kinde of game Shooting and foote-ball Wresling with all A hundreth pound a fall To any that call Come that come will They should haue their fil For any round summe As many as come For thousaÌ„ds they card not For cheer they sparde not Come Prince come King They wanted nothing For all that come Be he Lord or Groome Mirth was their delight Their purposes of might Great charge to defray Either to feast or play The king they intertainde And his fauour gainde By great bountie There minde were so free Since other are named And for their deeds famed Let these mery men With fames golden pen Be brought to vew Of that worthy Crew Which take delight Such praises to write That in obliuion They rest not vnknowne For merry they were As to you shall appeare If you will read Each seuerall deede By them performed Their myrth and glee When you shall see Say Deuonshirs Laddes Are no clowns or swaddes Your delight ended Let them be so friended In their behalfe to say Would more such this day In this land there liued That so our foes greeued And our enemies quell So Gentilles farewell My Rime here I ende And to you commend Their storie at large As I tooke the charge Whose actions to vew Shall better please you FINIS A Table containing the contence of this Booke HOw these gallant Marchants of the West began first their familiaritie and what happened them Chap. 1. How these newe acquainted friendes iournied to Roane in Normandy and what happened them Chap. 2. How Robert and Iohn were lodged in the Nunnery of Saint Bennets in Roane and were by the Lady Abbesse cured of their wounder Chap. 3. How Oliuer for his vnreuerence in time of Procession was committed to prison and all his companions Chap. 4. How Oliuer Robert and Otho departed to Burdeux and William and his two compainions arriued in England Chap. 5. How William after his returne to England traded in the Citie of Exeter where he wooed a wife Chap. 6. How Iames Williams prentise abused his master to his loue to hinder the marriage Chap. 7. How the father and mother of Ioane VVilliams loue sent for him Chap. 8. How Iames V 〈…〉 troubled in minde for his bad doings and wha 〈…〉 because of his greife Chap. 9. How the sixe marchants in their iourney to Bristow met by chance and what chanced Chap. 10. How VVilliam in his journey home from Bristow was robde and how in mer 〈…〉 t his companie paid his losse Chap. 11. How these famous Marchants for wrongs done them by the French nation furnished the 〈◊〉 shippes to the sea with their victories Chap. 12. How Ioane VVilliams wife could not indure her seruant Iames with his departâ—e to Spaine Chap. 13. How the king with his army marched to Exeter and releeued the Citie besieged by the Cornish rebels Chap. 14. How VVilliam and his other friendes to make the king sport made challenge to all commers at wresling hurling and footeball Chap. 15. How the Cardinall leauing the king at Exeter iournied to London and what iests happened Chap. 16. How Iames VVilliams seruant being his Factour in Spaine at one cast at dice lost to the Dukes of Florence and Medina fitie thousand Duckets Chap 17. How Iames trauelling from Callice to saint Lucas encountred a Lady widowe to a Cauileere of Spaine in mans apparrel Chap. 18. How Iames lay with the Spaniard and found her to be a woman Chap. 19. How Iames accompanied the Lady to Cheryes and what entertainement she gaue him Chap. 20. How VVilliam by one of hir neighbours was made acquainted with Iames his mans fortunes with his answere to him Chap. 21 How VVilliam Otho and Oliuer from Plimouth passed to Spaine and their fortunes Chap. 22. How the English Marchantes arriued at Cheres at Iames his marriage Chap. 23. How Iames with his wiues honourable friendes being at their cheere VVilliam and his companie visited them with their welcomes Chap. 24. How Otho and Oliuer at the house of a Curtizan was robde of their moneyes and apparrell Chap. 25. How Iames at his master VVilliams departure cleered all his accounts with recompance and his wiues kinde fauors Chap. 26. FINIS AA A pleasant discourse of six gallant Marchants of Deuonshire CHAP. I. How these gallant Marchants of the West beganne their first familiaritie and what happened them THe famous Citie of Burdeux is scituated in Brittaine part of the French Confines in which Citie yearely neare the moneth of September is held a Mart of long continuance to which Mart or Uyntage from all places Marchants make their trafficke for such wines as the countries thereabouts doth plentifully yéeld Amongst many of sundry countries which made their voyage to this famous Porte thrée gallant youthes Marchants of great reputation wealth credit hauing to names William Robart and Otho all from the well knowne and honourable Citie of Exeter had residence at Roane in Normandie where their great affaires ended hauing some idle time and waying not the expence of a hundreth or two of Crownes in a merriment gaue faithfull promise each to other to passe for Burdeux as well to sée the manner of the Uyntage and order thereof as witnesse to themselues whether report of the great fléete which yearely there laded might be true as also to méete with some their countreymen of Deuonshire and with them to frolicke for which iourney according to time prefixed being prouided To Burdeux they are come where they frequent the gallantest company of all Nations thereof demeaning themselues in such manner that their company was acceptable and desired of all men coÌ„panions for al sportes or exercises whether gaming drinking sporting or reuelling what any durst do they neuer refused it such Boone companions they are and so of all men estéemed Not long after their comming to Burdeux fortune bringeth with happinesse from the Westerne shore of England a tall ship well equipped and furnished fit for the voiage of whose arriuall William and his accomplisses being aduertised as men glad to heare of their countries welfare and friends make such enquirie for the ships company that in good time they are met with three other gallants Merchants viz. Walter Oliuer and Iohn with whom as straungers méeting and questions propounded and answered William knowing curtesse in kindnesse enuited the new arriued Marchants to his lodging that night to supper which with thankes they accepted and accordingly at the appointed houre came where make no question they were all as welcome as friends in forrain parts may be to friends spending the euening sometimes in discoursing of their Country and acquaintance there sometimes in gaming and often carowsing hralths to their Country kindred and friends Amongst this delight albeit Oliuer Iohn and Walter were as wel pleased in their company as countreymen might be yet were their mindes other where especially Oliuer and Iohn who yearely traffickt for that Porte had there loues neare adioyning one dwelling at Bloys
