Tylar before Sir Ralph Blackwel desiring Justice against him for the death of his Father the Tylar pleaded chance medly and that he did not kill him either wiâ—tingly or willingly but nothing would serve the young man but that the Tylar must be sent to prison no perswasions could prevail to talk to him of reason was to set a blind man to discern of colours or a deaf man to judge of musique nothing could satisfie for the death of his father but the life of the Tylar Sir Ralph seeing his obstinacy that reason could take no place in him adjudged that to make him satisfaction the Tylar should stand in the same place where his father was killed and the young man if he would might go up to the top of the house and tumble down upon him but this the man refusing to do the Tylar was discharged He used to look very narrowly after the Bakers that they should not make their bread too light causing one John of Stratford for making bread lesser then the Assize to be drawn on a wooden horse which went with wheels quite through the streets of the City having a fools hood on his head and loaves of bread about his neck many other examples of his Justice might be produced too long here to reâ—iâ—e we shall refer the Reader to the Chronicles of those times which discourse much of his commendations Sir Ralph having 〈◊〉 to see 〈◊〉 building finished and put to the use for which he 〈…〉 not long after departed this 〈◊〉 having some few years before 〈…〉 Arabella who had been to him a constant faithful and loving wife 〈◊〉 great 〈◊〉 unto the poor especially those of his own Company as also several someâ— of money to bind pâ—or children out â—pprentâ—ces He was 〈…〉 great 〈◊〉 by the Company â— Merchant Taylors whom hee truste 〈◊〉 the Estate he leâ—t behind him to be 〈…〉 aforesaid who eâ—ected upon his Grave a most magnificent Monument which time the devourer of all things hath since consumed upon which was engraven this Epâ—â—aph Here lyes the honour of his trade and name Brave Sir Ralph Blackwel of deserved Fame Whose acts proclaim`d his worth both near and far And did renown his name in Peace and War Where we will leave him resting in his Grave in peace and return to speak of William whom we left newly married to his Masters maid the witty fair Misteres Dorothy CHAP. XII How William slew a dreadful 〈…〉 built 〈◊〉 Hospital wherein he 〈…〉 and was after his Death Canonized for a Saint VVIliam having entered into marâ—iage 〈◊〉 begun to â—o side◠〈◊〉 himself that there was more belonged to wâ—d then four 〈…〉 whereas before he wanted a wise he 〈…〉 thing else there was a Bed to 〈…〉 let Bâ—ankets Câ—â—tains Table cloaths â—aâ—kins Chairs Steelâ—s 〈◊〉 Table Brass Pewter Andirons Fire-shovel 〈…〉 Spits 〈…〉 Wash-boul Hand-boul â—ubs Cupboard Candlesticks Wâ—rmin-pan Frying-pan Griâ—â—ion Chasting-dâ—sh 〈◊〉 iron 〈◊〉 Skelets Powdring-tub Trayes Flee-fork Drinking-pots and so many several implements besides as nigh 〈◊〉 his purse of all his silver hoâ— best 〈…〉 having good customers and following his work he 〈◊〉 recruited his stock Now in a short space he grew to be so famous for his excellency â—a workmanship that he was taken notice of at Couâ—t and preferred to be Taylor to Queen Phillippa King Edwards wife by which means he gained the custome of the most Eminent Ladies at Court for as it is commonly seen for the Lords to be of the Kings religion so it is as usual for the Ladies in their cloaths to follow the Queens fashion By making to those great Persons he soon attained to a great Estate but as his wealth encreased so did his charge for Dorothy was very fruitful bringing him almost every year a child besides he kept thirty journey-men and had twenty prentices whom he maintained all in one livory so that he came to be of great esteem in the place where be lived passing through all the Offices in the Parish as Scavenger Headbrough Constable Overseer for the Poor and Church-warden and not long after his abilities being more throughly taken notice of he was chosen one of the common Councel of the City in all which Offices he behaved himself with much prudence and understanding 〈◊〉 after it came to pass that William being at Couâ—t with 〈…〉 he had to do for the Queen that there came thither a 〈…〉 King of Fraâ—ce who proclaimed a 〈◊〉 hunting 〈…〉 the Province of Picardy which had destroyed 〈…〉 and turned that fruitful Country into a barâ—en wilceâ—ne the 〈◊〉 all theâ—e round about being uâ—â—nhabited for dread of that 〈…〉 This 〈◊〉 hunting was proclaimed in the Couâ—ts of all the 〈…〉 whereupon a number of acted spiâ—â—t whose comages promyâ—ed them on to valerous enterprizes prepared thâ—mâ—elves to go The news oâ— this noble adventure set such an edge on Williams valor that he likewise resolved to make one in that gallant assembly and coming home imparted his resolutions unto his 〈◊〉 which made the 〈◊〉 to tiâ—â—kle down her chéeks and her heart 〈…〉 Dear Husband said she hath the desire of same accompanied with so eminent danger more 〈◊〉 to call you hence away then my unseigned affection and the Paternal care of your sweet Babies to prevail with you to stay at homâ— were we not so tyed together in Hymens Bands that nothing but death