Chap-books of the Eighteenth Century
by John Ashton · English · Gutenberg #48800 · 541,813 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: Chap-books of the Eighteenth Century
Author: John Ashton
Release date: April 27, 2015 [eBook #48800]
Most recently updated: October 24, 2024
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHAP-BOOKS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY ***
[Illustration: A CHAPMAN.
_From "The Cries and Habits of the City of London," by M. Lauron,
1709._]
CHAP-BOOKS
OF
THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
WITH
_FACSIMILES, NOTES, AND INTRODUCTION_
BY
JOHN ASHTON
[Illustration]
=London=
CHATTO AND WINDUS, PICCADILLY
1882
_All rights reserved_
PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BECCLES.
INTRODUCTION.
Although these Chap-books are very curious, and on many accounts
interesting, no attempt has yet been made to place them before
the public in a collected form, accompanied by the characteristic
engravings, without which they would lose much of their value. They
are the relics of a happily past age, one which can never return,
and we, in this our day of cheap, plentiful, and good literature, can
hardly conceive a time when in the major part of this country, and
to the larger portion of its population, these little Chap-books
were nearly the only mental pabulum offered. Away from the towns,
newspapers were rare indeed, and not worth much when obtainable--poor
little flimsy sheets such as nowadays we should not dream of either
reading or publishing, with very little news in them, and that
consisting principally of war items, and foreign news, whilst these
latter books were carried in the packs of the pedlars, or Chapmen, to
every village, and to every home.
Previous to the eighteenth century, these men generally carried
ballads, as is so well exemplified in the "Winter's Tale," in
Shakespeare's inimitable conception, Autolycus. The servant (Act iv.
sc. 3) well describes his stock: "He hath songs, for man, or woman,
of all sizes; no milliner can so fit his customers with gloves. He
has the prettiest love songs for maids; so without bawdry, which is
strange; with such delicate burdens of 'dildos' and 'fadings:' 'jump
her' and 'thump her;' and where some stretch-mouthed rascal would, as
it were, mean mischief, and break a foul gap into the matter, he makes
the maid to answer, 'Whoop, do me no harm, good man;' puts him off,
slights him, with 'Whoop, do me no harm, good man.'" And Autolycus,
himself, hardly exaggerates the style of his wares, judging by those
which have come down to us, when he praises the ballads: "How a
usurer's wife was brought to bed of twenty money-bags at a burden; and
how she longed to eat adders' heads, and toads carbonadoed;" and "of
a fish, that appeared upon the coast, on Wednesday the fourscore of
April, forty thousand fathom above water, and sung this ballad against
the hard hearts of maids;" for the wonders of both ballads, and early
Chap-books, are manifold, and bear strange testimony to the ignorance,
and credulity, of their purchasers. These ballads and Chap-books have,
luckily for us, been preserved by collectors, and although they are
scarce, are accessible to readers in that national blessing, the
British Museum. There the Roxburghe, Luttrell, Bagford, and other
collections of black-letter ballads are easily obtainable for purposes
of study, and, although the Chap-books, to the uninitiated (owing to
the difficulties of the Catalogue), are not quite so easy of access,
yet there they exist, and are a splendid series--it is impossible to
say a complete one, because some are unique, and are in private hands,
but so large, especially from the middle to the close of the last
century, as to be virtually so.
I have confined myself entirely to the books of the last century, as,
previous to it, there were few, and almost all black-letter tracts
have been published or noted; and, after it, the books in circulation
were chiefly very inferior reprints of those already published. As
they are mostly undated, I have found some difficulty in attributing
dates to them, as the guides, such as type, wood engravings, etc., are
here fallacious, many--with the exception of Dicey's series--having
been printed with old type, and any wood block being used, if at
all resembling the subject. I have not taken any dated in the Museum
Catalogue as being of this present century, even though internal
evidence showed they were earlier. The Museum dates are admittedly
fallacious and merely approximate, and nearly all are queried. For
instance, nearly the whole of the beautiful Aldermary Churchyard
(first) editions are put down as 1750?--a manifest impossibility, for
there could not have been such an eruption of one class of publication
from one firm in one year--and another is dated 1700?, although the
book from which it is taken was not published until 1703. Still, as
a line must be drawn somewhere, I have accepted these quasi dates,
although such acceptation has somewhat narrowed my scheme, and
deprived the reader of some entertainment, and I have published
nothing which is not described in the Museum Catalogue as being
between the years 1700 and 1800.
In fact, the Chap-book proper did not exist before the former date,
unless the Civil War and political tracts can be so termed. Doubtless
these were hawked by the pedlars, but they were not these pennyworths,
suitable to everybody's taste, and within the reach of anybody's
purse, owing to their extremely low price, which must, or ought
to have, extracted every available copper in the village, when the
Chapman opened his budget of brand-new books.
In the seventeenth, and during the first quarter of the eighteenth
century, the popular books were generally in 8vo form, _i.e._ they
consisted of a sheet of paper folded in eight, and making a book
of sixteen pages; but during the other seventy-five years they were
almost invariably 12mo, _i.e._ a sheet folded into twelve, and making
twenty-four pages. After 1800 they rapidly declined. The type and wood
blocks were getting worn out, and never seem to have been renewed;
publishers got less scrupulous, and used any wood blocks without
reference to the letter-press, until, after Grub Street authors
had worked their wicked will upon them, Catnach buried them in a
dishonoured grave.
But while they were in their prime, they mark an epoch in the literary
history of our nation, quite as much as the higher types of literature
do, and they help us to gauge the intellectual capacity of the lower
and lower middle classes of the last century.
The Chapman _proper_, too, is a thing of the past, although we still
have hawkers, and the travelling "credit drapers," or "tallymen," yet
penetrate every village; but the Chapman, as described by Cotsgrave in
his "Dictionarie of the French and English Tongues" (London, 1611),
no longer exists. He is there faithfully portrayed under the heading
"BISSOÜART, m. A paultrie Pedlar, who in a long packe or maund (which
he carries for the most part open, and (hanging from his necke) before
him) hath Almanacks, Bookes of News, or other trifling ware to sell."
Shakespeare uses the word in a somewhat different sense, making him
more of a general dealer, as in "Love's Labour's Lost," Act ii. SC. I:
"_Princess of France._ Beauty is bought by judgment of the eye,
Not uttered by base sale of Chapmen's tongues."
And in "Troilus and Cressida," Act iv. SC. I:
"_Paris._ Fair Diomed, you do as Chapmen do,
Dispraise the thing that you desire to buy."
Unlike his modern congener, the colporteur, the Chapman's life seems
to have been an exceptionally hard one, especially if we can trust a
description, professedly by one of the fraternity, in "The History of
John Cheap the Chapman," a Chap-book published early in the present
century. He appears, on his own confession, to have been as much of
a rogue as he well could be with impunity and without absolutely
transgressing the law, and, as his character was well known, very few
roofs would shelter him, and he had to sleep in barns, or even
with the pigs. He had to take out a licence, and was classed in
old bye-laws and proclamations as "Hawkers, Vendors, Pedlars, petty
Chapmen, _and unruly people_." In more modern times the literary
Mercury dropped the somewhat besmirched title of Chapmen, and was
euphoniously designated the "Travelling," "Flying," or "Running
Stationer."
Little could he have dreamed that his little penny books would ever
have become scarce, and prized by book collectors, and fetch high
prices whenever the rare occasion happened that they were exposed
for sale. I have taken out the prices paid in 1845 and 1847 for nine
volumes of them, bought at as many different sales. These nine volumes
contain ninety-nine Chap-books, and the price paid for them all was
£24 13_s._ 6_d._, or an average of five shillings each--surely not a
bad increment in a hundred years on the outlay of a penny; but then,
these volumes were bought very cheaply, as some of their delighted
purchasers record.
The principal factory for them, and from which certainly nine-tenths
of them emanated, was No. 4, Aldermary Churchyard, afterwards removed
to Bow Churchyard, close by. The names of the proprietors were William
and Cluer Dicey--afterwards C. Dicey only--and they seem to have come
from Northampton, as, in "Hippolito and Dorinda," 1720, the firm is
described as "Raikes and Dicey, Northampton;" and this connection was
not allowed to lapse, for we see, nearly half a century later, that
"The Conquest of France" was "printed and sold by C. Dicey in Bow
Church Yard: sold also at his Warehouse in Northampton."
From Dicey's house came nearly all the original Chap-books, and I have
appended as perfect a list as I can make, amounting to over 120,
of their publications. Unscrupulous booksellers, however, generally
pirated them very soon after issue, especially at Newcastle, where
certainly the next largest trade was done in this class of books. The
Newcastle editions are rougher in every way, in engravings, type, and
paper, than the very well got up little books of Dicey's, but I
have frequently taken them in preference, because of the superior
quaintness of the engravings.
After the commencement of the present century reading became more
popular, and the following, which are only the names of _a few_ places
where Chap-books were published, show the great and widely spread
interest taken in their production:--Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paisley,
Kilmarnock, Penrith, Stirling, Falkirk, Dublin, York, Stokesley,
Warrington, Liverpool, Banbury, Aylesbury, Durham, Dumfries,
Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Whitehaven, Carlisle, Worcester,
Cirencester, etc., etc. And they flourished, for they formed nearly
the sole literature of the poor, until the _Penny Magazine_ and
Chambers's penny Tracts and Miscellanies gave them their deathblow,
and relegated them to the book-shelves of collectors.
That these histories were known and prized in Queen Anne's time, is
evidenced by the following quotation from the _Weekly Comedy_, January
22, 1708:--"I'll give him Ten of the largest Folio Books in my Study,
Letter'd on the Back, and bound in _Calves Skin_. He shall have some
of those that are the most scarce and rare among the Learned, and
therefore may be of greater use to so _Voluminous_ an _Author_;
there is '_Tom Thumb_' with _Annotations_ and _Critical Remarks_, two
volumes in folio. The '_Comical Life and Tragical Death of the Old
Woman that was Hang'd for Drowning herself in_ Ratcliffe High-Way:'
One large Volume, it being the 20th Edition, with many new Additions
and Observations. '_Jack and the Gyants_;' formerly Printed in a small
Octavo, but now Improv'd to three Folio Volumes by that Elaborate
Editor, _Forestus, Ignotus Nicholaus Ignoramus Sampsonius_; then there
is '_The King and the Cobler_,' a Noble piece of Antiquity, and fill'd
with many Pleasant Modern Intrigues fit to divert the most Curious."
And Steele, writing in the _Tatler_, No. 95, as Isaac Bickerstaff, and
speaking of his godson, a little boy of eight years of age, says, "I
found he had very much turned his studies, for about twelve months
past, into the lives and adventures of Don Bellianis of Greece, Guy of
Warwick, The Seven Champions, and other historians of that age....
He would tell you the mismanagements of John Hickerthrift, find fault
with the passionate temper in Bevis of Southampton and loved St.
George for being Champion of England."
As before said, their great variety adapted them for every purchaser,
and they may be roughly classed under the following heads:--Religious,
Diabolical, Supernatural, Superstitious, Romantic, Humorous,
Legendary, Historical, Biographical, and Criminal, besides those which
cannot fairly be put in any of the above categories; and under this
classification and in this sequence I have taken them. The Religious,
strictly so called, are the fewest, the subjects, such as "Dr.
Faustus," etc., connected with his Satanic Majesty being more
exciting, and probably paying better; whilst the Supernatural, such
as "The Duke of Buckingham's Father's Ghost," "The Guildford Ghost,"
etc., trading upon man's credulity and his love of the marvellous,
afford a far larger assortment. About the same amount of popularity
may be given to the Superstitious Chap-books--those relating to
fortune telling and the interpretation of Dreams and Moles, etc. But
they were nothing like the favourites those of the Romantic School
were. These dear old romances, handed down from the days when printing
was not--some, like "Jack the Giant Killer," of Norse extraction;
others, like "Tom Hickathrift," "Guy of Warwick," "Bevis of Hampton,"
etc., records of the doughty deeds of local champions; and others,
again, "Reynard the Fox," "Valentine and Orson," and "Fortunatus," of
foreign birth--hit the popular taste, and many were the editions
of them. Naturally, however, the Humorous stories were the prime
favourites. The Jest-books, pure and simple, are, from their extremely
coarse witticisms, utterly incapable of being reproduced for general
reading nowadays, and the whole of them are more or less highly
spiced; but even here were shades of humour to suit all classes, from
the solemn foolery of the "Wise Men of Gotham," or the "World turned
upside down," to the rollicking fun of "Tom Tram," "The Fryer and the
Boy," or "Jack Horner." In reading these books we must not, however,
look upon them from our present point of view. Whether men and women
are better now than they used to be, is a moot point, but things used
to be spoken of openly, which are now never whispered, and no harm was
done, nor offence taken; so the broad humour of the jest-books was,
after all, only exuberant fun, and many of the _bonnes histoires_ are
extremely laughable, though to our own thinking equally indelicate.
The old legends still held sway, and I have given four--"Adam Bell,"
"Robin Hood," "The Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green," and "The Children
in the Wood"--all of them remarkable for their illustrations. History
has a wide range from "Fair Rosamond," to "The Royal Martyr," Charles
I., whilst, naturally, such books as "Robinson Crusoe," "George
Barnwell," and a host of criminal literature found ready purchasers.
I have not included Calendars, and I have purposely avoided Garlands,
or Collections of ballads, which equally come under the category of
Chap-books. I should have liked to have noticed more of them, but the
exigencies of publishing have prevented it; still, those I have taken
seem to me to be the best fitted for the purpose I had in view, which
was to give a fairly representative list: and I hope I have succeeded
in producing a book at once both amusing and instructive, besides
having rescued these almost forgotten booklets from the limbo into
which they were fast descending.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
The History of Joseph and his Brethren 1
The Holy Disciple 25
The Wandering Jew 28
The Gospel of Nicodemus 30
The Unhappy Birth, Wicked Life, and Miserable Death of that
Vile Traytor and Apostle Judas Iscariot 32
A Terrible and Seasonable Warning to Young Men 33
The Kentish Miracle 34
The Witch of the Woodlands 35
The History of Dr. John Faustus 38
The History of the Learned Friar Bacon 53
A Timely Warning to Rash and Disobedient Children 56
Bateman's Tragedy 57
The Miracle of Miracles 60
A Wonderful and Strange Relation of a Sailor 61
The Children's Example 62
A New Prophesy 64
God's Just Judgment on Blasphemers 65
A Dreadful Warning to all Wicked and Forsworn Sinners 66
A Full and True Relation of one Mr. Rich Langly, a Glazier 67
A Full, True and Particular Account of the Ghost or Apparition
of the Late Duke of Buckingham's Father 68
The Portsmouth Ghost 70
The Guilford Ghost 72
The Wonder of Wonders 74
Dreams and Moles 78
The Old Egyptian Fortune-Teller's Last Legacy 79
A New Fortune Book 83
The History of Mother Bunch of the West 84
The History of Mother Shipton 88
Nixon's Cheshire Prophecy 92
Reynard the Fox 95
Valentine and Orson 109
Fortunatus 124
Guy, Earl of Warwick 138
The History of the Life and Death of that Noble Knight
Sir Bevis of Southampton 156
The Life and Death of St. George 163
Patient Grissel 171
The Pleasant and Delightful History of Jack and the Giants 184
A Pleasant and Delightful History of Thomas Hickathrift 192
Tom Thumb 206
The Shoemaker's Glory 222
The Famous History of the Valiant London Prentice 227
The Lover's Quarrel 230
The History of the King and the Cobler 233
The Friar and Boy 237
The Pleasant History of Jack Horner 245
The Mad Pranks of Tom Tram 248
The Birth, Life, and Death of John Franks 253
Simple Simon's Misfortunes 258
The History of Tom Long the Carrier 263
The World turned Upside Down 265
A Strange and Wonderful Relation of the Old Woman who was
Drowned at Ratcliffe Highway 273
The Wise Men of Gotham 275
Joe Miller's Jests 288
A Whetstone for Dull Wits 295
The True Trial of Understanding 304
The Whole Trial and Indictment of Sir John Barleycorn, Knt. 314
Long Meg of Westminster 323
Merry Frolicks 337
The Life and Death of Sheffery Morgan 341
The Welch Traveller 344
Joaks upon Joaks 349
The History of Adam Bell, Clim of the Clough, and William of
Cloudeslie 353
A True Tale of Robin Hood 356
The History of the Blind Begger of Bednal Green 360
The History of the Two Children in the Wood 369
The History of Sir Richard Whittington 376
The History of Wat Tyler and Jack Straw 382
The History of Jack of Newbury 384
The Life and Death of Fair Rosamond 387
The Story of King Edward III. and the Countess of Salisbury 390
The Conquest of France 392
The History of Jane Shore 393
The History of the Most Renowned Queen Elizabeth and her Great
Favourite the Earl of Essex 396
The History of the Royal Martyr 398
England's Black Tribunal 403
The Foreign Travels of Sir John Mandeville 405
The Surprizing Life and Most Strange Adventures of Robinson
Crusoe 417
A Brief Relation of the Adventures of M. Bamfyeld Moore Carew 423
The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders 427
Youth's Warning-piece 429
The Merry Life and Mad Exploits of Capt. James Hind 433
The History of John Gregg 437
The Bloody Tragedy 439
The Unfortunate Family 440
The Horrors of Jealousie 441
The Constant, but Unhappy Lovers 442
A Looking Glass for Swearers, etc. 443
Farther, and More Terrible Warnings from God 444
The Constant Couple 446
The Distressed Child in the Wood 447
The Lawyer's Doom 448
The Whole Life and Adventures of Miss Davis 449
The Life and Death of Christian Bowman 453
The Drunkard's Legacy 455
Good News for England 458
A Dialogue between a Blind Man and Death 459
The Devil upon Two Sticks 461
Æsop's Fables 463
A Choice Collection of Cookery Receipts 472
The Pleasant History of Taffy's Progress to London 475
The Whole Life, Character, and Conversation of that Foolish
Creature called Granny 478
A York Dialogue between Ned and Harry 479
The French King's Wedding 481
Appendix 483
CHAP-BOOKS
OF
THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
THE HISTORY OF
JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN.
The first printed metrical history of this Biblical episode is the
book printed by Wynkyn de Worde, a book of fourteen leaves, and
entitled "Thystorie of Jacob and his twelue Sones. Emp[=ry]ted at
L[=o]don in Fletestrete at the sygne of the Sonne by Wynkyn de Worde"
(no date). It is chiefly remarkable in connection with this book, as
mentioning Chapmen.
"Now leaue we of them & speak we of the Chapman
That passed ouer the sea into Egipt land.
But truely ere that he thether came
The wind stiffly against them did stand;
And yet at the last an hauen they fand.
The Chapman led Joseph with a rope in the streat
Him for to bye came many a Lord great."
A metrical edition is still used in the performance of a sort of
miracle play, entitled "Joseph and his Brothers. A Biblical Drama or
Mystery Play." 1864. London and Derby.
The action of this piece is reported to be somewhat ludicrous, the
performers being in their everyday dress, or, rather, in their
Sunday attire. There is no scenery, and very little life or motion in
connection with the dialogue, the quality of which may be judged by
the following specimen:--
"(_Joseph, weeping, offers Benjamin his goblet._)
Here, my son,
Drink from my Cup; the sentiment shall be
'Health and long life to your aged father.'
(_Benjamin drinks._)
Now sing me one of your Hebrew Songs
To any National Air; for we in Egypt
Know little of the music of Chanaan.
_Benjamin._ If such be your wish, I'll sing the song
I often sing to soothe my father's breast
When he is sad with memory of the past.
(_He sings._) Air, '_Phillis is my only joy_,' etc.:--
Joseph was my favourite boy,
Rachel's firstborn Son and pride:
His father's hope, his father's joy,
Begotten in life's eventide," etc.
THE HISTORY
OF
Joseph and his Brethren,
WITH
_Jacob's Journey into Egypt_,
AND
HIS DEATH AND FUNERAL.
ILLUSTRATED WITH TWELVE CUTS.
[Illustration: JOSEPH BROUGHT BEFORE PHAROAH.]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD,
BOW LANE, LONDON.
THE HISTORY OF
JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN.
JACOB'S LOVE TO JOSEPH, WITH JOSEPH'S FIRST DREAM.
In Canaan's fruitful land there liv'd of late,
Old Isaac's heir blest with a vast estate;
Near Hebron Jacob sourjourned all alone,
A stranger in the land that was his own:
Dear to his God, for humbly he ador'd him,
As Isaac did, and Abraham before him.
And as he was of worldly wealth possest,
So with twelve sons the good old man was blest,
Amongst all whom none his affections won,
So much as Joseph, Rachel's first-born son,
He in his bosom lay, still next his heart,
And with his Joseph would by no means part:
He was the lad on whom he most did doat,
And gave to him a many colour'd coat.
This made his bretheren at young Joseph grudge,
And thought their father loved him too much.
At Jacob's love their hatred did encrease,
That they could hardly speak to him in peace.
But Joseph, (in whose heart the filial fear
Of his Creator early did appear)
Not being conscious to himself at all,
He had done ought to move his brethren's gall,
Did unto them a dream of his relate, }
Which (tho' it did increase his bretheren's hate, }
Did plainly shew forth Joseph's future state }
This is the dream, said Joseph, I did see:
The Corn was reap'd, and binding sheaves are we,
When my sheaf only was on a sudden found,
Both to arise and stand upon the ground.
Then yours arose, which round about were laid, }
And unto mine a low obeisance made, }
Is this your dream, his brethren said? }
Can your ambitious thoughts become so vain,
To think that you shall o'er your brethren reign?
Or that we unto you shall tribute pay,
And at your feet our servile necks should lay?