to be a very charitable skilfull woman in Surgery made meanes vnto her for fauour to be showne to their wounded friends louing the Countrey as many kisse the childe for the Nourses sake after small entreatie was content to accept them into the Monastery whom she the more tendered because they receiued their woundes by trechery of her Country men but when she sawe their persons she wonderfully affected them for whom beyond ordinary she caused prouision to be made both for dyet lodging such their friends that visit them her selfe dressing their woundes and so applying them that the danger of their griefes were soone past which very much pleased the Lady hauing a zeale to do them good for that she held it meritorious CHAP. IIII. How Oliuer for his vnreuerent demeanour at the Procession was committed to prison with his companions WHilest the two wounded men Robert and Iohn were recouering their health their other companions kept in the Citie of Roane youthfully imploying themselues imboldned by the countenance of William whose acquaintance were many and friendes great by which meanes sundry lewde prankes were not séene which deserued imprisonment and punishment by their law so long continuing their boldenesse without regarde that a worse hap then chanced Oliuer being a very pleasant conceited fellow in his humour chanced to be amongst a multitude standing in the chiefe stréete of the Citie to vew the solemne Procession passing by where on a sudden to the great admiration and trouble of the company stepping to the Fryar that carried the rich Crosse violently tooke it from him and dashed it so furiously against the ground that it brake all to péeces which by the multitude was taken in such ill part that by commandement of the Clergie he and as many Englishmen as were then in his companie were taken and to straight prison committed where they were cruelly vsed for whom no sute might preuaile This mad pranke was generally spoken off throughout the Citie of Roane and by ill hap came to the hearing of Iohn and Robert who were now by the helpe of God and the Ladies good indurstry well recouered but by their friendes trouble brought to such melancholy bewayling their ill hap which was perillous that nothing might mooue them to myrrth or cause their content Albeit yet the good Abbas and other their friends did what possible they could that by their woe many greefes ariseth the Aabbas sorroweth and the whole company complaineth for their comfort whom none but their friendes libertie can comfort especially such of the Uirgins that exchanged there French puritie for English loue estéeming more of the imprisoned English then the whole countrey Amongst those that loue had tyed in liking the Lady Abbas was not least in affection who dayly dressing the woundes of Robert with her owne handes beganne so well to bée pleased in his company that shée forgat her Paternosters her stomacke so wambled with this little god of loue that hauing small time to cloath her was often compelled to make her offerings a bed Robert againe of an humble and thankefull spirit hauing strength and ability to performe the office of a man hath so well pleased the Lady that shée rather desired priuate conference with Robert her new deuoted seruant then to heare the sweetest Channon chaunte in the Quire descant hée neuer so well yet the Ladyes deuotion is colde to the Church but burning to the Chamber This loue of the Lady Abbas to Robert must be the meane now to relieue their friends and procure their libertie whereof Robert promiseth himselfe assurance to effect which knowing the Ladie doated in his liking and desired his health and contentment he continueth his melancholly in such extréeme maner demeaning himself in those passions that his grief caused all the Nuns sorrowe who neuer durst leaue him fearing his distemper might cause him vse violent handes one himself but with many good words perswaded him to comfort whose eares were shut to the doctrine they preached So long continued this franticke humour on Robert that the good Lady ganne to finde want of her delight and missed Roberts recourse to her lodging which bred in her a great discontent and more troubled in her want then Robert was for his destressed friends Wherefore to reclaime him from these sullen humours shee studied and deuised all possible meanes she could to doe them good for which hauing conceited a Plot she sendeth her secret kéeper with her ring intreating Robert of the loue he professed her instantly to visit her in her closet which kinde message Robert refuseth railing and exclaming against her and her people cursing and hauning the Countrie the citie Communaltie that iniured his friends continuing this fit so long that the good Lady moued with remorse in her night-gowne came to visite him vnto whom hauing giuen much holesonie counsell which hée hearkeneth vnto gently wringing him by the tender hands she entreateth him to walk with her to her gallerie where by solemne oath shée protesteth if he would frolickt it as he was woont and no more be crossed with these passions to ouerthrowe his owne estate and greene those whose ioy hée is by that meanes shée had deuised his friends ere two dayes be expired should haue their libertie and he enioy his owne contentment Robert well pleased with these wordes was in his minde more quieted yet made no semblance thereof but accused her of flattery and dissimulation séeming in spéech so vehement as if he would haue murdred all that came neare him which the pitifull Lady with teares bewayled vowing by her holy Order and by all rights of her honour to perfourme her promise or it shoulde cost all the wealth shée had and hazarde of her best friendes on which giuing him her hand shee leadeth him like a good Nurse carefull least harme should betyde her Infant conducting him to that place where so often she desired his company where hée still continued vrging her to performe her promise Earely in the morning as carefull of her charge by vowe made shée sendeth for the Prior of the Iacobins an auncient Benefactor to her house whose shame shée had many times couered and remitted his sinne offending with her Holy maydes With this Iacobine shée so by large promises and lamentable spéech preualeth that in hope of performance and frée accesse to the house at his pleasure with libertie of his olde loue the match is concluded the Iacobine hath giuen his faith swearing by his Cowle and Crooked staffe he will not leaue them vntill they were frée which by his friends hee so laboured to those in authoritie that by generall consent of the whole Clergie the Englishmen enioyed liberty and the Iacobine his pleasure CHAP. V. How Oliuer Robert and Otho departed towardes Burdeux William and his two companions arriued in England RObert by his great pollicie hauing purchased his countreymens libertie and being both perfectly cured of their wounds time drawing on appointed for méeting their
the other at S. Martines such as for beautie wealth and reputation might draw men of more worth to their liking of whom Oliuer and Iohn in priuate whisperings tooke great care entending that night to haue séene them and deliuer such presents as they brought from England had not this méeting of their countreymen preuented them To all which priuate talke William and Robert tooke good héede But William specially gaue eare and ouerheard their speech vnderstanding by many motions that willingly they would haue bene frée from their companies which he could well haue wished them to their best liking but that he entended to search them as he could and make tryall what mettall his countreymen were of for that purpose when he had well lined their hoodes with the iuyce of Grape a potion that maketh the coward bolde and ouerthroweth the stoutest William singleth from his companion the best demeaned Oliuer and with him of many matters discoursed betwéene whom such enchatinting words passed that an inuiolable league of friendship was profest as nothing might haue power to violate and consequently amongst them all William growing on this new-vowed friendship to more familiar parly besought Oliuer and the rest hauing acquaintance in that place to bring them to their femall friends in the Citie where they might spend that night to sée the fashions of those damsels for that they were straungers had no acquaintance for requitall of which he promised them if they could finde opportunitie to come to Roane where they had abiding they would so quite their kindnesse as they should well like of Oliuer as well disposed to mirth as his friend William and as pleasantly conceited imagined that his owne spéech to his companion Iohn was ouer heard whereon this question was propounded tooke in good