should unloose that Gordian Knot O why then should Neptunes waves separate us asunder consider with your self he danger of the â—ourney the more danger in the enterprize in which 〈◊〉 of us are concerâ—ed as in a Ship of Merchandize wherein are many partnerâ— that being sunk or taken the loss redounds unto them alâ— your Children claim a part in it I claim a part 't is not your self alone you adventure let younger spirit follow Mars hiâ— Train age soon enough will hasten on grim death you need not to go meet him thus half way and by thrusting your self into need ess dangers force Atropos to cut your thread of life which otherwise might be spun out unto a longer date My second self replyed William whose Love I prize far more then Indian Gold or all the treasures wherewith America is inriched withall seek not for to disswade my mind from going when fame and honour bâ—th do call me forth you say there is danger in the enterprize the greater is the honour in the conquest he that fears to have his hands stung by the Bees shall never sweeten his lips with their honey Fames breath coâ—â—s pains and sweat to purchase it and the path that leads to Honour is rugged and full of intricate Meanders Yet fear not dearest wife whom the Gods love they will preserve and expect me home again with fresh Lawrels interwoven with those which I purchased before I was married unto thee Dorothy séeing him so resolved to go and knowing the Iourney to be attended with Honor left off any fuâ—th disswading him and like an
Taylor the renowned Hawkwood to buckle on his armour again which was occasioned as followeth England's prime honour Italies renown Who upheld all Italy from sinking down His friends also in England to his immortal memory erected for him at Sible Henningham in Essex where he was born a curious arched Monument wherein was pourtrayed the 〈◊〉 of Hawks flying in a Wood in reference to his name of Hawkwood and also built a Chauntry allowing four Priests ten pounds a pear such was the Religion of those times to pray for his soul And thus gentle Reader have we briefly shown you the noble Atchievements of some few of the renowned Society of Merchant-Taylors to ennumerate them all would require more than one mans life to set them down their number exceeding the bounds of Arithmetick Wee will end theâ—efore all in a Corollary concerning this Worshipful Company their Hall free School and some other deeds of Charity by some of that Society and to I will conclude CHAP. XIV Several worthy Acts of the Merchant-Taylors THe renowned Company of Merchant-Taylors have been a Guild or Fraternity time out of minde being called by the Name of Taylors and Linnen Armorers For I find that King Edward the first in the twentieth eight year of his Reign confirmed this Guild by the Name of T'aylors an 〈…〉 and also gave to the Brethren thereof authority every year at Midsummer to hold a feast and to choose unto them a Governour or Master with Wardens wherenpon the same year 1300 on the Feast day of the Nativity of Saint John Baptist they chose Henry de Ryal to be their Pilgrim for the Master of this Mystery as one that travelled for the whole Company was then so called untill the eleventh year of Richard the second and the four Wardens were then called Purveyors of Almes now called Quarteridge of the said Fraternity The Hall belonging to this Worshipfull Company is in Thred needle street not far distant from the Parish Church of St. Martins Oteswtich which somtime pertained to a worshipful Gentleman named Edmond Crepin he in the year of Christ 1331. The sixth of Edward the third for a certain sumne of money to him paid made his grant thereof by the name of his principal Message in the Wards of Cornhil and Broadstreet which Sir Oliver Inghani Knight did then hold to John of Yakley the Kings Pavillion maker whereupon it was then called the New-hall or Taylors Inne for a difference from their old Hall which was about the back side of the Red Lyon in Basing lane The 21 of Edward the fourth Thomas Holm alias Clarienceaux King of Arms for the South parts of England granted by his Pattents to this Noble Company of Taylors and Linnen-armourers for their Arms to bear in a field Silver a Pavilion between two Mantles Imperial purple garnished with Gold in a chief azure a holy lamb fet within a Sun the Crest upon the Helm a Pavilion purple garnished with Gold c. After this King Henry the 7 was himself a brother of this fraternity of Taylors or Linnen-armourers as divers others of his predecessors Kings had been to wit Richard the third Edward the fourth Henry the sixth Henry the fifth Henry the fourth and Richard the second And for that divers of that fraternity had time out of mind been great Merchants and had frequented all sorts of Merchandizes into most parts of the world to the honour of the Kings Realm and to the great profit of his Subjects and of his progenitors and the men of the said mistry during the time aforesaid had execrised the buying and selling of all Wares and Merchandizes especially of woollen cloath as well in gross as by Retaiâ— thoroughout all this Realm of England and chiefly within the City of London he therefore of