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
who would not be spoken with wherfore taking her Father aside in priuate he discoursed how he was abused and vehemently protested he wold not be made a scorne by his daughter if she were a Lady therefore willed to let him know the originall of this scandall or by heauen he protested the next Sunday at diuine seruice in their parish Church to quit himselfe of so great an ignomy he would naked shewe himselfe to her and their great shame that deuised the same The old man séeing William so angry by mild spéech brought him to more reason and at his intreatie discouered vnto him what modestie forbad on which assurance her Father with his daughter and mother so preuailed that taking his word for currant and Williams for good payment she apparelled her selfe and came amongst them where all broyles were ended and promises faithfully giuen neuer more to be remembred and shortly after to both their contents were wedded Ioane finding her man Iames to be a strife-maker though she neuer for her oath discouered his doings secretly enuyed him euer after CHAP. X. How the sixe Marchants William Oliuer Otho Iohn VValter and Robert in their iourny to Bristow met and what hapned them WIlliam hauing espoused his Ioane placed her in Exeter he following his businesse which pleased Ioane and her Parentes well who hath now found his manhood and reproued the scandales Not long after the mariage was the Faire for Saint Iames at Bristow to which from all places of the West commeth Marchants Drapers and Chapmen to buy and sell amongst which resort these sire Marchants William Otho Iohn Walter Oliuer and Robert being from their owne homes on their iourney at Tanton by great fortune happily met glad of one the others company hauing taken their Inne earely they bespake their dyets to sup togither spending the time at bowels other sports till it was readie as frollicke and merry as euer they had bene none of them sparing hauing all wealth sufficient the next day to Bristow they came where they lodged orderly togither for no frends or acquaintance might part them Night approaching and their businesse for that time ended William was by a Mercer of London inuited to the horshead a Tauern to supper which he refused saying If I come I must bring my good friends and companions with me for we go togither Content quoth the Mearcer you shall all be welcome Whom William sought and tooke them with him to the place appointed where his friend the Mearcer and other Londoners met them To supper they go where wanted no cheare wine nordaintie Musick to whose company the Westerne Merchants were very welcome supper ended some betooke them to dice others to dance as best liked them William Oliuer and Robert standing ydle séeing money so plentifull and gamesters so franke fell in amongst the company where the dice running crosse Robert and Oliuer was quite of all their coyne William holding his owne in reasonable manner The Londoners which were winners frumped them and were pleasant amongst which one challenged William to throw one cast for all his money before him which was a good summe which offer Oliuer and Robert would haue taken offering to pawne their wares in the hall to make it good scorning to be braued by their betters But William was the man they shot at whom they entended to giue as drie a shauing as his companions William perceiuing whereat they aymed was more moued with his companions that sought to hinder him then the others and in choller thrust his money from him challenging the proudest to couer it who gaping for the money making a sure reckoning it was their owne was striuing who should be the man which William séeing laughed heartily saying by the holy Trinitie I neuer saw carrion crowes more gréedie then these good fellowes of my money which win quoth William and in Gods name take it when that is lost if lost it wil be I haue yet in money and credit with my neighbours a thousand crownes more which you shall haue amongst you The gamesters séeing his courage left contending couered the golde for which William had a chance and woon it wherat his companions showted This losse set our gallants in a heat which William perceiuing thus cooled Gentlemen we are poore men of the West and you of the famous Citie yet all subiects to our Soueraigne friends I trust we are if not say so Care that wil heare you friends square not without cause our money you wonne and with good will had it then be as well content to loose if you be not well loe there it lies pawne it and a gods name win it and weare it if we loose this we shall not beg to our homes The Londoners séeing his gallant mind commended him for his bountie loath to be braued put their heaps to one and had a chance for it William minding to try what was in them offered a thousand Crownes praising his chance either win the horse quoth he or loose the saddle fortune cannot begger vs with one throw at dice away the Boate and a straw for a pecke of Ryalls William shewing so pleasant a minde and franke to the standers by was wished well of all the whole cōpany but his iollitie quelled his gamesters that they durst not praise their chances The worse for William whose fortune was to win their monies and had all on the boord in his possession which with frowning countenances his fellow gamesters maligned which William perceiuing thus cheared Gentlemen you haue made vs poore men good cheare bestowing on vs Fidlers fare meate drinke and money for your sporte we thanke