Believe us brother, this youll never see,
But your aspiring will your ruin be.
[Illustration]
Thus Joseph's bretheren talk'd, and if before
They hated him, they did it now much more;
The father lov'd him, and the lad they thought,
Took more upon him, than indeed he ought.
But they who judge a matter e'er the time,
Are oftentimes involved in a crime:
'Tis therefore best for us to wait and see
What the issue of mysterious things will be;
For those that judge by meer imagination,
Will find things contrary to their expectation.
JOSEPH'S SECOND DREAM.
[Illustration]
How bold is innocence! how fix'd it grows!
It fears no seeming friends nor real foes.
'Tis conscious of no guilt, nor base designs,
And therefore forms no plots nor countermines:
But in the paths of virtue walks on still,
And as it does none, so it fears no ill.
Just so it was with Joseph: lately he
Had dream'd a dream, and was so very free,
He to his bretheren did the dream reveal,
At which their hatred scarce they could conceal.
But Joseph not intending any ill,
Dream'd on again, and told his bretheren still.
Methought as on my slumb'ring bed I lay,
I saw a glorious light more bright than day:
The sun and moon, those glorious lamps of heaven,
With glittering stars in number seven,
Came all to me, on purpose to adore me,
And every one of them bow'd down before me:
And each one when they had thus obedience made,
Withdrew, nor for each other longer staid.
When Joseph thus his last dream had related,
Then he was by his bretheren much more hated.
This dream young Joseph to his father told,
Who when he heard it, thinking him too bold,
Rebuk'd him thus: What dream is this I hear?
You are infatuated, child I fear,
Must I, your mother, and your bretheren too,
Become your slaves and bow down to you.
Thus Jacob chid him, for at present he,
Saw not so far into futurity:
Yet he did wonder how things might succeed,
And what for Joseph providence decreed,
For well he thought those dreams wa'nt sent in vain
Yet knew not how he should these dreams explain.
For those things oft are hid from human eyes,
Which are by him that rules above the skies
Firmly decreed; which when they come to know,
The beauty of the work will plainly shew,
And all those bretheren which now Joseph hate,
Shall then bow down to his superior fate:
Old Jacob therefore, just to make a shew,
As if he was displeased with Joseph too,
Thus seem'd to chide young Joseph, but indeed
To his strange dreams he gave no little heed;
Tho' how to interpret them he could not tell,
Yet in the meanwhile he observ'd them well.
How great's the difference 'twixt a father's love,
And brethren's hatred may be seen above.
They hate their brother for his dreams, but he, }
Observes his words, and willing is to see }
What the event in future times may be. }
JOSEPH PUT INTO A PIT BY HIS BRETHEREN.
When envy in the heart of man does reign,
To stifle its effects proves oft in vain.
Like fire conceal'd, which none at first did know,
It soon breaks out and breeds a world of woe:
Young Joseph this by sad experience knew,
And his brethren's envy made him find it true:
For they, as in the sequel we shall see,
Resolv'd upon poor Joseph's tragedy;
That they together at his dream might mock,
Which they almost effected, when their flock
In Sechem's fruitful field they fed, for there
Was Joseph sent to see how they did fare:
Joseph his father readily obeys,
And on the pleasing message goes his ways.
[Illustration]
Far off they know, and Joseph's coming note,
For he had on his many colour'd coat;
Which did their causeless anger set on fire,
And they against Joseph presently conspire:
Lo yonder doth the dreamer come they cry,
Now lets agree and act this tragedy.
And when we've slain him in some digged pit
Let's throw his carcase, and then cover it,
And if our father ask for him, we'll say,
We fear he's kill'd by some wild beast of prey.
This Reuben heard, who was to save him bent, }
And therefore said, (their purpose to prevent,) }
To shed his blood I'll ne'er give my consent; }
But into some deep pit him let us throw,
And what we've done there's none will know.
This Reuben said his life for to defend,
Till he could home unto his father send.
To Reuben's proposition they agree,
And what came of it we shall quickly see.
Joseph by this time to his brethren got,
And now affliction was to be his lot;
They told him all his dreams would prove a lye,
For in a pit he now should starve and die.
Joseph for his life did now entreat and pray, }
But to his tears and prayers they answered Nay, }
And from him first his coat they took away. }
Then into an empty pit they did him throw, }
And there left Joseph almost drown'd in woe, }
While they to eating and to drinking go. }
See here the vile effects of causeless rage,
In what black crimes does it oftimes engage.
Nearest relations! setting bretheren on
To work their brother's dire destruction.
But now poor Joseph in the pit doth lie,
'Twill be his bretheren's turn to weep and cry.
JOSEPH SOLD INTO EGYPT.
[Illustration]
As Joseph in the Pit condemn'd to die,
So did his grandfather on the altar lie,
The wood was laid, a sacrificing knife,
Was lifted up to take poor Isaac's life.
But heaven that ne'er design'd the lad should die,
Stopt the bold hand, and shew'd a lamb just by,
Thus in like manner did the all-wise decree,
His brethrens plots should disappointed be:
For while within the Pit poor Joseph lay, }
And they set down to eat and drink and play, }
And with rejoicing revel out the day: }
Some Ishmaelitish merchants strait drew near, }
Who to the land of Egypt journeying were, }
To sell some balm and myrrh, and spices there. }
This had on Judah no impressions made,
And therefore to his bretheren thus he said,
Come Sirs, to kill young Joseph is not good,
What profit will it be to spill his blood?
How are we sure his death we shall conceal?
The birds of air this murder will reveal.
Come let's to Egypt sell him for a slave,
And we for him some money sure may have;
So from his blood our hands shall be clear,
And we for him have no cause for fear.
To this advice they presently agreed,
And Joseph from the Pit was drawn with speed:
For twenty pieces they their brother sell
To the Ishmaelites, and thought their bargain well.
And thus they to their brother bid adieu,
For he was quickly carried out of view.
Reuben this time was absent, and not told
That Joseph was took out of the pit and sold,
He therefore to the pit return'd, that he
Might sit his father's Joy at liberty.
But when, alas! he found he was not there, }
He was so overcome with black despair, }
To rend his garments he could not forbear; }
Then going to his bretheren thus said he,
Poor Joseph's out, and whither shall I flee?
But they, not so concern'd, still kill'd a goat,
And in its blood they dipt poor Joseph's coat,
And that they all suspicion might prevent,
It by a stranger to their father sent,
Saying, We've found, and brought this coat to know
Whether 'tis thy son Joseph's coat or no.
This brought sad floods of tears from Jacob's eyes,
Ah! 'tis my son's, my Joseph's coat he cries:
Ah! woe is me, thus wretched and forlorn,
For my poor Joseph is in pieces torn:
His sons and daughters comfort him in vain, }
He can't but mourn while he thinks Joseph slain, }
And yet those sons won't fetch him back again. }
JOSEPH AND HIS MISTRESS.
[Illustration]
How much for Joseph's loss old Jacob griev'd,
It was not now his time to be reliev'd:
And therefore let's to Egypt turn our thought,
Where we shall find young Joseph sold and bought,
By Potiphar a Captain of the Guard;
Sudden the change, but yet I can't say hard;
For Joseph mercy in this change did spy,
And thought it better than i' th' pit to lie;
And well might Joseph be therewith content,
For God was with him where so 'er he went;
And tho' he did him with afflictions try,
He gave him favour in his master's eye,
For he each work he undertook did bless,
And crown'd his blessing with a good success.
So that his master then him steward made,
And Joseph's orders were by all obey'd:
In which such diligence and care he took,
His master needed after nothing look.
But his estate poor Joseph long can't hold,
His Mistress love so hot, made his master's cold,
For Joseph was so comely, young and wise,
His mistress on him cast her lustful eyes;
Joseph perceiv'd it, yet no notice took,
Nor scarcely on her did he dare to look.
This vex't her so, she could no more forbear,
But unto Joseph did the same declare;
Joseph with grief the unwelcome tidings heard,
But he his course by heavens directions steer'd.
And therefore to his mistress thus did say,
O mistress I must herein disobey;
My master has committed all to me,
That is within his house, save only thee:
And if I such a wickedness should do,
I should offend my God and master too;
And justly should I forfeit my own life,
To wrong my master's bed, debauch his wife.
But tho' he thus had given her denial,
She was resolv'd to make a further trial,
She saw he minded not whate'er she said,
And therefore now another plot she laid.
Joseph one day some business had to do,
When none was in the house beside them two,
When casting off all shame, and growing bold,
Of Joseph's upper garment she takes hold;
Now Joseph you shall lie with me, said she,
For there is none in the house but you and me;
But while she held his cloak to make him stay,
He left it with her, and made haste away;
On this her lust to anger turns, and she,
Cries out help! help! Joseph will ravish me,
Whose raging lust I hardly could withstand!
But fled, and left his garment in my hand.
JOSEPH CAST INTO THE DUNGEON.
[Illustration]
Poor Joseph's innocence was no defence,
Against this brazen strumpet's impudence,
She first accus'd, and that she might prevail,
She to her husband thus then told her tale.
Hast thou this servant hither brought that he
Might make a mock upon my chastity?
What tho' he's one come from the Hebrew Stock,
Shall he thus at my virtue make a mock?
For if I once should yield to throw't away }
On such a wretch.--O think what you would say? }
And yet he sought to do't this very day. }
But when he did this steady virtue find,
Then fled, and left his garment here behind.
No wonder if this story so well told
Stirr'd up his wrath, and made his love turn cold;
He strait believ'd all that his wife had said,
And Joseph was unheard in prison laid.
Joseph must now again live underground,
And in a dungeon have his virtue crown'd,
But tho' in prison cast and bound in chains,
His God is with him, and his friend remains;
So here he with the gaoler favour finds,
That whatsoe'er he does he never minds:
The Gaoler knew his God was with him still,
And therefore lets him do whate'er he will.
King Pharoah's butler and his baker too
Under their Princes great displeasure grew
And therefore both of them were put in ward,
As prisoners to the captain of the guard
Where Joseph lay; to whom they did declare,
Their case, he serving them whilst they were there.
One night, a several dream to each befel,
But what it signify'd they could not tell.
Joseph perceiving they were very sad,
Demanded both the Dreams that they had had,
On which they each their dream to Joseph told,
Who strait the meaning of it did unfold.
The butler in three days restor'd shall be, }
The baker should be hang'd upon a tree, }
But when this comes to pass remember me, }
Said he to the Butler, for here I am thrown,
And charg'd with crimes that are to me unknown,
In three days time (such was their different case)
The Baker hang'd, the Butler gains his place;
And he again held Pharoh's cup in his hand,
And stood before him as he us'd to stand.
And yet for all that he to Joseph said,
Joseph in prison two years longer staid,
In all which time he ne'er of Joseph thought,
Tho' he his help so earnestly besought.
So in affliction promises we make,
But when that's o'er forget whate'er we speak.
JOSEPH'S ADVANCEMENT.
[Illustration]
More than two years Joseph in prison lay,
Yet had no prospect of the happy day
Of his release; nor any means could see,
By which he could be set at liberty;
But God who sent him thither to be try'd,
In his due time his mercy magnify'd.
For as King Pharaoh lay upon his bed,
He had strange things which troubled his head,
He saw seven well fed kine rise out of Neal,
And seven lean ones eat them in a meal.
Again he saw seven ears of corn that stood
Upon one stalk, and were both rank and good:
Yet these were eaten up as the kine before,
By seven ears very lean and poor.
What this imported Pharoah fain would know,
But none there were that could the meaning show.
This to the Butler's mind poor Joseph brought,
Who till this day of him had never thought.
Great Prince! I call to mind my faults this day,
And well remember when in gaol I lay,
I and the Baker each our dreams did tell,
Which a young Hebrew slave expounded well:
I was advanc'd and executed he,
Both which the Hebrew servant said should be.
Go, said the King, and bring him hither strait,
I for his coming with impatience wait.
Joseph was put in hastily no doubt,
And now more hastily was he brought out.
His prison garment now aside was laid,
And being shav'd was with new cloaths array'd;
To Pharaoh being brought, canst thou, said he,
The dream I've dream'd expound me?
'Tis not me, great Sir, Joseph reply'd,
To say that I could do't were too much pride,
And so 'twould be for any that doth live,
But God to Pharaoh will an answer give.
Then Pharaoh did at large his dreams relate,
And Joseph shew'd him Egypt's future fate.
Seven years of plenty should to Egypt come,
In which they scarce could get their harvests in.
Which by seven years of dearth eat up should be;
As were the fair kine by the lean he see.
For FAMINE Sir, said he, provide therefore,
And in the years of PLENTY lay up store.
What Joseph said, seem'd good in Pharoh's eyes,
Who did esteem him of all men most wise:
Since God, said Pharoah has shewn this to thee,
Thou shalt thro' all the land be next to me.
Then made him second in his chariot ride,
And bow the knee before him all men cry'd.
JOSEPH'S BRETHEREN COME INTO EGYPT TO BUY CORN.
Now Joseph's Lord of Egypt, all things there
Are by the King committed to his care:
The plenteous years come on as Joseph told,
The earth produces more than barns can hold:
New store-houses were in each city made,
Where all the corn about it up was laid,
Till he had gotten such a numerous store,
That it was vain to count it any more.
But famine does to plenty next succeed,
And in all lands but Egypt there was need;
For they neglecting to lay up such store,
Had spent their Stock, and soon became so poor,
That in the land of Egypt there was bread,
By fame's loud trump, thro' every land was spread.
Old Jacob heard it, and to his sons thus said.
Why look you thus, as if you was afraid?
There's Corn in Egypt, therefore go and try,
That we may eat and live, not starve and die.
[Illustration]
Joseph's ten bretheren straitway thither went,
Their corn in Canaan being almost spent.
This Joseph knew, for him they came before,
As being Lord of all the Egyptian store;
And as they came to him did each one bow,
But little thought he'd been the Dreamer now.
From whence came you? said Joseph as they stood,
My Lord say they from Canaan to buy food.
I don't believe it, said Joseph very high,
I rather think you came the land to spy,
That you abroad its nakedness may tell,
Come, come, I know your purpose very well;
Let not, say they, my Lord, his servants blame,
For only to buy food thy servants came.
Said Joseph sternly, Tell me not those lies,
For by the life of Pharaoh ye are spies.
We are twelve bretheren, sir, they then reply'd,
Sons of one man, of whom one long since dy'd:
And with our father we the youngest left,
So that he might not be of him bereft.
Hereby said Joseph 'twill be prov'd I trow,
Whether what I have said be true or now.
Your younger brother fetch, make no replies,
For if you don't, by Pharoah's life ye are spies.
On this they unto prison all were brought,
Where how they us'd their brother oft they thought.
When they in prison three days time had staid,
He sent for them and this proposal made,
They to their father should the corn convey,
And Simeon should with him a prisoner stay;
Until they brought their youngest brother there,
Which should to him their innocence declare.
This they agreed to, and were sent away,
Whilst Simeon did behind in prison stay.
BENJAMIN BROUGHT TO JOSEPH.
Old Jacob's sons came back to him, report,
How they were us'd at the Egyptian court:
Taken for spies, and Simeon left behind,
Till Benjamin shall make the man more kind.
This news old Jacob griev'd unto the heart,
Who by no means with Benjamin would part;
But when the want of corn did pinch them sore,
And they were urg'd to go again for more;
They told their father they were fully bent,
To go no more except their brother went.
Then take your brother and arise and go,
Said good old Jacob, and the man will show
You favour, that you may all safe return,
And I no more my children's loss may mourn.
Then taking money and rich presents too,
To Joseph they their younger brother shew.
Then he his steward straitway did enjoin
To bring those men to his house with him to dine.
When Joseph came, he kindly to them spake,
When they to him did low obeysance make,
He ask'd their welfare, and desir'd to tell
Whether their father was alive and well.
They answer'd Yea, he did in health remain,
And to the ground bow'd down their heads again.
[Illustration]
Then Benjamin he by the hand did take,
And said, Is this the youth of whom ye spake,
Then God be gracious unto thee my son,
To whom he said; which when as soon as done,
Into his chamber strait he went to weep,
For he his countenance could hardly keep.
Then coming out, and sitting down to meet,
He made his bretheren all sit down to eat:
He sent to each a mess of what was best,
But Benjamin's was larger than the rest.
Then what he further did design to do,
He call'd his servant, and to him did shew;
Put in each sack as much corn as they'll hold,
And in the mouth of each return his gold,
And see that you take my silver cup,
And in the sack of the youngest put it up.
The steward fill'd the sack as he was bid,
And in the mouth of each their money hid.
Then on the morrow morning merry hearted
With this their good success they all departed;
But Joseph's steward quickly spoil'd their laughter,
Who by his master's orders strait went after,
And to the eleven brethren thus he spake,
Is this the return you to my master make?
Could you not be contented with the wine,
But steal the Cup in which he does divine?
This is unkind. And therefore I must say
You've acted very foolishly to day.
JOSEPH MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN TO HIS BRETHEREN.
[Illustration]
The steward's words put them into a fright,
They wonder'd at his speech, as well they might
Why does my Lord this charge against us bring;
For God forbid we e'er should do this thing:
The money that within our sacks we found,
We brought from Canaan; then what ground
Have you to think, or to suppose that we
Of such a crime as this should guilty be.
With whatsoever man this cup is found,
Both let him die, and we'll be also bound
As slaves unto my Lord. Let it so be,
Reply'd the steward, we shall quickly see
Whether it is so or not; then down they took[1]
And when the steward he had search'd them round,
Within the sack of Benjamin the cup was found.
To Joseph therefore they straitway repair,
To whom he said as soon as they came there,
How durst you take this silver cup of mine
Did you not think that I could well divine?
To whom Judah said, My Lord we've nought to say
But at your feet as slaves ourselves we lay.
No, no, said Joseph, there's for that no ground,
He is my slave with whom the cup is found.
Then Judah unto Joseph drew more near,
And said, O let my Lord and Master hear:
If we without the lad should back return,
Our father would for ever grieve and mourn,
And his grey hairs with sorrows we should bring
Unto the grave, if we should do this thing;
For when your servants father would at home
Have kept the lad, I begg'd that he might come,
And said, If I return him not to thee,
Then let the blame for ever lay on me.
Now therefore let him back return again,
And in his stead thy servant will remain,
And how shall I that piercing sight endure,
Which will I know my father's death procure.
This speech of Judah touch'd good Joseph so,
That he bid all his servants out to go.
He and his brethren being all alone,
He unto them himself did thus make known.
I am Joseph:--Is my father alive?
But to return an answer none did strive;
For at his presence they were troubled all,
Which made him thus unto his brethren call,
I am your brother Joseph, him whom ye }
To Egypt sold; but do not troubled be; }
For what you did heaven did before decree. }
Then he his brother Benjamin did kiss,
Wept on his neck, and so did he on his,
Then kist his bretheren, wept on them likewise,
So that among them there were no dry eyes.
[Footnote 1: Here seems a line missing.]
JOSEPH SENDS FOR HIS FATHER WHO COMES TO EGYPT.
[Illustration]
Then Joseph to his bretheren thus did say, }
Unto my father pray make haste away, }
Take food and waggons here, and do not stay, }
They went, and Jacob's spirits did revive,
To hear his dearest Joseph was alive,
It is enough, then did old Jacob cry,
I'll go and see my Joseph e'er I die;
And he had reason for resolving so,
For God appear'd to him and bid him go.
Then into Egypt Jacob went with speed,
Both he, his wives, his sons, and all their seed.
And being for the land of Goshen bent,
Joseph himself before him did present.
Great was their Joy they on that meeting shew'd,
And each the others cheeks with tears bedew'd.
Then Joseph did his aged father bring
Into the royal presence of the King,
Whom Jacob blest, and Pharaoh lik'd him well,
And bid him in the land of Goshen dwell.
JACOB'S DEATH AND BURIAL.
[Illustration]
Jacob now having finished his last stage,
And come to the end of earthly pilgrimage.
Was visited by his son Joseph, who
Brought with him Ephraim and Manassah too.
When Jacob saw them, who are these said he?
The sons said Joseph, God has given me
Then Jacob blest them both, and his sons did call,
To shew to each what should to them befal.
Then giving orders unto Joseph where
He would be buried, left to him that care;
Then yielded up the ghost upon his bed
And to his people he was gathered.
Then Joseph for his burial did provide,
And with a numerous retinue did ride,
Of his own children and Egyptians too,
That their respect to Joseph might shew,
And with a mighty mourning did inter
Old Jacob in his fathers sepulchre.
FINIS.
THE HOLY DISCIPLE;
OR, THE
=History of Joseph of Arimathea.=
Wherein is contained a true Account of his Birth; his Parents; his
Country; his Education; his Piety; and his begging of Pontius Pilate
the Body of our blessed Saviour, after his Crucifixion, which he
buried in a new Sepulchre of his own. Also the Occasion of his coming
to England, where he first preached the Gospel at Glastenbury, in
Somersetshire, where is still growing that noted White Thorn which
buds every Christmas day in the morning, blossoms at Noon, and fades
at Night, on the Place where he pitched his Staff in the Ground. With
a full Relation of his Death and Burial.
TO WHICH IS ADED,
_MEDITATIONS on the BIRTH, LIFE, DEATH, and
RESURRECTION of our LORD and SAVIOUR
JESUS CHRIST_.
[Illustration]
NEWCASTLE: PRINTED IN THIS PRESENT YEAR.
THE HOLY DISCIPLE;
OR, THE
HISTORY OF JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA.