part his words and thankfully acepted all friendship offered and cheare receiued Beseeching pardon not accomplishing his desire whom he assured was of more continuance in the Citie then himselfe that had not bene full foure and twentie houres a shoare and therefore rather ought to be a conductor to him and his companions his experience being more then twentie such Idiots as himselfe in such causes Therefore good brother quoth Oliuer rather let vs participate with your teminine pleasures that being Ledgers are not vnprouided and hereafter if you haue cause to vse vs it may be we poore men may proue as kinde to you vpon like occasion William thus pretily trumped by his friend Oliuer returning the point of his own weapon into his bosome thought it ill halting before a Cripple and hereby iudged his countreymen no Clownes nor their answeres to séeke which on the sudden could giue them such bones to gnaw Wherefore leauing to reply least words in ieast spoken might break their familiaritie by acceptions taking they here with a fresh carouse end their nights sportes leauing euery man to his rest taking this order with them by generall consent that euery of them should not faile at times ordinarie for repast to haue their dyets at one house to be chosen by whole consent where whosoeuer shuld be absent not hauing such businesse as the company might tollerate must forfet a summe by them to be agréed on To this when they had all said Amen and hands giuen for continuing their begun friendship they betooke themselues to their rests CHAP. II. How these new acquainted friends iournied to Roane in Normandie and what hapned to them THese gallant youths as you haue heard vsing such continuall company theyr liking encreased and their familiaritie was admired which was generally noted of all straungers in the Cittie of Burdeux where they had commendations not onely for their mirth good fellowship company kéeping but in regard of their businesse then whom none more forward vsing all times to fit purpose if leisure permitted who more frolike or what were they in the whole company of any Nation that durst vndertake these sixe gallants at any sporte exercise or gaming whatsoeuer whether in pleasure or for coyne whose purses were not tyed with miserie nor did they account of Crownes before their countries honour Oliuer Iohn and Walters being well acquainted in Burdeux well beloued and graced amongst the better sort of Marchants with whom they did vsually trafficke had offer of most the best Wines that came thither whereby they made the sooner dispatch laded their ship and made readie wines for her second returne which done and they at leisure to take their pleasure William Robert and Otho were called away to Roane for supply of businesse desirous of their good friendes companies with many sutes importuning them for the same whom after many denialls they graunt prouiding them horses and other necessaries for their iourney which done and solemne farwell taken of their friends that staid behind forward they set as pleasant and merrily disposed as might bee eache one glad of others company framing occasions of solace the better to beguile their time of trauell continuing their iollitie all that night in their lodging fearing no man nor dreading any ill to betide them But as the fairest dayes by cloudes are soone ouer cast the greatest ioyes eclipsed with plaints and all men subiect to crosses so fell it out with these faithfull friendes who taking their way by iourney as it laie through the Forrest of Ardine were beset with a company of Outlawes Théeues which laie in ambush to entercept them who comming neare the thicket where the treacherous villaines laie suddenly issued and furiously assailed them first with their Pistolles which daungerously they discharged against them renuing the fight with their Rapiers in which first assault Robert Iohn with their Pistolles were dangerously hurt William Otho Oliuer and Walter maintained the fight with great courage so applying themselues that in short time they made frée passage in despight of those villaines which made sure account to haue had their spoile of whom two were in fight slain and diuers hurt who trusted better to their héeles then staying to saue theyr liues William and his company séeing so good a riddance of these companions none séene néere them not assured what rescue might come made no stay but binding vp the wounds of Robert and Iohn as they could hasteneth on their way making all spéede to a Towne not farre from them where by a Fryer skilfull in Chirurgery they were dressed this night reposing themselues comforting their friends and the next day taking with them such Implaisters Balmes and other prouision néedfull to their wounds to serue till they came to Roane they set forward which within thrée dayes to their great content they recouered CHAP. III. How Robert and Iohn were lodged in the Nunnery of Saint Bennites in Roane where by the Lady Abbas they were cured AS soone as these good friendes recouered Roane and had housed their wounded companions to ease them whilest other prouision was made William and Otho being best acquainted knowing the Ladie Abbas of S. Bennets
ship comming from England after they had a while feasted with the Marchantes of the Citie desiring their company and frollickt with his friends which done Robert and Iohn willing to shew their thankfulnes to the Lady Abbas which would receiue no money they procured two of the best Iewels and rarest they could finde which in all humblenesse they presented her which she thankfully accepted with a heauy heart giuing a loth farewell to her beloued Robert with whom when shee had in secret conuersed shee commended them to their prosperous iourney whom she promiseth in her prayers to remember giuing vnto Robert a paire of Beades so rich and beautifull as he neuer saw the like a Crucifire and chayne valued at a thoutand crowns with rewardes to Iohn which don she gaue commandement for her coach and twelue of her honest Tenants well mounted to accompanie them to Burduex Robert receiuing these great fauours in requitall tendered his loyall seruice with many humble duties by vow to be performed which was more vallued at her Ladiships handes then all the wealth he could offer such was the Ladies affection vnto him whose absence howsoeuer she for fashion sake coloured it causeth her heartes extréeme sorrow But howsoeuer the time is now come to leaue then his company brauely mounted attend to bring him on his way which made knowne the Abbas bids farewell with many kinde fauours and a million of Paternosters Aue-maries and Créedes long fastings often watchings and a worlde of religious ceremonies for his good successe what the other prittie pure soules doe for their loues good Gentle-men imagine for it is like they would be as well vsed as their mistresse Onwardes nowe are our Gallants towardes Burdeux where by the way Robert acquainted his friende William and the rest of his company with his fortunes continuing these pleasant discourses till they came to their lodging where that night they had mery chatting and carousing to their friendes the Lady Abbas and the sisters healths the next morning they tooke their leaue one of another Oliuer and his two friendes for Burdeux and William and his companions to Roane William had not long continued at Roane but a ship arriued from Exeter by the marchants whereof he receiued the wofull newes of his masters death with commandement from his mistresse and the executors to gather in his debtes make sale of such goods as hée had perfect his accounts and with the first ship to come for England All which when hée had ouerpast his sudden sorrowe for the losse of so good a friend like a carefull man to please the liuing as hée had his disceased