you and that you may know we trauellers of the West be good fellowes wishing no mans harme that would vs well the shot I will pay friends we met and so wish to continue Oliuer take here your principal you drew and Robert yours this hundreth pounds shall buy my Ioane pinnes for the rest Gentlemen if you scorne not a good fellows proffer share it amongst you that be loosers The Londoners which were farre spent in this brauerie gaue him thankes others better able to beare their losse in scorne refused his profer yet with a litle intreatie wonne to take it but generally the whole company admired and praised William who bestowed on them a costly banquet rewarded the Musitians largely paied the house and attendants For that time parting company with thankes to William for his cheare and large gifts CHAP. XI How William in his iourney homewards was robbed and how for a couple of Connyes he made in meriment his company pay his losses VVIlliam and his companions ending their businesse tooke their iourney by Bathe where pleasantly they spent a day or two feasting and making merrie with their friends From thence to Welles and so to Bridgewater ouer the downe called Poldonne a place often frequented with such as lighten honest trauellers of their monies These good companions passing the downe the way
credit or dareth not spend an Angell with the best being better men of byrth then my selfe for as they spend they get therfore if thou fearest their expences and doubtest thy people kéepe thée at home with them and looke better to their doings and for my man Iames I wil be thy pay-maister bring thy bils receiue thy money but vse him in thy words well least thou heare of it and so when you will begone but neuer hereafter trouble me more with thy complaints for it shall not any thing auaile thée Here shewed William the perfect loue of a Maister to his seruants whom he loued more deare then his children neither should any wrong the poorest he kept such was his care of them that euery day their dyet was prouided with his own and if his guests were but ordinary they diet at his own table or very neare him where they would amongst themselues in name of good Beare which they plentifully had dranke Claret Wine and Sacke with Sugar in Stone Pottes which though he suddenly met with diuers times yet would he rather smile then take in ill part any of their honest doings CHAP. XXII How William and his friend Oliuer accompanied with Otho of Plimouth passed to Spaine WIlliam that had a great stay on his man Iames albeit he consealed troÌ„ the worlds watchfull eyes his conceit of him and the greefe for his losse had this comfort that Iames being so braue and gallant a Marchant either by his credit or friends would make all whole againe Yet could he not be pacified vntill hee might know the certaine estate of his Iames which hee was perswaded wold neuer be by reports men being so diuersly ginen some to speake well others to deiame for his better contentment he acquainted his old friend Oliuer who concluded to fraight a small Barke with some commodities to defray charges and vnknowne to any no not to their wiues to passe for Spaine and for this voyage hauing prouided their goods left their homes in charge to their seruants and to Plymouth they are come of whose arriuall there wheir Otho had notise hee sought and found them Whom he inuited as his guestes to lodge in his house where they were very welcome and royally feasted Otho walking on the hooe with his companions demaunded whether they came to buy commodities or to ship some from thence From whom they concealed their pretence framing an answere that past for currant betooke them to other parley and sundry whyes day by day deferring time vntill their Barke was ready and halled into the sound onely attending the comming of William and Oliuer who onely had made the Maister priuie to their voyage to Cales and their intent to carrie Otho with them for company laying the plot to get him aboorde which they easily accomplished séeing the Bark in the sound framed an excuse to deliuer Letters for their men at Cales so aboord in the ships beate they came and were entertained in the Maisters Cabine with such vyands as was for them prouided passing the timè so merrily that by the time Otho thought to go a shore they had sight of the Lyzard whereat he being astonied the company in merriment comforted when acquainting him with their businesse he was better content his chiefest care was for linnen and apparell which they promised to supply Otho when he saw no remedie began to frolike with the best shortning their voyage with pleasant conceits Scantly had one whole wéeke past his course but drawing neare the Coast and the day faire and cleare a boy from the top descried the Clitts of Cales the Roade recouering in good time where displaying S. George well were they could first get aboorde to learne the newes no sooner our English Liâ—gers entred the Barke but finding those thrée friends to most of them well knowne they heartily welcommed them to that shore Like entertainment gaue the visitors vnto them who albeit they were straungers by their factors had knowledge of their great wealth and what countnance they beare in their Countrey Their salutations ended William enquireth of a trustie friend so Iames the newes of him and where he was Marrie Sir in good time quoth the Marchant you arriue to be a guest at his marriage And drawing a Letter which by Poste from Cheryes that day he receiued gaue it him to read