The text of this book is simply an amplification of the title-page,
which is sufficient for its purpose in this work. The legend of his
planting his staff, which produced the famous Glastonbury Thorn, is
very popular and widespread. The writer remembers in the winter of
1879, when living in Herefordshire, on Old Christmas Day (Twelfth
Day), people coming from some distance to see one of these trees
blossom at noon. Unfortunately they were disappointed. Loudon, in his
"Arboretum Britannicum," V. 2, p. 833, says, "_Cratægus præcox_, the
_early_ flowering, or Glastonbury, _Thorn_, comes into leaf in January
or February, and sometimes even in autumn; so that occasionally,
in mild seasons, it may be in flower on Christmas Day. According to
Withering, writing about fifty years ago, this tree does not grow
within the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, but stands in a lane beyond the
churchyard, and appears to be a very old tree. An old woman of ninety
never remembered it otherwise than it now appears. This tree is
probably now dead; but one said to be a descendant of the tree
which, according to the Romish legend, formed the staff of Joseph of
Arimathea, is still existing within the precincts of the ancient abbey
of Glastonbury. It is not of great age, and may probably have sprung
from the root of the original tree, or from a truncheon of it; but
it maintains the habit of flowering in the winter, which the legend
attributes to its supposed parent. A correspondent (Mr. Callow) sent
us on December 1, 1833, a specimen, gathered on that day, from the
tree at Glastonbury, in full blossom, having on it also ripe fruit;
observing that the tree blossoms again in the month of May following,
and that it is from these later flowers that the fruit is produced.
Mr. Baxter, curator of the Botanic Garden at Oxford, also sent us
a specimen of the Glastonbury Thorn, gathered in that garden on
Christmas Day, 1834, with fully expanded flowers and ripe fruit on the
same branch. Seeds of this variety are said to produce only the common
hawthorn; but we have no doubt that among a number of seedlings there
would, as in similar cases, be found several plants having a tendency
to the same habits as the parent. With regard to the legend, there is
nothing miraculous in the circumstances of a staff, supposing it to
have been of hawthorn, having, when stuck in the ground, taken root
and become a tree; as it is well known that the hawthorn grows from
stakes and truncheons. The miracle of Joseph of Arimathea is nothing
compared with that of Mr. John Wallis, timber surveyor of Chelsea,
author of 'Dendrology,' who exhibited to the Horticultural and Linnæan
Societies, in 1834, a branch of hawthorn, which, he said, had hung for
several years in a hedge among other trees; and, though without any
root, or even touching the earth, had produced, every year, leaves,
flowers, and fruit!"
Of St. Joseph himself, Alban Butler gives a very meagre account,
not even mentioning his death or place of burial; so that, outside
Glastonbury, we may infer he had small reputation. We must not,
however, forget that he is supposed to have brought the Holy Grail
into England.
Wynkyn de Worde printed a book called "The Life of Joseph of Armathy,"
and Pynson printed two--one "De Sancto Joseph ab Arimathia," 1516, and
"The Lyfe of Joseph of Arimathia," 1520.
THE
WANDERING JEW;
OR, THE
SHOEMAKER OF JERUSALEM.
Who lived when our Lord and Saviour
JESUS CHRIST was Crucified,
_And by Him Appointed to Wander until He comes again_.
With his Travels, Method of Living, and a
Discourse with some Clergymen about
the End of the World.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH-YARD,
BOW LANE, LONDON.
THE WANDERING JEW.
This version is but a catchpenny, and principally consists of a
fanciful dialogue between the Wandering Jew and a clergyman. This
famous myth seems to have had its origin in the Gospel of St. John
(xxi. 22), which, although it does not refer to him, evidently was the
source of the idea of his tarrying on earth until the second coming of
our Saviour. The legend is common to several countries in Europe,
and we, in these latter days, are familiar with it in Dr. Croly's
"Salathiel," "St. Leon," "Le Juif Errant," and "The Undying One." It
is certain it was in existence before the thirteenth century, for it
is given in Roger of Wendover, 1228, as being known; for an Armenian
archbishop, who was then in England, declared that he knew him.
His name is generally received as Cartaphilus, but he was known, in
different countries and ages, also as Ahasuerus, Josephus, and Isaac
Lakedion. The usual legend is that he was Pontius Pilate's porter, and
when they were dragging Jesus out of the door of the judgment-hall,
he struck him on the back with his fist, saying, "Go faster, Jesus, go
faster: why dost thou linger?" Upon which Jesus looked at him with
a frown, and said, "I, indeed, am going; but thou shalt tarry till I
come." He was afterwards converted and baptized by the name of Joseph.
He is believed every hundred years to have an illness, ending in
a trance, from which he awakes restored to the age he was at our
Saviour's Crucifixion. Many impostors in various countries have
personated him.
THE
GOSPEL OF
NICODEMUS.
_In thirteen Chapters._
1. Jesus Accused of the Jews before Pilate.
2. Some of them spake for him.
3. Pilate takes Counsel of Ancient Lawyers, etc.
4. Nicodemus speaks to Pilate for Jesus.
5. Certain Jews shew Pilate the Miracles which Christ had done
to some of them.
6. Pilate commands that no villains should put him to his
Passion, but only Knights.
7. Centurio tells Pilate of the Wonders that were done at
Christ's Passion; and of the fine Cloth of Syndonia.
8. The Jews conspire against Nicodemus and Joseph.
9. One of the Knights that kept the Sepulchre of our Lord,
came and told the Master of the Law, that our Lord was gone
into Gallilee.
10. Three men who came from Gallilee to Jerusalem say they saw
Jesus alive.
11. The Jews chuse eight men who were Joseph's friends, to
desire him to come to them.
12. Joseph tells of divers dead Men risen, especially of
Simon's two sons, Garius and Levicius.
13. Nicodemus and Joseph tell Pilate all that those two Men
had said; and how Pilate treated with the Princes of the Law.
NEWCASTLE: PRINTED IN THIS PRESENT YEAR.
This is a translation by John Warren, priest, of this apocryphal
Gospel, of which the frontispiece is a summary, and varies very little
from that given by Hone, who, in his prefatory notice says, "Although
this Gospel is, by some among the learned, supposed to have been
really written by Nicodemus, who became a disciple of Jesus Christ,
and conversed with him; others conjecture it was a forgery towards the
close of the third century, by some zealous believer, who, observing
that there had been appeals made by the Christians of the former
Age, to the Acts of Pilate, but that such Acts could not be produced,
imagined it would be of service to Christianity to fabricate and
publish this Gospel; as it would both confirm the Christians under
persecution, and convince the Heathens of the truth of the Christian
religion.... Whether it be canonical or not, it is of very great
antiquity, and is appealed to by several of the ancient Christians."
Wynkyn de Worde published several editions of it--in 1509, 1511, 1512,
1518, 1532--and his headings of the chapters differ very slightly from
those already given.
The unhappy Birth, wicked Life, and miserable
Death of that vile Traytor and Apostle
JUDAS ISCARIOT,
_Who, for Thirty Pieces of Silver betrayed his Lord and
Master_
_JESUS CHRIST_.
SHEWING
1. His Mother's Dream after Conception, the Manner of his
Birth; and the evident Marks of his future shame.
2. How his Parents, inclosing him in a little chest, threw
him into the Sea, where he was found by a King on the Coast of
Iscariot, who called him by that Name.
3. His advancement to be the King's Privy Counsellor; and how
he unfortunately killed the King's Son.
4. He flies to Joppa; and unknowingly, slew his own Father,
for which he was obliged to abscond a Second Time.
5. Returning a Year after, he married his own Mother, who knew
him to be her own Child, by the particular marks he had, and
by his own Declaration.
6. And lastly, seeming to repent of his wicked Life, he
followed our Blessed Saviour, and became one of his Apostles;
But after betrayed him into the Hands of the Chief Priests for
Thirty Pieces of Silver, and then miserably hanged himself,
whose Bowels dropt out of his Belly.
TO WHICH IS ADDED,
_A Short RELATION of the Sufferings of Our
BLESSED REDEEMER_,
Also the Life and miserable Death of
PONTIUS PILATE,
Who condemn'd the Lord of Life to Death.
_Being collected from the Writings of Josephus Sozomenus,
and other Ecclesiastical Historians._
DURHAM: PRINTED AND SOLD BY ISAAC LANE.
_A Terrible and seasonable Warning to young Men._
Being a very particular and True Relation of one _Abraham Joiner_ a
young Man about 17 or 18 Years of Age, living in _Shakesby's_ Walks in
_Shadwell_, being a Ballast Man by Profession, who on _Saturday_ Night
last pick'd up a leud Woman, and spent what Money he had about him in
Treating her, saying afterwards, if she wou'd have any more he must go
to the Devil for it, and slipping out of her Company, he went to the
_Cock_ and _Lyon_ in _King Street_, the Devil appear'd to him, and
gave him a Pistole, telling him _he shou'd never want for Money_,
appointing to meet him the next Night at the _World's End_ at Stepney;
Also how his Brother perswaded him to throw the Money away, which he
did; but was suddenly taken in a very strange manner; so that they
were fain to send for the Reverend Mr. Constable and other Ministers
to pray with him; he appearing now to be very Penitent; with an
Account of the Prayers and Expressions he makes use of under his
Affliction, and the prayers that were made for him to free him from
this violent Temptation.
The Truth of which is sufficiently attested in the Neighbourhood, he
lying now at his mother's house, etc.
[Illustration]
LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. DUTTON, NEAR FLEET STREET.
THE
_KENTISH MIRACLE_
=Or, a Seasonable Warning to all
Sinners=
SHEWN IN
The Wonderful Relation of one Mary Moore, whose Husband died some time
ago, and left her with two Children, who was reduced to great Want;
How she wandered about the Country asking Relief, and went two Days
without any food. How the Devil appeared to her, and the many great
Offers he made to her to deny Christ, and enter into his Service; and
how she confounded Satan by powerful Arguments. How she came to a
Well of Water, when she fell down on her Knees to pray to God, that he
would give that Vertue to the Water that it might refresh and satisfy
her Children's Hunger; with an Account how an Angel appeared to her
and relieved her; also declared many things that shall happen in the
Month of March next; shewing likewise what strange and surprizing
Accidents shall happen by means of the present War; and concerning a
dreadful Earthquake, etc.
EDINBURGH: PRINTED IN THE YEAR 1741.
THE
=Witch of the Woodlands;=
OR, THE
_COBLER'S NEW TRANSLATION_.
Here Robin the Cobler for his former Evils,
Is punish'd bad as Faustus with his Devils.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD,
BOW LANE, LONDON.
Here the old Witches dance, and then agree,
How to fit Robin for his Lechery;
First he is made a Fox and hunted on,
'Till he becomes an Horse, an Owl, a Swan.
At length their Spells of Witchcraft they withdrew,
But Robin still more hardships must go through;
For e'er he is transform'd into a Man,
They make him kiss their bums and glad he can.
[Illustration]
This is the argument of the story, which is too broad in its humour
to be reprinted, but the following two illustrations show the popular
idea of his Satanic Majesty and his dealings with witches.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
THE HISTORY OF
DR. JOHN FAUSTUS.
There is very little similarity between this history and Goethe's
beautiful drama. This is essentially vulgar, and perfectly fitted
for the popular taste it catered for; but we, who are familiar with
Goethe's masterpiece, can hardly read it without a shudder. It has
been given at length, because it is a type of its class.
The History of Faust (who, as far as one can learn, existed early
in the sixteenth century) has been repeatedly written, especially
in Germany, where it first appeared in 1587, published at
Frankfurt-on-the-Main, and it was soon translated into English by P.
K. Gent. Marlowe produced his "Tragicall History of D. Faustus" in
1589, and in an entry in the Register of the Stationers' Company
it appears that in the year 1588 "A Ballad of the Life and Death of
Doctor Faustus, the great Congerer," was licensed to be printed,[2] so
that it soon became well rooted in England. It has been a favourite
theme with dramatists and musicians, and has even been the subject of
a harlequinade, "The Necromancer; or Harlequin Dr. Faustus" (London,
1723). It was a popular Chap book, and many versions were published
of it in various parts of the country. J. O. Halliwell Phillips, Esq.,
has an English edition of Faustus printed 1592, unknown to Herbert or
Lowndes.
[Footnote 2: Probably the original of that ballad, "The
Judgment of God shewed upon one J. Faustus Dr. in Divinity,"
of which the British Museum possesses two versions--Rox. II.
235 and (643 m. 10,)/55. the date of both being attributed
1670.]
THE HISTORY
OF
=Dr. John Faustus,=
SHEWING
_How he sold himself to the Devil to have power to do what
he pleased for twenty-four years_.
ALSO
STRANGE THINGS DONE BY HIM AND HIS SERVANT
MEPHISTOPHOLES.
With an Account how the Devil came for him, and tore him in Pieces.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD
BOW LANE, LONDON.
[Illustration]
THE HISTORY OF
DR. JOHN FAUSTUS.
CHAP. 1.
THE DOCTOR'S BIRTH AND EDUCATION.
Dr. John Faustus was born in Germany: his father was a poor labouring
man, not able to give him any manner of education; but he had a
brother in the country, a rich man, who having no child of his own,
took a great fancy to his nephew, and resolved to make him a scholar.
Accordingly he put him to a grammar school, where he took learning
extraordinary well; and afterwards to the University to study
Divinity. But Faustus, not liking that employment, betook himself to
the study of Necromancy and Conjuration, in which arts he made such
a proficiency, that in a short time none could equal him. However
he studied Divinity so far, that he took his Doctor's Degree in that
faculty; after which he threw the scripture from him, and followed his
own inclinations.
CHAP. 2.
DR. FAUSTUS RAISES THE DEVIL, AND AFTERWARDS MAKES HIM APPEAR AT HIS
OWN HOUSE.
Faustus whose restless mind studied day and night, dressed his
imagination with the wings of an eagle, and endeavoured to fly all
over the world, and see and know the secrets of heaven and earth.
In short he obtained power to command the Devil to appear before him
whenever he pleased.
One day as Dr. Faustus was walking in a wood near Wirtemberg in
Germany, having a friend with him who was desirous to see his art,
and requested him to let him see if he could then and there bring
Mephistopholes before them. The Doctor immediately called, and the
Devil at the first summons made such a hedious noise in the wood as if
heaven and earth were coming together. And after this made a roaring
as if the wood had been full of wild beasts. Then the Doctor made a
Circle for the Devil, which he danced round with a noise like that
of ten thousand waggons running upon paved stones. After this it
thundered and lightened as if the world had been at an end.
[Illustration]
Faustus and his friend, amazed at the noise, and frighted at the
devil's long stay, would have departed; but the Devil cheared them
with such musick, as they never heard before. This so encouraged
Faustus, that he began to command Mephistopholes, in the name of the
prince of Darkness, to appear in his own likeness; on which in an
instant hung over his head a mighty dragon.--Faustus called him again,
as he was used, after which there was a cry in the wood as if Hell had
been opened, and all the tormented souls had been there--Faustus in
the mean time asked the devil many questions, and commanded him to
shew a great many tricks.
CHAP. 3.
MEPHISTOPHOLES COMES TO THE DOCTOR'S HOUSE; AND OF WHAT PASSED BETWEEN
THEM.
Faustus commanded the spirit to meet him at his own house by ten
o'clock the next day. At the hour appointed he came into his chamber,
demanding what he would have? Faustus told him it was his will and
pleasure to conjure him to be obedient to him in all points of these
articles, viz.
First, that the Spirit should serve him in all things he asked, from
that time till death.
Secondly, whosoever he would have, the spirit should bring him.
Thirdly. Whatsoever he desired for to know he should tell him.
[Illustration]
The Spirit told him he had no such power of himself, until he had
acquainted his prince that ruled over him. For, said he, we have
rulers over us, who send us out and call us home when they will; and
we can act no farther than the power we receive from Lucifer, who you
know for his pride was thrust out of heaven. But I can tell you no
more, unless you bind yourself to us--I will have my request replied
Faustus, and yet not be damned with you--Then said the spirit, you
must not, nor shall not have your desire, and yet thou art mine and
all the world cannot save thee from my power. Then get you hence, said
Faustus, and I conjure thee that thou come to me at night again.
Then the spirit vanished, and Doctor Faustus began to consider by
what means he could obtain his desires without binding himself to the
Devil.
[Illustration: This is a rough copy of the frontispiece to Gent's
translation, ed. 1648.]
While Faustus was in these cogitations, night drew on, and then the
spirit appeared, acquainting him that now he had orders from his
prince to be obedient to him, and to do for him what he desired, and
bid him shew what he would have.--Faustus replied, His desire was
to become a Spirit, and that Mephistopholes should always be at his
command; that whenever he pleased he should appear invisible to all
men.--The Spirit answered his request should be granted if he would
sign the articles pronounced to him viz, That Faustus should give
himself over body and soul to Lucifer, deny his Belief, and become an
enemy to all good men; and that the writings should be made with
his own blood.--Faustus agreeing to all this, the Spirit promised he
should have his heart's desire, and the power to turn into any shape,
and have a thousand spirits at command.
CHAP. 4.
FAUSTUS LETS HIMSELF BLOOD, AND MAKES HIMSELF OVER TO THE DEVIL.
The Spirit appearing in the morning to Faustus, told him, That now
he was come to see the writing executed and give him power. Whereupon
Faustus took out a knife, pricked a vein in his left arm, and drew
blood, with which he wrote as follows:
[Illustration]
"I, JOHN FAUSTUS, Doctor in Divinity, do openly acknowlege That in all
my studying of the course of nature and the elements, I could never
attain to my desire; I finding men unable to assist me, have made my
addresses to the Prince of Darkness, and his messenger Mephistopholes,
giving them both soul and body, on condition that they fully execute
my desires; the which they have promised me. I do also further grant
by these presents, that if I be duly served, when and in what place
I command, and have every thing that I ask for during the space of
twenty four years, then I agree that at the expiration of the said
term, you shall do with Me and Mine, Body and Soul, as you please.
Hereby protesting, that I deny God and Christ and all the host of
heaven. And as for the further consideration of this my writing, I
have subscribed it with my own hand, sealed it with my own seal, and
writ it with my own blood.
JOHN FAUSTUS."
No sooner had Faustus sent his name to the writing, but his spirit
Mephistopholes appeared all wrapt in fire, and out of his mouth issued
fire; and in an instant came a pack of hounds in full cry. Afterwards
came a bull dancing before him, then a lion and a bear fighting. All
these and many spectacles more did the Spirit present to the Doctor's
view, concluding with all manner of musick, and some hundreds of
spirits dancing before him.--This being ended, Faustus looking about
saw seven sacks of silver, which he went to dispose of, but could not
handle himself, it was so hot.
[Illustration]
This diversion so pleased Faustus, that he gave Mephistopholes the
writing he had made, and kept a copy of it in his own hands. The
Spirit and Faustus being agreed, they dwelt together, and the devil
was never absent from his councils.
CHAP. 5.
HOW FAUSTUS SERVED THE ELECTORAL DUKE OF BAVARIA.
Faustus having sold his soul to the Devil, it was soon reported among
the neighbours, and no one would keep him company, but his spirit, who
was frequently with him, playing of strange tricks to please him.
Not far from Faustus's house lived the Duke of Bavaria, the Bishop
of Saltzburg, and the Duke of Saxony, whose houses and cellars
Mephistopholes used to visit, and bring from thence the best provision
their houses afforded.
One day the Duke of Bavaria had invited most of the gentry of that
country to dinner, in an instant came Mephistopholes and took all with
him, leaving them full of admiration.
If at any time Faustus had a mind for wild or tame fowl, the Spirit
would call whole flocks in at the window. He also taught Faustus to do
the like so that no locks nor bolts could hinder them.
The devil also taught Faustus to fly in the air, and act many things
that are incredible, and too large for this book to contain.
CHAP. 6.
FAUSTUS DREAM OF HELL, AND WHAT HE SAW THERE.
After Faustus had had a long conference with the Spirit concerning the
fall of Lucifer, the state and condition of the fallen angels, he in a
dream saw Hell and the Devils.
Having seen this sight he marvelled much at it, and having
Mephistopholes on his side, he asked him what sort of people they was
who lay in the first dark pit? Mephistopholes told him they were those
who pretended to be physicians, and had poisoned many thousands in
trying practices; and now said the spirit, they have the very same
administered unto them which they prescribed to others, though not
with the same effect; for here, said he, they are denied the happiness
to die.--Over their heads were long shelves full of vials and
gallipots of poison.
Having passed by them, he came to a long entry exceeding dark, where
was a great crowd: I asked what they were? and the Spirit told me They
were pick pockets, who, because they loved to be in a crowd in the
other world, were also crowded here together. Among these were some
padders on the highway, and others of that function.
Walking farther I saw many thousand vintners and some millions of
taylors; insomuch there was scarce room enough for them in the place
destined for their reception.
A little farther the Spirit opened a cellar door, from which issued
a smoke almost enough to choak me, with a dismal noise; I asked what
they were? and the Spirit told me, They were Witches, such as had been
pretended Saints in the other world, but now having lost their veil,
they squabble, fight and tear one another.
A few steps farther I espied a great number almost hid with smoke;
and I asked who they were? The Spirit told me they were Millers and
bakers; but, good lack! what a noise was there among them! the miller
cried to the baker and the baker to the miller for help, but all in
vain, for there was none that could help them.
Passing on farther I saw thousands of Shop keepers, some of whom I
know, who were tormented for defrauding and cheating their Customers.
Having taken this prospect of Hell, my Spirit Mephistopholes took me
up in his arms, and carried me home to my own house, where I awaked,
amazed at what I had seen in my dream.
Being come to myself I asked Mephistopholes in what place Hell was?
he answered, Know thou that before the Fall, Hell was ordained: As for
the substance or extent of Hell, we Devils do not know it; but it is
the wrath of God that makes it so furious.
CHAP. 7.
DR. FAUSTUS'S TRICK ON TWENTY STUDENTS.