maister with such effect followed his busines that by the ships returne hée was ready with the first to goe aboord For which voyage hauing shipped his prouision and such goods as hée had hée inuited sundry his good friendes to banquet which ended with kinde imbrasings hée biddeth farewell to them that wish his prosperitie at sea CHAP. VI. How VVilliam after his returne to England traded for himselfe in the Citie of Exeter and wooed a wife GOod Fortune fauourable windes hath safely landed William other his frends who being carefull could not be quiet nor mery with any company vntil he had deliuered his accounts which to the good lyking of the widow and the Executors he performed hauing their quittance generall which done aduised by his friendes he seated him in a good place trading for himselfe with good successe in which he so profited that wealth increased aboundantly gaining by his good behauiour charitie and good conscience the generall good opinion of the whole Cittie vnto whoÌ„ many men tendred their daughters with great dowries but that life liked he not When he had with great care and labour spent some two or thrée yeares substance encreasing and customers flocking he tooke to Prentise an honest Farmers sonne named Iames shortly after this as time ouercommeth all things and experience maketh men wise especially where man with man perswade William after many kind aduertisements of friends continually putting him in minde of the comfort of marriage and pleasures therein the ioyes fathers haue of their children and honours thereby obtained was wonne at length to consider thereoft and resoluing to marry offer was made him of a proper Mayden the onely childe of a very honest and wealthy man not farre from the Citie with whose Parents the friendâ— of William hauing conference hearing a very good report of the man her Father agreed promising a good portion with his daughter if they could like Therevpon William was by his friends inuited to her Fathers house the Sunday following to dinner against which time Ione for so the Maydens name was called in the best maner apparelled her selfe knowing to what end this iolly wooer came where he was welcome to her father but better to the childe that longed to be a wife Dinner ended where wanted no good cheare euery man betaketh himselfe to passe the time as best contenteth him William not forgetting his errant was for a wife if he could get her desired the maiden to be his conducter to the Garden where after they had walked two or thrée turnes viewing the bewtie thereof and commending the pleasure of the same William being a bashfull young man after many friuolous questions fearing to be counted a coward hauing such aduantage solicites her for loue with such pretie questions and her wittie answeres that William after the first assault became valiant whetting his wittes to answere her parley wherein he so preuailed that the skirmish waxing faint his hope was the greater to scale the Forte without more danger And like a conquerer might vaunt with honor the Towne â—â— his though with some faint denialls for modestie the said nay yet vpon conditions her father said Amen Ioane writes Content This short worke contented William well who was now pleased in thought of marriage hauing such hope in his sute hating to be long a wooing and rather chusing to liue euer without a wife then tied long to lingring suites yet to please Ioane whose ioy he now is how well soeuer his choise and her answeres pleased kept it to himselfe comforting her father and his friends that all should be well he doubted not but as they wished after this first méeting and loue of either giuen secret to other William euery day with letters solicited his Ioane betwéen whom many pretie tokens was enterchanged and of both parties accepted all furthering loue and good liking and was pleasing to father mother and his friends before whom shortly after they were made sure CHAP. VII How Iames Williams seruant abused his maister to Ioane hindering their loue WIlliam assured by promise to his Ioane and the Banes publikely asked many his familiar friendes some in iest others in good sooth bad God giue him ioy his seruant Iames enquiring of his masters forwardnesse of many was somewhat discontented and greeued considering the vncontrolled life hee then liued
and the care hée should haue to please a Mistresse had many knauish deuises hammering in his head to breake the match and to kéep his Master a Batcheler still Amongst many other his practises one onely hée intended to effect if oppertunitie would giue him leaue which not many dayes after sorted to his desires and thus vnhappily he practised it Diuers Marchantes of Exeter Williams very good friendes being ready to put to sea inuited as their custome is their familiar acquaintance to their parting banquet amongst which guests William was solemnly bidden Iames knowing his Maister safe for stirring prouided a horse and in al the hast poasted to Ioane entending to try his wittes whither hée came in the euening neare bedde time who séeing the old man and his wife sitting at the doore earnestly desired to speake with Ione vnto whom he deliuered a very solemne message in name of his Maister desiring her of all the loue shée doeth professe spéedily to come vnto him if she tooke pleasure in his life that was dangerously sicke on the suddaine so strangely taken as no life was expected This suddaine newes appalled the whole houshold Ioane cried the father lamēted and the mother with wringing hands bewailed this vnhappie fortune of William to satisfie whose minde preparation was made for Ioanes iourney Iames hearing what was broached amongst them laughed to himselfe and verie earnestly hastened the olde man to sende away his Ioane vnto whom he made tender of his seruice to be her conuoy for so small a iourney if it pleased them wherof her father was glad loth so late to be troubled himselfe or his seruants to Iames deliuered her commending them to good spéed Iames possessed of his adopted mistresse hauing her from her fathers house bethought him of his entended knauery hauing then the best oportunitie with a déep sigh voice mournfull as a graue man moued to pitie began to commend her bewty personage good gifts honest parentage and wealth likely with other her excéeding vertues worthie for the best man in the Citie to be vtterly cast away by marriage with his Maister William Ioane hearing these protestations albeit her mind was cumbred with Iames his tydings yet gaue good eare to his spéech whereof taking the aduantage cut him off and with kinde words besought him to explaine his meaning that marrying his maister she were cast away Which Iames by no means either for promise of fauour gifts or entreatie would graunt against his maister whose welfare he estéemed as his life although it mightily concerned her good These latter spéeches put her into further dumps causing more desire to be resolued But Iames in no wise would grant vntill by great oathes he swore her to conseale from all people either the cause or reuealer of the same To all which couenants Ioane sware to be iust and faithfully to kéep which done he said Sweete Mistresse Ioane though my yeares deny me that experience which many good men proue yet am I not so sencelesse but can conceiue the pleasures parents haue in vertuous children the ioyes in wedlocke and the swéete content therein where husband and wife participate in one simpathie of loue and so much the more greeue to sée such a one as your selfe marked of God to be the mother of many swéet Infants wherein your fathers aged yeares should be blessed and the world by procreation encreased should be depriued of al rights due in marriage to the poorest begger robbed of mothers honorable name and pleasure therein all