Mutio quickly conceive that this her sicknesse would slacken her husbands voyage he therefore returns to Chartres to use the same cheat to the Merchants brother as he had done to the Merchant himselfe whither being come hee wrote a Letter directed to Master D'estampes to this effect Brother SInce the time that I had the opportunitie of writing unto you last Fortune hath taught me to what a depth of sorrow she could depresse a laguishing woman for death envying the prosperity which I enjoyed and the joy that I possessed by so loving a husband hath now bere aved me of him by an accursed Plurisie which maliciouslie seazed on him on the Wednesday and killed him on the Thursday it is a kinde of cruelty that I my selfe am constrained to write the cause of my sorrow but in respect that he hath made you his Executour and hath likewise in his Will disposed of one part of his estate for your childrens good I thought it a part of my duty by giving sudden notice of it to expresse my deare affection to him and love to you I shall with you desire to see my mother and to enjoy hers and your company to my comfort Hasten therefore for untill your arrivall I shall account my selfe Your forlorne sister Eliz. D'estampes Mutio having penned this Letter goes with it unto the brother of Master D'estampes and signifying that he was his brothers servant presented him the Letter the contents whereof being by him read wonderfully grieved him for that he dearly loved this his brother and for his sake kindly entertained this his pretended servant Hee and his mother prepare themselves mourning apparrell and dispose and order their affaires at home against their intended journey to Paris whither hee and his mother are now resolved to goe in the meane time Mutio is not idle but watching his opportunity whiles most of the house were at Church and the rest not suspecting him pilfereth two or three rich Diamonds out of a small Casket which he being his Crafts-master so neately closed againe that it could not be suddenly discovered To conclude hee framed such a simple and harmelesse countenance and thereto used so naturall a behaviour in his demeanour towards this younger brother that both he and his mother take their journeys towards Paris the one to proove the Will the other to confort her disconsolate daughter so that now there are two severall men parted from severall places and going to different places about one and the same cause both of them enjoying their perfect health both each by other thought to bee dead and both of them building Castles in the aire with the conceited wealth left by the one unto the other neither of them as yet perceiving the cunning theft of Mutio. It was not long after the departure of Mutio out of Paris before the wife of Charles Destampes began to recover her husband therefore begins his intended journey toward Chartres to settle his brothers affaires whiles he likewise was onward toward Paris Now it happened that he being either better horsed or setting forth sooner then his brother came with his mother unto an Inne being in the mid-way betweene both places and because they were very weary they there tooke up their lodging and having supped went into two severall beds in the same chamber Charles on the other side comming from Paris somewhat late into the same village and inquiring for the best Inne was directed to the very same place where hee having supped was brought into Chamber thorow which he that had occasion to go to or fro thorow his brothers Chamber must of necessity passe It happened that this man about midnight heard his brother speake unto his mother for there was but a thin wainscot partition betweene them so that it was easie for him to heare what they said the voice hee heard made him apprehend that it was surely his brothers spirit but afterward considering that it might be some other that had the like voice hee blowes out the candle and resolves to settle himselfe to sleep About an houre after the younger brother who lay in the other Chamber being troubled with the Squertego called up the Chamberlaine to bring him a Candle which being come hee takes his Cloke and passeth close by the bed where his brother lay talking by the way unto the Chamberlaine his brother awakes at the noise and began to be in a terrible fear for now he thought he heard him speake more distinctly and saw a glimpse of his visage The other holds on his way but in his returne towards his Chamber hee became so curious as with his Candle to take a more full view of him that lay so neere him who opening his eyes knew his countenance and shrinkes under the cloths that he might no more bee troubled with his sight for his whole body trembled by reason of his extream feare Young D'estampes being amazed to see his brother there whom hee certainely held for dead let fall the Candle and ran away as fast as his legs could carry him he hath the same conceit that his brother hath and thinkes that he saw to bee his Spirit so that both of them were wonderfully troubled at their strange visions the young man tells his mother what he had seen she being as other women of a weak spirit confirmed his opinion by telling him that he had left some vow unperformed which was the cause that his Spirit walked so that the extremity of feare presenting divers objects to their thoughts they continued all night wakening in great perplexity at length day appearing the elder brother ariseth first and dresseth himselfe in his mourning apparell the younger likewise forsakes his bed at the same time being both dressed this man opens the door thinking to go downe and there to inquire of the Host who it was that lay in the adjoyning Chamber but seeing his brother in his mourning clothes hee amazedly retired and the other being no lesse afraid goes downe and having inquired who they were that lay in the inner Chamber he was answered that they were of Chartres that they were one man and one woman then began he to take courage thinking it might be that the newes of his brothers death was false but then he wondred why if it were his brother he should mourne To conclude the Host interposing betweene both parties the two brothers came and imbraced each other greatly wondering at so strange an accident Each of them relate unto the other the roguerie of Mutio in delivering fained letters so having spent together some time in mirth each returned to his owne home where the one found that Mutio his fingers had bin busie among his jewels and the other among his best stuffes This fellow shortly after was taken in the company of some Cutpurses and for his villanies being found guilty first burned with the Kings marke and then condemned to the Gallies at Marseilles CHAP. XIX A Facetious Relation how one
feare as if a thunderbolt had fallen among them and all their bold mirth is now turned into whispering and their joy into sorrow they are hungry but cannot eat and a cold trembling so possesseth them thorowout that they seeme rather dead then alive imagining these men pursued no other but themselves These officers called for wine and intended onely their owne recreation meaning nothing against them but they much wondred that upon the sudden those that sate neere them had taken their flight and left their wine and meat on the table departing without paying the shot All which the officers well noting demanded of the Host what was the cause of their sudden flight to which the Host said that he could not chuse but much wonder thereat and told them what kinde of people they were and how well furnished with money being formerly very poore and needy people Then the officers consulted together and concluded that there was something more then ordinary in the matter and that these men their consciences accusing them of some offence by them committed and fearing them as officers had taken their flight and that it was requisite they should be pursued which being resolved on they presently put in execution and parting themselves some one way and some another by their diligence and speed overtook them they then stayed them in the Kings Name and perswading them to confesse the cause of their flight they told them that if they would not by fair meanes they would constraine them by force and thereupon took the eldest of them and gave him the Strapado which made the old fellow quickly confesse that they had all