[Illustration]
Thirteen students meeting seven more near Faustus's house, fell to
words, and at length to blows; the thirteen was took hard for the
seven. The Doctor looking out at a window saw the fray, and seeing how
much the Seven were overmatched by the thirteen, he conjured them all
blind, so that they could not see each other; and in this manner they
continued to fight, and so smote each other, as made the public laugh
heartily. At length he parted them, leading them all to their own
homes, where they immediately recovered their sight, to the great
astonishment of all.
CHAP. 8.
FAUSTUS HELPS A YOUNG MAN TO A FAIR LADY.
There was a galant young gentleman that was in love with a fair Lady,
who was of a proper personage, living at Wirtemberg near the Doctors
house. This gentleman had long sought the lady in marriage, but could
not obtain his desire; and having placed his affections so much upon
her, he was ready to pine away, and had certainly died with grief,
had he not made his affairs known to the Doctor, to whom he opened the
whole matter. No sooner had the gentleman told his case to the Doctor,
but he bid him not fear, for his desire should be fulfilled, and he
should have her he so much admired, and that the gentlewoman should
love none but him, which was done accordingly; for Faustus so changed
the mind of the damsel, by his practices, that she could think of
nothing else but him, whom she before hated; and Faustus's device was
thus: He gave him an inchanted ring, which he ordered him to slip on
her finger, which he did: and no sooner was it on but her affections
began to change, and her heart burned with love towards him. She
instead of frowns could do nothing else but smile on him, and could
not be at rest till she had asked him if he thought he could love her,
and make her a good husband: he gladly answered yes, and he should
think he was the happiest man alive; so they were married the next
day, and proved a very happy couple.
CHAP. 9.
FAUSTUS MAKES SEVEN WOMEN DANCE NAKED IN THE MARKET.
[Illustration]
Faustus walking in the Market place saw seven jolly women setting all
on a row, selling butter and eggs, of each of them he bought something
and departed; but no sooner was he gone, but all their butter and eggs
were gone out of their baskets, they knew not how. At last they were
told that Faustus had conjured all their goods away; whereupon they
ran in haste to the Doctor's house, and demanded satisfaction for
their wares.--He resolved to make sport for the townspeople; made them
pull off all their cloaths, and dance naked to their baskets; where
every one saw their goods safe, and found herself in a humour to put
her cloaths on again.
CHAP. 10.
HOW FAUSTUS SERVED A COUNTRYMAN DRIVING SWINE.
[Illustration]
Faustus, as he was going one day to Wirtemberg, overtook a country
fellow driving a herd of Swine, which was very headstrong, some
running one way and some another way, so that the driver could not
tell how to get them along. Faustus taking notice of it made every one
of them dance upon their hind legs, with a fiddle in one of their fore
feet and a bow in the other, and so dance and fiddle all the way to
Wirtemberg, the countryman dancing all the way before them, which
made the people wonder--After Faustus had satisfied himself with this
sport, he conjured the fiddles away; and the countryman offering his
pigs for sale, soon sold them and got the money; but before he was
gone out of the house, Faustus conjured the pigs out of the market,
and sent them to the countryman's house. The man who had bought them,
seeing the swine gone, stopped the man that sold them, and forced him
to give back the money; on which he returned home very sorrowful, not
knowing what to do; but to his great surprize found all the pigs in
their sties.
CHAP. 11.
FAUSTUS BEGINS TO CONTEMPLATE UPON HIS LATTER END.
Faustus having spun out his twenty four years within a month or two,
began to consider what he could do to cheat the devil, to whom he had
made over both body and soul, but could find no ways to frustrate his
miserable end; which now was drawing near. Whereupon in a miserable
tone he cried out, O lamentable wretch that I am! I have given
myself to the devil for a few years pleasure to gratify my Carnal
and devilish appetites, and now I must pay full dear; Now I must have
torment without end. Woe is me, for there is none to help me; I dare
not, I cannot look for mercy from God, for I have abandoned him; I
have denied him to be my God, and given up myself to the Devil to
be his for ever; and now the time is almost expired, and I must be
tormented for ever and ever.
CHAP. 12.
FAUSTUS WARNED BY THE SPIRIT TO PREPARE FOR HIS END.
[Illustration]
Faustus's full time being come, the Spirit appeared to him, and shewed
him the writings, and told him that the next day the Devil would fetch
him away. This made the Doctor's heart to ache; but to divert himself
he sent for some Doctors, Masters and Batchelors of Arts, and other
students to dine with him for whom he provided a great store of
varieties, with musick and the like; but all would not keep up his
spirits, for his hour drew near--Whereupon his countenance changing,
the doctors asked the reason of his confusion? To which Faustus
answered, O! my friends, you have known me these many years, and that
I practised all manner of wickedness. I have been a great conjuror,
which art I obtained of the devil; selling myself to him soul and
body, for the term of twenty four years; which time expiring to night,
is the cause of my sorrow; I have called you, my friends, to see my
miserable end; and I pray let my fate be a warning to you all, not to
attempt to search farther into the secrets of nature than is permitted
to be known to man, lest your searches lead you to the Devil, to whom
I must this night go, whether I will or no.
About twelve o'clock at night the house shook so terribly that they
all feared it would have tumbled on their heads, and suddenly the
doors and windows were broke to pieces, and a great hissing was heard
as though the house had been full of snakes; Faustus in the mean time
calling out for help but all in vain. There was a vast roaring in
the hall, as if all the Devils in Hell had been there; and then they
vanished, leaving the hall besprinkled with blood, which was most
terrible to behold.
FINIS.
[Illustration]
THE
HISTORY
Of the Learned
_FRIAR BACON_.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD,
LONDON.
Roger Bacon was born at Ilchester, Somersetshire, in 1214, and was
educated at Oxford and Paris, where he was made D.D. He seems to have
settled at Oxford about 1240, and entered the order of St. Francis.
He devoted himself body and soul to the study of natural philosophy,
mathematics, and chemistry, and obtained such celebrity by his
discoveries, that they were assigned to evil spirits, and he himself
was branded as a magician. He was confined to his cell and forbidden
to lecture. A copy of his "Opus Majus" being sent to Clement IV. on
his elevation to the Papal chair, he promised his protection, which
continued until his death; when Bacon was more severely persecuted,
his works were prohibited, and he was imprisoned about ten years. When
released, he returned to his beloved Oxford, where he died, June 11,
1292. Why the popular idea of him in after times should be always
associated with the ludicrous, I cannot say, but it is so, even in
Greene's play, "The Honourable Historie of frier Bacon, and frier
Bongay," of which the earliest edition extant is 1594; but it must
have been earlier, for in Henslowe's Diary, under 1591-92, is an
entry, "Rd at fryer bacone, the 19 of febrary satterdaye xvij^s ii^d."
Indeed, every history makes fun about him, and almost all his deeds
are comic. In this book, for instance, the king, being about four
miles from Oxford, naturally desired to see the great philosopher,
and sent a nobleman to bring him. Bacon could not go quietly, but
he caused a great mist to spring up, and the nobleman lost his way;
whilst Bacon was straightway transported into the king's presence,
when at the royal request he waved his wand, and caused beautiful
music to sound. Another wave, and a banquet appeared, of which the
king and queen partook, and then it vanished, leaving the place
sweetly perfumed. "Then waving the fourth time, came in Russians
Persians and Polanders clad with the finest furs and richest silks
in the universe, which he bid them feel; and then the strangers all
dancing after their fashion vanished.... During this, the gentleman
of the bed chamber came in puffing and blowing, all bemired and dirty,
his face and hands scratched with bushes and briars. The King asked
him why he stayed so long and how he came in that condition? Oh! the
plague, said he, take Friar Bacon and all his Devils, they have led
me a dance to the endangering my neck; but the dog is here, I'll
be revenged on him. Then he laid his hand upon his sword; but Bacon
waving his wand, fixed it in the scabbard, that he could not draw it,
saying, I fear not thy anger, thou hadst best be quiet, lest a worse
thing befal thee."
He had a hypocritical servant, who on Good Friday would not take a
bit of bread and a cup of wine when offered by his master, but went
privately to eat a pudding, which, by Bacon's enchantments, stuck
fast in his mouth, in which condition he was found by the friar, who
fastened him by the pudding to the college gate, and there left him to
be exposed to the jeers of the passers-by.
After he had perfected his famous brazen head, which was to speak at
some time or other unknown, within two months after being finished,
and required careful watching, this man Miles had his turn of
guard. When the head uttered the words "Time is," instead of at once
informing his master, he chaffed the head, and it said "Time was." He
still went on bantering, when the head called out, "Time is past," and
then, with a horrible noise, it fell down and broke in pieces. Bacon
and Bungay rushed in, and on questioning Miles he told them the truth,
and was punished by his enraged master with the loss of speech for the
space of two months.
A
=Timely Warning=
_To Rash and Disobedient_
CHILDREN.
Being a strange and wonderful RELATION of a young Gentleman in the
Parish of _Stepheny_ in the Suburbs of _London_, that sold himself
to the Devil for 12 Years to have the Power of being revenged on his
Father and Mother, and how his Time being expired, he lay in a sad and
deplorable Condition to the Amazement of all Spectators.
[Illustration]
EDINBURGH: PRINTED ANNO 1721.
BATEMAN'S TRAGEDY,
OR THE
=Perjured Bride justly rewarded;=
BEING THE
_HISTORY_
OF THE
UNFORTUNATE LOVE
OF
_German's Wife and Young Bateman_.
[Illustration]
NEWCASTLE: PRINTED IN THIS PRESENT YEAR.
The story of this very popular Chap book can be very well epitomized
by the headings of the chapters, which give an excellent idea of the
tale.
CHAPTER I.
How young Bateman, riding through Clifton Town, accidentally
espied fair Isabella, a rich Farmer's Daughter, standing at
her Father's door, and fell in love with her, enquiring who
she was, and his resolution to let her know his passion.
CHAPTER II.
How the fair Isabella fell sick for Love of Bateman, though
a Stranger, and his Abode unknown to her, when she was given
over, he came in the Habit of a Physician, discovered himself
to her, and she recovered her health by that means, to the
unspeakable joy of her Parents.
CHAPTER III.
How being invited to her Father's House, he walked abroad
with her and discovered his passion to her at large. Of
the Encouragement he found to proceed in his Suit, and the
prospect there was of a happy marriage between them.
CHAPTER IV.
How he came and asked her Father's consent, but was refused.
How one German attempted to kill him, but was wounded by him:
and how he made his escape.
CHAPTER V.
How being banished from her Father's house, his lovely
mistress, upon sending a letter, came to him in disguise, in a
neighbouring wood, and there they sealed their love by solemn
vows, and breaking a piece of gold between them.
CHAPTER VI.
How upon her coming back, her going was discovered, and she
confined to her chamber, where German courted her with
tears presents and the proffer of a great estate; she at the
instance of her parents, renounced her vows, sent back her
gold, and married him, whereupon Bateman hanged himself.
CHAPTER VII.
How, upon Bateman's hanging himself before her door, she grew
malancholy, fancying she saw him with a ghostly face, putting
her in mind of her broken vows; and how after having been
delivered of a child, a spirit carried her away.
THE
=Miracle of Miracles.=
Being a full and true Account of _Sarah Smith_, Daughter of _John
Symons_ a Farmer, who lately was an Inhabitant of Darken Parish in
Essex, that was brought to Bed of a Strange Monster, the Body of it
like a Fish with Scales thereon: it had no Legs but a pair of great
Claws, Tallons Like a Liands, it had Six Heads on its Neck, one was
like the Face of a Man with Eyes Nose and Mouth to it, the 2d like
the Face of a Cammel, and its Ears Cropt, Two other Faces like Dragons
with spiked Tongues hanging out of their Mouths, another had an Eagles
Head with a Beak instead of a Mouth at the end of it, and the last
seeming to be a Calves head. Which eat and fed for some time, which
Monster has surprised many Thousand people that came there to see
it. Daily, Spectators flock to view it, but it was by Command of the
Magistrates knock'd on the Head, and several Surgeons were there to
dissect it. Also you have a Funeral Sermon on the Woman who brought
it forth, a very wicked Liver, and disobedient to her Parents, and
one that was mightily given to Wishing, Cursing and Swearing. With
a Prayer before and after the said Sermon. It being very fit and
necessary to be had in all Families for a Warning to Disobedient
Children. This strange and unheard of Monster was brought into the
World in May last, and if any doubt the truth thereof, it will be
certify'd by the Minister and Church-Wardens of the said Parish of
Darkins in Essex as aforesaid.
[Illustration]
ENTRED IN THE HALL BOOK ACCORDING TO ORDER.
A wonderful and Strange
_RELATION_
OF A
SAILOR
IN
_St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London_;
WHO
Slept for Five Days and Nights together and then awaking gave an
Account of the Blessedness of those in Heaven, and the woful Estate of
the Damned in Hell. And also of the STATE of two of his Companions who
dy'd whilst he was in his sleep. All which is attested by the Minister
and many who were present and Ear Wittnesses to the Relation.
TO WHICH IS PREFIXED
_The Greatest Light to Sinners_
Occasioned and Explain'd by the late
SLEEPING MAN'S DREAM.
LICENSED AND ENTERED ACCORDING TO ORDER.
THE CHILDREN'S EXAMPLE.
SHEWING
How one Mrs. Johnson's Child of Barnet was tempted by the Devil to
forsake God and follow the Ways of other Wicked Children, who us'd to
Swear, tell Lies, and disobey their Parents; How this pretty innocent
Child resisting Satan, was Comforted by an Angel from Heaven, who
warned her of her approaching Death; Together with her dying Speeches
desiring young Children not to forsake God, lest Satan should gain a
Power over them.
[Illustration]
ENTER'D ACCORDING TO ORDER.
This style of Chap-book, although always a favourite among a certain
section of society, is such rubbish that one extract will suffice:--
"As this Child went to School one Day,
Through the Church Yard she took her Way,
When, lo! the Devil came and said,
Where are you going, pretty Maid?
To School I am going Sir (said she)
Pish, child, don't mind the same, (saith he)
But hast to your Companions dear,
And learn to lie, and curse and swear.
They bravely spend their time in Play,
God they don't value; no, not they;
It is a Fable, Child he cry'd.
At which his Cloven Foot she spy'd.
I'm sure there is a God, said she,
Who from your Power will keep me free;
And if you should this thing deny,
Your Cloven Foot gives you the Lie.
Satan avoid hence out of Hand
In name of JESUS I command!
At which the Devil instantly
In flames of Fire away did fly," etc., etc.
There is another somewhat similar one, presumably of same date "to
the tune of 'The Children's Example,'" entitled "The Pious Virgin; or
Religious Maid. Being a Relation of the Wonderful and Divine Speeches
of Sarah Shrimpton, Daughter to Mrs. Shrimpton, living in Rochester,
who falling into a Trance declared the Wonderful Things she had seen;
desiring Young Children to serve the Lord in the Time of their Youth,
in order to obtain Salvation;" but it is not worth an extract.
Indeed, speculative young ladies of this class do not seem to have
been uncommon, for a Miss Katherine Atkinson of Torven, in the parish
of Ulverstone in the county palatine of Lancaster, also indulged in
the luxury of a trance, which is described as follows:--
=A New Prophesy; or, An=
ACCOUNT
Of a young Girl, not above Eight Years of Age; Who being in a Trance,
or lay as dead for the Space of Forty Eight Hours. With an Account of
the Strange and Wonderful Sight that she see in the other World.
With an Alarm from Heaven to the Inhabitants of the Earth; Giving an
Account how crying Sins of the Day and Time do provoke the Almighty.
With strange and wonderful Things, as a Warning to this last and worst
Age, agreeable to the Holy Scriptures and Divine Revelation. The like
never published; That the Saying of the Almighty may be fulfilled,
That out of the Mouth of Babes and Sucklings God will perfect Praise.
[Illustration]
LICENSED AND ENTERED ACCORDING TO ORDER.
GOD'S JUST JUDGMENT ON
BLASPHEMERS,
_Being a Terrible Warning Piece to repining Murmurers, set forth in a
dreadful Example of the Almighty's Wrath, on one Mr. Thomas Freeburn
a Farmer, near Andover in Wiltshire, who utter'd those horrid and
blasphemous Expressions, That God never did him any good in his Life,
and he believed did not know what he did himself; with other words too
monstrous and devilish to be repeated: Upon which he was immediately
struck Speechless, Motionless and almost without sign of Life, and
fell down as in a dead Sleep; and no strength of Men or Horses, has
been able hitherto to remove him from the ground._
Also an Account of his wicked Life and Actions for 24 Years before
this just Judgment fell upon him, with his coming to his Speech again,
in four Months and twenty Day's time, and the terrible Sights he
saw in the other World, which he has discover'd to some thousands of
Spectators.
LICENSED AND ENTERED ACCORDING TO ORDER.
_A Dreadful Warning_
TO ALL WICKED AND FORSWORN
SINNERS.
Shewing the sad and dreadful Example of Nicholas Newsom and
David Higham, who were drinking in a Public House in Dudley
near Birmingham on Thursday; the 5th day of March 1761. Giving
an Account, how they laid a Wager, whether could swear the
most blasphemous Oaths, and how they were struck Deaf and
Dumb, with their Tongues hanging out of their Mouths.
_To which is added a Sermon, preached on this Occasion, by the Rev.
Dr. Smith from the following Text. Matt. 5. 34. 35. Swear not at all
neither by Heaven for it is Gods Throne; nor by the earth for it is
his Footstool._
[Illustration]
Here is a full and true
_RELATION_
OF ONE
MR. RICH LANGLY, A GLAZIER,
_Living over against the Sign of the Golden Wheat Sheaf in Ratcliff
Highway, London, that lay in a Trance for two Days and one Night. He
also saw the Joys of Heaven and the Terrors of Hell._
You have also an Account when he came out of his Trance, how he
declared to the Minister, that he had but 5 Days to live in this
World, before he should depart. As soon as the Minister was gone out
of the Room, it is said the Devil appearing to him, and asking of him
if he would Sell his Soul and Body to Him, proffering him in the
shape of a Gentleman, a bag of Gold, but he crying out against it, and
saying, Lord Jesus receive my soul.
Having an account how the Devil Vanished away in a Flame of Fire, you
have also in this Book, a Good and Godly Sermon, that was Preached
on him at his Funeral, by that Reverend and Learned Divine, Dr. Pede,
Minister, of the Parish Church of Clakenwell London.
LICENSED ACCORDING TO ORDER.
LONDON: PRINTED FOR T. BLAND NEAR FLEET STREET.
=A Full, True and Particular=
ACCOUNT
_of the Ghost or Apparition of the Late Duke of Buckingham's Father,
which several Times appeared in Armor to one of the Duke's Servants;
and for about half a Year before foretold the Dukes death_.
[Illustration]
PRINTED BY F. C. IN THE OLD BAILEY.
This account of the apparition of Sir George Villiers purports to
be an "Extract a Monsieur d'Ablancour, le Vie le Grand Duc de
Buckingham," but in reality is taken word for word from Clarendon's
"History of the Rebellion," book i. pars. 89 to 93; according to
which, the apparition appeared three times to an officer of the king's
wardrobe, in Windsor Castle, and commanded him to tell the Duke of
Buckingham "that if he did not somewhat to ingratiate himself to the
People, or at least, to abate the Extream Mallice they had against
him, he would be suffer'd to live but a Short Time." He is reported
to have seen the duke, and left him much troubled. Soon afterwards the
duke was murdered by Felton.
There were many strange stories similar to this afloat. Lilly the
conjuror gave a version in his "Observations on the Life and Death
of King Charles," which Dr. Robert Plot contradicted, and gave an
altogether fresh one, in all probability as veracious.
That the duke received warnings of danger to himself is undoubted.
Sir Henry Wotton, in his "Short View of the Life and Death of George
Villiers Duke of Buckingham" (1642), admits it, but he denies any
supernatural warning. He says, "I have spent some enquiry whether
he had any ominous presagement before his end; wherein though both
ancient and modern Stories have been infected with much vanity;
yet oftentimes things fall out of that kind which may bear a sober
constitution, whereof I will glean two or three in the Duke's Case.
"Being to take his leave of my Lords Grace of _Canturbury_ the
only Bishop of _London_, whom he knew well planted in the King's
unchangeable affection, by his own great abilities, after cortesies of
courage had passed between them; My Lord, sayes the Duke, I know your
Lordship hath very worthily good accesses unto the King our Soveraign,
let me pray you to put His Majesty in minde to be good, as I no way
distrust, to my poor wife and children; at which words, or at his
countenance in the delivery, or at both, My Lord Bishop being somewhat
troubled, took the freedom to aske him where [? whether] he had never
any secret abodements in his minde, No (replyed the Duke) but I think
some adventure may kill me as well as another man," etc.
THE
PORTSMOUTH GHOST
OR A
_Full and true Account of a Strange, wonderful, and dreadful Appearing
of the Ghost of Madam Johnson, a beautiful young Lady of Portsmouth_
SHEWING
1. Her falling in Love with Mr. John Hunt, a Captain in one of
the Regiments sent to Spain.
2. Of his promising her Marriage, and leaving her big With
Child.
3. Of her selling herself to the Devil to be revenged on the
Captain.
4. Of her ripping open her own Belly, and the Devil's flying
away with her Body, and leaving the Child in the room.
5. Of the Captain's Fleet being drove back by a Storm to St.
Helen's.
6. Of her appearing to several Sailors, acquainting them who
she was.
7. Of her Carrying him away in the night in a flame of fire.
PRINTED AND SOLD BY CLUER DICEY AND CO. IN ALDERMARY
CHURCH YARD, BOW LANE.