his especial grace did incorporate them into the name of the Master and wardens of the Merchant-Taylors of the fraternity of Saint John Baptist in the City of London This Worshipful Company have a most famous Grammer School belonging unto them founded in the Year 1561. by the Master Wardens and Assistans of the Merchant-Taylors in Suffolk-lane in the Parish of St Lawrence Poulthey in Downe-gate Ward Richand Hills sometimes Master of that Company having before given 5001 towards the purchase of an House called the Mannour of the Rose sometime belonging to the Duke of Buckingham wherein the said School is now kept Now as God hath from time to time blessed this worshipful Company with abundance of wealth so have they not been leaving to distribute the same again in Charitable uses having near to their Hall built seven alms-houses wherein are placed sevea alms-men of that Company and their wives if they have any each of these seven of old time had fourteen pence the week but now of latter time their stipend by the said Master and Wardens hath been augmented to the sum of twenty six shillings the Quarter which is five pound four shillings the year to each of them besides Coals More to each of them twenty shillings the Year by gift of Walter Fish sometime Master of that Company and Taylor to her Majesty Besides this have they at the West end of Hogs-street by Tower hill certain fair Alms-houses strongâ—y builded of brick and Timber and covered with slate wherein are 14 poor sole women which receive each of them of their founders 16 pence or better weekly besides 8 pounds fifteen shillings yearly paid out of the Common Treasury of the same Corporation for fewel Now should we come to speak of the gifts and bounties of particular persons free of this Worshipful Company it would make a sufficient volumn of its self I shall only instance in one or two referring the reâ—â— to a more convenient place Robert Thorno Merchant-Taylor who dyed in the Year 1532. 〈◊〉 by his Testament to charitable actions more than four thousand four hundred forty pounds and Legacies to his poor kindred more five thousand one hundred forty two pounds besides his debts forgiven c. Sir Thomas White Lord Mayor of the City of London in Anno 1554 and a Brother likewise of the Merchant-Taylors Society founded St. John Baptists Colledge in Oxford erected Schools at Bristow Redding and a Colledge at Higham Ferries and gave several thousands of pounds to other charitable uses Sir Thomas Rowe Knight Lord Mayor of the City of London in 1568 a worthy Brother also of the Merchant-Taylors Company built the new Church-yard in Bethelem gave an hundred pounds to be lent to 8 poor men and 40 pounds yearly to maintain ten poor men for ever to be chosen out of the five several Companies of Clothworkers Armourers Carpenters Tylars and Plaisterers Sir Thomas â—ffley Merchant Taylor Mayor who deceased Anno 1580 appointed by his Testament the one half of all his goods and 200 pounds deducted out of the other half given to his son Henry to be given and bestowed in deeds of Charity by his Executors according to his confidence and trust in them Infinite others might we produce whose charities and bountiful house keeping have been as conspicuous as the Sun in the Firmament no Society having produced more brighter stars in Fames horizon but we shall leave the further prosecution hereof unto a second Edition of this book The song to be sung by the Journey-men Taylors on St. Williams day at night O Fall the Tradeâ— that ever were Who with the Taylors may compare That fits the Ladies to a hair And makes them fine and brave They on their Shop-boards sit and sing And live contented as a King Their trade such profit doth them bring They scorn to play the knave The fairest Ladies in the Land Doth to the Merchant Taylor stand Whilest he with parchment in his hand Takes measure of their bodies They are content to handled be By no one trade but only he But to tell all which they do see They are not such dull Noddies The Taylor he goes neatly drest He eats and drinketh of the best He takes no care his heartâ—â— at rest But sings like to a Linnet A litttle matter him up sets He comes not in the Userers debts At great mens fortunes he not frets He knows there 's danger in it His Shop board is his Seat of state On which he sits early and late Free from ambitions deadly hate Or from base envies spight His Thimble doth his finger guard Whilst he doth sing and work full hard He from content is not debar'd His actions being right His Needle is the tool by which He in a short time doth grow rich By sowing of full many a stitch In cloath and eke in stuffe His sheeres the cloath doth cut whereby He makes a garment handsomly This is the sheeres sole property And that is sure enough His Iron Goose at his desire Lyes alwayes roasting at the sire To press those seams that do aspire And will not handsome be His Bodkin maketh holes whereby Men do with points their Breeches tye And women lace them prittily A comely sight to see Thus doth his trade him profit bring Being shaddowed under Fortunes wing And when for service of his King He called is to fight He doth obey his Kings command Although it be to forrain land To fight as long as he can stand With all his strength and might In service of their King and Queen What souldiers brave have Taylors been May in the Chronicles be seen Which cannot be withstood Their acts do show they valliant were Their dearest blood they would not spare Nor for their lives at all did care To do their Country good FINIS