foure deserved death namely by the murdering of Melander at the which his companions grew inraged he with the rest having before resolved to endure all the tortures that could be inflicted upon them rather then they would confesse moreover the said old man confessed that he had been the cause of the deaths of threescore persons whom he at severall times taking into his barge under pretence of passing them over the River had tied stones about their necks and having so drowned them at night took them up and so stripped them he moreover related unto them that he had one day most wickedly killed a boy about the age of seventeen yeers who had no more then twelve pence about him and that of all the thefts and murders he had committed he had never grieved but for that as being the cause of the death of one of the most comely and hopefull young men that ever he saw Alexis having notice of their taking for it is to be noted that of foure which were pursued one escaped and advised Alexis and his companion who was a Mason to take their flight Alexis fled into England and the Mason into Touraine where we will anon overtake them The officers having thus done their devoire led the offenders unto Paris where they were condemned first to have their hands cut off and their bodies to be broken on the wheele before the house of Melander which was performed in the sight of a multitude of people One of those which were thus broken confessed that he was accustomed in the woods neer Paris to strangle the passengers with a cord which he for that purpose carried about him and that when any demanded of him whither he went he would answer he went to buy a calf shewing unto them the cord We will now return to our Renegadoes he which was at Tours having escaped the danger which threatned him had changed his name and lived by his trade being welcome among others of the same profession in those parts by reason of his great skill therein he being at length become amorous of a young maid in the countrey by the consent of her parents married her Behold him at the height of his desires but yet so troubled in his conscience that he could not rest for the bloud of those innocent souls which he had shed ceased not to cry for vengeance but the mischiefs which troubled him happened chiefly in that he either in malice or jollity so charmed the Cod-peece-point of one of his neighbours that he could not make use of his own wife which being done he came about three or foure dayes after unto the married man and told him that he partly knew that his point had been knit with a charming knot and that if he would give him a reasonable reward he would untie it The man who desired nothing more then to be freed of this infirmity yet without thinking that the Mason had charmed it promised to give him twenty shillings in present and twenty shillings more when he was eased thereof of he received the twenty shillings and his neighbour being cured he demanded of him the other twenty shillings according to promise who then called him Sorcerer and told him that he was a Witch and had bewitched him and deserved to be burnt the Mason not being able to beare such language called him in question for scandalizing his reputation The Judges having seriously considered the matter by a common consent agreed that hee was the sole cause whence proceeded this evill which being after a sort prooved for that about ten dayes after the marriage the said Mason had publikely bragged unto some that hee had done it which was prooved against him he was condemned to be whipt through the Market-place and then banished which to avoid he presently appeales to the Parliament of Paris whither he was sent and where hee found his death The time being come wherein he must be recompensed according to his merit for being come to Paris he is heard of by some of the inhabitants of the said Village who presently gave notice and advertised the heires of Melander who so eagerly pursued him that by the deposition of the former witnesses he was forced to confesse the deed and so was judged to the same punishment as his companions which last Execution was done in the yeere 1616. five yeeres after the murder of Melander There remaines now onely Alexis who passing by Calis it happened as theeves cannot forbeare misdoing that he entred the house of a rich Merchant and stole from him a great summe of money while he was at Masse he is thereupon taken and condemned to be hanged Thus were they by the Divine justice deservedly put to death who so cruelly had murdered Melander CHAP. XIII The dangerous adventures and miraculous escapes of Colyrias COlyrias was descended of a good family in Guien and of a father whose vertue might have been a paterne unto him in his actions had he not been withdrawne by the over-commanding power of the destinies This young man his father being dead was committed to the tuition of his Vncle who slacking the severity which at first he shewed soone after permitted him to follow his licentious desires as do most Tutors and Guardians of children in these dayes they are forward to receive the benefit of their place
45. Chap. 7. Polidamors entertainement among Theeves p. 53. Chap. 8. A prodigious History of the Treacheries of Valesio p. 67. Chap. 9. A young Cutpurse made free p. 91. Chap. 10. The life and death of little Iames. p. 99. Chap. 11. The story of Pallioly and his Choak-peare p. 123. Chap. 12. The wicked servant p. 1â—5 Chap. 13. The dangerous adventures and miraculous escapes of Colyrias p. 161. Chap. 14. One often cheated p. 173. Chap. 15. A strange Robbery of a Merchants shop p. 183. Chap. 16. The cunning escape of a Cheater oot of Prison p. 188. Chap. 17. A Theefe caught in a Trap. p. 193. Chap. 18. The story of Amboise la Forge a notable Cut-purse p. 201. Chap. 19. A Relation of the notable cheats performed by one Mutio. p. 221. Chap. 20. A facetious Relation how one Maillard cheated a Goldsmith of a rich piece of Plate p. 238. Chapt. 21. The multiplicity of Theeves p. 263. Chap. 22. A facetious Relation of a Parisian Theef condemned to the Gallies at Marseilles 269. Chap. 23. The gratefull Theef p. 294 THE HISTORY OF THEEVES CHAP. I. Of an Inne-keeper Cheated DEspaire often constraineth us to imbrace Actions which we would reject as pernitious to our soules health if Passion blinded not our Senses but we are for the most part so wedded to our owne perverse wills that we wil not vouchsafe to deliberate with reason but rashly doe whatsoever is presented unto us by our vaine imaginations This is the cause that man cannot so easily see what he is nor whence he draweth his Originall At that time when as Peace began to flowrish in this Kingdome and that the fury of a long warre was appeased It happened that five or sixe cashiered Souldiers not knowing what shifts to make departed out of Paris resolving among themselvs that sithence unconstant Fortune seemed to deny them sufficient Commodities for their sustenance they would use their greatest cunning and utmost endeavor to procure it These people that before had plenty of all things could not now brook a scarcity and therefore resolved to make a correspondency to their former fortunes though by any indirect meanes neither were they long to seek For as it often comes to passe that when men perceive themselvs sinking into the deepest misery even then they finde out a meanes of reliefe So now Necessity dictates unto these cheating fellows an invention by which they for a time shift off these hungry wants which were now ready to oppresse them They in their way chanced to meet with a youth about the age of tenne or twelue yeeres who had been sent from about twelue Leagves distant from thence with a Letter to one in Paris whom they staying one among the rest intending to practise his wit and to recreate both himselfe and companions by an invention adviseth them to cloathe him after the best manner they could possibly and telleth them that as for the rest he doubted not but that he should so well act his part that they should all fare the better for his enterprize They all follow his direction and at length by their joynt endeavours they so well apparell him that one would have taken him for some young Lord although there was a kinde of constraint in his behaviour and that by his actions he sometimes shewed of what stocke he was The tree is knowne by the fruit