This book is useful, as it shows the early date of the firm of Dicey
in Aldermary Churchyard. It must have been published very early in the
century, for her ghost appeared to him whilst on his voyage to Vigo;
the date of the famous capture of the galleons and the large quantity
of snuff, which augmented, if it did not almost inaugurate, the taste
for snuff-taking in England, being 1702. The catastrophe of the poem
is graphically told.
"The next time that she came again
For to have perish'd on the main,
They all expected for to rue
So violent the storm it grew.
They all at fervent prayers were,
At length this sailor, I declare,
Did speak to her, and thus did say,
What ails thy troubled spirit pray?
The truth she quickly then did tell.
Saying Him I'll have, then all is well
Then with a visage fierce and Grim,
She strait approached unto him,
He went to turn and hide his face,
She cry'd False man it is too late,
She clasp'd him in her arms straitway,
But no man knew his dying day.
In a flash of fire many see
She dragged him into the sea
The storm is soon abated where
They all returned thanks by prayer
Unto the Lord that sav'd their lives
And delivered them from that surprise
Let this a warning be to all
That reads the same both great and small."
THE
GUILFORD GHOST.
Being an Account of the Strange and Amazing Apparition or Ghost of Mr.
Christopher Slaughterford; with the manner of his Wonderful Appearance
to Joseph Lee his Man, and one Roger Voller, at Guildford in Surrey,
on Sunday and Monday Night last, in a sad and astonishing manner, in
several dreadful and frightful Shapes, with a Rope about his Neck, a
flaming Torch in one hand and a Club in the Other, crying Vengeance,
Vengeance. With other amazing particulars.
[Illustration]
LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. WYAT IN SOUTHWARK, 1709.
There is a contemporary Chap-book with this, printed by A. Hinde in
Fleet Street, 1709: "The Birth, Parentage, and Education, Life and
Conversation of Mr. Christopher Slaughterford, who was Executed at
Guildford in Surrey, on Saturday the 9th July, 1709, for the Barbarous
Murther of Jane Young, his Sweetheart," etc.
There was a peculiarity about this case--for the man protested
his innocence to the last, although the evidence was very strongly
circumstantial against him--and public opinion being exercised
thereon, the necessary "catchpenny" was forthcoming. His ghost seems
to have appeared to several people, and the book winds up: "P.S. Just
now we have an Account from the Marshalsea Prison in Southwark, that
he was seen there by several of the Prisoners on Tuesday Night last,
and that he has been heard to make his Fetters jingle in the Whyte
Lyon, being the place where he was put after his condemnation;
insomuch, that those who have heard the said unaccountable Noise are
afraid to go near the said Place after Day light."
THE
=Wonder of Wonders=
BEING
A Strange and Wonderful Relation of a Mermaid, that was seen and spoke
with, on the Black Rock nigh Liverpool, by John Robinson Mariner, who
was tossed on the Ocean for Six days and Nights; Together with the
Conversation he had with her, and how he was preserved; with the
Manner of his Death five days after his return Home.
[Illustration]
LICENSED AND ENTERED ACCORDING TO ORDER.
On the 29th of April last one Mr. James Dixon Captain and Commander
of the Ship Dolphin in her passage from Amsterdam in Holland, was beat
back by a tempestuous Wind and all the Men perished except a young Man
named John Robinson, who was taken very ill on board the Ship, and was
left to Almighty Providence, and to the Mercy of the Seas and Winds,
and was also in great Fear and dreadful fright on the Main Ocean,
for the said John Robinson dreamt that he was on the top of an high
Mountain, whose top he thought reach'd up to the Heavens, and that
there was a fine Castle, about the Circumference of a Mile, and
furnished with all sorts of Diamonds, and precious Stones, and
likewise on the top of the Mountain was a well, which Water was as
sweet as Honey and as white as Milk, that whomsoever drank of that
Water should never be dry again; with all sorts of Musick very
delightful to hear, so one would think, as one suppos'd seven Years in
that Place, not so long as a Day.
After having view'd the Castle round he observed to his great
Admiration, a beautiful young Lady, who was guarded by Seven Serpents,
very frightful to behold.
Suppose the young Lady was very beautiful, yet he wish'd rather to be
a Thousand Miles off than in the Sight of those Serpents; and looking
round about, he espy'd (to his great Comfort) a green Gate, and a
street pav'd with blue Marble, which open'd at his coming to it, and
so he got away from the Serpents; But coming to the top of the Hill,
he did not know how to get down, it being very high and steep, but he
found a Ladder to his Comfort; it being very slender, was afraid
to venture, but at last was oblig'd to go down it, for one of the
Serpents having taken Notice of him pursued him so very close that he
was in great Danger, and thought he fell and broke his leg, and that
the Serpent fell upon him, which awaked him in great Fright, and
almost made him mad.
By this you may think what a great trouble he was in, awaked alone on
the Main Ocean, when missing all the rest of the Ships Crew, and also
the great Danger he was in.
But to his great Amazement, he espy'd a beautiful young Lady combing
her head, and toss'd on the Billows, cloathed all in green (but by
chance he got the first word with her) then she with a Smile came on
board and asked how he did. The young Man being Something Smart and a
Scholar, reply'd Madam I am the better to see you in good Health, in
great hopes trusting you will be a comfort and assistance to me in
this my low Condition; and so caught hold of her Comb and Green Girdle
that was about her Waist. To which she replied, Sir, you ought not
to rob a young Woman of her Riches, and then expect a favour at her
Hands; but if you will give me my Comb and Girdle again, what lies in
my power, I will do for you.
At which Time he had no Power to keep them from her, but immediately
delivered them up again; she then smiling, thank'd him, and told him,
If he would meet her again next Friday she wou'd set him on shore. He
had no power to deny her, so readily gave his Consent; at which time
she gave him a Compass and desired him to Steer South West; he thank'd
her and told her he wanted some News. She said she would tell him the
next opportunity when he fulfilled his promises; but that he would
find his Father and Mother much grieved about him, and so jumping into
the Sea she departed out of his sight.
At her departure the Tempest ceased and blew a fair Gale to South
West, so he got safe on shore; but when he came to his Father's
House he found every Thing as she had told him. For she told him
also concerning his being left on Ship board, and how all the Seamen
perished, which he found all true what she had told him, according to
the promise made him.
He was still very much troubled in his Mind, concerning his promise,
but yet while he was thus Musing, she appeared to him with a smiling
Countenance and (by his Misfortune) she got the first word of him,
so that he could not speak one Word, but was quite Dumb, yet he took
Notice of the Words she spoke; and she began to Sing. After which she
departed out of the young Mans sight, taking from him the Compass.
She took a Ring from off her Finger, and put it on the young Man's,
and said, she expected to see him once again with more Freedom. But
he never saw her more, upon which he came to himself again, went
home, and was taken ill, and died in five Days after, to the wonderful
Admiration of all People who saw the young Man.
FINIS.
DREAMS AND MOLES
WITH THEIR
_Interpretation and Signification_
Made far more Manifest and Plain than any Published, to the very
meanest Capacities, by the most ancient as well as the most modern
Rules of Philosophy.
_To which is prefixed, A Collection of choice and valuable
Receipts concerning Love and Marriage._
FIRST COMPILED IN GREEK, AND NOW FAITHFULLY
RENDERED INTO ENGLISH BY A FELLOW OF THE ROYAL
SOCIETY, AND A TRUE LOVER OF LEARNING.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD, BOW LANE.
THE
=Old Egyptian Fortune-Teller's
Last Legacy=
CONTAINING
1. The Wheel of Fortune by pricking with a Pin.
2. The Wheel of Fortune by the Dice.
3. The Signification of Moles.
4. The Art of Palmistry.
5. The Interpretation of Dreams.
6. The Art of Physiognomy; with the Signification of Lines in
the Face.
7. Omens of good and bad luck.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD,
BOW LANE, LONDON.
The engravings in this Chap-book are very numerous, but neither they
nor the subject-matter are worth reproducing in their entirety. Two
extracts will suffice to give an idea of the book.
"THE SIGNIFICATION OF MOLES.
[Illustration]
A Mole on the right Shoulder, denotes happiness to man or woman.
A Mole on the left shoulder, denotes a man to be quarrelsome but a
woman to have many husbands.
A Mole on the left cheek, denotes fruitfulness in man or woman.
A Mole on the left ribs denotes a Man very cruel, and a woman to be
vain and proud.
A Mole near the right Shoulder, denotes a Man to be a slave to love,
and shews that a woman will be beloved of great Men.
A Mole under the right loin, signifies an industrious man, and good to
a woman.
A Mole on the buttock denotes honour to a man, and Riches to a woman.
A Mole on the right side the belly, denotes a Man to flow in riches,
and a woman to be happy in Marriage.
One under the right breast, denotes good Fortune.
One on the back denotes Riches and honour.
One on the right hip signifies good fortune in wedlock to man or
woman.
One near the navel signifies many Children.
It is a most certain truth. That if the second toe, near the great
toe, be as long as the great toe, the person will be very rich and
happy.
THE SIGNIFICATION OF DREAMS.
[Illustration]
To dream of musick signifies speedy marriage.
To dream of falling out denotes constancy.
To dream a ring falls from off your finger, signifies the loss of a
friend.
To dream of meeting a coffin, signifies the death of a friend.
To dream of birds singing, signifies joy.
To dream of having teeth drawn, loss of friends.
To fight with and destroy serpents, denotes victory over enemies.
To dream of kisses denotes love from a friend.
To dream of a ring put on your finger, denotes a speedy marriage.
To fly high, signifies praise.
To dream of gathering fruit from trees well loaden, is gain and
profit.
To dream of fire, and not being able to quench it, signifies quarrels.
To dream of being at a wedding, signifies the death of friends.
To dream of vermin, and to be troubled in killing them signifies much
riches.
To see the Sun or Moon greater than ordinary, signifies increase of
honour.
To be at a feast and eat greedily, signifies sickness.
To speak with an Angel that reveals secrets to you denotes preferment.
To dream of losing blood by the nose is of ill consequence.
To find difficulty in passing a river, signifies hard labour.
To dream of falling from a high place without hurt is good.
If you lay a bunch of rosemary under your head, on Easter eve, you
will dream of the party you shall enjoy."
A NEW
_FORTUNE BOOK_.
BEING A NEW ART OF COURTSHIP
Open'd for young Men and Maids, Widows, Widowers and Batchelors,
Instructions for young Men and Maids, how they may know their good or
bad Fortune, shewing the signification of Moles, the Interpretation of
Dreams, the famous Secret and New invented Art of making the true and
false Love Powder; to make the Enchanted Ring that will cause Love.
Also how to cure a Drunken Husband or a Scolding Wife, secondly, how
to cure the Ague, Thirdly how to cure the Tooth Ache.
[Illustration]
SOLD AT CIRENCESTER.
THE
_HISTORY_
OF
=Mother Bunch of the West=
CONTAINING
Many Rarities out of her Golden
Closet of Curiosities.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD AT THE LONDON AND MIDDLESEX PRINTING
OFFICE. NO 81 SHOE LANE, HOLBORN.
THE HISTORY OF
MOTHER BUNCH
Is not particularly interesting, except for its scraps of folk-lore,
and both parts consist principally of receipts for girls to get
husbands. A few examples may be acceptable.
"Take a St. Thomas's onion, pare it, and lay it on a clean
handkerchief under your pillow; put on a clean smock, and as you lie
down, lay your arms abroad, and say these words
Good St. Thomas, do me right
And bring my love to me this night,
That I may view him in the face,
And in my arms may him embrace.
Then lying on thy back, with thy arms abroad, go to sleep as soon as
you can, and in your first sleep you shall dream of him who is to be
your husband, and he will come and offer to kiss you; do not hinder
him, but catch him in thy arms, and strive to hold him, for that is
he.
"Yet I have another pretty way for a maid to know her sweetheart which
is as follows: Take a summer apple, of the best fruit, stick pins
close into the apple, to the head, and as you stick them, take notice
which of them is the middlemost, and give it what name you fancy; put
it into thy left hand glove, and lay it under thy pillow on Saturday
night, after thou gettest into bed, then clap thy hands together, and
say these words.
If thou be he that must have me
To be thy wedded bride,
Make no delay, but come away
This night to my bedside.
And in thy sleep thou shalt see him come in his shirt, and if he offer
thee any abuse, he will be great with another woman; but if he puts
his hand over thee be not afraid, for it is a sign he'll prove a
good husband; and this is a good way for a young man to know his
sweetheart, giving the middlemost pin that name he fancies best,
putting an apple in his right hand glove, and laying it under his
pillow when he is in bed, saying,
If thou be she that must have me
In wedlock for to join,
Make no delay, but come away
Unto this bed of mine.
And that night he may see her, as if she came in her shift and
petticoat she will prove a civil woman--but if she comes with her
shift only, she will prove a ranter, and so better lost than found."
"On Midsummer Eve three or four of you must dip your shifts in fair
water, then turn them wrong side outwards, and hang them on chairs
before the fire, and lay some salt on another chair, and speak not a
word. In a short time the likeness of him you are to marry will come
and turn your smocks, and drink to you; but if there be any of you
will never marry, they will hear a bell, but not the rest."
"_Another way quickly tried._
"Take hemp seed, and go into what place you will by yourself, carry
the seed in your apron, and with your right hand throw it over your
shoulder, saying,
Hemp seed I sow, hemp seed I sow,
And he that must be my true love,
Come after me and mow.
And at the ninth time expect to see the figure of him you are to wed,
or else to hear a bell as before."
"_Another way._
"The first change of the New Moon in the New Year, the first time you
see it, hold your hands across, saying this three times.
New Moon, New Moon, I pray thee,
Tell me this night who my true love will be.
Then go to bed without speaking a word, and you will certainly dream
of the person you shall marry."
[Illustration: A GENTLEMAN GOING TO CONSULT WITH MOTHER BUNCH.]
[Illustration: MOTHER BUNCH'S FUNERAL.
Thus all her Art at length could not her save,
From death's dire stroke, and mould'ring in the Grave.
]
THE
HISTORY
OF
MOTHER SHIPTON.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD, LONDON.
THE HISTORY OF
MOTHER SHIPTON.
All tradition agrees with the Chap-book version, that Mother Shipton
was born at Knaresborough, in Yorkshire. According to this Chap-book,
her father was the devil, and she was born in 1488, in a violent
storm of thunder and lightning. "The strange physiognomy of the infant
frighted the gossips; its body was long, and very big boned, great
goggling, sharp and fiery eyes, and unproportionable nose, full of
crooks, turnings and red pimples, which gave such light that needed
not a candle to dress her by; as it was likewise observed that as
soon as she was born, she fell a grinning and laughing after a jeering
manner; and immediately the tempest ceased." This interesting child
was christened by the Abbot of Beverley by the name of Ursula, and she
took the surname of Sontibles, after her mother, who, when her child
was two years old, repented of her evil ways, and retired to the
convent of St. Bridget, near Nottingham. At the age of twenty-four,
Ursula married Toby Shipton, a carpenter, and it is related they lived
comfortably together, but never had any children. The wonders she
worked are all jocular, and some rather broad in their humour, but
it is by her prophecies that she is more generally known. Many are
attributed to her, which she probably never uttered, and those in the
Chap-book are mainly local. She prophesied that Cardinal Wolsey should
never see York; and "at divers other times when persons of quality
came to visit her she delivered these prophecies.
"FIRST PROPHECY.
"Before Oose bridge and Trinity Church meet, they shall build by day
and it shall fall by night; until they get the uppermost stone of
Trinity Church to be the lowest stone of Oose Bridge.
"_Explanation._
"This came to pass, for Trinity steeple in York was blown down by a
tempest and Oose Bridge broke down by a rapid flood, and what they
repaired by day fell down by night, until they laid the highest stone
of the steeple as a foundation of the Bridge.
"SECOND PROPHECY.
"A time shall come when a ship will come sailing up the Thames till it
is opposite London, and the master of the ship asks the Captain of the
ship why he weeps, since he has made so good a voyage; and he shall
say, Ah! what a grand city was this? none in all the world comparable
to it, and now there is scarce a house left.
"_Explanation._
"These words were verified after the dreadful Fire of London in 1666,
not one house being left on the Thames side from the Tower to the
Temple," etc., etc.
There are more, but these are a fair sample, and two illustrations are
also given, showing the then popular idea of a _Walpurgisnacht_.
Mother Shipton is said to have died in 1561, but her life and
prophecies were not published till 1641, in a small quarto tract,
"The Prophesie of Mother Shipton in the raigne of Henry the eighth.
Foretelling the death of Cardinal Wolsey, the lord Percy, and others,
as also what should happen in insuing times. London: Printed for
Richard Lownds at his shop adjoyning to Ludgate. 1641."
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
NIXON'S
CHESHIRE PROPHECY
_AT LARGE_
Published from Lady Cowpers correct
Copy in the reign of Queen Ann.
WITH
HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL REMARKS;
AND
_Several Instances wherein it has been
Fullfilled_
ALSO HIS LIFE
Nixon unfolds the dark decrees of fate
Foretells our Second George shall make him great;
That Gallia's Politicks are all a Trance,
For Brunswick's Arms shall conquer wily France.
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD, BOW LANE,
LONDON.
[Illustration: ROBERT NIXON.]
Judging from Mother Shipton, and this portrait of Nixon, our native
prophets are not remarkable for their good looks. The latter,
especially, seems to have owed very little to nature, for he is
described as being "a short squab fellow, had a great head and goggle
eyes, that he used to drivel as he spoke, which was very seldom, and
was extremely surly.
"Against Children he particularly had a spite, especially if they made
any sport of him, and would run after them and beat them. At first he
was a plough boy to Farmer Crowton of Swanton, and so stubborn, they
could make him do nothing without beating. They could seldom get any
thing out of him but Yes and No, unless he was pinched with hunger;
for he had a very good stomach, and could eat up a shoulder of mutton
at one meal, with a good hunch of bread and cheese after it."
The spirit of prophecy seems to have come suddenly upon him, and his
recorded vaticinations are purely local.
His end was sad. "The noise of Nixon's predictions coming to the ears
of the King [presumably James I.] he would needs see this fool; he
cried, and made much ado that he might not go to court, and the reason
he gave was that he should be starved. The King being informed of
Nixon's refusing to come, said He would take particular care that he
should not be starved; and ordered him to be brought up. Nixon cried
out he was sent for again--and soon after the messenger arrived, who
brought him up from Cheshire. How or whether he prophesied to his
Majesty no body can tell but he is not the first fool that has made
a good court prophet.--That Nixon might be well provided for, it was
ordered he should be kept in the kitchen; but he grew so troublesome
in licking and picking the meat, that the cooks locked him up in a
hole, and the King going on a sudden from Hampton Court to London,
they forgot Nixon in the hurry, and he was starved to death." The
first printed book relating to him is "The Cheshire Prophesy; with
Historical and Political Remarks. (By John Oldmixon) London printed
and sold by A. Baldwin, in Warwick Lane, price 3_d._" (1714).
REYNARD THE FOX.
Of the antiquity of this story there is no doubt; the only difficulty
is to say how old it is. A poem in Flemish, called "der Reinaert," was
known in the eleventh century; and in two _serventes_, or verses of
the Troubadours, attributed to our Richard I., the names of Isegrim
the Wolf and Reinhart are found. It was, however, reserved to England
to have first printed it, as Caxton did in 1481. This rare book is in
the British Museum, and winds up "Prayeng alle them that shal see this
lytyl treatis to correcte and amende Where they shal fynde faute / For
I haue not added ne mynusshed but haue folowed as nyghe as I can my
Copye whiche was in dutche / and by me Willm Caxton translated in to
this rude and symple englyssh in thabbey of Westmestre + fynysshed the
vj daye of Juyn the yere of our lord mcccclxxxj and the xxj yere of
the regne of Kynge Edward the iiijth /." Roscoe[3] says the earliest
printed German copy would appear to be 1498, written in the dialect
of Lower Saxony; though there was a Dutch romance in prose bearing
the same title, "Historie van Reynaert de Vos," published at Delft in
1485. Goethe ennobled the subject by his poem in 1794.
This Chap-book version is somewhat condensed, but it gives a very good
account of the romance, and, as it is not very well known, it is given
_in extenso_.
[Footnote 3: "German Novelists," vol. i.]
THE HISTORY
OF
REYNARD THE FOX
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD
BOW LANE. LONDON
1780.
CHAP. 1.
A GREAT FEAST PROCLAIMED BY THE LION, AT WHICH THE WOLF, HIS
WIFE AND THE HOUND COMPLAIN AGAINST REYNARD THE FOX.
[Illustration]
It was when the woods was cloathed with green attire, and the meadows
adorned with fragrant flowers; when birds chaunted forth their
harmonious songs, the Lion made a great feast at his palace at Sanden;
and issued a proclamation for all the beasts and birds to come thereto
without delay, on pain of his contempt.
Now being assembled before the King, there were some beasts found
there that made great complaints against the Fox (who was absent)
particularly Isegrim the Wolf who thus began:
Dread Sovereign,
I beseech thee to take pity on me and my wife, for the injuries we
have sustained by that false creature Reynard the Fox; who came into
my house by violence and befouled my children in such a rank manner
that they became instantly blind; for which I expect from him amends,
and from your Majesty Justice.
When the Wolf had ended, up starts Curtis the Hound, and complaining
against Reynard, said, That in the cold season of the Winter, when
he was kept from all manner of prey, and half-starved, having but one
poor pudding left, the said Reynard had taken it from him.
Tibert the Cat, upon this got up, and falling before the King, said,
My Lord, I must confess that Reynard the Fox is much complained
against, yet each of these will find enough for his clearing; for
concerning the offence against the Hound it was committed long since;
the puding was mine, though I complained not, for I got it out of the
Mill by night when the miller lay asleep.