you many thanks but this great matter you propose unto me wherein I am not so blind as not to see what happiness it should be unto me in the injoyment of so accomplisht a person know Sir if my heart were mine â—o give you before all other should have it but Williams it is though dead their I begun their lend all matter of affection I hope I shall not long tarry after him with whose outward person had I only been in love with I should be so with you having the same outward parts but it was William self I loved and love which no likeness can make one no commandement dissolve nor no death finiâ—h And shall I then said he receive such disgrace as to be refused Sir said she let not that word be used who know your worth far beyond my merits but it is only happiness I refuse since of the only happiness I could or can desire I am refused Scarce had she spoken out these words when not willing to hold her in gâ—eifs bonds any longer but with his diâ—covery to convert her sorrowful moans to smiling joy he ran to her and imbracing her why then my dearest Dorothy said he take and enjoy thy William scarce could she at first believe him the truth such strong impressions had the former story taken in her heart but at last being throughly convinced her joy so excéeded the bounds of reason that she could not speak one word but was constrained through her new conceived pleasure to breath a sad sigh or two into her Lovers bosome who as courteously entertained her with loving kisses wheâ—e after these two Lovers had fully discoursed to each other the secrets of their souls how Dorothy for his love had continued unmarried notwithstanding the importunity of many and rich suitors as also William of the dangers he had run through in his long peâ—egrination having refreshed their spiriâ—s with a glass of wine they hand in hand went to her Masters but the news was no sooner spread about the Town that William was come but the Bells rung and bonestres abounded the journy-men Taylors left all their seats to welcome him home and the Promices refused to work that day Ralph notwithstanding the great feud formerly betwixt them with his beloved Arabella came to give him a visit all the whole talk of the City being only of William and his deserved praises His Master and Mistres the next day made a great feast to which was invited most of the worshipful society of Merchant-Taylors and other wealthy Citizens and not long after William and Dorothy were married at whose wedding were most costly shows and triumphs all which I pass over and return to speak of Sir John Hawkwood whole noble aâ—eheivements now calls my Pen to wake upon him CHAP. IX Amurath Prince of Fez seeks to get the Princess Mariana by treachery they are shipwrackt at Sea Amurath is killed whereupon ensueth war betwixt the Emperour of Fez and Ferdinando King of Cilicia THe noble and adventurous Merchant-Taylor Sir John Hawk-wood having by his skill in armes and fortunate success as you have heard grown to such renown that his name was famous throughout an Christendome yet still thiâ— sted after glories prize and to add to what he had already done esteeming his past victories which he had won in those parts of the world as nothing unless he also made his name redoubted by some famous exploit against the enemies of Christ and that he might bathe his sword in the Pagans blood and long was it not ere Fortune put a golden opportunity into his hands to perform the same which thus happened In the famous Country of Cilicia a place much behâ—lding to Nature for the extraordinary bounties she had bestowed upon it there lived a King named Ferdinando who was a Prince endowed with many noble and vertuous customes that had only one Daughter named Mariana a Princess of a curious make in whom Nature and education strove who should adde most to compleat her the wonder of that age This her beauty and superexcellent endowments being blazed abroad invited many of the Neighbouring Princes to sue for her in marriage but none more forward nor deserved better then Arnaldo Sonne to the King of Candy so that her Father Fardinando began to listen unto his suit and knowing his Daughters affections chiefly placed on him glad that the had made so good a choice he so forwarded the same that the day was appointed for the celebration of the Nuptials to the great content of the two young Princes who now hoped to enjoy the fruits of their love Great were the preparations made for this royal wedding not only for variety of chear but also for curious costly Pageants which were devised after the â—arest manner but all this great preparation came to 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 their songs to sighs and their mirth to mâ—uring and hâ—â—â—ppon 〈…〉 followeth Amongst oâ—her 〈◊〉 where Fâ—mâ— had blazed