wherin he inuited all his countreymen to his marriage with a relation of the fortunes befallen him since his leauing Cales which was great ioy to them all to heare but most contented William whom most it concerned which made him thus pleasantly to beséech the company to conceale their being and with all expedition to land their commodities Which done quoth he like Countrey men and good fellowes we will all go to him as he requesteth Iames is a good fellow and may do as much for you T is a very good motion quoth the company wherefore to dispatch our businesse let vs a shore and prouide our necessaries To which they condiscended taking their lodging in the English house where their welcome was great there that night they reposed themselues and the next day entered their goods in the custome house and laid it a shore against which time waggons and horses were prouided for their iourney to Cheryes where merrily they went each one glad of others company sunderly decoursing of Iames and his fortunes with much varietie to beguile time CHAP. XXIII How the English Marchants arriued at Cheryes with their welcomes THis pleasant company made such spéede that they drewe neare their iourneys ende whither by the height of the Sunne they perceiued it was likely holding on theyr way that they should come thither too early wherefore instantly finding a place both pleasant and delightfull they reposed themselues vnder the Pomegranet and Orenge trées pleasing their owne fancies with those fruites and spending the day with such pastimes as was méet Time that stayeth not calleth them forwards before their taking horse the auncient English Marchants William Oliuer and Otho hauing a desire to trie their welcomes thought it fit to enter the Towne before the company and lodge secretly in some other Inne vntill the solemnitie of the wedding was consumate And to this ende desired the company of kindnesse so to let it passe and to conseale their béeing there The young men which durst not gainesay their Maisters condiscended granting them license to take their own course and therevpon directions being giuen the Maisters hastneth to the towne taking their lodging closely kéeping them in their Chambers About two houres after and not long before the Sunnes downe full in the West these gallant Marchants in their brauerie all curiously mounted entered the Towne taking their lodging in the best Osterie in the Towne of whose comming Iames being aduertised he suddenly made his repaire vnto theÌ„ before they could shift their apparell where you néed not doubt of their welcome by Iames giuen to that place where he entended
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
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
irkesome and Iames his tale troublesome William offering her kindnesse comming to her bed side to speake with her she violently thrust him from her turning her to the other side not caring for his courtesie or him but earnestly entreated them to take him from her This strangenesse which she shewed William whom they thought would haue bene a comfort more troubled them then any other accident especially William whom it most concerned who entred into all iudgements séeming reason sauing the principall which they neuer suspected William censuring al things to the best of her whom he dearly loued was therefore the more in spirit cumbred yet pacifying himselfe as he best might walked abroad spending time vntill the euening when he thought sléepe might better quiet her and giue some better temper to her wittes which happened not so well for no sooner came he in her sight but presently she followed her olde humor to Williams great griefe séeing other men well entreated and welcome to her he onely despiced in this chollericke humor he would haue left the house and like to haue sworn by great oaths neuer to come thither more had not the company which wished them both well pacified him at whose request and great entreatie he stayed though in small content all night to see if any alteration would be CHAP. IX How Iames was troubled in mind for that which happened and what meanes was vsed to know the cause of Ioanes sicknesse IAmes hauing ended his businesse being at some leisure began to consider what wronges he had offered his Maister and his friend and what might follow this diuellish practise in this quandary when he had wayted some time extraordinary for his Maister that came not he gat to bed where the guiltinesse of his foule offence so cumbred him that he tooke small rest The morning no sooner gaue light but Iames wearied with his nightes disquiet got vp about his businesse and not long after came William home as heauie and full of passions as a man might be losing his delight her Father and mother with wéeping neare wearied and the whole housholde mourned for their disquiet The old woman who had a motherly care of the Mayden searching all wayes and meanes for her daughters health principally noted the small content she tooke in Williams company who hearing that he was gone began more chéerfully to talke calling for such things as she liked this amendment caused her Mother to imagine some discontent it was that troubled her which would be her destruction if some meane were not found to know the cause from whence it procéeded To effect which pollitikely she insinuates with an auncient Mayden seruant of theirs that had bene her daughters bed-fellow euer since she was weaned whome Ioane loued wel to her the Mother maketh great mone promising