hearin● , and I le tell thee how it f●ll out .

After wee had filled out . Tankards with water , there was some would néedes haue mee set downe my Tankard , a●● go● with them ●o breakefast ( as many times before I had done ) to which I consented : and it was a breakefast of Pudding pies . I shall neuer forget it : But to make short , when the shot came to be payd , each one drew out his money , but I had not one penny in my purse , and credit I had none in the place ; which when I behe●d , being a●ashed , I said ; Well my Masters , doe you giue me my breakfast this time ; and in requitall thereof , if euer I be Mayor of London , I le bestow a breakfast on all the prentizes of the City : these were the words , little thinking ( God wot ) that euer it should come to passe : but such was the great goodnesse of our God , who setteth vp the humble , and pulleth downe ●he proud , to bring whom he pleaseth to the seat of honour . For , as the Scripture witnesseth , Promotion commeth neither from the East nor from the West , but from him that is the giver of all good things , the mighty Lord of Heaven and Earth : Wherefore wife séeing God bath bestowed that vpon me that I neuer looked for ; it ●s reason that I should performe my promise : and being able now , I le pay that which then I was not able to doe : for & would not haue men say that I am like the Ebon tree , that neither beares leaues nor fruit . Wherefore wife , séeing that Shrone . Tuesday is so neare at hand , I will vpon that day fulfill my promise : which vpon that day I made . Truely ( my Lord ) quoth thee , I will be right willing thereunto . Then answered my Lord , as thou doest loue mée , let them lacke neither Pudding p●es nor Pancakes , and looke what other good cheare is to be had , I will referre all to your discretion . Hereupon great prouision was made for the Prentizes breakefast : and Shrouetuesday being come , the Lord Mayor sent word to the Aldermen , that in their seuerall Wards they should signifie his minde to the Citizens , to ●ra●e their fauours that their Prentizes might come to his house to breakefast , and that for his sake they might play all the day after .

Hereupon it was ordered , that at the ringing of a Bell in euery Parish , the Prentizes should leaue worke and shut vp their shops for that day , which being euer since yéerely obserued , it is called the Pancake bell . The prentizes being all assembled my Lord Mayors house was not able to hold them , they were such a multitude : so that besides the great ●all , all the gardens were set with Tables , an● 〈◊〉 the backeside Tables were set , and euery other spare place was also furnished : so that at length the Prentiz●s were all placed , and while ●ea●e was bringing in , to delight their e●res , as well as to ●éede their bodies , and to drowne the noise of their pra●lings , Drums and Trumpets were pleasantly sounded : that being ended , the Waits of the City , with diuers other sorts of mu●●cke played also to begutle the time , and to put off all discontent .

After the first seruice , were all the Tables pleutifully furnished with ●udding-p●e● and Pancakes , in very plentifull manner ; and the rest that remained was giuen to the poore . Wine and Ale in very great measure they had giuen , insomuch that they had no lacke , nor ●xcesse to cause them to bee ●isordered . And ●u the middest of this their merriment , the Lord & a or in his scarlet gowne , and his Lady in like manner went in amongst them , bidding them all most heart●ly welcome , saying vnto them , that his promise so long agoe made , hée hath at length performed . At what time they ( in token of thankfulnesse ) slung vp their Caps , giuing a great shout , and incontinently they all quietly departed .

Then after this , Sir Simon Eyer builded Leaden-Hall , appointing that in the middest thereof there should bée a Market place kept euery Monday for Leather , where the Shoomakers of London , for their more ease , might buy of the ●anners , without séeking any further . And in the end , this worthy man ended his life in London with great Honour .

FINIS .