and the leafe partly manifests the kinde and the quality of the stalke For Generosity appeareth as well by the outward behaviour as it doth by Vertue which is the inward ornament and whosoever will cloathe a Rustick in the habite of a Gentleman shall notwithstanding finde in him the effects of his rude breeding and incivility This youth being thus revested hatched conceits which lifted him up even unto the clouds he already thought himselfe one of the great Lords of France yet for all his high conceits they become his Lawgiver and after mountaines of golden promises they command him upon paine of death not to speake to any one upon any occasion whatsoever more then these two words Etiam and Maxime Having thus grounded their intended deceit they went to take up their lodgings in one of the best Inns about Paris where being arrived they fained themselves to be of the house of the extraordinary Ambassadour of Holland and told the Host that without faile within foure or five dayes the said Ambassadour would passe that way and for an assured testimony of what they spake they shewed unto him the young Gentlemen saying that he was Nephew unto the Ambassadour The Master of the house who deeply considered not what they spake beleeving them entertained them very sumptuously with whatsover they demanded and the notice he tooke during their abode in his house that all of them in generall were submissively respective unto their young Master whom they blazed to be the Ambassadours Minion made him and the rest of the Inne verely beleeve that the reverence which they shewed unto this youth was unfained and what they spake was undoubtedly true Five dayes were now past wherein there was no newes of the Ambassador but what they themselves made in the house in the midst of their Jollities and Banquets The Host knew not what to think of it but not being able to sound the depth of their mysteries he causeth his doubt to reflect upon the reverence which he saw was yeelded unto this new made Gentleman this withholdeth him from any outward shew of suspition and feedes him with the hope of the future comming of the Ambassadour At length eight dayes being pleasantly slipped away and no Ambassadour appearing our Vagabond Souldiers begin to dreame that it was now time for them to take the ayre And to finish their well projected Enterprise one of them sendeth forth his Masters Lackey in fight of the Host to give notice when the Ambassadour approached but he kept not his promise in comming for he was not yet parted from his house and had before privately commanded him to returne by three of the clocke the next morning to give them notice that their Master was drawing neere unto the City This Gullery was well practised the Lackey failed not to come at the appointed houre and knocking at the Gate delivered unto them the welcome newes of their masters approach Whereupon they all start up with speed and having commanded that their horses should be prepared the Master of the Inne ariseth calleth up his servants and all of them confidently settle themselvs in expectation of the Ambassadour when their horses were ready one of them came boldly unto the Host and told him that they must of necessity goe meet their Master that he must prepare a breakfast against their returne which would be within two or three houres at furthest and in the meane time they would leave their yong Master with him so they all parted and forraged the Countrey having merrily recreated themselves at the expence of their Host. In the meane
came into the shop and asked to see some wares but by ill fortune as the boy opened them the Mistris of the house came also which made him doubt that hee should not finish his well projected enterprise hee could then willingly have wished himselfe further off and that he had not enter'd since as the case stood nothing promised him a good issue in his affaires Neverthelesse to forsake a thing so well forwarded argued Cowardise hee therefore at length resolved to try his fortune He causeth to be brought unto him all sorts of the best Stuffes and bargained for a whole piece of that he best liked saying that his Master a very rich Chyrurgion whose name he telleth and the streete wherein he resided sent him to make choise of a piece He therefore desired the Mistris to permit the boy to bring the Stuffe away with him unto his Master and that then he should receive the moneyes according to agreement This young woman little doubting that her new Chapman would have deceived her commands the boy to follow the Gentleman with the Stuffe and remember said she to bring money for it upon these words they departed and had no sooner turned their backes but this fellowes Companion meeteth them as it were by chance and the better to act their parts he demandes of his Comrade whence he came he answered from his Master and that he was sent to let one blood but have you said he done that which my Master commanded you have you bought the Stuffes The boy who heard all these words verely beleeved what they spake to be true Our two Vagabonds being parted one from the other he who conducted the Mercers boy tooke occasion to tell him that the other was his companion and so wrought that he made him more and more confidently beleeve what he said now as for the businesse in hand when you come to my Master said he you may leave your Stuffe below in the shop and may ascend with him into the chamber where he will pay you your money perhaps he will seeke to abate of the price but for all that when he knoweth that I have agreed with you for it he will not fail to content you The young youth being thus instructed they at length came unto the house and entred into the shop where the Chyrurgion seemed joyfull to see his new Patient Is this said he the youth of whom you told me Yes Sir answered the other you may if it please you take him into your Chamber to give him content I pray you walke up said the Chyrurgion at which words the boy leaveth the Stuffe he had under his Cloake in the shop and followeth the Chyrurgion directly to the Chamber the other seeing the shop voyd of people takes the Stuffe and runs away with it The Chyrurgion in the meane time examineth the youth concerning his disease and told him that there was no danger for him to discover it unto him and that if humane remedies could give him ease he hoped quickly to cure him of his malady The boy quite amazed not knowing what the Chyrurgion meaned answered That he thanked God he was free from any disease The Chyrurgion who was intreated to presse him by threatnings if he would not make knowne his griefe by faire meanes persisteth in his remonstrances My friend said he unto him diseases the more inveterate they are the more difficult they are to be cured the griefe that waxeth old taketh root and men are often constrained to make incision where if applyed in time there needed not more then an ordinary Plaister The youth who expected nothing from him but mony that being the best salve in these dayes told him That he came for no other cause but to receive money for his Stuffes The Chyrurgion perceiving that he used all his faire perswasions to little or no purpose thought he might draw him to tell him his infirmities by threatning he therefore began to waxe very rough with him but when he heard him speak of Stuffes and Ware he began to smell out the cheat and asked him of what Ware he spake the boy exclaimed wonderfully against him calling him Cheater and told him that he should pay for the stuffe but in the end he was turned home without either Money or Stuffe This may serve as a warning to young Apprentises not to suffer themselves to be led by the faire words of any man but to be carefull of their affaires and to be watchfull of those things committed to their custody by which meanes they shall deserve praise of all men and avoyd many the like dangers which they shall run into CHAP. IIII. A Cheaters selfe-invitation IMpudence is the ordinary portion of Theeves and few are found among them that are not infected with that vice Garandine as impudent as crafty and who for his thefts was executed at Roven as he was one day at Paris walking from place to place as he was still accustomed the better to entrap Novices took notice of two Citizens who having not for a long time seene one the other embraced welcomed and mutually rejoyced one in