abroad the pâ—râ—ections of Mariana 〈…〉 Fez whose only Son Amurath a 〈◊〉 of a vitioas 〈…〉 her a prize worthy the looking after and therefore having obtained leave of his Father he provided a fléet of Ships for the bringing her home to Fez having in conceit already obtained her good will 〈…〉 if he falled he resolved to make up his Market by force to the 〈◊〉 resolution he arrives in Cilicia haping for the greatness of his bâ—th to be rather sued unto to accept of Mariana then that he himself should become a Suiter unto her but greatness without desert finds no place where goodness sits inthronized for he having made known his love â—uit to the Princess Mariana received from her a flat denyal which so exaspeâ—ated his spiâ—ics that now he breaths forth nothing but revenge and long was it not ere he found an opportunity to put his malice in execution for having by his espials learned that the two Lovers every evening al the shutting up of Titanâ— golden Gates used to walk abroad to take the comfort of the Western breathing aire he with a party of his followers suddenly surprized them and carried them prisoners to his ship where being deaf to all entreaties he hoised sailes and with as much exâ—edition as could be made sailed towards the Country of Fez but the Heavens being angry at such wicked attempts sent forth such a violent tempest on the sea as made the stoutest spirit of them all to tremble For the second day after their departure rose as it were a foggie mist from out the seas when on a sudden the clearness of the skyes might not be séen for the darkness of the air dreadful flashes of lightning séemed to have set the seas-on fire and terrible vollies of thunder threatned the shaking of the Heavens and sundring of the earth showers of rain powred down as if there had béen a general inundation and the winds roared so boisterously from each corner as if Boreas Auster Zephirus and Eurus had
horse with some few of his Nobles he suddenly posted down to the Sea-side but to express the joy at the meeting of the King the two Princes is beyond the skill of my pen to declare being a subject fit only for imagination all words whatsoever wanting weight wherewith to express it let it suffice to tell ye that after some short stay and congratulation on both sides for this happy meeting they returned again to the Citty of Adrianople the place where King Ferdinando kept his Court from whence the King speedily dispatcheth a Messenger to the Emperour of Fez to excuse himself for the death of Prince Amurath And now are great preparations made again for the wedding the King intending to have it solemnized in a more sumptuous manner then was before intended but Fortune once againe crossed his designs and turned his Scene of mirth into mourning as we shall declare unto you CHAP. X. The terrible Battle betwixt Sir John Hawkwood and the Emperour of Fez which lasted three whole daies the marriage betwixt Arnaldo and the Princess Mariana THe Army of the Cilicians being overthrown by the Emperour of Fez and King Ferdinando himself straitlily besieged in the Citty of Adrianople as you heard in the former Chapter brings not able to hold out long against those mighty Forces of the Mahumetans he therefore as we told ye dispatched a Messenger to Sir John Hawkwood destreing his assistance in these words To the most renowned and invincible Sir John Hawkwood Fames golden Trumpet having proclaimed your matchless deads to this our Country as the only succourer of distressed Princes the righter of wrongs and ovetthrower of unjust oppression this noble Character of your worth hath invited me to desire your aid against the Emperour of Fez who hath unjustly invaded my Country with barbarous cruelty killing and destroying all wheresoever he comes threatning to extirpate the very name of Christianity out of my land defer not therefore with all speed to hasten to my releif whereby you shall not only win eternal renown but also shall receive in reward of such high deservings whatsoever you will desire even to the half of my kingdom K. Ferdinando No sooner had Sir John Hawkwood received this Letter but pricked on with desire of honour in so just a quarrel he assembled all his Forces together being about twenty thousand brave English spirits each of such skill as able to command an Army to whom he made this following Oration Kind Souldiers and fellow Country men my comparions in Arms and sharers with me in all dangers and sucesses who by your valiant acts have eternized your names and made your fame to sound as far as Phebus darts forth his golden rayes to you I speak who have been so often triumphant as if victory were chained to your swords and good fuccess hereditary to ye whose hearts are so invincible as have found no Enemy unconquerable no Fort unsâ—aleable no Way unpassable who know not what it into be conquered nor to turn your back to the face of an Enemy Now doth honour once more summon you to the exercise of your Arms in rescuing a Christian King from the fury of the bloody followers of Makomee who is ready to be delivered into their hands if nor timely releived by your unconquerable manhood the King of Cilicia craves our