Theodore: OR, An Assembly of Felons, or Thieves, with their La­dies of Pleasure.

THeodore was a Young Man, of a Family good enough; and the Wisdom of his younger Years made shew of no less Suc­cess [Page 30] to those that had the Charge of his Education; and that they hoped▪ all their Labour and Tra­vel would have a happy End: For which Cause, all honest Endea­vours were used. But the Youth had no sooner attained to the Age of Sixteen Years, but he began to change his Mind, and to take other Measures, than those of his Tutor, and to frequent lewd and debauch't Company; and amongst these, he found out one, who went by the Name of Rondrille, a very Felon, or Thief, who made it his business to go a Pilfering in the Night, in the Streets: And on the New-Bridge, and else-where in Paris, this Thief made shew, as if he had known this Youth in the Army in Catalogne, and saluted him by the Name of de La Breeche: To which the Youth answered very freely, That he was over­joyed, to be taken for one, that [Page 31] had been seen in any Noble Acti­on, or to pass for any such Man. But all this time, he least thought, that these Fellows were only the Searchers of good Fortunes; and that their Business was only, how to draw him into their Cabal, by entertaining him at several Feasts and Entertainments, to bring him into Love with their Company, that he might taste of the Plea­sures of their vitious, debauch't, and unregulated Lives.

For this purpose, they had a lusty Fellow, but lame, whose Name was Rustaut; one, who had served in the Company of the Ger­mans. This Man being a resolute Person, was, by common Consent, made their Protector; who, so soon as he saw Theodore, called for Bondrille, and asked him, If that Youth were in the Humor to be Enrolled in their Compa­ny? To which Bondrille made An­swer, [Page 32] That according to the Dis­positions that he had already seen in him, he thought, that he much desired it, as being (as he thought) a little in love with it: How­ever, this is a New Pigeon; and therefore, may do well to be put into the Flight, amongst the rest. Then pray, (sayes Rustaut) take you care, that he be well instru­cted; for he seems to be a Youth of good Fashion; and I hope, in time, to do something that is good with him. So Rustaut turning him­self towards the Youth, Saluted him with a Civility agreeable e­nough, So the next Morning, being the Day of their Assembly, Rustaut prayed him to be with them, to break his Fast in Ru­staut's Lodgings; which Theodore (for we will leave for a time, to call him by the Name of de La Breeche) promised him to do: And so accordingly, he came with Bon­drille [Page 33] to Rustaut's Lodgings; where they found him as a President, sitting in the midst of a many ve­ry well liking Personages, and seeming to be of very good Fashi­on; who talked to him with Hat in Hand, giving of him Reasons of all that he demanded of them: And at the same time, they put many things into his Hands, a­mongst which was both Gold and Silver of divers sorts; some of the Pieces being of your light or false Money; which Rustaut did not much question, nor trouble himself to put it to a Tryal, be­cause he knew, that his Emissaries did receive it, without looking on it; and therefore, they were not obliged to give it him, as such as had been put to the Test.

So presently, they begin to talk of other Business, and of their Trade, and how to excite one a­nother to go forward in so weigh­ty [Page 34] a piece of Work, whereof e­very one was not capable of un­derstanding it. But the Table being covered, every one began at the same time; and in order to let their Hands, their Eyes, and Teeth to keep time alike; so they all began to drink a Health to the right Owners or Imploy­ers of what they were eating of: For, as it is to be guess'd at, it was all stollen Goods; therefore, it was all one whom they drank to. But, in the Height of their Combat in Bacchus's Cause, they were interrupted, not with Pots and Glasses, of which there were enough; but by a Burger, who addrest himself to Rustaut, with a Note from an unknown Hand: And this is the Tenor of the Note.

[Page 36] But when Rustaut had made an end of Reading his Letter, he be­gun to stand, and muse a little by himself; imagining, that this Burgor might, by some Subtilty or other, have invented and writ­ten this Note himself, only after the Report of the Vulgar, and ig­norant People; or else some cer­tain People might be commanded to stop the Thieves, and would not, as favouring their Actions, in hopes to share the Cake with them. But on the other side, he thought it a great Presumption of this Burgor, to throw himself, like a lost Body, into the middle of his Enemies, without being back't or set on by some great and ex­traordinary Might and Strength: Besides, he considered, that it might be a dangerous thing, to make a Discovery in such a Ran­counter as this; and if so it might happen, that he might come to [Page 37] those that should be ordered to carry them to the Prison, and from thence to the Bar, to be forc'd to beg their Pardon, or their Lives; and to caress sometimes those that sought only the Means to take them at the greater Ad­vantage, and betray them at one time or other, and cause them early or late, to fall into the Paws of the Woolf, such as they cal­led their Sheep.

These Diversities of Cogitati­ons, put Rustaut into a strange Perplexity of Spirit, at the pre­sent: But, at the last, in Imita­tion of the Old Woman, which gave a Wax-Candle to St. Mi­chael, and (at the same time) gave another to the Devil; answering those that asked her, why she did so, To get me a Friend in Hea­ven, and another in Hell. So he was resolved in all he could, to keep the Note, sooner than all his [Page 38] other Doubts; and so took a Re­solution of rather serving an un­known Person, than (at length) to run the hazard of knowing him so well: And so, turning himself about to the Burgor, told him, although but softly; We may do you reason to the Two first Ar­ticles, comprized in your Demands; but for the Third, it is only Wine for the Company; and therefore, Silver-Mony is never found amongst us, in case of a Restitution. I shall very freely forgive my Mony, (sayes the Burgor) with all my Heart (to Rustaut, for Joy of the Hopes that was given him, of having the rest of his Things again) and yet my Mony shall be but (as it were) a taste of the Thankfulness, that I in­tend to make you. Then go (sayes Rustaut) about your other Business, and come hither again about Two Hours hence, and you shall have your Desire; for I will go, and take care [Page 39] about it. But first, May we not take Leave to drink a Health to a Stranger, and then I shall go, and acquit my self of this Business; and so, Here's to you; and you may, if you please, do me Reason, or Pledge me. This being said, he caused two great Glasses to be filled with Wine, which were re­ciprocally emptied: After which, the Burgor pray'd Rustaut to give him leave to send him in some Bottles of better Wine: But, as honest Men are alwayes suspected in such Company, Rustaut desired to be excused, giving him Thanks. So the Burgor retired, till the Time appointed was come.