Here the Panther interrupted the Cat, saying, It was just and good
to complain against Reynard, for all the world knows he is a thief,
murderer, and ravisher; and false to every creature: I will tell you
what I saw him do yesterday to Kayward the Hare, who is now standing
in the King's presence. He promised to teach him his Credo, and make
him a good chaplain; but had I not come by he had killed him, for he
had got poor Kayward between his legs, and was squeezing his throat:
therefore, O my Lord if you suffer him to go unpunished that hath
broken the peace, your Children hereafter will bear the shadow of this
evil--Certainly Panther, said Isegrim, what you say is true.
CHAP. 2.
GRIMBARD THE BROCK'S SPEECH IN BEHALF OF REYNARD.
Grimbard the Brock who was Reynard's Sister's Son, being moved with
anger, said, Isegrim, you are malicious and as the proverb is, Malice
never speaks well of any one: I wish you would agree that he who hath
done the most injury of either my Cousin Reynard or you, should die
the death; was he here at Court, and in favour as you are, he would
make you ask forgiveness, for have you not bitten and torn him with
your venemous teeth? have you forgot how you cheated him of his
plaice, of which you left him nothing but the bones; also of the
flitch of bacon; the taste of which was so good, that you eat it up
from him alone, though he got it at the danger of his own life; I
must confess that my kinsman lay with his wife, but it was seven years
before Isgrim married her; so what credit gets he by slandering his
wife, when she is troubled at it.
Now comes Kayward the Hare with his complaint, which is but a trifle;
for if he would not learn his lesson, can you blame his schoolmaster
Reynard for giving due correction; and lastly, for Curtise had he not
stole the pudding himself? and who can blame Reynard for taking away
stolen goods from a thief; my uncle is a gentleman, a true man, and
cannot endure falsehood; he does nothing but by the Council of a
priest; and since the King hath made peace, he hath hurt no body; he
eats but once a day, wears a hair shirt, and hath eat no meat for this
year past; he hath forsaken his Castle, a poor hermitage retains him;
he hath distributed all his wealth, and lives upon alms, and doth
infinite penance for his Sins.
[Illustration]
CHAP. 3.
THE COCK'S COMPLAINT AGAINST REYNARD; AND THE KING'S ANSWER.
Thus while Grimbard stood preaching was brought upon a bier by
Canticleer the Cock, a dead Hen, whose head Reynard had bitten off:
On each side stood two sorrowful Hens, sisters to the deceased, each
bearing a burning torch, and crying out, Alack-and-a-well-a-day for
the loss of our sister Copple: and being come before the King, they
kneeled down, and said
Most mighty King,
Vouchsafe to redress the great injuries that Reynard the Fox hath done
me and my children, now weeping before you. In April last, in fair
weather, and I in the midst of my pride, having seven fair daughters,
was envied by Reynard, who made many attempts to get at us by scaling
the wall, but was repulsed, and had his skin tore by the dogs: but
at last he came like a hermit with a letter to read, signed with your
Majesty's seal, in which I found you had made peace throughout your
whole realm, and that no beast nor fowl should hurt one another; and
as for him he was become a Monk, did penance for his sins, shewed me
his books and beads, the hair shirt next his skin, and vowed to eat no
more flesh; and saying his Credo, laid himself down under a bench.--I
was glad to hear this, and took no heed, but clucked my children
together; but false Reynard crept between us and the gate, seized
on, bore away, and destroyed fifteen of them; and yesterday Copple my
daughter, now on the bier, was rescued from him by a kennel of Hounds:
so for all this, I beg of your Majesty, Justice.
The King then turning to Grimbard, said, Your Uncle hath prayed
and fasted well, hath he not? I vow he shall suffer for this--Mr.
Canticleer I have heard your complaint and will grant your request;
give your daughter solemn burial, and I will consult with my Lords to
give you right against the murderer.--This the King immediately did,
and it was agreed to send Bruin the Bear to summon Reynard to appear
before the King to answer to the heavy crimes laid to his charge.
CHAP. 4.
BRUIN THE BEAR UNFORTUNATE IN HIS MESSAGE TO REYNARD THE FOX.
The next morning went Bruin to Malepardus, a high mountain where
Reynard had a castle, and knocked at the gate, he cried aloud, Sir
Reynard, are you at home? I am Bruin your kinsman, come to summons you
to Court, to answer to several complaints laid against you; and if
you appear not to your summons, the King vows you shall answer it with
your life.--Reynard hearing this, ran into one of his holes, where he
plotted how he might bring the Bear to disgrace, whom he knew loved
him not. At last he came out of his holes saying, Dear uncle you are
welcome, I was busy when you spoke, in saying my evening devotion. I
am sorry you have taken this long journey, for I intended to have been
at court to-morrow; indeed I wish we were there now, since I have left
off eating meat, my body is swelled and distempered with eating
so many honey combs through wantonness, that I fear its
consequence.--How! quoth Bruin do you make so light of honey combs,
which is meat for the Emperor? Nephew help me to some and I will be
your friend for ever--Quoth the Fox, well I will bring you to a place
where you shall have as much of it as you can eat: at this the Bear
laughed till he could hardly stand. Well, thought Reynard, you will
soon laugh on the other side of the mouth. So he brought him to a
Carpenter's Yard where in stood a great oak tree with two great wedges
in it and the clift open. Dear Uncle, said the Fox, be careful, for
within this tree is much honey; pray eat moderate, for a surfeit is
dangerous.--Never fear you that, said Bruin; so he entered the tree
with eagerness, and thrust his head into the cleft quite over his
ears; which the Fox perceiving, pulled out the wedges, and the Bear
was locked fast in, and roared out hedieously; while the Fox at a
distance said, Is the honey good, Uncle? do you like it? pray do not
surfeit yourself with it: then left him and went to his Castle. The
Bears noise brought out the Carpenter and his neighbours with great
sticks and staves; and the Bear seeing so many enemies, at last
wrenched his head out of the tree, leaving behind him his skin and
ears; upon this the people fell on him and beat him most woefully;
however at last he got from them, bitterly cursing the Fox, who had
brought him to this misery. In great pain and grief he at length
arrived at the King's Court, where he cried out, Behold, dread
Sovereign, for doing your Royal will and pleasure I am come to this
disgrace. Then said the King, How durst he do this? I swear by my
crown I will take such revenge as shall make him tremble.
Upon this was summoned another council, when it was agreed to send
Tibert the Cat.
[Illustration]
CHAP. 5.
TIBERT THE CAT'S AMBASSY TO REYNARD, WITH THE BAD SUCCESS OF IT.
[Illustration]
Tibert was loath to go on this message, but at length, fearing the
King's displeasure, undertook it; and arriving at Malepardus, he
found the Fox standing at his Castle gate, to whom he thus addressed
himself. Health to my Cousin Reynard: the King by me summonses you to
the Court, on sure pain of death for the refusal--Welcome Cousin, I
obey the command, and wish my sovereign all happiness; only let me
desire you to stay all night, and early in the morning I will go
with you--I am content to stay, says Tibert, you speak like a
gentleman--Truly says the Fox, I have but one honeycomb left, what
think you of it for supper? I had rather have a mouse, replied
Tibert--A Mouse dear Cousin! here is a parson hard by that hath a barn
full of mice. Dear Reynard, lead me thither, and I will be your friend
for ever--Now the Fox had the night before got into the parson's barn
and stole a fat hen, which so exasperated the priest, that he sat a
snare to catch him, of which the Fox being apprized, had escaped: To
this hole brings the Cat, saying Go in here, and you will soon get
your bellyfull. I will wait for you till you come out.
But may I go in safety said the Cat, for Priests are very subtle.
Cousin, said the Fox, I never knew you a Coward before. Puss being
ashamed at this reproof, sprung in, and was quickly caught by the
Neck; which as soon as the Cat felt, he leaped back again, so that
the snare closed faster and had like to have strangled him, so that he
exclaimed bitterly against Reynard, who scornfully said, Tibert, dost
thou love mice? but the Cat mewed sadly. The priest rising out of his
bed called up his servant, saying, We have caught the Fox that stole
our Hens; and coming to Tibert, smote him with a great Staff, and
struck out one of his eyes. The Cat thinking his death near, leaped
between the Priests legs and fastened his Claws into them; which when
his wife saw, swore she would rather lose the whole offering of seven
years, than see him so abused--This threw the priest into a swoon, so
they all left the Cat, and the Fox returned to his Castle, thinking
Tibert past recovery; but he, seeing his foes busy about the priest
gnawed the Cord asunder, and made her escape out of the hole, going
roaring to court with the loss of one eye, and a bruised body; so that
when the King beheld him he was angry and took Council once more how
to be revenged on the Fox.
CHAP. 6.
THE BROCK'S EMBASSY TO REYNARD, THE FOX'S CONFESSION AND THEIR ARRIVAL
AT COURT.
Then said the King, Go you Sir Grimbard, but take heed, Reynard is
very subtle. Brock thanked his Majesty, and taking his leave, went to
Malepardus, and found Reynard and his wife sporting with their young
ones--Having saluted them, he said, Take heed uncle, that absence from
the Court doth not do you more harm than you think for; the complaints
against you are many and great; this is the third summons, and if you
delay coming, you and yours will find no mercy, for in three days your
Castle will be demolished, all your kindred made slaves, and you a
publick example; unless you can make your innocence appear; and
the which I doubt not you have discretion to do.--Very true nephew,
replied Reynard, I will go with you, not only to clear myself, but
to the shame of my enemies; many of which I have at court: so taking
leave of his family he and Grimbard set out for Sandem the King's
Palace--On their way Reynard made the following confession unto his
nephew Grimbard; Blame me not dear cousin, if my life be full of Care;
for I strive to blot out my sins by repentance, that my soul may be at
quiet: I have grievously offended against Canticleer the Cock and his
Children; my uncle Bruin the Bear and Tibert the Cat; nay I've abused
and slandered the King and Queen; I have betrayed Isegrim the Wolf by
calling him Uncle, when he is no kin to me; I made him bind his foot
to the bell rope to teach him to ring, but the peal had like to have
cost him his life; I taught him to catch fish, by which he was sorely
banged; I led him to the parson's house to steal bacon; I stole a fine
fat hen set before the priest for his dinner, in doing which he espied
and pursued me, when I was obliged to let the hen go and creep into
a hole; but the priest espying Isegrim, cried this is he, strike!
strike! So my enemies fell upon the Wolf and almost killed him--But
for all this I ask forgiveness.
Here on their way they met a Pullen, at which the Fox glanced his
eye (for the ill that was bred in the bone stuck) which Brock taking
notice of, said, Fie, dissembling Cousin why wander your eyes after
the Pullin?--You wrong me, nephew, said the Fox, my eyes wandered not;
I was just saying a Pater Noster for the Souls of the Pullens I have
formerly slain; in which devotion you hindered me.
By this time they were come to the palace, and Reynard quaked for
fear, on account of the many and great crimes he had to answer for.
CHAP. 7.
REYNARD'S EXCUSE BEFORE THE KING HIS TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION.
At the news of Reynard's arrival, all sorts of the King's Subjects
from the highest to the lowest, prepared themselves to accuse
him--Though Reynard's heart trembled, yet he kept his countenance, and
went as proudly and unconcerned through the streets, as though he were
the King's Son, and entirely innocent of any offence--When he came
before the King, he said, Heaven preserve your Majesty, there never
came before you a more loyal subject than myself, and so will die;
I know there are several in your court that seek my life; but I am
persuaded your Majesty hates slanderers.--Peace, traiterous Reynard,
replied the King, thinkest thou to deceive me also; Know that the
peace which I commanded, you have broken; therefore, thou Devil among
the good, with what face can you pretend to love me? when all these
before me can testify against thee?--Said the Fox, my Liege, if
Bruin's crown be bloody with stealing honey; and Tibert loses her eye
by getting into the Priest's barn to steal mice; when they should have
been diligent in your majesty's embassy, can I help that? O my dread
Sovereign, I am as innocent as the Child unborn; however, use me as
you please. Upon this, Bruin the Bear, Bellin the Ram, Kaward the
Hare, Isegrim the Wolf, Bruel the Goose, Boulden the Ass, Borell the
Bull, and Canticleer the Cock, with their Children, all with one voice
cried out against the Fox; all which caused the King to order his
trial to be immediately brought on.
A parliament was summoned, and after a long trial, in the course of
which the Fox answered every thing with much craft, he was condemned;
whereupon Grimbard, and the rest of his kindred left the Court, as not
enduring to see him executed. The King seeing so many depart, said,
Though Reynard had some faults, yet he had many friends. This musing
of the King made the Cat, the Bear, and the Wolf jealous lest the King
should retract Reynard's sentence, and was angry at the delay of his
execution; to forward which Tibert produced the Cord in which he was
hanged in the priests house, and they put it round Reynard's neck, who
said, I do not fear death; I saw my father die, and he soon vanished;
death is familiar to me: but I beseech your Majesties (who were both
seated to see the execution) to grant me but one request before I die;
that is that I may unload my Conscience, and beg the assistance of
your prayers, that I may be made happy hereafter.
[Illustration]
CHAP. 8.
REYNARD'S CONFESSION AND PARDON.
Now every one began to pity Reynard, and prevailed with the King to
grant his request; which being done he thus began; Help me ye powers
above, for I can see none but whom I have offended; in my youth I used
to be much with the lambs, delighting in their bleating, till at last
biting one of them, I tasted the Sweetness of their blood, and could
not forbear ever since. This drew me into the woods among the goats,
where I slew and eat some young Kids; this made me more hardy, so I
fell to killing Hens, Geese, and other Pullin; for all was fish that
came to net. Afterwards I fell into bad company, as Isegrim, who
pretended to be my kinsman; we grew at last so intimate, that he stole
the great things and I the small; he murdered the Nobles, and I the
meaner subjects; I speak thus plainly, he had plate and jewels more
than ten carts could carry.--Ah! said the King, where is all this
treasure? It was stolen, my Liege, said the Fox, but had it not been
stolen as it was, it might have cost your Majesty's life--Discover
the matter immediately, said the Queen.--I am willing to discharge my
Conscience before I die: it is true the King was to have been killed
by his own subjects, I must confess by some of my nearest kindred; it
was thus, My father digging in the ground found the King's treasure,
whereupon he was so proud, that he scorned the rest of the beasts of
the wilderness; at last he caused Tibert the Cat to go to Bruin the
Bear in the forest of Arden, to do him homage, and promised to set the
crown upon Bruin's head; then he sent for his wife, Isegrim the Wolf,
and Tibert the Cat, amongst whom it was agreed to murder your Majesty,
and make Bruin king; but it happened that my nephew Grimbard being got
drunk, discovered it to Sluggard his wife, who in great secrecy told
it my wife and she discovered it to me. It grieved me to think a
ravenous Bear should depose you; but being desirous to find out this
treasure which my father had hid, I at last by constant watching did,
and I and my wife removed it. The plot being thus carried on with
secrecy, when my father went to the cave and found his treasure all
taken away, he for madness hanged himself--All this is true, I am now
ready to die, my conscience being eased.
The King and Queen hearing this, hoping to get from Reynard this
treasure, released him from the gibbet, desiring him to discover where
it lay.--Rather you than my enemies, said the Fox--Fear not Reynard,
said the Queen, the King shall spare thy life--Madam, replied the
King, will you believe, the Fox? know you not his quality is to
lie and steal? In these circumstances, my Lord, you may believe
him.--Well, Madam, for this time I will be ruled by you, and pardon
him, all his offences, with this promise, That if ever he offends
again, he and all his posterity shall be destroyed.
CHAP. 9.
REYNARD RESTORED TO FAVOUR AND PREFERRED.
Then said the King, Reynard, you shall do us homage; and for your
discoveries I will make you one of the Lords of my Council; discharge
your trust, and govern by truth and equity; henceforth I will be ruled
by your wisdom, and under me you shall be chief governor.
Reynard's friends thanked the King, and returned with the Fox, who
was glad he had sped so well, having caused Bruin and Tibert to be
destroyed, who sought his life.
Arriving at Malepardus there was great feasting and rejoicing at the
Fox's good fortune; after which Reynard thanked them for the love and
honour done him, protesting to be their friend and servant for ever;
and so shaking hands, they departed.
FINIS.
VALENTINE AND ORSON.
This romance is undoubtedly of French origin, and an edition of it
was printed at Lyons by Jac. Maillet in 1489, whilst one, probably
as early, was printed by Wynkyn de Worde, of which only a fragment
of four leaves is in existence. This is in the Duke of Devonshire's
library, and was found in the binding of an oak-covered volume in
his library at Bolton Abbey. William Coplande also printed two
editions--one "The Hystorye of the two Valyaunte Brethren Valentyne
and Orson, s[=on]es vn to the Emperour of Grece. Imprented at London
ouer agaynst S. Margaretes Church in Lothbery be William Coplande,"
quarto, black letter; and the other, "The Hystorye of the two
Valyaunte Brethren Valentyne and Orson Sonnes vnto the Emperour of
Greece (translated out of French by Henry Watson) Lond. by Wylliam
Coplande at the sygne of the Rose Garland," quarto--whilst in the
British Museum there are illustrations of the romance in a manuscript,
"10 E. IV. Royal," pp. 120, etc., and several beautifully printed
early French versions, notably those of Lyons, 1539, and Paris, 1540.
The idea of children being nursed by wild beasts is very common and
stories of such are told in quite modern times.
THE
HISTORY OF
=Valentine and Orson.=
Reader; you'll find this little Book contains
Enough to answer thy Expence and Pains;
And if with Caution you will read it thro'
'Twill both Instruct thee and Delight thee too.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD
BOW LANE, LONDON.
CHAP. 1.
THE BANISHMENT OF THE LADY BELLISANT WHO IS DELIVERED OF VALENTINE AND
ORSON AT ONE BIRTH IN A WOOD.
It is recorded, That PEPIN King of France had a fair sister named
Bellisant, who was married to Alexander, the Emperor of Greece, and
by him carried to his capital at Constantinople; from whence, after
having lived with great virtue, she was banished, through the means of
a false accuser, whom she had severely checked for his impudence; and
though at that time she was big with child, yet she was compelled
to leave her husband's empire, to the great regret of the people,
attended only with a Squire named Blandiman.
[Illustration]
After great fatigue and travel she arrived in the forest of Orleans,
where finding her pains come thick upon her, she dismissed her
attendant for a midwife, but before his return was delivered of two
lovely children, one of which was conveyed away by a she bear, but
she, willing to save it pursued on her hands and knees, leaving the
other behind. But before her return, King Pepin being a hunting in the
forest, came to the tree where she left the other babe, and causing it
to be taken up, sent it to nurse, and when it grew up called its name
Valentine--Blandiman at length came back, and instead of finding his
mistress found her brother Pepin, at the tree, to whom he declared all
that had happened, and how his sister had been banished through the
false suggestions of the arch priest; which when King Pepin heard
he was greatly enraged against the Lady Bellisant, saying, that the
Emperor ought to have put her to death; so leaving Blandiman, he
returned with his Nobles to Paris.
The Lady Bellisant having followed the Bear to no purpose, returned to
the place where she had left the other babe, but great was her sorrow
when Blandiman said, He had seen her brother Pepin, but could tell
nothing of the child, and having comforted her for the loss of it,
they went to the sea side, took shipping, and arrived at the castle of
the Giant Feragus, in Portugal.
All this while the Bear nourished the infant among her young ones,
until at length it grew up a wild hairy man, doing great mischief to
all that passed through the forest; in which we will leave him,
and return to the arch Priest, who did great mischief, till he was
impeached by a merchant, of having wrongfully accused the Empress,
upon which they fought, and the merchant conquering, made the Priest
confess all his treasons, when the Emperor acquainting the King of
France of it, he was hanged.
CHAP. 2.
VALENTINE CONQUERS HIS BROTHER ORSON IN THE FOREST OF ORLEANS.
Now was Valentine grown a lusty young man, and by the King as greatly
beloved as if he had been his own child; commanding him to be taught
the use of Arms, in which he soon became so expert, that few in the
Court dare to encounter him; which made Hufray and Henry, the King's
bastard sons exceedingly envy him--At this juncture great complaints
were made against the Wild Man, from whom no Knight had escaped with
his life, that had encountered him; which made the King promise a
thousand marks to any that should bring him dead or alive, which offer
none dare accept; but Hufray and Henry desired King Pepin to send
Valentine, with a view of getting rid of so powerful a rival in the
King's favour, but his Majesty seeing their malice was very angry,
telling them he had rather lose the best Baron in the land.
However Valentine desired leave of his Majesty to go to the forest,
resolving either to conquer the wild man or die in the attempt.
Accordingly having furnished himself with a good horse and arms, he
set forward on his journey, and after two days travelling he arrived
in the forest. In the evening he tied his horse to a large spreading
oak; and got up into a tree himself for his security, where he rested
that night.
Next Morning he beheld the Wild man traversing the forest in search
of his prey, and at length he came to the tree where Valentine's horse
stood from whom he pulled many hairs, upon which the horse kicked him.
The Wild man feeling the pain was going to tear him to pieces, which
Valentine seeing, made signs as if he would fight him, and accordingly
he stepped down and gave him a blow; but the Wild Man caught him by
the arm and threw him to the ground. Then taking up Valentines shield,
he beheld it with amaze, with respect to the divers colours thereon
emblazoned.
[Illustration]
Valentine being much bruised, got up, and came towards his brother in
great anger; but Orson ran to a tree and then they engaged; but both
being terribly wounded, gave out by consent; after which Valentine
signified to Orson, That if he would yield to him, he would order
matters so, as he should become a rational creature.