mony plentifull and what other friendship they could do for her if she could by any deuise attain the knowledge of her griefe for that they were assured was the chiefest cause The mayden wroght by her old Mistresse promised faithfully to do her best to satisfie them not forgetting her Maister Mistresse good words and rich proffers of mony as one that could well handle the matter watching in the night with Ioane vttred many faire words bemoaning her extremitie and pittying her distresse saying she was perswaded that some secret sorrow cumbred her willing whatsoeuer was in her minde to reueale it to some one whom she best trusted therewith which would be the more comfort for her in sicknesse so might she the better ease her heart of sorrow and haue meanes to releeue her otherwise there was no hope of life Ioane hearkening to her approued friendes good counsell after she had sworne her to conseale what she had to impart vnto her and the seruant promising faithfully to fulfill whatsoeuer she was enioyned with many sighes which like smoke came from her stomack out it came which sore burned her hart and consumed her bodie vttring wherof she enueyed against her Father Mother William and all friends thereto consenting The seruant hearing her beléeued verily shee had found where the hurt lay and smoothed her more to feele the bottome of her heart which Ioane faithfully discharged at full leauing nothing hid from her With which newes the Mayden laboured as a woman with childe to be deliuered wayting opportunitie to her Maister and Mistresse she came and vnto them deliuered what Ioane vnder Benedicitie had reuealed assuring her Maister that was the cause Her mother at hearing thereof grew into admiration how Ioane should come to knowledge of so great a secret yet was glad at the heart she had that giuen her to vnderstand The better to eschew ill to such chances incident with more tender compassion bemoning her that being a woman as shée was should so be deluded loosing the benefit of youth the rytes to marriage in dutie appertaining The olde woman finding by Ioanes trustie friend where her griefe laie on the morrow came vnto her inciting her by the dutie of a childe to let her know if any thing troubled her minde and fréely speaking without blame she should be comforted if all the abilitie she had would procure it Ioane hearing her mothers spéeches though modestie willed her conseale it trusting her mother would be secret to her in like manner reuealed the substance of Iames his tale cause of her griefe which the old woman was glad of willing her to take comfort and be of good cheare for she should not haue that wrong by her consent blaming her most for so long consealing the occasion so highly to gréeue her selfe which sooner made knowne order had bene taken before that time for a husband sufficient Ioane well pleased with her mothers saying assured of her loue began to comfort her selfe in hope and by little and little recouered some strength Her mother whose secrets she could not kéepe to a Gossop a neighbour of hers reuealed the cause of her childes malladie and the imbesilitie of William So long this newes was carried that it came by a Nourse dwelling in that parish to Exeter who told her Mistresse which was wife to a wealthy Marchant what common talke was through their parish of William The Marchants wife whose husband loued William wel could not be quiet but assoone as her husband came in acquainted him with that report The good man smiling at his wiues simplicitie that was no better imployed then to spend her time hearing so bad a tale Wife quoth he I hope your modestie is more then to be a carrier of such tydings to answere you as I would do all others that speake it I will on my oath iustifie that he is a man sufficient for any reasonable woman what I speake is trueth I know it well hauing bene his bedfellow almost thrée yeares learning our language in Spaine The Marchant acquainted William herewith who in choller accompanied with some friendes hyed to the Farmers house requesting to see Ioane
faire and gréene and they pleasanty discoursing William of a necessarie businesse was enforced to stay behinde wherin being earnestly imploied came to him thrée tal fellows wel appointed with short swords and bucklers commanding him to deliuer his mony William being thus surprized on the sudden nothing daunted with their words presently said It is done like cowards and not men to take me at such aduantage Now I sée the old prouerbe verified It is easie kissing a mans tayle when his hose are downe If you be men as you haue the forme of men shew me faire play and do your worst The théeues hearing him so pleasant though their hast to be gone was great dreading his company should rescue him would trie what was in him setting so good a face on it willed him to chuse his first man and best do best haue William hearing such good words from so bad mindes tooke his Capcase from his Saddle bow setling himselfe to such weapons as he had Good fellowes quoth he for Gentlemen I scorne to name you that you may say hereafter you met with a true man and a good fellow there lieth my money twentie pounds I take it on this condition that if I hurt or foyle this good fellow the money to be mine without more adoor further chalēge of any of you if I receiue the like the money is yours much good may it do you with this consent of both parties to it they went William being a very tall man held him play vntill his sword brake when closing with him William