each others company Hee who still kept one eare for the Towne and another for the Countrey perceiving them discourse of their particular affaires drew by little and little neere unto them yet without seeming any way desirous to participate of their discourse At length after much talke the one of these earnestly intreated the other to come the next day by eleven of the clock to his house there to take part of a poore dinner with him and to bring with him some friend to bear him company the other faithfully promised him not to faile to endeavor the increase of his happines by visiting him at the appointed houre and withall signified that he much honoured him by his invitation Garandine who had with an attentive eare hearkned to this loving invitation was perswaded that hee might then performe some exploit He resolves therefore to follow his intended Host afarr off and to learne the streete and place where he resided to the end that he might not faile the next day to be there as well as he who was invited which having taken notice of he failed not the next day at the prefixed houre to take his walke about the place expecting when he who was invited to dinner would come that he might serve him for an Vmbra as the ancients were accustomed who when any were invited to a feast alwayes took one to accompany them He having at length perceived the invited guest comming afarre off so ordered his steps that they both met at the same instant just over against the very doore wherupon the Marchant thinking that Gerandine had been invited by the master of the house contested in humility who should enter last the other would not doe as the shadow which lead Socrates one day to a banquet and entred before its Master which was contrary to custome this was the cause that
plotters of Mischiefe who lie alwayes in Ambush expecting their prey hearing some talke of this worthy man resolved among themselves to try their cunning to entrap him The complot being resolved on and they knowing his lodging which was not far from the Cordeliers often sought the opportunity to surprise him but yet for three or foure times they failed but at length he comming onely attended on by a little Lackey neere Saint Andrewes of Arts three of them having perceived him presently beset him and there rifle him but finding no store of money about him they took from him a new Cloake of very fine Spanish-cloth lin'd through with Plush Polidamor who wonderfully vexed that he had been after such a sort un-Cloak'd said unto them Sirs I humbly intreat you to affoord mee so much favour as to permit me since you have taken away my Cloake to redeeme it upon reasonable termes I shall willingly give unto you for it more then it wil elsewhere affoord you if therefore my proposition bee acceptable unto you to morrow at what houre you shall please to appoint I will bring you mony for it the Theeves hearing him speake after that sort answered him That he should not faile the next day by six a clock at night to be in that place and that then they would restore unto him his Cloak but withall told him That they were already informed of his lodging and quality and therefore charged him not to bring any one with him to serve him for a safe Convoy for if he did they vowed his ruine and gave him just cause to despaire if he came accompanied of ever returning to his house Polidamor terrified with such threatnings promised them not to faile to bee there alone at th' appointed houre in the meane time hee was constrained to returne to his house without his Cloake which he thought very unseemely in a man of his quality and could hardly digest it he being a man not accustomed to such rude entertainements but in this case he must make a vertue of necessity by enduring it with patience not knowing well how to remedy it On the morrow he takes his purse well furnished with money and departs from his house about halfe an houre after five and came to the place where the former night he had lost his Cloake there he for a time attended at length immediately after sixe he perceived a Coach with three or foure Gentlemen in it Polidamor little thought those whom he expected were such kinde of people these men seeing him stand at the appointed place caused likewise their Coach to stop whereupon one of them privately enquires of him whether he were the man from whom they had the night before taken away a Cloake lined with Plush he answered That he was the man and that he came thither upon no other businesse but to redeem it according to his promise Upon this answere one of them came unto him and whispering him in his eare demanded whether he were accompanied or not and told him that if he were his life was in hazard he having vowed unto them that he was alone was taken up by them and placed in the midst of the Coach where they hoodwinke him one of them holding a Pistoll at his breast lest he should make an out-cry behold Polidamor greatly amaz'd and terrified but he was much incouraged when they promised not any way to hurt him or doe him mischiefe they presently cause the boote of the Coach to be shut close and command the Coachman to drive away with speed Polidamor in the meane time remained as it were in a trance not knowing whither hee was conveyed Having swiftly hurried from street to street they came at length to a most stately house where the gate being presently opened they enter then began Polidamor to redouble his feare and to expect the houre of his death for he never thought to escape at length his eyes being uncovered they led him straight to a great Hall where hee found the Tables covered with all kindes of most exquisite meates hee was mightily astonished to see himselfe in the midst of so many people all in good order and so well clothed that a man would have judged them to have been of some high quality They told him that he needed not to feare for that he was in good company and that they had not brought him thither but that he might doe them the honour to take part of a poore Supper with them but Polidamor could have wisht himselfe at Supper elsewhere in a place of more security for he could not devise either in what part of the city he then was nor conceive what they were with whom hee was to Suppe In the meane time having washed their hands every one tooke his place and had they been Princes they could not have been better attended yet they caused Polidamor to sit at the upper end of the Table who had he been further from both ends would have had a better appetite He notwithstanding made shew of eating with the rest judging that seeing he was in the middest of Wolves he could not doe otherwise then imitate their actions When they had all Supped and that the Tables were uncovered and Cloth taken away some of them came to discourse with Polidamor and after a complementall manner told him That they were sorry that he had eaten so little with them to which he knew not what to answere for he feared lest by the rash utterance of some word which might be wrong taken he should provoke them to anger and to draw on his owne ruine yet hee took courage and deliberately gave them respective answers While some of them were in discourse one tooke a Lute another a Violl and so recreated themselves At length after much talke he who the day before had taken the Cloake from Polidamor came unto him and asked him whether hee had brought the Mony which he promised Polidamor answered that it was ready and thereupon told out thirty pistols upon the end of the Table the Cloak being well worth fourty This being done they shewed unto him a little private Chamber which seemed unto him a very rich Wardrobe hanged round about with Coats and Cloakes of great value there they bade him cull out his Polidamor was amazed to see such costly Cloakes and began to take courage and having found his Cloak among the rest he returned againe into the Hall behaving himselfe towards them with all submissive respects for he feared that hee should not part upon so good termes neither did he for when he was ready to depart one came and told him That the Coachman who had brought him thither and was to conduct him backe must be rewarded for his paines with a pistolet and that hee must likewise pay for his Supper with them Polidamor unwillingly liberall giveth them two pistolets more and so took his leave of them The Coach was suddenly provided whereinto he entring and having his eyes