When the Burgor was gone forth, Rustaut began to speak to the whole Band that was there, after a Majestical manner, saying; Children, Which of you can give me any Tydings of that which was last Night, upon the Bridge [Page 40] of Nosterdame, and have not gi­ven me an Account of it? At which Words, the Intermixed Dis­course, which made such a Con­fused Noise in that Place, was as soon Converted into as great a Si­lence; as if every one had been struck Dumb, or had lost their Tongues; the Guilty not daring to declare, and the Other fearing to be accused of a Fault they had not committed; chusing rather to be silent, than speak, except it came to be excused with a Heat. But when Rustaut saw that, he look't as if his Eyes had been all in a Flame of Fire; and, Cock­ing up the Brims of a Broad Hat, which he alwayes wore, continu­ed his Chiding, and said; Is there any Rascal here, that dares afront me, and cosen his Comrades in this manner? Where is the Brigadier? So, What Appartment had they Ye­ster-day, for their Quarters? Whom [Page 41] were they, that had this Side for their Station? But, What is this here? But, Will no Body make me any Answer? It must be for all this, when you have made your selves both Deaf and Dumb, that this cer­tain Cloak, and certain Ring, must be found, if the one were already converted into the Covers of Chairs, and the other if it were beaten into Leaves, and those Leaves already applyed for the Gilding of the Leaves of some Books; yet these must be found, and restored. And to shew you, Gentlemen, that my Discourse is not without ground, but that I have a very good Foundation for what I say, see this Note, (throw­ing of the Writing down upon the Table, to them all, saying;) Gentlemen, This Letter (without all doubt) was sent from some Body, whom we ought to give Respect un­to the Orders, or else we shall assuredly be forc't to pay for the Prize that [Page 42] we have taken: Wherefore, pray think of our Preservation betimes, and the Preservation of the Goods of Violence from all such as may put a Scandal upon us, and our Society. With that, up rises Bondrille, and another called Brindestoc, and goes immediately out of the Cham­ber, without speaking one word in Obedience to the Commands of Rustaut; which did but a lit­tle surprize our Youth La Breeche, to see a Man, who could scarcely go without the Help of his Staff, make those tremble at his Com­mands, who could make others Gal­lop at the Sight of them, for very Fear.

With that, so soon as they were gone out, Rustaut addrest himself to La Breeche, saying; That that Person, which was gone out with Bondrille, was the Nimblest, and and most Activest Man, in all the whole Company, and brought [Page 43] in much Profit into our Society: For, in the Markets, he will coun­terfeit the Country-Man; and in the Hall, a Practitioner; that is, amongst the Lawyers, he is clad like a Student; and when amongst the Great Ones, he is cloathed like a Gentleman: But in any of these Places, he seldom miscarries. For if he sees any thing that is pro­per or fit for his purpose, his Hand is upon it as soon as his Eyes have discovered; and if he doth but lay his Clutches on it, he assu­redly brings his Prey along with him. He will furnish his Compa­nions with Blades for their Swords, which he buyes for nothing; for if he comes to a Cutlers with an empty Scabbard by his Side▪ he will be sure to have one, whil'st the Cutler is looking for another to shew him: And so likewise, it is his Custom too in Mens Lodgings: and if he finds no Body in his [Page 44] way, he will take up that which he thinks to be the Best; then bidding them very softly Farewel. And so, with a wonderful Stupi­dity; and not like some, that sleeps upon the Brink of a Preci­pice; or as some others, that will rather flye with all Might and Main, as far from the Danger as they can, which makes them to be look't upon as Thieves. But, on the contrary, when he hath marched some Thirty Paces very modestly with his Booty, instead of minding his Pace to gain ground, for fear he should be fol­lowed or stopped, he will turn Tail about, and set his Face to­wards the Place from whence he came out: And if he sees any Body in pursuit of him, he goes softly up to them, and so passes by on the one side of them; and so saves himself, and his Prey to­gether. Sometimes, he will put [Page 45] on a Petty-Coat over his own Cloaths, a Scarf over his Head, and a Mask before his Face; and so, in this Disguise, he will at­tack the Burgors in the Streets, in clear Day; making them pay him Tribute, as they go along. Passengers, as they go by, ima­gining it to be only a Contenti­on betwixt Man and Wife; and therefore, will not meddle in their Affairs. He carryed out one Eve­ning two Fancies made of Oziers, and cloathed them in light Gar­ments, and so disposed of them in the Corner of the Street; and then went, and demanded a Purse of a Man, which as soon delivered it; because (as he said) he could not hold combat with Three at a time, which appeared all very suitable to his Sight.

One of the Company, called Beauliou, which was lately come from serving the King, under the [Page 46] Discipline of a Committee, began to inform Rustaut, That there were many of the Brotherhood, which he could not see; asking, Where they were? To which he answered him thus: Thy very good Friend, La Boline, being so well known in the Town for a Boulineux, he is gone to Range the Country, with a designe of changing his Calling, and to be­take himself to Play; for he is the most Subtle of the Hand. But, as it is alwayes a Truth, that the Affairs of a Man cannot alwayes prosper, or stand in the same De­gree, as they are in when we un­dertake them: So it is fallen out here of late: For, within these few Dayes last past, it was his Fortune to take some certain Pie­ces of Gold out of a Cup of a Church-Mans, pretending only to have changed them for a less: But he was Coffered up, or Imprison­ed, [Page 47] in true English; notwithstan­ding all that he could alleadge for himself, that the Church was a Refuge for Sinners, and the like. La Forest, and Du Buisson, after they had a little while used the High-Wayes about Norman­dy, and there-abouts, had the For­tune to be hurt at the Cross of the Shooters, and are since dead of their Wounds, (that is, they are Hanged, and so Dead.) Lon­geuin la Jeunesse, and La Fleur are gone to Fence against the Bot­tom of the Sea, with Wooden-Swords; (that is, they are gone to the Galleys.) I understand you now, (sayes Beaulieu) for you will say, They are gone to take my Place. But for the following of St. John, St. Charles, and St. An­drew la Balaffre, (replyed Rustaut) they are Martyred with the Blows given them with the Knees, and are inchased at the Chyrurgeons; [Page 48] (that is, being Martyred with the Knees: It is a Custom in France, when a Man is Hanged, that he may be quickly out of his Pain, the Hangman thumps him on the Breast with his Knees; and be­ing inchased, they were begged for Anatomies; and this is the Meaning of it.) And La Ramce was called aside, and ty'd from his Meat in England: But, as they were leading him out towards Tyburn, which is the Place of Execution out of the City of London: This Fellow believing, that the People of that Country were of another Understanding, than that of France, he prayed those that guarded him to this Fatal Place, that they would per­mit him to make a Step over in­to his own Country; for he had something of Consequence to say to his Father before he dyed; ma­king them to believe, that they [Page 49] ought not to deny any thing to their Patient: But his Request was not heard, because he spake to those that were deaf in his Cause. Therefore, (sayes Rustaut) there is nothing more certain than this; for when the Measure is full, it must be emptyed: Our poor Young Man had by this time made many a fair Escape already; and, amongst the rest, he had the good Fortune one Evening, being per­ceived a breaking in through a Wall, he was immediately beset by the Archers of the Gust, or the Sheriff's Watch; which in­closed him so quickly, that he by a Subtilty mingled amongst them; so that they mistook the one for the other, seizing of their own Comrades for the Thief, which they had away towards the Pri­son, whilst he got away, and made his Escape to my Lodging, & no Body espyed him running a­way: [Page 50] So I put him into his Bed, with his Cloaths on, and a Night-Cap on his Head; whilst the o­ther was hal'd to the Prison-Door, and well beaten: But when they found their Mistake, insomuch that they knew the Party in hand to be one of their own Compa­ny; then they began to hunt as fast for the Thief, judging him not to be far off, because they had not seen any Body run away: so they pursu'd their Game too into my Chamber, where they found their Man in Bed; whom I told them, was my Kinsman, and he was very Sick: And what served me better than all the rest▪ was three Porringers of Blood, which I had sent for into the Town, the Blood being still upon the Table; insomuch that my Lie passed for a perfect Truth, and the Archers took it for no less; and so took their Leave of me: Telling me [Page 51] withal, That if they had not found the Hat and Cloak lying on the Ground, they should have taken this Encounter for an absolute Al­lusion.