shewing a Deuonshire tricke laid him flat on his backe and might haue slaine him had not his fellowes bin so neare With this the fray ended and William craued leaue to passe with his money according to promise which they deliuered William hauing it at his Saddle bow readie to take horse two of them holding him fast by the armes said Gentleman I doubt not but you wil confesse to your friends we haue vsed you as our honest promise was you haue your money and we all good friends which considered though our wants be great yet euery honest man is their words maister we will not steale for that is forbidden marrie we haue here two good Rabbets which you shall buy William hearing the théefe talke so much of honestie blessing himsefe saith when the Fore preacheth beware the Géese My maisters quoth he I haue farre home and my diet prouided in euery Inne if I haue money I haue no vse for your Rabbets therefore séek some other chapman By our Lady quoth the théefe but you shall Nay if you sweare said William I am content so your price be reasonable What must I pay all the money in your Capcasse quoth they therefore dispatch for we haue businesse Dispatch quoth William no hast but good I must haue some more time to view my commoditie before I pay my money With that they laid all hands vpon him to binde him vnto which he was loath to subiect himselfe wherefore willed them to take his money and let him go to which though they they were loath to agrée yet vpon his oath that he should not pursue them they shaked the money into their hat and bad him farewell William hauing his Rabbets the dearest commoditie hee euer bought hastneth after his company who missing him at the foote of a hill stayed his comming vnto whom he shewed no maner of discontent but ieasting said you my maisters of Barnestable and Tiuertonne being so neare make hast to be with your wuies and misse all good bargaines sée what I haue bought to make my Ioane merrie when I come home Nay quoth one though they be good and well worth the carriage yet will they not kéepe so farre the weather being so hote Therefore let vs eate them to dinner and be merry togeather before we part Eat them quoth William soft sirs they cost me more Why said they you shall haue as much as they cost you with thankes You say like honest men said William let vs ride no further then Bridgewater to night and take my bargaine on this condition you pay me what they cost and my selfe go cleare for buying and cariage To which they all assented and forward they set a round pace to Bridgewater where they dined bespake good cheare for supper where the Rabbets were a dish enuited their friends of the Towne with whom they were very merrie at supper William often demaunding how they liked their cheare which they all commended The guest gone a reckoning was called and the hoast payed Now Signior William quoth Oliuer what cost the Rabbets and wel remembred said Otho we had like to haue forgotten them Yea had said William that is all one forbearance is no quittance giue me my present money as your promise was and after I wil bestow on you to bedward a gallon of the best wine in the towne You will gaine much by that said Robert Get or loose I will do it Tell vs then quoth Walter what cost they My maisters I doubt not but you will all beléeue me speaking on my credit twentie pounds they cost me and some odde money how much I do not perfectly remember wherefore pay me twentie pounds and let the rest go Muse not at my large account for your haste was cause thereof leauing me in such manner without regard recounting all that hapned betwéene the theeues and him Whereat though they were ashamed and more gréeued for the daunger he was in they could not forbeare to laugh Well my maisters said William ieast on you shall not scape one penney better cheape for as I am an honest man you shall pay it to teach you leaue your honest friends hereafter whose life was by your negligence in great hazard So iustly sharing the twentie poundes amongst them turning it to a ieast with a good will they deliuered it William called for his gallon of wine promised which they merrily drunke to wash downe the Rabbets and the next morning when they had rid thrée or foure houres togither as their way lay they parted euery man to his home faithfull friends and true louers one of the other CHAP. XII How these famous Marchants for wrongs done them by the Frenchmen equiped twelue ships of worth by authoritie of the King and their successe THe Frenchmen in times past hauing secret enuie against our Nation some discord hapning betwéene the Kings of both the Realmes great broyles were in hand on either partie and many outrages by land and sea committed the poore Marchants euer hauing the worst whose goods were taken rifled and solde without recompence Mongst those which had great cause to complaine of their losse the Marchants of Exeter and the Westerne parts had not their parts least being men of trade aduenturing euerie where lost much so long endured without redresse that vexed thereat and some of them neare vndone by humble suite to the King obtained Letters of Reprisall to serue against
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