Orson thinking that he meant him no harm, stretched forth his hand
to him. Upon which he bound him, and then led him to Paris, where he
presented him to King Pepin, who had the Wild Man baptized by the name
of Orson, from his being taken in a wood. Orson's actions during their
stay there, very much amused the whole court, that at length the Duke
of Acquitain sent letters importing, That whoever should overthrow
the Green Knight, a Pagan Champion, should have his daughter Fazon in
marriage. Upon which proposition Valentine set out for that province,
attended by his brother Orson, by which means he came to the knowledge
of his parents, as we shall find hereafter.
CHAP. 3.
THE FIGHT BETWEEN ORSON AND THE GREEN KNIGHT.
After a long journey, Valentine and Orson arrived at Duke Savary's
palace in Acquitain; and making known the reason that they came there,
was presented to Fazon, to whom Valentine thus addressed himself.
"Sweet creature, King Pepin has sent me hither with the bravest Knight
in all his realm to fight the Green Knight, who, though he is dumb
and naked, is endued with such valour, that no Knight under the sun is
able to cope with him."
During this speech she viewed Orson narrowly and he her; but Supper
coming in, interrupted them, and they sat down to eat.
Whilst they were in the midst of all their feasting, the Green Knight
entered, saying Duke Acquitain, hast thou any more Knights to cope
with me for thy daughter--Yes, replied the Duke, I have seventeen, and
then shewed them to him--The Green Knight then said to them Eat your
fill, for to-morrow will be your last--Orson hearing what he said, was
much incensed against him and suddenly rising from the table, threw
the Green Knight with such force against the wall, as laid him dead
for some time; which very much pleased the whole company.
Next day many Knights went to fight the Green Knight, but he overcame
and slew them all; till at last, Orson being armed in Valentine's
armour, came to the Green Knight's pavilion, and defying him they
began the most desperate combat as was ever heard of, and the Green
Knight made so great a stroke at him, as to cut off the top of the
helmet, and half his shield, wounded him very much. But this served
only to enrage the valiant Orson, who coming up to him on foot took
hold of him, and pulling him from his horse, got astride him, and was
just going to kill him, but was prevented by the sudden arrival of
Valentine, who interceded with Orson to spare his life on condition of
his turning Christian, and acquainted King Pepin how he was conquered.
[Illustration]
The Green Knight having promised to perform all that was desired, they
led him prisoner to the city of Acquitain; and the Duke received them
with great joy, and offered the Lady Fazon to Orson; but he would
not marry her till his brother had won the Green Knight's sister Lady
Clerimond, nor till they had talked with the Enchanted Head of Brass
to know his Parents, and get the proper use of his tongue; which when
the lady knew she was very sorrowful, because she loved Orson, and was
resolved to marry none but him, who had so nobly conquered the Green
Knight.
CHAP. 4.
VALENTINE AND ORSON GO IN SEARCH OF LADY CLERIMOND, WHO HAD THE BRAZEN
HEAD IN HER POSSESSION.
Valentine and Orson having taken their leave of the Duke of Acquitain,
and his daughter Fazon, proceeded upon their journey, in search of the
Lady Clerimond, and at last came to a tower of burnished brass; which
upon enquiry, they discovered to be kept by Clerimond, sister to
Feragus and the defeated Green Knight, and having demanded entrance,
was refused it by the centinal who guarded the gate; which provoked
Valentine to that degree, that he ran against him with such fury, that
the centinell fell down dead immediately.
The Lady Clerimond beheld all this dispute, and seeing them brave
knights received them courteously--Valentine having presented tokens
from the Green Knight, told her, he came there for the love of her,
and to discourse with the All knowing Head, concerning their parents.
After dinner, the Lady took them by the hand, and led them to the
chamber of Rantus, where the head was placed between four pillars of
pure jasper; when as they entered, it made the following speeching to
Valentine.
[Illustration]
"Thou famous Knight of Royal extract, art called Valentine the
Valiant, who of right ought to marry the Lady Clerimond. Thou art Son
to the Emperor of Greece and the Empress Bellisant, who is now in the
Castle of Feragus in Portugal, where she has resided for twenty years,
King Pepin is thine uncle, and the Wild man thy brother; the Empress
Bellisant brought ye two forth in the forest of Orleans; he was taken
away by a ravenous Bear, and thou wast taken up by thine Uncle Pepin,
who brought thee up to man's estate--Moreover, I likewise tell thee
that thy brother shall never speak till thou cuttest the thread that
grows under his tongue."
The Brazen head having ended his speech, Valentine embraced Orson, and
cut the thread which grew under his tongue; and he directly related
many surprising things. After which Valentine married Lady Clerimond,
but not before she had turned Christian.
In this Castle lived a dwarf, named Pacolet, who was an Enchanter, and
by his art had contrived a horse of wood, and in the forehead a fixed
pin, by turning of which he could convey himself to the farthest part
of the world.
This enchanter flies to Portugal and informs Ferragus of his sister's
nuptials, and of her turning Christian; which so enraged him that he
swore by Mahomet he would make her rue it; and thereupon got ready
his fleet, and sailed towards the Castle of Clerimond, where when he
arrived, he concealed his malice from his sister, and also the two
Knights, telling them that he came to fetch them into Portugal, the
better to solemnize their Marriage, and he would turn Christian at
their arrival at his castle; all which they believed, and soon after
embarked with him--When he had got them on board, he ordered them to
be put in irons, which so grieved his sister Clerimond, that she would
have thrown herself into the sea, had she not been stopped.
CHAP. 5.
PACOLET COMFORTS THE LADIES AND DELIVERS VALENTINE AND ORSON OUT OF
PRISON.
When they were come to Portugal, he put Valentine and Orson in
a dungeon, fed them with bread and water, but allowed his sister
Clerimond to meet the Empress Bellisant, who had been confined twenty
years in the Castle of Feragus. She, seeing her so full of grief,
comforts her, enquiring the reason, which she told her. The Empress
was mightily grieved, but Pacolet comforted them, telling them he
would release them all that evening, the which he accordingly did in
the following manner:
[Illustration]
In the dead of the night he goes to the dungeon, where lay Valentine
and Orson, bound in chains, and touching the doors with his magical
wand, they flew open; and coming to the Knights, he released them and
conducted them to the apartment where Bellisant and Clerimond was,
who were exceedingly transported; but Pacolet hindered them from
discoursing long, by telling them they must depart before the guards
of Ferrajus awaked, which would put a stop to his proceedings. So
Pacolet led them to the gates of the Castle, and having prepared a
ship, he conveyed them to Lady Fazon, at the city of Acquitain. Next
morning when Ferragus heard of their escape, he was enraged to the
last degree.
The Knights and Ladies being out of danger, soon arrived at Acquitain,
to the great joy of Lady Fazon, who was soon after married to Orson
with great solemnity; upon which tilts and tournaments were performed
for many days; but Valentine carried the prize, overthrowing at least
an hundred brave Knights.
CHAP. 6.
FERRAGUS RAISES A MIGHTY ARMY, AND LAYS SIEGE TO THE CITY OF
ACQUITAIN.
Ferragus, to be revenged on them assembled an Army, and laid close
siege to it with a vast army of Saracens, which when Duke Savary
perceived, he resolved to give them battle the very next morning, and
accordingly he sallied forth with all his forces, but venturing too
far, he was taken by the Saracens and carried to Ferragus's tent.
Now Orson was resolved to set him free, or lose his life; so putting
on the arms of a dead Saracen, he called Pacolet and went through the
enemy without being molested, until they arrived at the tent where the
Duke was confined; which done they gave him a horse, and rode to the
Christian army: on their return a general shout was made by all the
army, Long live the Duke of Acquitain; which so dismayed the Saracens,
that they fled away in confusion, and the Christians pursued them till
the night obliged them to give over.
[Illustration]
Soon after this victory Valentine, Orson, the Ladies Bellisant,
Clerimond and Fazon, set out for Constantinople, to see the Emperor
their father, after they had taken leave of Duke Savary and his
Nobles, and was received with great joy.
At length the Emperor set out from Constantinople after taking leave
of his family, to visit a strong Castle he had in Spain.--While he was
absent, Brandiser brother to Feragus invaded the Empire with a very
great army, and at length besieged Constantinople, where lay Valentine
and Orson, the Green Knight and all the Ladies.
Valentine seeing the condition they all were in, resolved to give
Brandiser battle, and thereupon divided his army into ten battalions,
commanded by ten Knights, and sallying out of the City, began to fight
with the Saracens, who were drawn up in readiness to receive them.
In the mean time the Emperor was at sea, returning homeward, and in
his way he met a fleet going to the assistance of Brandiser, which
bore upon him with full sails: whereupon exhorting his companions to
behave like men, they made ready to receive them; and after a most
bloody and obstinate battle, the Emperor got the victory, having slain
many of the Pagans, and dispersed all their ships.
After this victory the Emperor commanded his men to put on the Arms of
the Vanquished, as he did himself, thinking thereby the better to fall
upon the beseigers, his enemies; but the Stratagem proved most fatal
to him, as we shall hereafter find.
All this while the Christians and Valentine bravely encountered
Brandiser and his men before the Walls of Constantinople, sometimes
getting, and sometimes losing ground; but at length Valentine came to
the standard of Brandiser, where an Indian King run against him with
great force, but Valentine avoided him, struck him with such fury
as cleft him down the Middle. On the other hand Orson and the Green
Knight were not idle, but with their brandished swords cut themselves
a passage quite through the Pagan army, destroying all that opposed
them.
Soon after news came that a mighty fleet of Saracens were entering the
harbour; whereupon Valentine judged it necessary to go thither, and
oppose their landing, but it proved fatal; for in his fleet was the
Emperor his father, who being clad in Saracen armour, Valentine by
mistake ran him quite through the body with his spear; which when he
knew, he was going to kill himself, had not his brother and the Green
Knight prevented him; but getting an horse with an intent to lose
his life, he rushed into the midst of the enemy, overthrew all that
opposed him, till he came to the Giant Brandiser, who when he saw
Valentine, encountered him so fiercely, that both fell to the ground;
but Valentine recovering, gave him a stab which sent him to hell, to
see his false prophet Mahomet--
[Illustration]
The Pagans seeing their King dead, threw down their arms and run,
and the Christians pursued them with a mighty slaughter--At last
the pursuit being over, they returned to Constantinople and Orson
acquainted the Empress of the death of his father, but concealed by
whom it was done.
[Illustration]
Upon which it was concluded, That Valentine and Orson should govern
the Empire by turns, with their wives the ladies Fazon and Clerimond,
whose brother the Green Knight was crowned King of the Green Mountain;
the people of which were much delighted to have so brave a warrior for
their King.
CHAP. 7.
VALENTINE DIES AND ORSON TURNS HERMIT.
[Illustration]
Now Valentine being greatly vexed in mind for the death of his father,
whom he had killed out of a mistake, resolved to make a pilgrimage to
the Holy Sepulchre; and therefore taking leave of his wife Clerimond,
and giving the government of the Empire unto his brother, he departed
to the great sorrow of all, particularly his brother, Bellisant, and
the fair Clerimond.
Valentine after seven years absence returned, dressed like a poor
palmer begging victuals at the gate of his own palace; and at length,
being sick, and about to die, he called for Clerimond, and made
himself known unto her, at which she was ready to give up the ghost.
At last having recommended the care of her to his brother, and the
Empress his dear mother, and blessing them he turned on one side, and
breathed out his noble soul from his illustrious body to the great
grief of all the valiant Knights of Christendom to whom he had been a
noble example, and a generous reliever of. But Clerimond never could
espouse any one, but betook her to a single life, always lamenting the
loss of her beloved husband.
[Illustration]
After his death, Orson governed the Empire with great wisdom and
justice for Seven Years, till at length seeing the fragile state of
human affairs, he gave the charge of his Empire, Wife and Children, to
the Green Knight, and then turning hermit, he became a resident in the
forests and woods, where after living to a great age, this magnanimous
and invincible hero surrendered up his body unto never sparing death,
and his soul to the immortal deities of whose attributes it had a true
resemblance.
Thus Reader you may see that none withstand
Tho' great in valour, or in vast command
The mighty force of Death's all conquering hand.
FINIS.
FORTUNATUS.
The first notice of this romance I can find, is "Fortunatus, Augsp. zu
trucken verordnet durch J. Heybler 1509," quarto, and it seems to have
been popular, for there was a French edition, "Histoire des aventures
de Fortunatus, _trad. de l'Espagn._ Rouen 1656," 12mo. The earliest
English edition with an absolute date, seems to be that of Thomas
Churchyarde (1676), but it is not perfect, and consists only
of ninety-five leaves. In the British Museum is "The History of
Fortunatus (Translated from the Dutch)," black letter, quarto; but
it is catalogued as doubtful whether it was printed in London, and
whether the supposed date of 1650 is correct. It is also imperfect.
The edition of 1682 is, however, perfect, and is very curious. It
is entitled, "The right, pleasant and variable trachical history of
Fortunatus, whereby a young man may learn how to behave himself in all
worldly affairs and casual chances. First penned in the Dutch tongue;
there hence abstracted and now published in English by T. C." The
Chap-book very fairly follows the romance, but of course is much
condensed.
THE
HISTORY OF FORTUNATUS
CONTAINING
_Various Surprising Adventures_.
AMONG WHICH HE ACQUIRED A PURSE THAT
COULD NOT BE EMPTIED.
And a Hat that carried him wherever he
wished to be.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD. BOW LANE.
LONDON.
CHAP. 1.
OF THE BIRTH OF FORTUNATUS.
In the famous Isle of Cyprus there is a stately city called Famagosta,
in which lived a wealthy citizen named Theodorus. He, being left young
by his parents, addicted himself to all manner of pleasures, often
frequenting the Courts of princes, where he soon wasted great part
of his wealth in riotous living, to the grief of his friends, who
thinking to make him leave his idle courses, got him married to a rich
citizen's daughter named Gratiana with whom he lived virtuously for
some time.
[Illustration]
In one year after his Marriage, Gratiana was brought to bed of a son,
who was named Fortunatus--Theodorus in a short time began to follow
his old bad courses, insomuch that he began to sell and mortgage
all his estate, so that he fell into extreme poverty; Gratiana being
forced to dress her meat and wash her clothes herself, not being able
now to keep one single servant, or hire the meanest assistance.
Theodorus and his wife sitting one day at a poor dinner, he could
hardly refrain weeping, which his son, (who was now about eighteen
years old, and experienced in hunting, hawking, and playing the lute,)
perceiving, he said Father, what aileth you? for I observe, when
you look upon me, you seem sad; Sir, I fear I have some way offended
you--Theodorus answered, My dear Son, thou art not the cause of my
grief, but my self has been the sole cause of the pinching poverty
we all feel. When I call to mind the wealth and honour I so lately
enjoyed, and when I consider how unable I am now to succour my child,
it is that which vexeth me.--To this his son replied--Beloved father,
do not take immoderate care for me, for I am young and strong. I have
not been so brought up but I can shift for myself; I will go abroad
and try my fortune; I fear not but I shall find employment and
preferment.
[Illustration]
Soon after without the least ceremony, Fortunatus set out with a hawk
in his hand, and travelled towards the sea side where he espied a
galley of Venice lying at anchor. He inquired what ship she was and
where bound, hoping he might here find employment. He was told the
Earl of Flanders was on board, and had lost two of his men. Fortunatus
wishing that he could be entertained as one of his servants, and so
get away from his native place, where his poverty was so well known,
steps up to the Earl, and making a low bow, says, I understand, noble
Lord, you have lost two of your men, so, if you please, I desire to be
received into your service. What wages do you ask? says the Earl. No
wages, replied Fortunatus, but to be rewarded according to my deserts.
This answer pleased the Earl, so they agreed and sailed to Venice.
CHAP. 2.
OF FORTUNATUS'S SAILING WITH THE EARL OF FLANDERS, WITHOUT THE
KNOWLEDGE OF HIS PARENTS.
The Earl was now returned back and joyfully received by his subjects,
and welcomed by his neighbours; for he was a very affable and just
Prince.
[Illustration]
Soon after his return, he married the Duke of Cleve's daughter, who
was a very beautiful lady; Fortunatus went to the wedding, to which
came several Lords and Gentlemen, and were present at a tilt and
tournament held there before the Ladies; and though there was so
many gentlemen, yet none behaved so well as Fortunatus--After all the
Nobles had finished their triumphs and delightful games, the Duke
and the bride and bridegroom agreed to let their servants try their
manhood at several pastimes for two Jewels, each to be esteemed worth
an hundred crowns, and he that obtained the said prize should have it,
which made all the servants glad, every one striving to do his best.
The Duke of Burgundy's servants won one, and Fortunatus the other,
which displeased the other servants. Upon which they desired the
Duke's Servants to challenge Fortunatus to fight him before the
ladies, which should have them both; which challenge he accepted.
Coming to the tilt yard, they encountered each other very briskly, and
at last Fortunatus hoisted the Duke's servant quite off his horse at
spears length. Whereupon he obtained the victory, and got the Jewels,
which encreased the envy of the other servants, but much rejoiced the
Earl.
Among the Earl's servants was a crafty old fellow who consulted with
the rest of the servants, and agreed for ten crowns to make Fortunatus
quit his master's service of his own accord. To accomplish the affair,
he pretended great friendship to Fortunatus, treating him and praising
him much for his great courage. At last he told him he had a secret to
reveal to him, which was, That the Lord having conceived a Jealousy
of his two Chamberlains, of whom Fortunatus was one, he had a design
secretly to kill them. This much amazed Fortunatus, who desired his
fellow servant to inform him how to convey himself away; for said he
I had rather wander as a vagabond than stay here and be slain. Says
Robert, I am sorry I told thee any thing since I shall now lose thy
company. Being resolved to go off, he desired Robert to conceal his
departure.
[Illustration]
When Fortunatus had rode ten Miles, he bought another horse, and
returned the Earl's, that he might not pursue him; but when the Earl
found he was gone, without his leave, not knowing the cause, he was
offended, and demanded of the servants if they knew the occasion?
which they all denied; and he went to the ladies and gentlemen, and
enquired of them if they knew any thing of his departure? and they
answered No. Then said the Earl, Though the cause of his departure
is concealed from me, yet I am perswaded he is not gone without some
cause, which I will find out if it be possible.
When Robert found his Lord was so vexed for the loss of Fortunatus, he
went and hanged himself, for fear of being discovered.
CHAP. 3.
OF THE TRAVELS OF FORTUNATUS AFTER HE LEFT HIS MASTER.
Fortunatus having sent home his master's horse, travelled with
all speed to Calais, where he took shipping and arrived safe in
England--Coming to London, he met with some young Cyprus Merchants,
his countrymen, who riotously spent his money in gaming and wenching;
so that in about half a years time their cash was quite spent.
Fortunatus having least his was soonest exhausted. Being moneyless, he
went to some of his Landladies to borrow three Crowns, telling them
he wanted to go to Flanders, to fetch four hundred crowns that were in
his uncle's hands; but he was denied, and none they would lend him. He
then desired to be trusted a quart of wine, but they refused, and bid
the servants fetch him a pint of small beer.
[Illustration]
He then took shipping, and soon arrived at Piccardy in France.
Travelling through a wood, and being benighted, he made up to an old
house, where he hoped to find some relief, but there was no creature
in it; Then hearing a noise among the Bears, he got up into a tree
where one of them had climbed. Fortunatus being surprised, drew his
sword, and stuck the bear, that he fell from the tree.
The rest of the beasts being gone, Fortunatus came down from the tree,
and laying his mouth to the wound, he sucked out some of the blood,
with which he was refreshed; and then slept until the Morning.
CHAP. 4.
LADY FORTUNE BESTOWS UPON FORTUNATUS A FAMOUS PURSE; SO THAT
AFTERWARDS HE NEVER WANTED MONEY.
As soon as Fortunatus awoke, he saw standing before him a fair Lady
with her eyes muffled--I beseech thee said he, sweet virgin, for the
love of God to assist me, that I may get out of this wood, for I have
travelled a great way without food. She asked what country he was
of? he replied Of Cyprus, and I am constrained by poverty to seek my
fortune--Fear not, Fortunatus, said she, I am the Goddess of Fortune,
and by permission of heaven have the power of Six gifts, one of
which I will bestow on thee, so chuse for yourself: they are, Wisdom,
Strength, Riches, Health, Beauty, and Long Life--Said Fortunatus, I
desire to have Riches, as long as I live. With that she gave him a
purse, saying, As often as you put your hand into this purse, you
shall find ten pounds of the coin of any nation thou shalt happen to
be in.
Fortunatus returned many thanks to the Goddess. Then she bid him
follow her out of the wood, and so vanished. He then put his hands in
his purse, and drew out the first fruits of the Goddess's bounty, with
which he went to an inn and refreshed himself. After which he paid his
host, and instantly departed, as doubting the reality of his money,
notwithstanding the evidence of his hands and eyes.
CHAP. 5.
FORTUNATUS BUYS SOME HORSES OUT OF AN EARLS HANDS; FOR WHICH HE IS
TAKEN UP AND EXAMINED ABOUT HIS PURSE.
Two miles from this wood was a little town and castle, where dwelt an
Earl, who owned the wood.--Fortunatus here took up his lodgings at
the best inn, and asked the host if he could help him to some good
horses--The host told him there was a dealer, who had several fine
ones, of which the Earl had chosen three, but was refused though he
offered three hundred crowns for them. Fortunatus went to his Chamber
and took out of his purse six hundred crowns, and bid the host to send
for the dealer with his horses--The host at first supposed he had been
in Jest, seeing him so meanly apparelled; but on being convinced
by the sight of the money, the dealer and horses were sent for, and
Fortunatus with a few words bargained for two of those the Earl had
cheapened, and gave three hundred crowns for them. He bought also
costly saddles and furniture, and desired his host to get him two
servants.