assistance against the Mahaumetan Emperour of Fez who hath burnt his Towns razed his Citties and slain his subjects what though his men be many the greater shall be the honour in conquering them remember it is I that lead ye who will never leave ye but either bring ye off with fortunate success or â—oose my life in the enconnter This his Oration wrought such effects in his souliers that they all vowed to live and dye with him and to follow him wheresoever he commanded them whereupon returning the Messenger back again to King Ferdinando that he would not fall to be with him as soon as possibly he could he made all things ready for his Journey and by spéedy marches soon came to the confines of Cilicia whether no sooner being come but he sent King Ferdinando special notice thereof encouraging him to a resclute defiance of those Barbarous 〈◊〉 and promising to give him a speedy supply of 〈…〉 â—spatcheth a Message to the Emperour the 〈◊〉 whereof was as foloweth That he desired him to desist from â—â—ther prosecution of any outrage against the Cilicians and to restore again to King Ferdinando those Places and Persons which he had taken and then presently to depart the Land or to exspect what a just cause and a sharp sword could do against him But so little wrought this message on the insulting foe that he laughed both it and the messenger to scorn asking him if his Master were well in his wits and whether be had not need of a purge of Hellebore to think with his small handful of men to command the most puissant Monarch of the whole earth but if be would be so fool hardy as to offer to fight with him he should be encounter'd with a part of his Army whilst the rest should stand still and look on to beheld his overthrow These words of the Emperour being told in the English Camp so exasperated the souldiers that they breathedforth nothing but blood and revenge if likewise set an edge on their Generals valour to be thus disdainfully braved although he cover'd it with more moderateness then the rash souldiers who would incontinently have marched against him but the noble Hawkwood though he knew the conrage of his souldiers to be invincible yet would not rashly engage them in that fight on the success whereof depended either the gaining of a King or the irreparable loss of the whole Kingdom he therefore smother'd his resolutions for the present till time should give him a fitter opportunity to declare them in the mean time be made provision against that fatal day not only refreshing his souldiers supplying his Ammunition but alto fortifying places that might be a safe retreat unto him if his army should be over powred by the Emperours more numerous forces Having thus provâ—ded all things ready he marcheth with his Army against the Enemy who notwithstanding all his brags raiseth his siege to oppose him with his whole Army whereupon King Ferdinando came out of the City and with his small remainder of souldiers joyned with the English the noble and adventurous Merchant Taylor Sir John Hawkwood entertained him very courteously but now was no such time for complement as action both Armies being near to each other therefore riding unto the head of his Camy he spake to them in these encouraging specehes Brave sons of Mars whose valour the world admires and dreads now is the time come which ye so heartily desired to avenge your selves on this miscreant Emperour for those contumelious speeches he uttered against us and to make him know the difference betwixt saying and doing Now must be tryed
the eminent danger of my Native Country shall perswade me any more to arms rest then thy self contented my dearest Dorothy Nothing but Death our company shall sover Thine I am now and will be so for ever According to this loving agreement Sir William fell freshly again close to his Trade continued his old customers gained every day more new ones so that he increased in his estate exceedingly He still maintained the same number of Journey-men that he did before added to the number of his Prentices and kept such a bountiful house that his fame rang all over London none being so much spoken off as Sir William Elsing for so was his sirname Thus did he spend his dayes In much joy his wife loving his servants singing and his estate thriving But what condition in this world is long permament how soon â—it the pleasures of this life being like to flowers flourishing in the morning and withered in the Evening For not long after it pleased God to send agrievous Pestilence and mortality quite thorough London which swept away many thousands amongst others Sir William Lady his Children and all his Servants leaving himself alone of his numerous family so that beeing brought now into a disconsolate condition he uttered to himself this dolorous complaint Oye immortal powers said he why haâ—e ye laid this heavy punishment upon me O why was I born unto this day to be so suddenly deprived of that sweet society which should make life comfortable unto me Oh how vain is whatsoever we hear do possess nothing certain but uncertainty Ounconstant world unstable fortune mutable prosperity with how many changes do we turn upon the binges of our