procéeding from the imperfections of nature in him whose wife by full graunt you are Ioane hearing these reports from Williams owne seruant who thought she sorrowed to the death for his supposed sitnesse wished his head off so she were rid of him entring into consideration of Iames particular spéech the losse of wombes pleasures and mothers delight so nearely touched her that as in a trance she had like to haue fallen from her horse if Iames had not the more regarded her Whose extremitie whē he saw stricken with fear of his mistresse Ioanes wel doing he wished that vndone which was begunne yet taking heart of grace knowing care must be comforted cheared her with the best spéech he could so long perswading that she reuiued againe calling to minde the great losse of that she most hoped for the thought of William was loathsome vnto her wishing neuer to heare or sée him more earnestly desiring Iames as he tendered her life to returne to her fathers house for if she procéede there is no hope but to expect death Iames more willing to entreat her then Ioane to craue for fashions sake be sought her to go forward to his maister But nothing might preuaile home she would no deniall could serue whither Iames made such haste that they came before the old man was in bedde The sudden comming of Ioane with her guide Iames much amazed them especially séeing their dearest childe in such a pittifull case and not-knowing the cause thought verily that some hobgoblings or theeues had frighted them which to assure them finding Ioane in weake case and not to be questioned the mother and her maides were very carefull in hauing her to bed meane while the father earnestly enquired of Iames what the occasion of his daughters griefe was who like himselfe so suttelly pleaded that the olde man was not a whit the wiser Iames hauing broached this deuise how wel or ill so euer it spéedeth in the end After he had in secret coniured Ioane by her holy oathes to remember her promise with all spéed hasteneth to Exeter where he discharged his horse and recouered his maisters house long before the company brake vp William little suspecting what his man had bene about CHAP. VIII How the Father and Mother of Ioane seeing their daughters sicknesse increase sent for VVilliam IOane languishing in this conceited feare of her Williams want gā grow so weak that her friends had smal hope of her recouery being in best cōfort when she might be alone where with sighes and gréeuous cōplaints of her fathers rashnesse she exclaimeth on her hard fortune being so vnhappily marked aboue all the women she hath knowne vtterly inueying against William that knowing his imperfections durst seduce any woman to his deceitfull loue defying wealth honour and not caring to be married to the greatest Monarke hauing those necessary wants Her good Father whose comfort was his Ioanes health when he could not learne by all possible meanes the occasion and sicknesse rather encreasing then ceasing aduised by his kindred sent for her Loue William hoping his presence might comfort her who like a kind man leauing al to his man Iames presently procured from the Apothecaries such comfortable drugges as he could get for mony with sugars and spices of his owne store hastning to his loue Ioane where to her father and mother he was a welcome man But Ioane tooke little pleasure in his sight or company his presence being so
those and their Adherents which spoiled them wherevpon the Marchants of Fxeter furnished and manned in warlike manner sixe tall ships at their owne proper charge of which Fléete they made choise of William for Admirall who hauing the charge minding carefully to accomplish what he had vndertaken sent vnto his Consorts of the other Townes requesting their companies and aide who willing to accompany their friend as also to recouer part of their losse furnished in like manner other sixe ships themselues seruing for Captaines of their owne goods William hauing the charge of Generall with such countenance demeaned himselfe valiant and courteous that euery man presaged good successe in his fortunes that sundrie Gentlemen and men of valour made suite for to accompanie him William carefull of what he had in hand hauing the most his owne charge slacked no time but hearing of the arriuall of his Fléete at Dorthmouth the place appointed of méeting frollikes with his friends viewing and mustring their companies which were all goodly men and well furnished Not long after a faire winde blowing to the fauour of God they commended their actions and the equitie of their cause putting forward with great resolution to the sea At their going forth taking their farewell after the manner of such seruice as all the country admired and cheared their friends which were beholders thereof These Gallants leauing our owne coast according to directions plied for Bell I le the trade and other places fit to find their enemies Of whose being vpon the Coast the Admiral of France was aduertised who by chance was then in the Road of Charleboyes sharing English goods lately taken and hearing of these warlike shippes in the night fell lower to the mouth of the riuer and in the morning taking the aduantage of the Tyde came to sea Where shortly by our Fléete which looked sharpely out for them they were discouered and a view taken of their Fleete which were twise as many and more goodly ships but William resolued to sée their courage and trie it after he had called his fléete togither and giuen direction for the fight assured of his company and their faithfull industrie prouided euery way fit for the same they Bare with the French displaying Saint George ouer their toppes The Frenchmen séeing these Gallants rather thought them mad then otherwise so to boorde them hauing the oddes especially on their owne Confines stood with them entending to haue compassed the whole Fléete and so to haue made quick dispatch Boording them and carrying them away wherein they were deceiued For Williamâ—â—â—â—â— â—â—â—â—â— with more resolution as they afterward found to theyr cost Our Fléete comming vp with them after a defiance with Trumpets giueth William and his Uice-Admirall Oliuer thrust amongst the Fléete and in despite loorded the Admirall and tooke the Generall into their owne ship leauing some men aboorde to kéepe her and sending the French men all away with their boates to séeke their fortunes This onset beginning with good successe added courage to our companies and greatly discomforted the French hauing lost their Admirall Yet coÌ„tinued the fight very hotly foure or fiue houres In which time many of the French lay drenched in the déepe both men and ships William keeping his owne who was so well followed by his companions that the French wearied with the fight and their hope past hope to escape William and his company hauing the aduantage of the shore lying betwéene them and the sea yéelded themselues to his mercie of whom being possest he tooke the principall men prisoners made choise of the best ships and manned them with their Ordinance such Marchandise and money whereof they had a boundance aboord freed many Englishmen they had taken sincking the most part of the ships sauing the worst to carrie men a shore Which done in despite of those on land which should contradict his doings went into the Road of conquest fired the ships in the Roade and brought two Gallies away This finished when he had houered vpon the coast two whole wéekes to sée if any durst come and finde fault with what was done with great wealth and more honour to the countrey he returned to Dorthmouth recompencing his company well satisfied for their losse and richly stoaring the kings treasure to the good liking of his Maiestie who gaue theÌ„ many thanks and generall ioy of the whole land whose honour it was