Therefore, (says Rustaut) I would advise all the Brotherhood, be they Travellers or others, that they, above all things, be sure to keep a fair Correspondence of Love and Friendship with the Of­ficers of Justice, or the Executio­ners, and their Deputies: So that, they may be sure to have a Kind­ness done them in time of need, when there is an occasion. That is Truth, (sayes Beaulieu, laugh­ing) for such an one may save a Man's Life, when he is Condem­ned to be Hang'd, by putting the Nose of a pair of Bellows down his Throat, like a piece of Cina­mon; and so it may hinder him from Expiring. No, (sayes Ru­staut, Laughing also) that is not [Page 52] it; but they can put a Slice of Bacon on the Patient's Shoulder, before they put the Princes Arms to it; besides many other Favours, when the Patient's ill Fortune hath destined him to their Discreti­on.

So, when Rustaut had ended his Discourse, the Cloak was brought, with the Ring, to be put into the Possession of him that was the Ma­ster; who came in very shortly after, and received them both, according to Promise. So the Burgor made Rustaut a Present; but he was long deliberating, whe­ther he should, or should not re­ceive it, as not being accustomed to part with any thing that he had gotten, till now, so easily; neither did he ever make any Ac­quisition, but only against the Pre­priators, in any Degree whatso­ever: But however, for fear that the Burgor should see him make [Page 53] Ceremonies, and Complement with him, and so might carry a­way his Present again, he as ci­villy took the Present, and dismis­sed the Burgor.

This being no sooner ended, but in comes an old Man to Rustaut, named Angleberge, and was ac­companyed by another old Man, that was Lean and Dry, and as free from Moisture (almost) as a Stock-Fish, in full hopes of mar­rying a Maid, as he had been in­formed of, that was very Rich, and one who had served already a long time for the Production of Man­kind, and the Propagation of Hu­man Society: And this he spake aloud, without fear of putting himself, or any of the Company to the Blush. Why, how now Lu­cas, (sayes one to this old Man, for so was his Name) What! Do you Court a Mistriss without any Complement, or Formality at all? [Page 54] With that a great lusty, fat, jo­vial Fellow, whose Name was Roger, and one who had accom­panyed this old Man thither, re­plyed, saying; That one could not choose, but use more Ceremony than this to a Simple Girle, who never had the Wit to be gotten with Child; and therefore, he must not expect to gain this so easily, who was fit­ter for him by many degrees, than another, by reason she was fitting to govern his House, and Houshold-Af­fairs.

But Rustaut, who was near of Kin to this Damosel, whose Name was Jacqueline, having heard the Demands that Lucas made to have his Kinswoman; and seeing him to be in a better Habit, than he was accustomed to be in; and withal, knowing of him to be a Cryer of Strong-Waters about the Street, he answered him thus: My old Friend, It is certainly the [Page 55] Custom, for Lovers to put themselves into their best Accoutrement, when they come to appear before their Mi­stresses; and it is as certain, that an ample, and well made Beard, which you now have, was (not long since) so heavy, that it covered al­most all your Face; although it is now abated, shews a great Dispropor­tion in your Years; she not having much more than one Quarter of your Age; so great is the Disparity of your Years: So that, by the Course of Nature, you will be ready enough of your self, to sound your own Re­treat, rather than to make it your Business to charge your self with an Equipage, which can stand you in no other stead, but only to hasten your Dispatches into another World. This Buxom Girle, that you look after, were fitter for a young Hus­band, and would agree much better with one that hath not nothing near so many Years over his Head, as you [Page 56] have. And besides, a young Woman is like an old Clock, which never Goes well, except it be often Wound up: But an old Man is like a Ves­sel of sowre Wine: For you have not above a Turn of Hair of the co­lour of a Baracan, which looks on both sides of your Jaws, like two Whisks, which are only to make clean Cloaths; and the Hair of your Head looks like a Cap of a flesh Colour; and your Nose resembles more the Neck of an Alimbeck, that is alwayes dropping; and you are as wetted, as if it had rained out of a Glass on your Stomack; and you are upon the very Brink of the Streams of Forgetfulness: and you may tra­vel a great way, before you arrive at the Fountain of Pleasures; it being (as it were) in Retrograde a­gainst you: And when you come there, you may chance to have the Cheat put upon you there also; for, How can you expect to have a Wife [Page 57] to your Self, that is accustomed to serve others? And now, What can you think of these Affairs, (sayes Ru­staut, turning himself towards Ro­ger, who had very diligently hear­kened to all their Discourse; and made Answer to it thus:) Why truly, I think, (sayes he, Laughing) that Lucas may be like one of those Cowardly Souldiers, which dares not give the Assault, till the Breach be wide open: And Jacqueline makes Love like the Wolves, who alwayes make their Choice of the Ugliest Males.

But, in spight of all these Rea­sons, and the Jars of them all, Lucas and Jacqueline pledged their Faith to each other in Marriage; and it was stupiltulated betwixt them both, that she should have a Dowry of One Thousand Crowns, to be raised upon the Goods and Estate of Lucas, although he could not name to the Value of One Far­thing, [Page 58] of his own proper Estate. And as for that Jacqueline, her Riches consisted most in many good Acquaintance; which, she swore, was worth a great deal of Mony: But withal, she was ve­ry ill Clad; of which, Lucas com­plained very much. But Roger answered him, That it was a very good Commodity: For, (sayes he) you must undress her quite, before she goes to Bed with you.