[Illustration]
The Earl hearing that the two horses had been bought out of his hands,
grew angry, and sent to the innkeeper to be informed who he was--The
Earl being told he was a stranger, commanded him to be apprehended,
imagining he had committed some robbery, and being examined who he
was, answered, He was born in Cyprus, and was the son of a decayed
gentleman. The Earl asked him how he got so much money? He told him he
came by it honestly--Then the Earl swore in a violent passion, that
if he would not discover, he would put him to the rack.--Fortunatus
proposed to die rather than reveal it.--Upon this he was put upon
the rack, and being again asked how he got so many crowns, he said he
found them in a wood adjoining.--Thou villain, said the Earl the money
found is mine, and thy body and goods are forfeited. O, my gracious
Lord, said he, I knew not it was in your jurisdiction--But said the
Earl, this shall not excuse you, for to day I will take thy goods, and
tomorrow thy life.
Then did Fortunatus wish he had chose Wisdom before Riches.
Then Fortunatus earnestly begged his life of the Earl, who at the
entreaty of some of his nobles spared his life and restored him
the crowns and the purse, and charged him never to come into his
jurisdiction--Fortunatus rejoiced that he had so well escaped, and had
not lost his Purse.
After that he had travelled towards his own country, having got horses
and servants to attend him, he arrived at Famagosta, where it was
told him that his father and mother were dead. He then purchased his
fathers house, and pulled it down, and built a stately palace. He also
built a fine Church, and had three tombs made, one for his father and
mother, the other for the wife which he intended to marry, and the
last for his heirs and himself.
CHAP. 6.
OF FORTUNATUS'S MARRIAGE WITH LORD NEMAINS YOUNGEST DAUGHTER.
Not far from Famagosta lived a Lord who had three daughters; one of
which the King of Cyprus intended to bestow on Fortunatus: but gave
him leave to take his choice. When Fortunatus had asked them some
questions, he chose the youngest, to the great grief of the other
two sisters; but the Countess and Earl approved the match. Fortunatus
presented the Countess her mother, and her two sisters, with several
rich jewels.
Then did the King proffer to keep the wedding at his court, but
Fortunatus desired to keep it at his own palace, desiring the King and
Queen's Company--Then said the King, I'll come with my Queen and all
my relations--After four days the King and all his Company went to
Fortunatus's house where they were entertained in a grand manner.
His house was adorned with costly furniture, glorious to behold.
This feasting lasted forty days. Then the king returned to his Court,
vastly well satisfied with the entertainment.--After this, Fortunatus
made another feast for the citizens, their wives and daughters.
[Illustration]
CHAP. 7.
OF FORTUNATUS HAVING TWO SONS BY HIS WIFE.
Fortunatus and his Wife Cassandra lived long in a happy state, and
found no want of any thing but Children; and he knew the virtues of
his purse would fail at his death, if he had no lawfully begotten
heirs; therefore he made it constantly the petition in his prayers to
God, that he would be pleased to send him an heir; and at length,
in due time his lady brought forth a son, and he named him Ampedo.
Shortly after she had another son, for whom he provided the best of
tutors to take care they had an education suitable to their fortunes.
Fortunatus having been married twelve years, took it into his head to
travel once more, which his wife much opposed, desiring him, by all
the love he bore to her and to her dear children, not to leave
them, but he was resolved, and soon after took leave of his wife
and Children, promising to return again in a short space. A few days
after, he took shipping for Alexandria, where having stayed some time,
and got acquainted with the Soldan, he gained such favour of him, as
to receive letters to carry him safe through his dominions.
CHAP. 8.
FORTUNATUS ARTFULLY GETS POSSESSION OF A WISHING HAT.
Fortunatus after supper, opened his Purse, and gave to all the
Soldan's servants very liberally. The Soldan being highly pleased,
told Fortunatus he would shew him such curiosities as he had never
seen. Then he took him to a strong marble tower, in the first room
were several very rich vessels and jewels; in the second he shewed
several vessels of gold coin; with a fine wardrobe of garments, and
golden candlesticks, which shined all over the room, and mightily
pleased Fortunatus.--Then the Soldan shewed him his bed chamber, which
was finely adorned, and likewise a small felt Hat, simple to behold,
saying I set more value on this Hat, than all my jewels, as such
another is not to be had; for it lets a person be wherever he doth
wish. Fortunatus imagined his Hat would agree very well with his
Purse, and thereupon put it on his head saying. He should be very glad
of a Hat that had such virtues. So the Soldan immediately gave it him;
With that he suddenly wished himself in his ship, it being then under
Sail, that he might return to his own country. The Soldan looking out
at his window, and seeing the Ship under sail, was very angry, and
commanded his men to fetch him back; declaring, if they took him, he
should immediately be put to death. But Fortunatus was too quick for
them, and arriving safe at Famagosta, very richly laden, was joyfully
received by his wife, his two sons and the Citizens.--He now began
to tender the advancement of his children; he maintained a princely
court, providing masters to instruct his children in all manner of
chivalry, whereof the youngest was most inclined to behave manfully,
which caused Fortunatus to bestow many Jewels for his exploits. When
he had many years employed all earthly pleasures, Cassandra died,
which so grieved Fortunatus, that he prepared himself for death also.
[Illustration]
CHAP. 9.
FORTUNATUS DECLARES THE VIRTUES OF HIS HAT AND PURSE TO HIS SON.
Fortunatus perceiving his death to approach, said to his two sons,
God has taken away your mother, which so tenderly nourished you; and I
perceiving death at hand, will shew you how ye may continue in honour
unto your dying day.--Then he declared to them the virtues of his
Purse, and that it would last no longer than their lives. He also told
them the virtues of his Wishing Hat, and commanding them not to part
with those Jewels, but to keep them in common, and live friendly
together, and not to make any person privy to their virtues; for, said
he I have concealed them forty years, and never revealed them to any
but you.--Having said this, he ceased to speak, and immediately gave
up the ghost.--His sons buried him in the magnificent church before
mentioned.
[Illustration]
FINIS.
GUY, EARL OF WARWICK.
The earliest known printed edition of this romance is French, "Cy
commence Guy de Waruich, chevalier d'Angleterre, qui en son temps fit
plusieurs prouesses et conquestes en Angleterre, en Allemaigne,
Ytalie et Dannemarche, et aussi sur les infidelles ennemys de la
chrestieneté. Par Fr. Regnault, 7 Mars 1525," small folio, Gothic
letter; and Ebert mentions an earlier undated edition. Hazlitt says
the Bodleian library possesses a fragment of one leaf, containing
thirty lines on a page, and printed with the types of Wynkyn de
Worde's "Memorare Novissima." In _Notes and Queries_, 2nd Series, vol.
x. p. 46, E. F. B. writes: "On recently examining a copy of the Sarum
Ordinale edited by Master Clerke, Chantor of King's Coll. Cambridge,
and printed by Pynson in 1501, I found three fly leaves of a book of
earlier date, respecting which I should be glad to be informed; and
therefore I subjoin a passage by which it may or may not be identified
with the romance of Sir Guy. The type is of the Gothic character.
"Wyth that the lumbardis fledde away
Guy Guy and heraude and terrey pfay
Chased after theym gode wone,
They slowe and toke many one,
The Lumbardis made sory crye.
For they were on the worse partye,
Of this toke duke otton gode hede,
And fledde to an hylle gode spede;
That none sued of theym echone,
But syr heraude of arderne alone,
Heraude hym sued as an egyr lyon
And euer he cryed on duke otton,
Heraude had of hym no doubte,
Nor he sawe no man ferre aboute,
But only theymselfe two."
The earliest copy in the British Museum is 1560?, "The Booke of the
most victoryous Prince Guy of Warwicke," and it was "Imprynted at
London in Lothbury, ouer agaynst saynt Margarits Church, by Wylliam
Copland," quarto, imperfect. This is in verse, beginning--
"Sithen the tyme that God was borne
And Chrisendom was set and sworne
Many aduentures haue befall
The which that men knew not all."
There is a fine fourteenth-century illumination in the royal
manuscripts in the British Museum (20 A. ii. fo. 4_b_) of Guy as a
hermit.
The mute witnesses of Guy's wonderful deeds, preserved in Warwick
Castle, have been proved apocryphal in these investigating and
matter-of-fact days. His breastplate, or helmet, is the "croupe" of a
suit of horse armour; another breastplate is a "poitrel." His famous
porridge-pot or punch-bowl is a garrison crock of the sixteenth
century, and his fork a military fork, _temp._ Henry VIII.
THE
HISTORY
OF
=Guy. Earl of Warwick=
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH
YARD, LONDON.
CHAP. 1.
GUY'S PRAISE. HE FALLS IN LOVE WITH THE FAIR PHILLIS.
[Illustration]
In the blessed time when Athelstone wore the crown of the English
nation, Sir Guy, Warwick's Mirror, and all the world's wonder, was
the chief hero of the age; whose prowess so surpassed all his
predecessors, that the trump of fame so loudly sounded Warwick's
praise, that Jews, Turks, and Infidels became acquainted with his
name.
But as Mars the God of Battle was inspired with the beauty of Venus,
so our Guy, by no means conquered, was conquered by love; for Phillis
the fair, whose beauty and virtue was inestimable, shining with such
heavenly lustre that Guy's poor heart was ravished in adoration of
this heavenly Phillis, whose beauty was so excellent, that Helen the
pride of all Greece, might seem as a Black, a Moor to her.
Guy resolving not to stand doating at a distance, went to Warwick
Castle, where Phillis dwelt, being daughter and heiress to the Earl of
Warwick; the Earl, her father hearing of Guy's coming, entertained him
with great joy; after some time the Earl invited Guy to go a hunting
with him; but finding himself unable to partake of the diversion,
feigned himself sick. The Earl troubled for his friend Guy, sent his
own Physician to him. The Doctor told Guy his disease was dangerous,
and without letting blood there was no remedy. Guy replied, I know
my body is distempered; but you want skill to cure the inward
inflammation of my heart; Galen's herbal cannot quote the flower I
like for my remedy. I know my own disease, Doctor, and I am obliged to
you.
The Doctor departed, and left Guy to cast his eyes on the heavenly
face of his Phillis, as she was walking in a garden full of roses and
other flowers.
CHAP. 2.
GUY COURTS THE FAIR PHILLIS, SHE AT FIRST DENIES, BUT AFTER GRANTS HIS
SUIT ON CONDITIONS WHICH HE ACCEPTS.
Guy immediately advanced to fair Phillis, who was reposing herself in
an arbour, and saluted her with bended knees, All hail, fair Phillis,
flower of beauty, and jewel of virtue, I know great princes seek to
win thy love, whose exquisite perfections might grace the mightiest
monarch in the world; yet may they come short of Guy's real affection,
in whom love is pictured with naked truth and honesty, disdain me not
for being a steward's son, one of thy father's servants.
[Illustration]
Phillis interrupted him saying, Cease, bold youth, leave off this
passionate address:--You are but young and meanly born, and unfit for
my degree; I would not that my father should know this.
Guy, thus discomfited, lived like one distracted, wringing his hands,
resolving to travel through the world to gain the love of Phillis,
or death to end his misery. Long may dame Fortune frown, but when
her course is run she sends a smile to cure the hearts that have been
wounded by her frowns; so Cupid sent a powerful dart, representing
to her a worthy Knight of Chivalry, saying, This Knight shall be
so famous in the world, that his actions shall crown everlasting
posterity. When Phillis found herself wounded, she cried, O pity me
gentle Cupid, sollicit for me to my Mother, and I will offer myself up
at thy shrine.
Guy, little dreaming of this so sudden a thaw, and wanting the balm
of love to apply to his sores, resolves to make a second encounter.
So coming again to his Phillis, said, fair Lady, I have been arraigned
long ago, and now am come to receive my just sentence from the
Tribunal of Love; It is life or death, fair Phillis, I look for, let
me not languish in despair, give Judgment, O ye fair, give Judgment,
that I may know my doom; a word from thy sacred lips can cure a
bleeding heart, or a frown can doom me to the pit of misery. Gentle
Guy, said she, I am not at my own disposal, you know my father's name
is great in the nation, and I dare not match without his consent.
[Illustration]
Sweet Lady, said Guy, I make no doubt, but quickly to obtain his love
and favour; let me have thy love first, fair Phillis, and there is no
fear of thy father's wrath preventing us. It is an old saying, Get the
good will of the daughter, and that of the parent will soon follow.
Sir Guy, quoth Phillis, make thy bold achievements and noble actions
shine abroad, glorious as the sun, that all opposers may tremble at
thy high applauded name and then thy suit cannot be denied.
Fair Phillis, said Guy, I ask no more.--Never did the hound mind
more his game, than I do this my new enterprize. Phillis, take thy
farewell, and accept of this kiss as the signal of my heart.
CHAP. 3.
GUY WINS THE EMPEROR'S DAUGHTER FROM SEVERAL PRINCES, HE IS SET UPON
BY SIXTEEN ASSASSINS, WHOM HE OVERCOMES.
Thus noble Guy at last disengaged from Love's cruelty, he now arms
himself like a Knight of Chivalry, and crossing the raging ocean,
he quickly arrived at the Court of Thrace, where he heard that the
Emperor of Almain's fair daughter Blanch, was to be made a prize for
him that won her in the field, upon which account the worthies of the
world assembled to try their fortunes--The golden trumpets sounded
with great joy and triumph, and the stately pampered steeds prance
over the ground, and each He there thought himself a Cæsar, that none
could equal;--Kings and Princes being there to behold who should be
the conqueror, everyone thinking that fair Blanch should be his.
After desperate charging with horse and man, much blood was shed,
and Princes no more valued than common persons; but our noble Guy
appearing laid about him like a lion, among the princes; here lay one
headless, another without a leg or an arm, and there a horse. Guy,
still like Hercules, charged desperately and killed a German Prince
and his horse under him. Duke Otto vowing revenge upon our English
Champion, gave Guy a fresh assault, but his courage soon cooled. Then
Duke Poyner would engage our favourite knight; but with as little
success as the rest, so that no man could encounter Guy any more;
by which valor he won the Lady in the field as a prize, being thus
approved Conqueror.
[Illustration]
The Emperor being himself a spectator, he sent a messenger for our
English Knight.--Guy immediately came into the Emperor's presence, and
made his obeysance, when the Emperor as a token of his affection, gave
him his hand to kiss and withal resigned him his daughter, the falcon
and the hound--Guy thanked his Majesty for his gracious favour, but
for fair Phillis's sake left fair Blanch to her father's tuition,
and departed from that graceful court only with the other tokens of
victory.
[Illustration]
Now Guy beginning to meditate upon his long absence from his fair
Phillis, and doubting of her prosperity, or that she might too much
forget him, because the proverb says, Out of Sight out of Mind!
prepared for England, and at last arrived at the long wished for haven
of his love; and with this sort of salutation greeted his beloved
mistress; Fair foe, said he, I am now come to challenge your promise,
the which was, upon my making my name famous by martial deeds, I
should be the master of my beloved mistress,--Behold, fair Phillis,
part of the prize I have won in the field before kings and princes.
Worthy Knight, quoth Phillis, I have heard of thy winning the Lady
Blanch from Royal Dukes and Princes, and I am glad to find that Guy is
so victorious. But, indeed Guy thou must seek more adventures.
Guy, discomfited at this answer, taking leave of his fair Phillis,
clad himself again in Belona's livery, and travelled towards Sedgwin,
Duke of Nouvain, against whom the Emperor of Almain had then laid
siege. But as Guy was going his intended journey, Duke Otto, whom Guy
had disgraced in battle, hired sixteen base traytors to slay him. Guy
being set upon by these rogues, drew his sword, and fought till he had
slain them all; and leaving their carcasses to the fowls of the air,
he pursued his Journey to Louvain, which he found close besieged, and
little resistance could the Duke make against the Emperor's power--Guy
caused the Levinians to sally forth, and made a most bloody slaughter
among the Almains; but the Emperor gathering more forces renewed the
siege, thinking to starve them out; but Guy in another sally defeated
the Almains, slaying in these two battles about thirteen thousand men.
[Illustration]
After this Guy made a perfect league between the Emperor and the Duke,
gaining more praise thereby than by his former victories.
CHAP. 4.
GUY HAVING PERFORMED GREAT WONDERS ABROAD, RETURNS TO ENGLAND, AND IS
MARRIED TO PHILIS.
[Illustration]
After a tedious journey Guy sat down by a spring to refresh himself,
and he soon heard a hedious noice, and presently espied a Lion and a
Dragon fighting, biting, and tearing each other; but Guy perceiving
the Lion ready to faint, encountered the Dragon, and soon brought
the ugly Cerberes roaring and yelling to the ground.--The Lion in
gratitude to Guy, run by his horse's side like a true-born spaniel,
till lack of food made him retire to his wonted abode.
Soon after Guy met with the Earl of Terry, whose father was confined
in his castle by Duke Otto; but he and the Lord posted thither, and
freed the castle immediately; and Guy in an open field slew Duke Otto
hand to hand; but his dying words of repentance moved Guy to pity and
remorse.
But as Guy returned through a desart he met a furious boar that
had slain many Christians. Guy manfully drew his sword and the
boar gaping, intending with his dreadful tusks to devour our noble
champion; but Guy run it down his throat, and slew the greatest boar
that ever Man beheld.
[Illustration]
At Guy's arrival in England, he immediately repaired to King
Athelstone at York, where the King told Guy of a mighty Dragon in
Northumberland, that destroyed men, women, and children.--Guy desired
a guide, and went immediately to the dragon's cave, when out came the
monster, with eyes like a flaming fire: Guy charged him courageously,
but the monster bit the lance in two like a reed; then Guy drew his
sword, and cut such gashes in the dragon's sides that the blood and
life poured out of his venemous carecase. Then Guy cut off the head of
the monster, and presented it to the King, who in the memory of Guy's
service caused the picture of the Dragon, being thirty feet in length
to be worked in a cloth of arras, and hung up in Warwick Castle for an
everlasting monument.
Phillis hearing of Guy's return and success, came as far as Lincoln
to meet him, where they were married with much joy and great triumph;
King Athelstone, his Queen, the chief Nobles and Barons of the land
being present.
No sooner were their nuptials celebrated but Phillis's father died,
leaving all his estate to Sir Guy; and the King made him Earl of
Warwick.
CHAP. 5.
GUY LEAVES HIS WIFE AND GOES A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND.
In the very height of Guy's glory, being exalted to his father's
dignities, Conscience biddeth him repent of all his former sins, and
his youthful time; so Guy resolved to travel to the Holy Land like
a Pilgrim. Phillis perceiving this sudden alteration enquires of her
Lord what was the cause of this Passion? Ah! Phillis, said he, I have
spent much time in honouring thee, and to win thy favour, but never
spared one minute for my soul's health in honouring the Lord.
Phillis, though very much grieved, understanding his determination,
opposed not his will. So with exchanging their rings, and melting
kisses, he departed like a stranger from his own habitation, taking
neither money nor scrip with him, and but a small quantity of herbs
and roots, such only as the wild fields could afford, were his chief
diet; vowing never to fight more but in a just cause.
[Illustration]
Guy, after travelling many tedious miles, met an aged person oppressed
with grief, for the loss of fifteen sons, whom Armarant a mighty Giant
had taken from him, and held in strong captivity. Guy borrowed the old
mans sword, and went directly up to the Castle gate, where the Giant
dwelt, who, coming to the door, asked grimly, How he durst so boldly
knock at the gates? vowing he would beat his brains out. But Guy
laughing at him, said, Sirrah, thou art quarrelsome; but I have a
sword has often hewn such lubbards as you asunder:--At the same time
laying his blade about the Giant's shoulders, that he bled abundantly,
who being much enraged, flung his club at Guy with such force, that it
beat him down; and before Guy could recover his fall Armarant had got
up his club again. But in the end Guy killed this broad back dog, and
released divers captives that had been in thrawldom a long time, some
almost famished, and others ready to expire under various tortures.
They returned Guy thanks for their happy deliverance; after which he
gave up the castle and keys to the old man and his fifteen sons.
[Illustration]
Guy pursued his intended journey and coming to a grave, he took up
a worm-eaten skull, which he thus addressed:--Perhaps thou wert a
Prince, or a mighty Monarch, a King, a Duke, or a Lord!--But the King
and the Beggar must all return to the earth; and therefore man had
need to remember his dying hour. Perhaps thou mightest have been a
Queen, or a Dutchess, or a Lady varnished with much beauty; but
now thou art worm's meat, lying in the grave, the Sepolchre of all
creatures.
While Guy was in this repenting solilude, fair Phillis, like a
mourning widow, cloathed herself in sable attire, and vowed chastity
in the absence of her beloved husband. Her whole delight was in divine
meditations and heavenly consolations, praying for the welfare of
her beloved Lord, fearing some savage monster had devoured him.--Thus
Phillis spent the remainder of her life in sorrow for her dear Lord;
and to shew her humility she sold her Jewels and costly robes, with
which she used to grace King Athelstones Court, and gave the money
freely to the poor; she relieved the lame and the blind, the widow and
the fatherless, and all those that came to ask alms; building a large
hospital for aged and sick people that they may be comforted in their
sickness and weak condition. And according to this rule she laid up
treasure in heaven, which will be paid again with life everlasting.
Meantime Guy travelled through many lands and nations; at last in
his Journey he met the Earl of Terry, who had been exiled from his
territories by a merciless traytor. Guy bid him not be dismayed, and
promised to venture his life for his restoration. The Earl thanked Guy
most courteously, and they travelled together against Terry's enem
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