of God to punish him as severely and exemplarily as the faults deserved It hapned after the secret murthers of so many people that a certaine Merchant of France returning from Bohemia was in passing that way desirous to see the Cantons of the Switzers and particularly the City of Lucerne he therefore came unto this City where being arrived he inquires for an Inne and was directed to the house of Valesio as the best and most renowned Inne of the City he goes thither and was favourably received and welcomed by those cruell Syrens who allured passengers unto them by the harmonious consorts of their voices that they might afterward devoure them and make them their prey he having visited the City and viewed part of the rarities thereof as the stately Monastery and the River Russi which passeth through the Towne and runneth forth of a great Lake as doth the River Rhine out of the Lake of Constance was desirous to take his rest Here the confidence which the guest ordinarily reposeth according to the custome of France in the Master of the Inne made the Merchant disburthen himselfe of two thousand Crownes which he had in gold and to demand of Valesio a place where he might put them in safe keeping this Inne-keeper who was alwayes double in his workes had a strong and massie Cupbord and two Keyes which might easily open it whereof he gave one unto the Merchant to put his money in safegard but kept the other close unto himself to serve his own opportunities night approaching he was tempted to bereave his guest both of life and money but whether it were that God would otherwise dispose of him or that his owne life was already come to its period his wife who noated a comelinesse and courtesie more then ordinary in this Merchant disswaded him from so bloudy a designe and urged him to imbrace another lesse cruell but such as must cost him his life The Merchant rose early in the morning to view the rest of the City which hee had not seen the day before Valesio in the meane time openeth the Cupbord rippeth the bottome of the bag and taketh a note in writing of the quantity of all the moneyes in generall and likewise of every sort of coyne in particular which he there found then having neatly stitched up the bottome of the bag he locked the Cupbord and acted his part with such subtill dexterity that it was impossible for a man to discerne that it had beene touched but he who penetrates into the depth of our most secret thoughts easily discovered this craft as may be noted by that which ensues The Marchant having satisfied his curiosity and seen in passing that which was most worthy of noate in the Towne returned to his Inne and having payed what they demanded he took forth his bagge and went to horse-back Valesio presently thinking that he had in vaine opened the Theatre and begun the Play if he finished not the Tragedy breakes open the bottom of his Cupboord and presently begins to raise Hue and Cry after the Theef pretending that the Marchant had robbed him His neighbours were instantly in an uproare for he had so long worne the cloake of Dissimulation and outwardly behaved himself that every man esteemed his word as an Oracle insomuch that many of his best friends prepared themselves for pursute the Host sheweth them which way his guest went they hasten after and overtake him two Leagues from Lucerne they seize on his person as on a malefactor accuse him of theft and bring him backe bound hand and foot into the Towne whereat he being amazed seemes by his silence as it were to confesse the deed They lead him before a Justice who sendeth him to prison That part of the Tragedy being acted they prepare his Inditement and the Host shewing his memoriall intreateth them not to examine him untill they had perused his noate He makes it apparent that his Cupboord was broken and upon the opening of the bags the Judges found therein the same summe and sorts of Coyne specified in the Hosts noate The most wary and wisest Judge might have been incumbred and overshot themselves in so intricate a businesse The Evidence of the deed being thus almost sifted out in mans judgement caused the poore Marchant to be shut up in a strait dungeon and there to be laden with Irons Thus this poore innocent groaned in darkesome caves not knowing any meanes of his delivery Wretch that I am would he say must I needs perish in this obscure place not having so much as intended that whereof they accuse me What Celestiall powers have I so offended that I should be reduced to such misery was I borne under so cruell Constellations that my own innocence should betray me and bereave me of my life O great God! who in thy just judgements canst penetrate into the depth of this secret and unjust accusation Wilt thou suffer my fault to be made criminall in this sort And must I be the shuttle-cocke and sport of treason Revenge and reveale this their injustice I beseech thee and suffer me not to perish in this depth of misery As he pronounced these words with an extreame griefe and unexpressable passion a Devill appeared unto him in an humane shape wearing on his head a red Cap and approaching him inquires what his griefe was and tels him that if hee would give him his soule he would deliver him out of those Fetters wherein he was wrongfully shackled Many in these dayes and alwayes have bin who would have redeemed themselves out of these temporary paines to have cast themselves into the eternall therby to have regain'd their over-valued liberty but this Merchant having firme hope in the Divine Providence answered that he was resolved never to commit so heinous a crime and that he had rather dye innocent of the offence whereof they accused him then to live guilty of renouncing his Creator This Devil destinated by the Almighty for to be a punisher of Valesio's wickednes notwithstanding offereth him his service promiseth him certainly to procure his liberty provided he would follow his advice he then told him that the very day whereon they would bring him to execution he would be present to defend his cause that he should therfore boldly make choice of him for his advocate against the Impostures of his Host that he should know him by his red Cap and that he by so doing should be by him cleerely freed from his innocent danger Now it is to be noted that when any among the Cantons of the Switzers wil condemn a man to death the Senate pronounceth his sentence in the midst of the Assembly upon a Scaffold and giveth permission to the condemned to make choise of any of the company to defend his cause this custome hath beene anciently practised and yet is continued unto this day The day being come wheron this Criminell should be punished he was brought unto the place of execution where an
Theefe they upon the sudden found him cutting off another this made all the people to forsake the Boy and to follow him by which meanes the Boy escaped but the old Cutpurse was by one of the nimblest footmen overtaken who trusting too much to the hold which he had of one of his eares suffered him likewise to escape from him for this crafty old Hang-man having formerly lost his eares for some such mischievous exploit procured others to be so artificially made that they seemed as naturall as others by one of these was he taken which easily comming off gave occasion of wonder to those that pursued him and the meane while that they stood wondring at that he escaped to the Grove into a throng of people who were there assembled to see an Execution of one who was broken on the Wheele from which place he carried two Purses more to his fellowes where hee found his young Cutpurse much discontented that he had so treacherously dealt with him Thus passed this young Boy Master in his Trade after he had beene well beaten though not so well as he justly deserved CHAP. X. The Life and Death of little Iames. IT is hard for one in these dayes to find out a young man endued with a staid wisdome for they suffer themselves to be so violently hurried by the heat of their owne passions that vertue is most commonly over-mastered by vice and reason by a selfe-will inclination the chiefe cause of this is that vice escapes too oft unpunished and that Parents doe commonly slacken the reines of their authority permitting their children to doe whatsoever they vainely desire so that this age being too apt and