But at length, the Match was signed, and the Ceremony of Mar­riage accomplished, and the Feast provided; which was some gross Meat, and some as delicate Inter-Messes; and all was to be at an old Creator of Love, otherwise a Bawd, called Ragonde, the most Experienced of all the Trade: And for her better Traffick, she had made Choice of a House in a By-place, and in a Quarter of the Town; where very seldom, [Page 59] or never any honest Man went, except by Accident, or for a Wa­ger. She used Divinations, len­ding of Mony, treating of Mar­riages, and traded in Brokery: But particularly, in Girles or, Whores; of which sort, she had alwayes a sufficient Number in her House; of whose Virginity, she had already taken the first Tribute; but ceast not, every Day, to raise some new Impost upon them: For this cunning Gip­sey knows so well her Trade, that she can tell how to Accom­modate them with Roach-Allom, Salt of Saturn, le Consolida Ma­jor, with other Ingredients, which she by her Subtilty made use of. So that, she could oftentimes sell one Maiden-Head in the same Per­son, for as good as it was at the very first. And, in the mean time, she ordered her Affairs so well, that the Thieves (for the [Page 60] most part) brought all, or the greatest part of their Booty to that Place, or some such like; which alwayes made the more Water come to her Mill: and withal, the Burgors could live more secure, and at their Liberty.

But the Pensioners of Ragonde, seeing of Jacqueline coming, they all went out to meet and salute her; they being (as it were) then all undrest, and in such a Con­fused manner, that it would have frightned any indifferent Behold­er to have seen them: For the one had a Bigen, so bedawb'd with the Yolks of Eggs, that you would have thought her Head to have been wrapped up in a Namlet: Others held a Box of Pumade, or the Shells of Vermillion: Another had her Hands so besmear'd with the Paste of Almonds, that she could not tell what Countenance to make: Another had her Face ci­catriced, [Page 61] by having received an unfortunate Blow, (you may guess how) which she alwayes, when Drest, covered with false Hair: Others, having no Neck Cloaths, shewed great Bunches, all swell'd, which by Day they kept bound up with Bands, that they might not be seen. But the most Ridi­culous of all, was to see a great foul Beast, with a piece of Spunge ty'd to her Busk with the End of a Lace; which made Rustaut ask her, If she were cleaning of her self with Sweet Water? To which, Roger, taking the word out his Mouth, answered; That he had rather smell Piss, than that sweet Angle-Water, (as he call'd it); and that, in his Opinion, seeing the Spunge hanging so near her Navel, he guest that it might be employed rather about her Inferior, or un­comly Parts, than about any thing else. At which, every one fell a [Page 62] Laughing, But a little after, all these Curtizans were drest in a little better Fashion, and each ap­peared in their best Lustre they could; and the Guests appeared there, was all such as by hazard came thither: For, in that Lodg­ing, every one was as well re­ceived, as if he had been in his own proper Lodging. And Ra­gonde, to do them the more Ho­nour, seeing a great number of People, made them all sit down to Table with them; where some fell to Eating, without saying of Grace before Meat; of which Ru­staut, the better to counterfeit the Judicious, told some of the Com­pany of it: At which, one of his own Disciples said a sorry Grace; at the which, he declared him­self to be at the very End of his Science; and that he could never, in all his Life-time, attain to any more, than what he had now done. [Page 63] And yet, you have made a Shift to retain this still by rote, replyed Roger. Another said; If we were not accompanyed with the Pottages, I would willingly know, why we do not use this Ceremony at Breakfast? It is (sayes another to this Twat­tle Basket) to hinder the Intrusi­ons of the Daemons, or Goblings now, which will scarcely come to trou­ble you at that time; because they have often heard say, by those that do prepare themselves for that Ex­ercise, That they are so Hungry, that they could eat the Devil Raw, if they had him.

So, by and by, every one be­gan his Discourse, according as his Fancy excited him to it: So that, by this time, there was such a Medly of confused Noise between both Sexes, that none could tell scarcely, what the other said.

One of the Damosels, named Cloris Jolygarcette, who was of Ra­gondes [Page 64] bringing up, and one of the first Rank in her Assembly, sayes to La Breeche, that was eat­ing as fast as he could: My Dear, I think that an Allyance betwixt us, were more Reasonable, than that, speaking of the Old Man, and his Bride. Why not? truly, (reply­ed he) the Difficulty would not be great neither to make it; for I could find in my Heart, to love thee al­ready: For such a Lickerish Bit as thou art, would serve me to break my Fast upon.

By this time, Roger, who had heard all this Discourse betwixt the two Jollyest of the whole Band, told her; That she might do well, to prefer those Advantages to another; and that they would give her one of a more flourishing Age: For she did not so much as look nor regard those brave Antient Fellows, sayes Roger.

[Page 65] But Ragonde, when she knew [...]hat this Discourse made for her, began to lift up her Voice so well as she could, for the Disability of her Stomack, which was only sustained by the Help of some Glasses of Wine, which she swal­lowed, which otherwise could hardly have subsisted: Yet be­ing (as it should seem) somewhat heated with Wine and Anger to­gether, she took Roger by the Shoulder to put him out of Doors; telling him, That she would be Re­spected in her own Lodigngs. But another old Hagg, whose Name was Quintine, of a more amiable Humor, as being the Mother of Angilberd, who was also come to the Feast, stood up, and appea­sed her; telling her, That they were both Young enough to see the Production of Lucas's Children to the Third Generation, by this Mar­riage now Consummated.

[Page 66] So, this Stir being appeased▪ and as Roger, who had lighted▪ the Flambeau of all this Discord, went to drink a Health to Ra­gonde, they heard a great Noise in the Street; and Ragonde, be­lieving it to have been the Com­missary, with his Attendance, who was coming to visit her Ma­gazines, began to pray some of the Company to be as Modest as they could, in their Countenance and Carriage: But, without hear­kening to her Discourse, they be­took themselves to the Rout, with all the Might and Main they could. And so, rising from the Table in a Confusion, some run to save themselves in the Garret, and o­thers in the Sellar; and some, who knew neither Door nor Pas­sage, nor how to save themselves in any Place; these put them­selves under the Protection of a Servant-Maid, who conveyed [Page 67] them into a common Place of Safe­ty; and so returned into the Chamber, where she staid with­out Fear, because she had been often accustomed to these Alarms. But, on the other side, they thought the House had been be­sieged: For they without, conti­nued knocking in such a Manner and Force, as if they would have beat down the Door, or else have beat him in pieces; which obliged Ragonde, to put her self out of the Window of an empty Chamber, where she had convey­ed her self for fear: and for fear of the worst, she made hast down, and cry'd out a main, A Wedding, a Wedding! Vivat, Vivat! and so sent her Maid directly to open the Door to her new-come Guest; which proved to be Bondrille, Brin­destoc, Beaulieu, and others, all her very good Friends, and Rustaut's Officers; who served as a Con­voy, [Page 68] to a Broach full of Legs of Mutton, which one of them had civilly taken up from a Rosissier, or (as we say) out of a Cook's-Shop, ready Roasted, and convey­ed them safe (with a great deal of Hazard) to that Place; after having made many Turnings and Windings, to lose the Sight of the Cook, who had pursued them very close at the Heels, for a great while together.