CHAP. XIII How Ioane UUilliams wife for sundrie mad parts plaied could not indure her seruant Iames and his departure to Spaine MIstresse Ioane growing now to more reckoning of her selfe standing on her husbands aduancement béeing Maister Captaines wife expected from her neighbours more honour then had of custome bene tendered especially of her seruants which Iames her man perceiuing scorned to doo as she commanded being the eldest seruant the principall dealer for his Maister hauing charge of all which Mistresse Ioane stomacked much and often wold crosse him with tanting spéeches not forgetting the knauish pranke played betwéene his Maister and her albeit she consealed the same Amongst many the madde tricks Iames offered his Mistresse this one she tooke most exceptions at In the time of her husbands absence her selfe lying in of a young sonne many her neighbors banquetted with her as the custome is in that Country at which time with other Williams friends sundry the best in the Cittie oft times to William bad themselues to supper against whose comming all daintie vyands that money or friends could procure was prouided all things fit to content on these guestes Ioane gaue strict charge diligent attendance by her seruants be giuen for the better credit of themselues and their Maister which they promised to doo The guests set and their Cates orderly serued Iames wayted in good sort yet not to Mistresse Ioanes content hauing many to imploy some by chance wanted cleane Trenchers for which she tooke occasion in open presence to checke her man Iames commaunding him to see if there wanted nothing on the Table and willed him to bring in a whéele-Barrow to carry away the bones and foule trenchers Iames hereat moued following her counsell like a diligent seruant ranne hastily for the same and brought it to the Table At which ieast the company had good sport and long time busied them with laughter But Mistresse Ioane séeing her selfe before her friendes so scorned frowned powted and swelled on Iames and hardly could forbeare wéeping yet let it passe amongst many other prankes vntill her husbands returne from seas vnto whom with teares she complained her of sundry wrongs done by her seruant Iames. Which William like a kinde Maister waying his youth and good seruice he had receiued from him sought to excuse with gentle words perswading his wife to the like Which Ioane hearing passing the bounds of modestie she protested that if he kept him longer in his house he accounted more of him then of his wife nor might she be brought otherwise to beléeue and so vowed that
either one or other of them two must part if William entended to liue in quiet William wisely waying the benefit of so good a seruant was loth to leaue him vntill by continuall clamours of his wife he was enforced whom to content he found meanes to send Iames his man to the ports of Cales and Saint Lucas in Spaine with his marchandise that he had then shipped as Marchant and chiefe Factor on which motion made to Iames by his Maister and assurance there to continue thrée yeares which was all the time he had to serue Iames was wel pleased being perswaded of his Maisters loue how much soeuer he was discontent with his Mistresse whose enuy he was assured to be principall cause thereof which with patience hée tooke in as good part as he could prouiding himselfe to go with the ship which being readie his Maister deliuered him his chartie partie and Billes of lading with many good and graue aduertisements So taking his farewell of Maister and Mistresse all his fellow seruants he left behinde him this Adieu in writing and so betooke him to his affaires Thogh parting be mourning Where friendship is deere Yet better be packing Then stay longer heere Our William sweet William Is matched with Ione Whose will not VVilliams Doth cause me to mone The wrath of a woman May no man endure For where they maligne Their woe they procure Experience hath taught it And true it doth proue The Diuel and a woman Seld conquerd by loue A woman enuious Whose chance is to wed Were better be troubled With a diuel in his bed Therefore my good fellowes From whom I must part Forget not to learne This lesson by hart What euer your Maister Appoint to be donne Regard your Mistresse If blowes you will shunne The night Crowes fauour Seeke you to obtaine More shall be your quiet But better your gaine For women how euer They chance speak you faire Will alwaies be readie Your woe to prepare If in the least sort You crosse their intent They 'l dye in the quarell But they wil cause you be shēt Say Iames for his farwell This lesson doth giue And please your Mistresse So long as you liue CHAP. XIIII How the Kings Army marched to Exeter to relieue the Citie besieged by the Cornish Rebelles AMongst sundry Tumults and rebellious assemblies wherewith in times past this lande was afflicted a route of Traytors were gathered togither in the West verie mightie was their power and their tyrannie more who spared not to waste spoyle and ruinate all along the whole Countrey as they marched together without regard of God Prince or naturall affection of that clymat where they receiued life The tyrannie of these Rebels bruted throughout the Country euery man fled for safegard of their liues wiues and children to the noble Citie of Exeter as a place of sanctuary from those blood-thirstie reprobates Where the Rebels followed with their mercilesse army and with strong siege begirt it vsing all possible means they could by force and pollicie to gaine the possession thereof which in vaine they practised many assaults they made which were manfully resisted by the honourable and true liegemen Citizens of the same and sundry valiant and daungerous scalies made by them vpon the enemy weakening their force with great slaughter and pulling from them of their store of victualls to reléeue their wants which were very many and great yet dismayed they not but continued their defence with great valour and euerlasting honour vnto them In this time of trouble was William called to high office amongst them in his owne person doing great and worthie seruice to the incouragement of the multitude whom of his owne bountie and charge of victualls he reléeued sauing their liues both by valour and liberall store of prouision famine had so generally possessed the same Of these outrages by the Rebels committed the King was aduertised who gratiously tendering their distresse and pittying those his louing subiects whose vatour and constancy to him was such spéedily leuied a power of men at armes and with such hastie iournies as was requisite marched towards Exeter for their reliefe Of whose comming the Rebels hauing knowledge like a rable of faint hearted miscreants raised their siege and departed with bagge and baggage The tydings of whose departure by Postes to his highnesse was signified who notwithstanding continued his iourney to Exeter to sée their battered walles and by his presence to encourage them and others his subiects to like loyaltie if such chaunces should happen Unto whom his Maiestie was most ioyfully welcommed as appeared by their entertainment which was graciously accepted as by his honourable thankes giuen did appeare CHAP. XV. How VViliiam and his companions Oliuer Otho and the rest to make the King sport chalenged all commers at wresling foote-ball and hurling which he performed THe King whose countenance hath purchased the Cities libertie reposed him amongst those his loyall subiects of Exeter who to shewe their loue inabled their greatest diligence Amongst which William and Oliuer whose wealth was matchlesse and best able to performe what they vndertooke entending to shewe their Countries accustomed exercises of actiuitie before his Highnesse made generall challenge throughout the