uncertain Fate to day flourishing full of friend and acquaintance tomorrow disconsolate left alone and deprived of all In this manner complained the woful Knight filling each corner of the house with his sad lamentations at last he resolved with himself to bid adien to the worlds vanities and to speâ—d the resâ—oue of his dayes in a religious course of life according to this Godly purpose no sooner was the City free from infection but he began to put his resolutions into performance and at the North end of Gay-spurlane in the parish of Alderman-bury where formerly was a ruined house of Nuns he purchased the same and built thereon an hospitall for the number of a hundred poor blind people which for a long time after was called Elsings spitle and is now the same that is called Sion Colledge at the end of this hospital he built a Cell wherein he became an Anchorite living therein till the day of his death which hapned on the twenty third day of May in the year of our Lord 1340. After his death he was canoniâ—ed for a Saint and the day whereon he dyed for a long time after celebrated by the Company of Merchant Taylors as the twenty fift of October is by the Company of Cord-wayners or Shoomakers in the honor of St. Crispin and Crispianus but now through the continuance of long time the celebration of this twenty third of May is discontinued CHAP. XIII How Sir John Hawkwood in releif of the Citizens of Florence encountred with a Sagitary Hun and overcame him how he killed a Dragon and afterwards dyed in great love and honour in the City of Florence COme we next to speak of the renowned Merchant Taylor Sir John Hawkwood whom we left in the Court of Pardinando King of Cilicia of whose praise sufficiently to speak would wear a pen of steel to the stumps and tire the hand of the most industrious writer long had he not been there after the marriage of the Prince Arrialdo with the Lady Mariana as you have heard but he received Letters out of Italy from the State of Florence imploring his assistance against the Huns a barbarous people who had invaded their Province having to their Leader a certain Saggitary who was half man and half horse by whose invincible strength and swiftness of body they had over run all the Country and had then laid siedge to the cheif City of Florence it self The Letters contained these words Most renowned Knight Having had experience of your eminent valour of which each Country in the world rihgs with the fame thereof and knowing the nobleness of your mind ever ready to assist those that are in distress this spoke aloud unto us to desire your aid against a merciless enemy who with savage cruelty hath harazed our Country being as monstrous in his proportion as in his actions make haste great Prince unto our rescue then which no action can be attended with more honour and which shall be accompanied with the prayers off Your deplorable servants the people of Florence Sir John Hawkwood having received this Letter acquainted King Fardinando therewith as also his resolution to hasten to their releife The Kingthough loath to part with his company yet it being upon so honorable an account most willingly condescended rewarding him very liverally for his noble atcheivements and to the rest of the Captains and Officers he gave Iewels and store of money yea the meanest of the souldiers tasted liberally of his bounty so that every one praised him for a most honorable and renowned Prince At the prefired day for his departure the Prince Arnaldo presented him 〈◊〉 a rich sword the hilt whereof was all cuâ—ioâ—sly enchased with diamonds of an inestimable value and the most beautiful Mariana gave him a rich Diamond King of so great price that it was esteemed to be worth a Kings ransome So after many complemental expressions of acknowledgement and gratitude the renowned Knight took his leave marching with all the speed he could to Italy and ceased not till he came within the borders of Florence where he found all things turned toysy turvy stately buildings converted into ruinous hâ—aps of ashes Towns lay desolate and Villages without inhabitants the fruitful fields crowned with corn and the fat pastures covered with cattel were now destitute of both the harbarous foe spareing nothing which had either life in it or which was for the sustentation and maintenance of life Sir John Hawkwood marching into the City of Florence was received by the Câ—tizens with great joy hoping now they should be able to deal with the insulting enemy who regardless of being encountred with kept not themselves in an entire body but dispersinglylay in several companies Sir John Hawkwood having notice of this their careles security resolved not to let slip so golden an opportunity wherefore the next morning he marched out against them when not four miles off he found a party of them of about two thousand some of which were singing some dancing some brinking but none of them prepared or siting to fight the English souldiers encompassing them round killed them all leaving not one of them alive to carry the sad tidings to the rest of their fellows how they sped Then marched they with their Army five miles further where was