But by the Arrival of this Troop from Abroad, our dispersed Troops at Home, began to take Heart, and to Re-assemble themselves a­gain; and so began to place themselves in Order at the Table, which was now much better Fur­nished, than before it was, and also better beset with Company; insomuch, that this supply of Meat, made every one begin to think of disbursing for Wine, of which they had quickly good store; for [Page 69] they fill'd a great many Bottles, of the which they began every one to Drink heartily, and some whole Bottles at a Health; so that in a short time, there was little Distinction to be made in that Assembly: For the Fair and the Foul, the White and Brown, the Gentle-women, Towns-women, or Country-women was all one, all were joval Dames alike; so were the Thieves, Pick-pockets, Gentlemen, and Beggars were al­so mingled at this time: that it seemed to be according to the sayings of Socrates, that for the better Establishing of a Society, sayes, That every Man should Ima­gin himself to be the Husband of each Woman, and every Woman to be the Wife of all those Men. At which words, one of the Com­pany being one of the most Re­joyced or Frollicksom, began to look about her, saying, That if [Page 70] there were any Eunuches in the Com­pany, they ought to be Expulsed out of the Company as useless, and rot­ten Members, which to be cut away for the Preservation of the rest of the Body, that was sound and good; to which Roger Answered, That those Men were very good Coverers, for it never Rained where they Wrought; that is a Truth sayes she, But they are very bad Arith­n eticians, for they cannot Multiply, and they are as troublesom in their Conferences, for they never come to a Conclusion. At the same time, another who sought to lay hold on something, alwayes began to tell one, who was in her Year of Novice, or the beginning of her Practice; that he had heard one say, That she was a Cuclet, to which she Answers, I do ad­mire how you come to know that al­ready; for it is not long since my Whether go you? or, Stay for this [Page 71] time here, or the like, was by me. O but (replyed he) you should have made him Answer to this half Term thus; And, I pray, How do you call the next Week? for the People of Monasteries change often their Names and Habits. So he finding, that he had not to do with a Fool, he left her, and addrest himself to another Cocket, whose Name was Diana; and told her, That one of the Company, (pointing at them with his Finger) had assured him, that it was not long since, the best of her Employment was Shelling of Beans; and that she could not go in high-Heel'd Shoes, as being only accusto­med to wear only Sabous, or Wooden-Shoes, having never wore any thing else, till now of late; and that her Right Name was Friacrine.

But another, whose Name was Philipotte; but because she would have a more Gallant Name, she was named Silvy: This took the [Page 72] Discourse upon her self, because there was a Discourse about her Quality and Greatness; and, as if she had been mounted upon her great Horse, replyed, and swore, That those had undertaken to talk on that Fashion, knew full e [...]sily, that she was a Gentlewoman of good Fashion; and had paid a good Price for her Letters of Testimony. That is a Truth indeed, (replyed the above-said Roger, speaking in­to the Air, like a Buffoon, or as he made himself, a Fool) that there were many, as he had heard say, that could say as well as himself, That she was Noble: And if she did want a more sufficien Testimony than this, she might apply her self to some sweet and loving Notes, which he had sent her, whose Superscriptions were thus; A Mademoiselle, Houst-Houst, a La Mothepress de Trou­liput. But as she had her Spi­rits at that time very slat, and [Page 73] stood as one speechless, she could not revenge her self upon Roger by any thing, but by making an ugly Face at him: But, by this time, Diana was come into the Light, and began as furiously to attack Simo­nette, otherwise call'd Louyson du Marais, the same which Roger had shewn; and at this they joyned with the above-known Silvia; in­somuch that these Three being become Enemies by the Force of the Wine, they began so furi­ously to pull Quails, that in a lit­tle time they were obliged to quit the Field and Combat, lea­ving the Place of Battle covered with their Cloaths, some of brave Gaze, Musline, Taffities, and o­ther Silks; insomuch, that about Day-light, the pieces of Ribbond, and other things, which before had served to dress, and make them fine, lay all here to be seen in pieces: So that, at last, they [Page 74] were fain to cover themselves with what was left of their Cloaths, which was torn almost as small as their Scarffs: And their Quoiffs hung down to their Heels, which made look more like Witch­es, then Courtizans; for they were obliged to put Patches upon their Faces, as big as Silk-Worms, and as long, to serve for Plaisters to cover the Scratchings of each o­ther, which were given in this Battle. Rustaut would have un­dertaken to have interposed him­self betwixt them, and so to have made them Friends again: But Ragonde undertook the Charge, and made them Reciprocally give each other Satisfaction upon the Field; insomuch, that they should all be acknowledged for Gentle­women. But then Roger, who had not only been the Author and Beholder of their Combat, but was also a Witness to their A­greement; [Page 75] and so, to express his Joy for the same, told them, That he would give them an Elogy, or a Song, which he began after a rude and ridiculous Fashion: But yet after his manner, the Verses were convenient enough for the Occasion; which are as follow­eth.

This Piece concluded, and eve­ry one having again taken his [Page 76] Place, they began a fresh to fall a Drinking, and a Discoursing; where Mademoiselle Cloris, who had an indifferent good Voyce, be­gan to sing.

And now, What think you of my [Page 77] Song Cupidon, with your wide Chops, (sayes Cloris to Roger, who gad listen'd very attentively to her all the while?) Why, (sayes he) I think it is very like you: she is displeased; I know it already by Rote; and would Joyne with you in Con­sort, if my Fosset could but be Ac­commodated to your Voyce; but I can neither lead on my Party, nor bate of my Measure. But this young Sleeper may (sayes she, speaking of Theodore, who look't up with a kind of Lecherous Eye) be bet­ter for my turn. Yes, I believe (sayes Roger) if he had his Spigot in your Fosset, called a Croperpice, he might turn it easie enough, if not too easily; feeling for the Corners of it, as a Shoo-maker doth a Pair of Boots, when he stuffs them: But you answer not a word to this. But with this, she replyed to Theodore: Up my Lecherous Friend; for I suppose, you hearken to all this Dis­course, [Page 78] but for your better Instructi­on. A-ho! sayes Theodore) it will take up a great deal of Time for a Pren­tice to Learn a Trade so well, that he shall out-do his Master: But when you please, that I shall teach ou to study the Metamorphosis up­side down, I will be Andromede, and you shall be Perseus. Do but be­hold this Knave, (saith she aloud, Laughing with a full Mouth): They say (sayes she) that he doth not know what is a troubled Water; and yet he is the nimblest Stalion in all our Stable. But Lucas all this while was like one stupid, who spake not one word, nor moved at the Table so well as the others: But when Ragonde saw it, she cryes out; Why, how now Mr. Bridegroom? What, Can you make Money of nothing? For by your sad and heavy Countenance, you are able of your self to put us all into the Dumps: Come, warm your self [Page 79] well with your Wine, and chear up a little Mrs. Bride, your Spouse: What, Would you have her to leap about your Neck? But if she should, it would be contrary to the Custom: Besides, she is too Modest, and dares not now, since she is Married, so much as look upon a Man without Blushing. But this Old Fool Lucas, being entred a little into Jollity, replyed; That he had seen her con­tinually Twattling with one or other; and therefore, is now more Reser­ved than she us'd to be; for she admits of none, but French and Strangers. But as concerning the Affairs you spoke to me about,— Me (sayes Roger, who having by this time learnt, that she was English-Born, sayes to her,) If this may pass for a Stable, you may also pass for one of the best Geldings in it: And besides, having so good a Stalion as this, you may both to­gether Engender very good Colts. [Page 80] But there are more Days than Weeks; therefore, you must give a little Rest. All this is Truth, (Replyed Ra­gonde to him) and yet you have already well beaten the Wood, since you were Conjugally bound to Jac­queline in Marriage: And besides, you ought alwayes to consider, that a Place not well Victualled, is easily Taken by the Enemy. But she said for Answer; That if she had not been Marryed, she must never have drank Wine; Wherefore, it was ra­ther to have the Entertainment of a Woman, than for Carnal Actions: And that he believed his Wife to be wiser, than to go about by Force to take that Purity from him, which he had so long preserved intirely to himself. But this being over­heard by Ragonde, and the rest of the Company, who began all very heartily to laugh at such a Discourse as this; at which the Old Belldam began to sing thus [Page 81] upon this Subject, as followeth:

But stay a little then, (cryes La Breeche to another young Gentle­woman of the Gang, which Ra­gonde had there to be Broken up) you have stollen away my Heart, and I will feel in thy Belly to find him again. But the Woman was very much troubled, that he should be so Insolent, as to offer such a rude Discourse before those Girls: But Roger takes up the Word, and asked, If there were any Body in that Place, that had their Ears more Chast, than all the [Page 82] rest of their Bodies? But as they were at that time, become all good Friends again, she made him answer; That there was none but very honest Girls with her now, Laughing: But that their Go­vernment was a little Scandalous, whil'st Angilberd began to sing the Song of Dupont and Guimbarde, upon which Quintine sung Prospe­rity to Lubeine, and his Loyal and Noble Friends; and then every one in Course gave his Song as he pleased; as some for Bacchus, some for Mars, and some in favour of Vulcan's Wife: So that, every one gave a Song as they pleased, ex­cept Bondrille, who could not pos­sibly sing, because he had his Mouth alwayes full; which was espyed by one, who loved Ral­lying as her Life; who sayes: Come on, my brave Cavalier, now is your turn to sing; but you are above the Potter now. Why, that [Page 83] were good for a Dance, sayes he) but do not speak one Word more of Dancing above the Potter; for there­of I am suspected: And besides, I am Tall enough, and need not to be stretched. After this Answer given, which was Merry enough for the Matter it concerned. But this foolish Gigglet, that thought to Laugh alwayes, replyed; That he was a very fit and proper Perso­nage, to study Youthfulness in the Doctors School. Which words, by a Mis-understanding, very much offended Bondrille; insomuch, that he rose from the Table in a great Heat, with a design to have evilly intreated her; but she fled amain, and he pursued after to catch her; and when he had o­ver-taken her, he went to pull her by the Ears, and as he went to lay hold on them, he found none; which made him return almost chok't with Laughter to [Page 84] the rest of the Company, to re­late his Adventure. That is very good, (cryes Roger) and a most ex­cellent Commodity for a Combe to pass without Molestation: And so consequently, each had something or other to say of Gallantry, about the Loss of the Ear. Some coun­selled her to put some pieces of Carton collour'd for Ears; but to take heed of letting them fall, for fear that People in the Street should cry after her, Madam, take up your Ears before you go. Another made a kind of a Moral Discourse, by way of Reflection upon this silly Fool, and her Talk; either as much discoursed her manner of Life; saying, That she would not be exempted one Day or other, from serving for a Model in the Academy of Death. But another made answer, That when that Holy-Day came, they would Consume her. But Ragonde, to reproach this La­dy [Page 85] without Ears, told her; That she would not have her to Dress her self in the Mode, but with Coro­nets only. With that stood up one of the bravest of the whole Company; who was drest in a Coronet, with a few light Hairs over it; and ruffled out in a Do­zen of small Curles, or Trusses, saying, Hold there, Governess; for I have taken part elsewhere. With that our Gentlewoman without Ears, being a little freed of her Fears, and pretty well come to her self again, would begin to enter the List to babble again; saying, That she would take a new Party also, and would make her Quar­ters in Normandy, and had alrea­dy given Earnest for a Place in the Coach that goes to Roan. VVhat then, you think to do some strange Matters in that Country, (replyes Roger) which is the only Rendezvouz of those Girls which are out of Trade, [Page 86] and Communes with these that are here; or else, it may be, you ima­gine to draw great Profits from the Portugals and Flemmines: But, by the Faith of Roger, thou wilt soon­er cause all the People in the Town to flye from thee, when thou comes there without thy Ears, if they do but come to know it sooner, than thou wilt be able to induce one to follow thee by all thy Charms.

But one whose Name was Thi­baut, being Drunk, took an Occa­sion to quarrel with Quintine, calling her Old, drest up in Old Cloaths. That is Truth, (sayes she) thou Old Cuckold: At which he seemed to be very much trou­bled, and began to strike Quin­tine; which, when Ragonde saw, she began to be angry, and put him away, seeing him much in Drink, that she might appease the Noise. But Roger seeing one of the Company endeavouring to [Page 87] bring him in again, called to him, and bad him have a Care; For if she should chance to fall upon you by the way, (sayes he) he might enganger the cleaving of you in two with his Horns.

By this time Ragonde begins to approach Theodore, for to Caress him; but he as quickly flings himself from her: Telling her, That the very Strength of her Breath would poyson him, if his were not well fortify'd by the Quantity of VVine which he had drank; which served as an Antidote against the In­fection of it: For, to say the Truth of it, she was Ptysical, and did throw out such Glanders, so thick and ugly, that it would have tur­ned any reasonable Stomack of either Man or Beast: For one would have thought, that all that she did either Eat or Drink, did convert it self into this filthy Ex­crement; and that the only pas­sage [Page 88] for it out of her Body, was through her Eyes and Nose.

But the most Charming amongst all those brave Dames, that shew­ed themselves in that Place, was one Clytie; but the most false Mistriss of the Sun, who Ador'd none so much as an Alchymist: But she quickly put her self out of the Company, to follow a VVo­man whom she served under­hand: feigning themselves to go to the Market, came and whispered him in the Ear: But in their Ab­sence, it was known, that but a little before, she was a little Snot­ty Girl; who used in time of Vintage, to go and work in the Country; and so continued in the Village for to gather Hops, and such like, till she came to be in Love; and since that, she un­dertook to counterfeit, or make the Gentlewoman; which she did so well, that in those sweet [Page 89] Combats, she carryed away the Prize from all the rest of her Trade; having her VVitty and comely Gestures strong enough to move and invite any Man, if he were not quite stupify'd and sens­less, without having occasion to use any other little Wheedling ARTS, for to invite Gentle­men, Courtiers, Merchants, Law­yers, Schollars, and any others, were all wellcom; who, by the Example of Layis, that Famous Sicilian, who was oftner weary, than satisfyed with her Lust; and that her House was no more without Gallants, than a good Tavern without Drinkers: And he must of necessity be a Stran­ger to the Town, that did not know her.