to explaine for his better satisfying the occasion of her disguise and place of habitation armed in such maner Know my deare Loue quoth she for so let me entreate to call thée my husband of whom thou shalt heare much honour when thou shalt arriue at Cheries hauing a deadly quarell ah deadly I may too well say for to him so it proued being by his enemies watched as harmelesse he was following for pleasure his Hawkes was suddenly by the wretched homicyde surprised and by his slaues blood-thirstie villaines â—utchered whose death in mine owne person sundry times as you sée me disguised I sought to reuenge working many meanes to accompâ—â—â—â— my will therein as this day I did hauing assurance by some neare him which with money I haue subborned to giue me intelligence of his trauel which vnhappie I haue vnfortunately missed to my great discontent Beléeue me gentle friend that speakes no more but trueth for no more but trueth will I say to thée whose ioy thou art and whose loue shall be more pleasing then the worlds treasury as thy selfe shalt manifest when thou shalt come to thy iournies ende if Cheries be the place thou entendest to go Deare Loue quoth she I am troublesome vnto thée which art weary and discontent wherefore pardon me and with this kisse let me commit thée to thy swéete rest which I hope shall proue both our contens Iames that was not so bad a Pylat but he had learned how many ancors longed to the Trade commended her likewise to rest albeit his owne was not like to be much so many sundry thoughts encreasing of his swéet bedfellow with whom he could wish friendship to be coÌ„tinued as wel in regard of her person as her honour and great abilitie which more affected considering his estate desirous to cleare with his good friendes in England whom in a humour he had wronged consuming their wealth how euer he liketh or disliketh in spirit is he cumbred taking it for a great fauour of God in his distresse to giue him this comfort in ieopardie of his life in a wildernesse vnfrequented where no reliefe was to be found by her to be fauoured and preferred he determined how euer to procure her Loue and requite it but not with sure promise to tye himselfe that may not with conscience be recalled While he was at his Memento in an extacie what should betide him the Lady awaked imbrasing him in her armes in in such kinde manner and proffers of loue as might haue giuen life to Pygmalions Image Whether it be Englishmens vnkindnesse to requite such fauour with disdaine I referre to your censures But how so euer it fell out betwéene them the Lady was so excéedingly well pleased as shée loued euer after Englishmen better then her owne Country men to her death The wearisome winters night is not more displeasant to a troubled spirit then the griefe both conceiued in enioying so short a time of familiar contentment well content of either part to haue entertained their hard lodging for longer time But Iames hastening to sée the end of these hoped fortunes desired to be on his iourney though better pleased with his Spanish bedfellow then with all his Country men protesting by no small vowes that if all Spaniards in bed brought such contentment he would neuer desire to lye with Englishman more CHAP. XX. How Iames accompanied the Ladies to Cheryes and what entertainment she gaue him there THe Sunnes bright beames so gloriously displaying telleth these contented Louers the morning is farre spent which hastened them to arise making all the spéede they could to performe their iourney for which being prouided Iames tendered mony largely for his vyands which of the Hoast and Mistresse of the house was refused wherefore bountifully rewarding the seruants attendants they tooke their leaues taking their horses which were well refreshed spéeding them with all haste to Cheryes where being arriued Iames as it was betwéene them agreed taketh his lodging in an Ostrey by her assigned him her selfe by a backe way secretly conuayed to her owne house appointing Iames to stay the comming of her Messenger which should be his conduct to her No sooner arriued Iames in this place of contentment but sundry of his Country men and acquaintance he meeteth by whom he had certaine knowledge of the welfare of his Maister all his friends in England With this company a while he merily conuersed perusing his Letters and taking order for discharge of such goods as they brought consealing the heauinesse of his hearts sorrow and colouring his thoughts with showes of content The houre being come of appointment when he should visit his new acquainted friend who fayled not her time as carefull thereof but accordingly dispatched her conducter for her Loue Iames of whose comming assoone as Iames had knowledge taking leaue of his companions he followed his guide to the house of the Gentlewoman whom in her owne forme we call Madam Petronella who desirous to shewe all kind welcome to her friend prouided to giue him entertainmeÌ„t with most costly and rare cheare thinking all things too little how costly so euer that mony or loue could procure for a guest of so high extéeme which might commaund his Mistresse and all she had Iames that came not before he was expected was espied a farre off of his kind Lady Petronella who attended his comming at the gate where louingly unbrasing him she bad him most hartily welcome to his owne house leading him by the hand to place appointed for supper Iames seeing this straunge chaunge of his new bedfellow being now her selfe most sumptuously apparelled and adorned with rich Iewels of great value was striken into a dumpe eftsoones admiting her stately personage beautie and grace her modest countenance and costly furniture of her mansion which rather resembled a Paradice then any other thing In midst of these extremities which reason required