subject to ruine of it selfe if it be moreover encouraged to evill by the over-fond permission of Parents it is no wonder if at length vice predominate O wonderfull and perverse Age How many Monsters dost thou produce How many children are in these times borne Viper-like to gnaw out the bowels of their Parents causing them to custome themselves in sorrows and mournefull lamentations When wee have once lost that dutifull respect wherein we are obliged towards our Parents how quickly do we lose that which we strictly owe unto God As may appeare exemplified in the insuing History of one Iames who being about the age of fifteene Yeares forsook his Parents who were too carelesse of his education with a full resolution to betake himselfe to a debaucht kinde of life and finding a fit opportunity stole from his Father a great some of money and so fled Not long after hee enrolled himselfe as a Souldier under the command of a Lord who at that time conducted a great Regiment this was in those first troubles wherein France for a time lost the sweet repose of peace by the dissention of some great Peares in the State who were retired from the Kings service to Cantonize it in divers Provinces of the Kingdome While he was in the Army he committed a thousand insolencies and though but little in age and stature yet he grew to that height of wickednes that he was therein inferiour to none He seldome stayed long in a place and where he remained least he sometimes left the greatest marks of his cruelty those who suffered most by him were poore Country people some wherof he would cause to be stretched out before a fire and so by scorching and burning the soles of their feet would force them to confesse where their money lay hee would slash and cut the flesh of others who would not suddenly bring unto him his appointed ransome and would also sometimes ravish those Maids hee by chance met he grew so couragious that no man durst doe him an affront for in foure yeares wherein he lived in the Arrmy he had slain five in single combat who not being patient enough to indure his bravadoes had challenged him of which murthers he soone obtained remission being much favoured of some Great ones and so escaped unpunished The Army being at length cashier'd he was constrain'd being never bred to labour either to steale or beg hee therefore betook himselfe to the Forrest of Senlis where he robbed divers Passengers thence hee went as farre as Cleremont with five or six of his Companions who being armed with Pistols there robbed the Waggon of Amiens thence he betook himselfe to Paris where he committed so many thefts that he was at length by the Society of Cutpurses chosen Ringleader of their Company he carried himselfe so subtilly in his affaires that his most trusty companions could never know where his lodging was only when they met together he would appoint them a rendivous wherto meet the next day and would often punish and sometimes stab those who the day before had executed no enterprize of noate He would sometimes be clothed in the habit of a Physitian in which he would often go to the houses of sick persons and having noated the entries they should not faile the next day to finde themselves robbed he would hide himselfe sometimes a whole day together in a House and at night would open the doores to his Companions at other times he would cause himselfe to be followed by foure or five Tagrags and would hastily come to the house of some Counsellor when he thought most of the houshold servants were elsewhere imployed and having earnestly demanded to speak with him the Counsellor should no sooner approach but little Iames for so they called him would have a Pistoll at his brest and then force him to furnish him with what money he desired He with two or three of his Companions being one day in the faire St. Germain perceived a certain Atturney cheapning a silver Basin of a Goldsmith who not agreeing on the price put the money which hee had offered downe for payment into his pocket whereupon little Iames shewing this Atturney to one of his Comrades commanded him to dive into the bottome of his pocket for that Gudgeon and that otherwise they two should not bee good friends which the other refused to doe as impossible without eminent danger he thereupon called unto him another from whom he received the like deniall He seeing that neither of them would obey his commands conceived a mortall hatred against them and intending shortly to bee revenged he said unto them You will not undertake this enterprise to ease me of imaginary difficulties but assure your selves if I loose it you shall soundly pay for it he having thus spoken left them and came unto the Attourney who was then bargaining with another Goldsmith because he could not agree on the price with the first and finding an opportunity by reason of the throng then about him thrust him with such violence that his Hat fell to the ground which while the Attourney tooke up he gently put his hand into his Pocket and tooke his Purse so that the Attourney having afterward agreed with the Goldsmith for the Basin found no money to pay him which was like to
nothing should satisfie him but money and of that no small quantity Eridas who loved his money as his life and nothing so well as his life but money being loth to lose either and fearing the losse of both began to cry for helpe but at the instant one of them griping him by the throat made him so gape for breath that it was no hard matter for the other to give him the Peare which being entred his mouth opened so wide that he was forced by reason of sharp points of iron which were on each side of the Peare to gape as wide in expectation of ease as possibly he could Thus remained poore Eridas like a Statue not being able to speak a word or expresse his griefe but by signes whiles they having taken the Keyes out of his pocket furnished themselves with money and so departed Eridas being rid of his guests would willingly be rid of his torment to he to that end goes unto his neighbours with a wide mouth endeavours to expresse by his signes what he was not able to utter in words they are ready to laugh at his action before they know the cause of his sorrow but finding by his signes and other circumstances in what intollerable torment he then was they seeke to excuse their former ignorance of his paine by diligent endeavouring his ease but when neither their Will or Art could invent a means to ease him there comes a Porter with a Letter and therein a small Key inclosed written to this effect Sir THat you may perceive how tender I am of your welfare and how farre from desiring your death I have here inclosed sent you a key wherewith you may open the instrument in your mouth I know it hath put you to some torment yet I pray you judge charitably of the cause and conceive that I remaine your well-wishing servant Not long after he tooke abroad with him a youth that was not as then become free nor throughly experienced in his profession and walked with him to the Market-house where he perceived a plaine Countrey-fellow sitting in a corner of the street compassed about with divers pots whereof some were full of rare Fruits and others emptied by sale Pallioly taking notice of it and espying the fellows purse indifferently well stufft hanging about his neck and put into his bosome he commands the Boy to fetch him that purse if he would be admitted as free of his Society the Boy thinkes the purse is in too safe keeping for him to compasse it he therefore flatly refuseth to fetch it as a thing impossible to be done without being perceived whereupon Pallioly bids him learne of him and without farther delay goes to the fellow and tels him some thorn had fallen in betweene his shirt and his back and desired his help to pull it out for that it much troubled him and so bowed himselfe downewards the country man in the meane time puts his hand in at his choller and while he seekes to finde the straw that so troubled him Pallioly cuts his Purse and takes his leave with thanks The Boy being encouraged by his good successe shortly after endeavoured the like exploit but being caught in the action was so soundly beaten that hee was scarce able to returne home at length Pallioly having committed divers the like thefts was constrained for safety of his life to flye his country and after a long exile was killed