But in this mean-while, Jacque­line had taken a Disgust against her Husband Lucas; and so, ma­king her Excuse to go out to Piss, [Page 90] and runs quite away; insomuch, that he could not tell what was become of her, neither did he put himself to any great trouble to know: But finding every one begine to Rail, and Jeer at him, he also went his way without speaking one word at all: And when Night came, some went to their Beds, and some abroad to their Good Fortunes here and there, where they could find it: And when the Morning was come, those that had staid at Ragonde's lodgings, had their Stomack up be­fore their Eyes were well open; & so began to gather the Fragments together that were left over Night; and so make Griladoes for Break­fast, as fast they could.

But the Coming-in of Bondrille with Three or Four Cloaks upon his Back, as if he had been afraid, that his Limbs should have been stiff, or numb'd with Cold, put [Page 91] them into a little Perplexity, ha­ving his Spirits a little troubled, because they went out Four of them together, and none but him­self was return'd of all the Night-Company, who had traced the Town about; notwithstanding he had waited at the Corners of the Streets for them so long, till his Legs were almost shrunk in­to his Body again. But by and by, comes one of them with a great Sackful of Goods, which he had brought from a Coach, aid­ing of the Passengers, as though he had been one of their Com­pany, to place Them, and their Affairs; and so made his Escape away. Soon after this, came a­nother with the Back-part of a Cloak, which he had cut from a Man's Back in a Croud, lea­ving only the two Fore-Lapets hanging like a pair of Hanging-Sleeves. But the last of all, was [Page 92] the greatest VVonder of all; for he came all Cut and Mangled, by getting out of a Sellar, where he was shut in to have been kept till Day, that they might have conveyed him to Prison in the Morning, for having visited some Lodgings, which he should not have done, to have been found as he was at the Visit.

But Bondrille, seeing all of his Comrades met again, he began to re-assume his good Humour, and to take his turn; and to talk of his Comrades, and their diffe­rent Subtilities: For (sayes he) our Congregation is for the most part, Composed of a sort of Men, which are good Takers up; but bear amongst us the Name of Souldiers of the Short-Sword: And when they have serv'd their Apprenticeships, they go here and there, at their own Fan­tasie, either to Cutt a Purse, or any such like Actions as this, which be­longs [Page 93] to their Calling. Sometimes they go into the Tennis-Court; where, tossing some few Balls, they take up a good Cloak, and lay down an Old one in the Place; and so get away as far as they can, acting the Drunkard, for fear of being seen and pursued; and to be tost in like manner, if they should be taken: So likewise, if they come where they are playing at Bowls, they seldom miss doing of something; for whilst they measure a doubtful Cast, what is to be gotten, is their own law­ful Goods: And so, at the Season of Swimming, when Men are in the VVa­ter, they are making away the Cloaths, and leave the Swimmers to heat them­selves without Cloaths. So that, by these little Contrivances with the Times, they become fit for any grea­ter Actions, as they shall be imployed about. And so, when they are ca­pable of such great Undertakings, then we enroll them Comrades, and [Page 94] Night-VValkers; of which Night-VValkers, the one of them the last VVinter, got more himself alone, than Six others could do in Two Years: For, he would go into the Streets himself, with a Flambeau lighted in his Hand; and if any one would follow him for the Bene­fit of the Light, when he found them­selves alone in a convenient Place, he having an Exstinguisher in his Pocket for the purpose, he as soon puts out his Flambeau, and then leaps upon the Neck of the Man, and makes him pay him well for his Pains he has taken. But we have lost this brave Man out of our Society; for they have drawn his Soul out of his Body, as they would draw Water out of a Well, (That is, with a Rope) and now, at this time, the VVind blows under his Feet: (That is as much as to say, He hangs up­on a Gibbet.)

[Page 95] Another of the Company, who is at present in the Country; which they call the Great Leaper, by rea­son of his Great Agility: He is counted a brave Fellow also; for within these few Dayes, he emptied the Pockets of Two Gentlemen as they were a Hunting, Mounted on their brave Coursers; but he took them with so much Subtilty one by one, pretending to mind some thing that was amiss in the Furni­ture of their Horses, which they did not perceive, and so knew not what he did.

So, we have VVomen also, (sayes Bondrille) which we call Encroach­ers; whose Business is only, for the most part, to visit the Markets, and other Assemblies; when the Thick­ness of the Crowd will give them leave to fish in Troubled VVaters. Others will go to light a little Fire in a House, where they make as if they were near Neighbours; and [Page 96] the other Day she went to look for Chambers to be Lett; and, under pretence of selling some things she had to sell, she took all that lay open, and could be with Convenien­cy conveyed away. And these good Pieces are not only Faithful Keepers of what you bring to them; but al­so are Reformers of our Acqusitions: And in that they are as quick as any thing can be, to disguise any thing that is put into their Charge to dispose of; for they will so rarely dis­guise any thing, that it will be a ve­ry hard matter for any one to know his own Goods again, although they see it before their Eyes: Of which I am a VVitness; for a little before I was Enrolled in the Brother-hood, it was my Hap to Lodge one Night with some of my Friends, in the House of one of these VVork-VVo­men; and giving her my Cloak, which I did usually wear, praying her to adjust it Handsomly for me; mean­ing [Page 97] only, that she should make it Clean, and no more: But on the Morrow-Morning I found my Cloak lin'd with another Stuff, which she caused to be put in; the Cap was turned up-side down, and Silk-But­tons in the place of a Silver-Galoon, with which it was bound; insomuch, that I had already handled him Three or Four times, in looking for him on all sides; but not knowing of him, till she put me out of my pain, by shewing of me what she had done, and the Work-man-ship she had be­stowed on it.

But that which surpassed all the rest for Subtilty, was one whom we called the Giboubeuse. She usual­ly goes about the Town with a Sack­ful of Straw, till she could espy a Place where she might make a bet­ter Fortune; and having found this, she would go in, and lay down her Pack for a better, and so be gone; as she did not many Dayes ago, [Page 98] when she went into a Silk-Man's-Shop, and there layes down a Child in the place of a Bundle of Sat­tin.

But to Conclude (sayes Bondrille) we live like the Bohemians, who without buying of any thing, want nothing that is necessary for them. And as our Quarters are in divers Places, so we have Corre­spondents every where assuredly true to us.

And then he began to discourse of his Exploits in the Wars, tel­ling them, That he had met with a Knowing Magician, who had predicted to him; That he should Dye in the Middle of a Medley of People; and that his Grave should be in the open Fields: Of which he was not much Couzen'd; for some short time after this, he was taken in the Plains of Long-Boyau, doing of his Exercise; he was Killed in the Middle of a great [Page 99] Assembly, who was in a Confu­sion to see the Spectacle; and so, presently after, they carryed him out to the great High-way, where an Old-Wile served to circle him.