to ende calling himselfe to minde and not forgetting his dutie to the kind Lady he rendered many thankes returning her imbrasings with kisses and interest farre aboue ten in the hundred The Lady hauing welcommed her Loue as you haue heard to beguile time while supper was readie led him to her bed Chamber which for the rare and rich hangings of Embrodery he neuer had séene the like in which the armes of her late husbands auncestries and her owne was with cunning wrought in such manner as Art could not amend To please his minde yet farther she openeth her Closet her Casket of Iewels Chests of Plate and bagges of mony all which with her selfe she againe tendered him Long had not Iames contemplated on this heauenly blessing of God prouided for him when word was brought that supper attended their comming on the Table at which they past the time with much pleasant parley but chiefly the Lady desires to discourse of English Ladies and their guise the maner of the Country and such which Iames with rare perfection fitted to her
Iames and his wife with whom their counterfeit coyne went for currant and was of them pittied but most of the Spanish Gentlewoman bemoned that tendered more their welfare then her owne nearest of bloud The Punelles glad that it past so well of their sides without more suspect kept their owne counselles and was neuer knowne but in ieast in England betwéene themselues CHAP. XXVI How Iames at his Maister William his departure cleared his accounts and his recompence with the courtesie of his wife THe time of Williams promise with his ancient seruant Iames for his stay after the marriage grew now to end and a parting time was come how loath soeuer against which Iames by his Factors had prouided readie at Cale to be laden the best Spice Wines and Suger with costly and rich Marchandise the Countrey could affoord or money in many sought places might procure William and his friends being all wearied of that ydle life hauing some businesse for fraught of their ship could not be intreated longer to make their abode there But prouiding for their iourney Iames and his wife protested by religious oathes to accompanie them to their Porte which they performed passing the time by easie iournies pleasantly solacing themselues till they came to Cales against whose arriuall the seruants of Iames had puruayed their lodgings verie bountiful in which they reposed them that night Next morning gaue order for sale of their goods and lading the Barke which albeit by those that vnderlook it was suddenly done yet Iames his owne ship and goods was as readie to set saile for whom the wind fauourably blowing the Maister gaue notice to William and his friends At their leaue taking Iame hauing his billes of lading ready and small hope euer to sée his Maister after that time made him tender of the moneys he owed him and those summes due to such other Marchants of Exeter he dealt for Which by no meanes he would be drawne to accept but for his neighhours willed him to haue regard otherwise it might proue his greefe to heare him ill spoken of Which kindnesse Iames with teares accepted And on his knees crauing pardon besought his Maister to grant him one request which William vouchsafed Then Syr for your neighbours quoth he for whom you wish recompence to my honest Countreymen there left behinde you their stocks with interest I will deliuer for the whole time I haue detained the same For your selfe whom I know not how to deserue so great fauour be now your words warrantife for so I challenge your graunt that seeing money or other commodities for that great summe lewdly wasted by me you wil not accept in all humblenesse to my good Mistresse commend mee and as a poore votary to her and you deliuer these Letters and other Papers therein closed This ship halled into the Roade shall waite vpon you wherein I haue some seruants to attend you if for your better ease you will vouchsafe of her before your owne appointed Barke and so in gods peace at your pleasure goe aboord William circumuented by Iames could not tell what thankes to giue him waying his loue and dutifull minde though loath would not gaine say his vrgeant request but returned him many thankes and after a solemne farewel taken by their friends aboord they wēt commended by Iames and his wife to happie fortune at sea who could not forbeare effusion of many teares for the losse of so good company Who with rich Iewels and much store commended her to the father and mother of Iames and Williams wife Taking their last Adieu they stayed to sée them vnder saile sorrowing at full for their departure whom the heauens so fauoured that in lesse then eight dayes they recouered the hauen of Dorthmouth from whence taking horse they posted to Exeter where they were all heartily welcome Hauing reposed themselues two or three dayes William by his seruants gaue order for discharge of his goods feasted the Spaniards and them richly rewarded deliuered Iames and his wiues tokens to all his friends in presence of his men to whom he made a great banket recounting at large their sonnes estate with his happie fortune enioying so louing and kinde a wife Shortly after furnishing the Sparash ship with vendable commodities into that countrey he dispatched them with his kind Letters and many Tokens from sundry friends So resting himself in quiet he enioyed the blessing of God in that most famous Citie a Patrone and father of the state vntill the end of his dayes which was not sudden as hereafter shall be shewed FINIS