with a Musket-shot being too good a punishment for his many mischiefs CHAP. XII The wicked Servant IN the City of Paris there dwelt a Citizen named Melander a man both honest and rich two qualities seldome meeting in one and the same person amongst other good qualities wherein hee excelled he was a great Architect and much sought after for his skill therein This man had a servant which was married named Alexis a rude and surely fellow whom his master Melander for the space of six yeres retained in his service in regard of his skill in the same Art The great love and favour which his master bare towards him puffed him with the wind of pride and Ambition which did so powerfully reign in him that despising the due respect wherein he was obliged towards his master he contrived his ruine in this manner Melander had a house neer Paris wherein he sometimes recreated himselfe for the space of sixe weekes together Alexis who was married and had many children mooved with a covetous desire resolved to rob his Master of what was most precious in it but as often as this thought presented it selfe so often did he reject it because hee knew not how safely to contrive the execution of so bold and bloody an enterprize untill that having by the Devills entisement associated himself with some of the most notorious Rogues in Paris he intreated them to meet at a place by him appointed where hee would open unto them a matter that might conduce both to their owne profit and his These Rogues hearing him thus speake promised not to faile meeting him at the time and place appointed where meeting to the number of 5 one whereof was a Tapster another a Mason and the other three neerely allyed They being set at dinner and having drunk till their brains were well heated Alexis thus began to discover unto them his intended plot saying Sirs I have a Master both rich and wealthy and methinks seeing that we are poore we may finde a means by him to raise our fortunes by secretly murthering him and seazing on his goods and money these words being heard by his Companions some approved his councell others disliked it but at last it was concluded betweene them that Alexis should bee chiefe conductor in the enterprize as being best acquainted in the house and that the other five should obey what hee commanded whereupon one of the five upon the set day brought a Boat down the River to carry away the booty for the House of Melander was seated neere the River and fastned it to the bankside hee came by night with his companions led by Alexis to the said house of Melander who was at that time there it being the time of Vintage When they were all come to the doore Alexis knocked and the servant in regard it was late demanded who was there but hearing Alexis answer and knowing his voice shee misdoubting no cause of feare presently opened it yet was she much perplexed when she saw five others enter with him at so unseasonable a time No sooner were they entred but they killed this servant not giving her so much time as to crave helpe either of God or man They having thus begun Alexis in a furious haste leadeth them up into a Chamber where Melander meets them and demands of Alexis what furie had so farr transported him as to make such a ransacking of his house To which Alexis having his eyes and eares shut from the respect which he owed unto his Master answered that he was resolved to kill him
being one day in a throng in the great Chamber was rudely thrust by these fellowes and while hee looked about to see whence that thrusting and violent motion proceeded one of them thrust his hand into his pocket and stole thence his purse which hee knew not till two houres after when he intending to have paid for some bookes which he had bought in the Gallerie of Booke-sellers missed it but could not on the sudden guesse at what time hee was so robbed by them what in this case to doe hee knew not nature had indued him with more wit then to chafe fume at that he could not remedy or by impatience for loosing a little to injure him who gave him all At last he being well acquainted with the craftinesse of the times he resolved to be revenged wherfore he being willing to requite them went to a Smith of whom he bespake a springe to put into his pocket which might shut of it selfe and suddenly catch whatsoever touched it The Smith being thorowly experienced in his Art made him one of the fairest and most ingenious pieces that could be devised and that with such Art and cunning that it far exceeded the manner of Morindors expression who having contented the Smith caused it to be placed in the same pocket from whence his purse was stollen having so done he walked in the Palace foure dayes but on the fift day he viewing the portraictures of the kings which are upon the Pillars in the Hall was perceived by the same cutpurse who incouraged by the easinesse of his first purchase he resolved to adventure again then drawing neere to him and watching his time when the people came thronging upon him out of the great Chamber he gently put his hand into his pocket but it no sooner entred but this spring disbanded so that where he thought to take he was taken Morindor who felt the springe disband seemed not to take notice of the Cutpurse but began to take his walke from the one side of the Hall unto the other thence into the great Chamber the Galleries of the Palace and so about the Cutpurse though unwilling was forced to follow him foot by foot for hee could not withdraw himselfe hee was so straitly fastened in the springe sometime Morindor taking a short turne would suddenly thrust away the Cutpurse as though he came too neere him then did the other with an humble countenance entreat him not to disgrace him further but to accept of some indifferent satisfaction from him To which Morindor seeming deafe continued on his walke so that it was not long before that many of the Palace perceived it who gladly flocked together to see him led after that sort At length Morindor having for a long time walked from place to place and by the shortnes of his turns lengthened the pains of the Cutpurse Hee turned himselfe and with a cholericke visage said unto him What makes you follow me step by step Master Theefe It was you Sir that stole away my purse and you shall deerly answer it At these words the other fell on his knees and begging pardon faithfully promised to restore it if hee would release him but Morindor would not take words for deeds but kept the Cutpurse thus shamefully imprisoned untill his Purse was brought unto him by one of the theeves Comrades who had thither accompanied him Thus was the deceiver deceived CHAP. XVIII The Story of Amboise la Forge a notable Cutpurse AMboise la Forge was brought up in Picardie and as he increased in yeers so did he in wickednesse he began with Pins and ended with Pounds which had weighed him downe to hell had not his present repentance and temporall punishment by Gods mercy prevented the eternall which we charitably conceive because as the one halfe of his life was spent in evill so the the other half was worn out in punishment The one you shall see in the beginning the other in the end of this ensuing History This young fellow being past his childish tricks as stealing Pins Points and the like begins his youthfull pranks thus He goes one night to a Farmors house and there having formerly noted where his Poultry usually roosted steales a Turkey two Capons foure Pullets which he having conveyed away by his Companion in evill he the same night breakes open a Bakers shop furnisheth himselfe with a sufficiency of Bread and afterwards passing by a Taverne and perceiving the Grates of the Cellar to be large made shift to wreath himselfe in where having found three or foure good Flaggons he fills them with Wine and having made himself frollike refills them The next morning hee goes early unto this Farmor Baker and Vintner and kindly invites them to dinner they wonder at his free entertainment and wish each of them that what they had lost the last night had been there likewise as more fitting for their bellies then for those Rogues that stole it On that condition replyed Amboise you would I beleeve forgive them their riot whereunto they cheerefully answered with all their hearts but said one of them farewell it what we have lost there wee have gained here T is true indeed said Amboise