So some of our short Sword-Men have Acquaintance amongst your Burgors-Sons, who may serve to defray Charges every where; as being assured of the Supplyes out of their Purse upon all Occa­sions, if we can but make any thing of a Difference amongst them, in hopes that their Purse or Pockets may be emptyed by the Arm of those which carry your Cut-laces; because when they fall into any Treaties, it is only of this kind; where their Discourse is only of Cutting off of Heads, or Cutting their Bodies in pieces; promising them to take a severe Revenge upon all their Enemies, if they should be [Page 100] as strong as the Great Mogul; or, at the least, they say, They will make them come to a very Ho­nourable Composition. But these Advocates do often-times find their Practices so good, that they never desire to see the End of the Controversies: But, on the contrary, they frame new Diffe­rences under-hand, to the End that they may drink the oftner; for in such Medleys as these, they make the best Reparations for the Belly.

And again, if they do make them believe, that they will Kill one another in cold Blood, ma­king a great Stir and Combusti­on; yet all they do in this great Stir, is but to beat one another with the Flat Sides of the Sword, or Bulls-Pisle, or a Cudgel, ac­cording to the Quality of the Of­fence that hath been committed by our Duellists, or their Se­conds.

[Page 101] But to say no more of this Com­pany; for they are an open Bank, fit for the Extirpation of Men, which should do Service in the Publick: For they never Fight, but with the Quart-Pot; whilst these young foolish Fellows expect every moment to see the Over­throw of their Enemies, by these false brave Fellows, who call themselves by the names of the Repairers of Wrongs and Out­rages, giving themselves great Names and Titles; whereof a Knight is the least amongst them, in all their Order; and making more Saints of this their Order, than there are in an Almanack.

But this Liberty, which had been so openly taken by them at Ragonde's House, began now to be much Retrenched by the Com­plaint of the Neighbour-hood; which made the Short-Sword-Men, and the Spinners of Wool, [Page 102] to remove and with-draw: Inso­much, that in the House before, where there was nothing in it that was Good, but Evil; for it created more Mischief, than the BOX of Pandora. But now, there is nothing to be seen, but the Amintas, Mariannes, Parthe­niaes, the Amaranthes, Fanchons, and Clorindes; and these but rare­ly visited by some young, joyful Youths, who had never Courted the Ladies, but in a Romance; and this only but to make them a little bolder, when they found the occasion to appear before their Mistresses, whom they thought fit to be made their Wives.

And, in brief, you heard no­thing now spoken of, but Flatte­ring, and some Love-Toyes; and Ragonde her self incloystered in a small Room, beholding these new Miracles of Nature; so great was the Reformation: And her Busi­ness [Page 103] now, was only to shew them the Methods, which properly be­long'd to the Exercises which they intended to profess; as namely, how to hold their Countenance before a Looking-Glass, to set their Hair in divers Fashions; and so consequently, to dress and set themselves out in the best Man­ner they can; and sometimes, to bite their Lips, to make it shew more like unto Artificial Corral; pinch their Cheeks, to make the Paint shew the better; and to glance with the Eye to the pur­pose, very handsomly, and a hun­dred such little Tricks as these, to make them set off the better, and handsomer to see to. To all which, the Pommade, Jessemy-wa­ter, Orange, False Water, False Pearls, and Ribbonds of all Col­lours, are not forgotten for the Adornment of these pretty Crea­tures, who call'd themselves all [Page 104] Sisters; and Old Ragonde, they called their Good Woman.

But Theodore, who had made Love to Mademoiselle Cloris, con­tinued still to see her alwayes at Ragonde's House, and to Live with her, and other Ladies of Pleasure, in a continual Debauche­ry, leading a very lewd and un­regulated Life; which lasted a long time, in spight of all his Friends could do, with all the De­monstrances that they could make him to the contrary; insomuch, that the Scandal of his Vitious Life was known every day more and more: So that, his Friends at last acquainted him, That if he would sail against Wind and Tide, he must expect to run the Hazard of falling upon very dan­gerous Shelves, which would (without all doubt cast him a­way; for that the Debauches were only a Gilded Pill, which, [Page 105] whosoever did suffer himself to be carryed away by it, would (with­out all doubt) in time find the Bitterness of it at last. But their Policy was so well ordered, that within some few Hours after, most of all these loose, and ill living People were taken, and se­cured by the Officers of Justice, and most Prisons were filled with them; of which, Ragonde, and her Pensioners were not exemp­ted.

And now, see what comes by too much frequenting of such Houses and People as are so de­bauched. But Ragonde, who had a little before made her Lodging upon the Rampire of the Town, which (in her Thoughts) was a Place of least Scandal: But how­ever, she found to her Cost, that where the Sick-Man moves, his Distemper goes along with him alwayes.

[Page 106] But, in short, it was ordained, That the greatest Part our De­bauched Girls should be sent to some Islands newly Discover'd; for which purpose they were Em­barqued before the Louer, to be sent down the River to Roan: But many of them were in Hopes of being Rescued by the People in Power of that Town, as they went along, for the Service that they had render'd them in times past.

But some of them, being more vain, said; If a Turk's Man of War should come Crusing out of the Straits, it might happen, that the Ship where they were might be taken, and so some of them might be presented to the Grand Seignior; and she thought her Deserts might make her to be Honoured with his Handkerchief, or a better Thing: So good a Conceit had she of her self and Actions.

[Page 107] But, at length, they all took their Leave of the Queens-Court, the Red-House, Chaillot, of Passy, of Soresne, of Boulogne, St. Cloud; and above all the rest, of their so much beloved Lodging, the Signe of the Great State, where they had often been better Re­garded, than now they were. And so, following on their Course till they came to Poissy, where at the same time many Thieves were Executed; some on the Wheel, some Hang'd, and others sent to the Galleys; to the end, that they might root out all those Disturbers of their Publick Peace and Tranquility, and that all People might Live in Security, both in Town and Country.

And now, behold! this was the Unhappy End of those, who, by leading of a Vitious Life alto­gether, without Controul or Or­der, had made themselves the Au­thors [Page 108] of their own Disgraces, and were not look't upon by any, but according to the petulant Humours of the People.

But Theodore had escap't this Danger by means of some of the Archers that were his Friends; who, for the means of some Mo­ney, so far favour'd him, that he got home to his Friends and Pa­rents; where he now exercises an Honest Imploy, living accor­ding to his Birth amongst good People of Honour, and in a good Repute.

Now, let all those that are be­come Libertines like him, by a­ny Accident whatsoever, learn to labor by his Example, if they do really intend to hinder the Try­umphs of an Evil over themselves in this manner; that they may not be a Witness themselves one Day, of their Enemies Joy for their Miscarriages.