Countrey of Deuon and Cornwall 24. men to 24. chuse them where they could at Exeter before the King on a day prefixed at these sportes viz. wrestling hurling and footeball This challenge giuen out William that had his felicitie in kéeping men of actiuitie chiefly excelled in these qualities sent likewise to his friends Walter of Totnes Otho of Plymouth Iohn of Barnestable and Robert of Tyuerton to furnish him with such men as as they could of their owne which were able to maintaine the chalenge Who hauing notise thereof and knowing the assured day fayled not their old friend William but accordingly brought to Exeter twelue good men of theirs to ioyne with William and his twelue To encounter which according to the proclamation repaired to Exeter many worshipfull Gentlemen with their followers and sundry chiefe and well experienced in those qualities William and his companions willing to encourage their people hath for the purpose against the first day suted all their company in Crimson Satten with scarlet Cappes and Feathers vnder which euery man to play in wore a Wastcoate of like coloured Taffata The time assgned come and the King taking his place to behold this exercise of wrestling appointed for the first dayes pastime William and his friends aboue named apparelled in Coats of black Ueluet and Chaines of Gold accompanied with many Whiflers to guard the place marched on to the Greene called Southing-Hay without the Citie walles followed with his appointed troupes attyred as you haue heard who taking their places were instantly followed by the Country men Then to answere them apparelled in suites of purple Satten and ledde by a Knight of great name who passing by his highnesse place bowed themselues and marching once or twise about the rayles
tooke their stande opposed with the Citizens This done proclamation was made for the quiet of the Gamesters who proceeded to their pastimes wherein of both sides was shewed many manfull feates and slights of pollicie to his Maiesties great pleasure who by generall voyce of the whole company gaue the honour of that dayes exercise to Williams Prentises their fellowes Which done they marched away in order as they came the Citizens tryumphing for their successe The next day at the houre appointed the King being placed William with his company marched in like maner to the field who were apparelled in Wastcoates and Hose of white Laffata with wrought Nightcaps on their heads readie to their pastime of hurling And the defendants in watched Laffata likely suted Where betwéene them much valour and agilitie of bodie was shewed as leaping vauting running and wrestling wherein they excelled and for their cunning of the King worthily praised and rewarded who highly commended the sport wishing all his subiects such as they were This dayes honour to the Prentises was likewise adiudged who like Uictors left the field this second day to the great contentment of William and his followers The third dayes sport which was footeball appointed to be performed William and his comperes marched to the field his companies apparelled as before in red and blew Taffata and the Country defendants in Orenge Tawny No sooner entered they the field their duties done and the players stripped the King to do them grace and encourage them to their play caused a Noble man of his traine to cast vp their Ball which came no sooner on the ground but was taken at aduantage then began the strength and nimblenesse of men to be tried with lifting throwing and casting one the other some with violence others with fine slights generally commended continuing their sport without victory on either side along time vntill by vnhappie chance one of Williams company a proper man and a Gentleman borne was with a fall from a loftie mans armes vnfortunately slaine This Traget is more gréeued the King and all his company then any thing who commaunded their pastime to cease adiudging the honour to Exeter Citizens yet recompenced royally the defendants and gaue them many gracious spéeches of commendation but sorrowed more for the slaine Gentleman then for the losse of a million of Golde The Gentleman he caused with great pompe to be enterred and gaue the prize euer after to Deuonshire and Cornewall for those exercises which continue them matchlesse to this day CHAP. XVI How the Cardinall for some especiall businesse leaning his Highnesse at Exeter departed towards London THe Cardinall then Legal from the Pope accompanying the King on his iourney hearing of Letters and some spirituall ambassage ariued tooke leaue of his highnesse for his iourney to London whom to accompany William and his fellow Aldermen of the city addressed themselues ryding on pleasantly discoursing of their pastimes and entertainment vntill they came to the stones markes of the Cities libertie which the Cardinall taking notise of said Gentlemen I perceiue that here your liberties end wherfore I wil trouble you no further returne now I beséech you and acknowledge my dutie to the King William being of more spirit then many of the others that thought not on their paines in a pleasant humour thus said Pleaseth your Grace to pardon vs though here ende our Cities liberties yet may we bring our friends further and therefore will bring your Holinesse to the Gallowes and there leaue you meaning a place of execution distant from the Citie a myle and better The Cardinall taking his words short said No no my maisters turning it to a ieast without any exceptions and accepted their companies to that place In which way thitherward the Cardinals horse chanced to drinke in a brooke where his horse so pleasantly conceited would faine haue drunke but he restrained him which the Cardinall perceiuing said Syr why let you your horse from drinking Pleaseth your Grace quoth he he shall not drinke before your Graces horse hath done At which the Cardinall laughed hartily saying Syr I knowe not how to requite this great kindnesse but if euer your horse come where mine may shewe like curtesie assure you your horse shall drinke first in despite of his téeth Thus passed they on the way merily to their iourney appointed to bring his Holinesse where the Cardinall remembring his friends kinde proffer said Syr I take it this is the place where by couenant we must bid farewell wherefore I thank you for my great chéere and sport and for your paines This is the Gallowes I take it whither since you would néedes accompany mée here I meane to leaue you and so to you all gentle friendes farewell Where with moste friendly and louing imbrasings they left the Cardinall to his iourney and the Citizens returned to Exeter where to the King they recomunt what hapned them who tooke great pleasure therein and often would vse in merriment the parting of the Cardinall with the Citizens Who a waeke after feasted his highnesse and his traine and so with great thankes left them CHAP. XVII How Iames UUilliams seruant accompanied the Dukes of Medina and Florence at play and how Iames at one cast lost fiftie thousand Duckets IAmes the first seruant of William continuing long in Cales and Saint Lucas on his maisters businesse by his good carriage and gentle behauiour had more credit then all the English Marchants there resident or thither trading not onely with the countrey but with the Duke of Medina who continually vsed Iames as a companion at all exercises or play whatsoeuer such was his bountie and nourture who thought himselfe a Spanish Duke or a Noble man at least Fauour of all estates he had as worthily deserued his purse euer pliant to the poore who euer sought him in distresse whether Stranger or English felt his bountie These good parts of Iames gained him loue and fauour especially with the Duke who being a. Prince of noble minde fauoured no Nation like the English or had pleasure with any but them Frolike he was in their company commending their bountie and wondring at their costly fare and attire which would cause him many times to leaue his owne Table and omit himselfe to their dyet gracing them more then all Nations with his presence The Noble Duke who by often resort to their house and other times had noated their seuerall dispositions and highly commended them purposed to trie at full what was in them hauing on a time the Duke of Florence in his Court vnto whom he had liberally spoken our Englishmens praise and that he might better credit his spéech he ordained a most costly banket to which he inuited the chiefest of our English Marchants amongst which Don laques de Engleterre for so hée named him was not forgotten Iames which cared not for coyne but wayed his countries honour against the prefixed time suted himselfe very rich