for what I stole from each of you your selves have among you eaten which I wish may do you much good at which words each of them tooke the more especiall notice of what they were entertained with and the Farmer found that he had the like Poultrie as he that night had lost and the Baker the like bread and the Vintner the like wine served in in the like Pots all which being considered they found that his words were in earnest and so they tooke them for they suddenly rising would have forsaken the room in the heat of choler but he perswades them that they could not eat their meat in better company imitating therein the young Greek who having perceived particular notice that his Citizens had lost the battell came into the market-place and proclamed that they had got the victory upon which false rumor he caused among the citizens a publike joy for three dayes but when the pitifull newes of their overthrow was brought by some souldiers fled from the battell every one was ready to kill this false messenger who had caused them to be filled with joy in a time when they had just cause to be drowned in tears and sorrows but he answered them that they had more cause to thanke him then to murmure against him because that he had changed their cause of discomfort into comfort and their mourning into a publike rejoycing But this first exploit of youth was nothing in respect of what he did after for it was not long before he came to one of the fairest women of the Parish and sought earnestly to entice her to lewdnesse but what he could not by faire words effect hee at last obtained upon the promise of twenty Crownes which he as then being not able to give compassed by
he entred last Where being both welcomed by the master of the house they sate downe and while dinner was preparing they entertained themselves in discourses of Newes and relations of such things as passed in Court Garandine in the meane time had not his eyes setled but in their unsetled motions he gazed every way to spie out an opportunity to provide for himselfe before his departure The table being furnished while they wash their hands Garandine cast his eye on the Bason which was of silver and well worth 200 crownes and tooke notice that they had left it in the roome adjoyning which was the Kitchin The Master of the house thought that his friend had brought Gerandine with him and that he was of his acquaintance And the other on the contrary thought that the Master of the house had invited him to dinner It must needs be that Gerandine had a good wit and that he carryed himself very cunningly knavish in this place for he was examined by both and answered very pertinently to all that was demanded Dinner being ended and the cloth taken away they for a time recreated themselves with discourse untill that Garandine having perceived that the servant was gone forth and that the Mistris of the house was gone into an upper Chamber Sirs said he I pray you excuse me if I am somewhat unmannerly there are some urgent occasions which call me hence but I will not faile to returne unto you within this quarter of an houre at most and so having taken his leave of them he descended into the Kitchin and tooke the silver Bason under his arme and fled He was no sooner departed but that the two Citizens but especially he who was invited began to inquire who that honest Gentleman was The other answered that he knew him not and that he thought him to have been some friendly companion of his whereupon behold them mightily astonished they call the Mistris to whom they relate the whole Story but in the meane time they thought not of their Bason which was stollen untill an houre after when the servant was returned from the City it was found missing and the Theefe known Thus got Garandine his dinner freely but hee dearely payed for the Bason afterwards at Roven CHAP. V. The notable impudence of AMERTIS VVE may well tearm it an Iron or Leaden age since we finde in it but hard-hearted and heavy actions and not to be imagined by common senses of reasonable men I may truly say That the spring and fountaine from whence so many mischiefs proceed is a certaine kind of ungracious Impudence whereto we are all for the most part inclined and which by our custome becomming habituall changeth it selfe into a nature in the end We may see a notable example thereof in the person of Amertis a man who had travelled through most parts of Christendome a man who had great correspondencies both in his native Countrey and among forraine Nations and one who was much practised in the affaires of the World As this man one day walked in the Hall of the Palace with an intent to spie out mens actions he saw a Merchant of Lions who was with one of his associates talking about some Wares which he had formerly delivered unto him Amertis seriously viewing the Marchant and in a deep contemplation considering with himselfe whether he could invent some trick to surprise him but as he ruminated on the execution of his not yet resolved enterprise he heard three or foure Gentlemen talking of him the one said that hee was of Lions and that hee knew him very well the other said that he had made a Voyage into Italy with him and that he yet owed him some Monies which he had lent the Merchant at Millan To all which Amertis very attentively listened so that at length he by this and other discourse learned who he was where he had beene and about what time to be briefe with the memory he had which was very quick he retained all that which he heard spoken of him Not long after he came unto him finding him among three or foure men of quality with whom he sometimes dealt and saluteth him with a profound reverence the other having never seene him before turneth towards him and resalutes him with these words Sir excuse me I pray you I cannot call to minde the remembrance of you and yet methinks I have seen you some where Sir replied he unto him I have had the honour to make a Voyage into Italy with you The Marchant who could not remember all those who fifteene yeeres since had beene in his company being twelve or thirteene in number beleeved that he said true and tooke upon him to acknowledge it Amertis conjecturing well of this new fained old acquaintance after much discourse of severall things which hee affirmed to have happened since they last saw one another began to tell him That he should doe him a very great pleasure if he could now helpe him to the hundred Crownes hee had formerly lent him whereat the Marchant being much amazed and not knowing what Amertis intended by those words answered that he ought him nothing I cannot beleeve replyed the other that a man of your rank and quality who seemed alwayes to have esteemed honour and ever made profession of an honest life should now have so bad a Conscience as to deny mee that which is my due that were not only to violate the Rites of friendship and of all civill conversation but also to subvert that good opinion men have hitherto conceived of you both at Lions and in Paris doe not you remember that I lent you this summe in Millan you can by no just meanes deny it you will incurre a generall blame if you should seeke to inrich your selfe with the goods of another The Merchant being perplexed not knowing what answere to make to his so impudent demand told him That perhaps hee had lent him some Money in his Voyage but that surely he had long since repayed The other denying it persisteth eagerly in his first demand Those that were with the Marchant perceiving some appearance of truth in Amertis words not discovering the falshood that lay hid under them were of opinion that the Marchant wronged him in refusing to pay him a due debt And truely a man who had never seen the proceedings and countenance of Amertis would never have judged that he had intended deceit Upon this contestation they all retire to their severall houses but Amertis pursued his old friend even unto his lodging to the end he might constraine him to restitution at length being not able at that time to prevaile he remits his cause untill the next morning and then finding him in an honourable assembly he mooved him concerning his former demand The Marchant being much discontented to see himselfe so hardly pressed by this impudent affronter before such worthy company fearing to hazard the losse of reputation and undergoe an unjust censure for it