to be a frée-Demson as appeared by his cost and kind vsage which with all kindnesses he shewed in their iolytie carowsing healthes to all their friends in England especially by name those worthy Patrons William Oliuer and Otho who they all very heartily wished present But William chiefly was most desired by Iames who little suspected he was so neare Thus met these gallant youthes with ioy and great content that not long since parted with sorrow and effusion of teares héere was their olde passed sportes reuiued and their friendship acknowledged with firme confirmance vowed each to others euery man heartily reioycing for Iames his good fortune At the good spéed of this mirth and knitting vp this new league Iames his wife who had notice of their being and what company they were richly attiring her selfe came to the place where they all were where she in all courteous manner welcommed them to Cheryes Beseeching them of that loue and courtesie they beare their Countreyman her Husband to accept his house for their lodging where how homely so euer your welcomes shall not be bettered amongst your dearest friends in England This kinde profer of the Lady so curteous and hartily performed the Marchants admired commending Iames his choise to be absolute the worthiest in all Spaine for bewtie wealth and good entertainment wherein they thought him blessed Returning her many thankes for her kindnesse besought pardon and libertie to take their pleasures in their lodging which were like otherwaies to be troublesome vnto her and her Husband To which request though vnwilling she condiscended Taking her leaue for that time committed them to their ease and best content CHAP. XXIIII How Iames with his wiues honorable frends being at their cheare was visited of VVilliam and his companions and their welcome THe honest yong men which accompanied William and his friends to Cheryes concealed their secret being in the Towne that it was not knowne to any but themselues where two dayes after their arriuall and great entertainment by Iames and his wife that holy rights of Wedlocke was openly confirmed at the Church in presence of many of honor and great estimation which betweéne them and the Priest long before was consummat to the good liking of both the parties their friends and honourable Allyes Which done great was their cheare and ioyes more aboundant where so good content was equally ballanced William and his company hearing by their espialls how the time of dinner grew to end was conducted to the Bridall house where they entended to make triall of their welcome who by a messenger gaue Iames to vnderstand that certaine Marchants lately arriued from England desired to sée him Which Iames hearing gaue charge should be brought in Iames sitting in his Maiestie as Maister of the feast was attired in a gowne of wrought Ueluet a faire Chaine about his necke and other Abilliments fitly ordered His Bride richly suted sitting by him William beholding his man in this worshipfull manner admired it but more to sée that honorable company whom he saluted with dutifull reuerence Iames séeing his Maister on whom his thoughts least harped on and those other his ancient friends albeit he could willingly haue done them that dutie to him appertaining yet kept his place and countenance for that time bidding them with a courage welcome to Cheryes commanding them to take their places as they came where being set Iames thus began Fellow William of all the men England might afford the best welcome to this place especially at this time where so lately you haue bene often wisht Braue Gallants of that noble Citie of Exeter your companies hath cheared my spirits to sée you all kinde louers and friends fall to your vyands and be merrie for you shall all haue cause to be merrie here as you shall finde These kind shews of loue and courtesie William and his friends more accepted then if his supposed lost monies had bene instantly tendered him the conceit whereof being eyewitnesse of Iames happinesse and that honour done him by the states present for ioy made him forbeare his dyet but hardly teares vnto whom and his company Iames carued often drinking healths vnto them their frends in England Which fauour the whole company noted who iudged them to be of worth their countenance and attire shewing it To whose welcome the Spaniards in honour of Iames and his wife added many good and kinde spéeches of fauour which was more then ordinary in that proud Nation all which the graue Englishmen with like courtesie returned Dinner ended with much mirth and pleasure Iames in all louing and dutifull maner imbraced his Maister William and his friends rendering more then a Million of thankes for their paines that vouchsafed to honour him so vnexpected at that solemnitie yet could not his minde be satisfied doubting some extraordinarie occasion brought them thither loath that any question should be made of his ill husbandrie in the Towne taking William into his withdrawing Chamber he said Deare Maister and especiall friend that you vouchsafed this vndertaken paines to witnesse my happinesse this day I render thankes yet greatly feare your comming so secret and only trauell hath bene on reports of my misdemeanor for which I am the more sorie that you whose years require rest should in your age be so cumbred But how euer I am glad to sée you end for your goods mispent no losse to you shall redound but your accounts and all men of your Cittie whose trust I was shall be with such profit cleared as you and they shall haue no cause to blame my riotous demeanor William to quite his seruant hearing him so kinde to comfort him and giue no occasion to discontent frankely acquited him of all debts due to him and for his comming at that time excused it of a voluntarie match made with the Maister of the Barke hauing his two friends a boord and the Barke bound for Cales to bring them vnawares away While they were in their earnest talke the Bride hauing some businesse or taking occasion to giue them their Bene Venew séeing such shews of loue betwéen them bad them according to their Countrey manner very welcome Beséeching them to take her house for their Ostrey during their stay wherein they should honour their Countreyman her Husband and do her great fauour To which William and his Comperes were easily intreated the rather to sée the order and manner of entertainment of the Spanish Gentlewoman which they found costly louing and very kinde to Iames and all his friends as they could command no more in their owne houses CHAP. XXV How Oliuer and Otho at the house of a gallant Curtizan was robbed of their money and apparell IAmes in the Hauen of Blisse ioyfull of his good friends company loath on the sudden to forgo them by great sute of his wife whom they all honoured for her kindnesse shewed consented to spend their time fifteene dayes with them to frolike where hauing leisure they