IN the time of the late disorders, by Commotions in Ireland, which some call'd Rebellion: when the Irish made choice of such of their Party to manage and Steer the Course of their affairs as they thought the fit­test, and best amongst them for so great an un­dertaking; to whom they gave the Title of Supream Council, whose Orders, Decrees, and Determinations were uncontroulably to be ob­serv'd all Ireland over; under such Penalties, [Page 2] Forfeitures, and Punishments as they thought fit to inflict; according to the Nature of the offence or disobedience to such Laws, and or­ders as were Prescrib'd by this Supream Coun­cil.

Their Place of Residence was Kilkenney, where they were constantly visited, and Court­ed from abroad, particularly from Rome, by the Popes Nuncio, from Spain by Don-Diego. D' L' Torris, and from France by Monsieur Monery; a Person so accomplisht, and so ob­liging Civil that all men coveted his Company; insomuch that there seldom was a meeting or Design of Merriment intended, or Contrived by any Person of Quality there, but Mounsieur Monery must be one, who as often return'd their kindness in their own way.

It hapened that to one of his Feasts or Grand Balls, there came a Gentleman out of the County of Clare, invited to that Feast, by the Master of i [...]; this Gentleman had amongst the rest of his Attendants, a very fine lively Boy, that waited on him as his Page, whose Carriage and great Diligence in his Office of Page-ship, Monsieur Monery took great notice of, and was very much taken with: which the Gentleman perceiving was very willing to Oblige; and the other conceiving it a greater preferment of the Boy, bestowed him as a great Present to the Monsieur, who received him so: [Page 3] and having with a great deal of Language, exprest his thanks, desired to know the Boys Name: he told him his Name was Dennis Clancie; the Monsieur immediately altered the Boys Habit, and gave him all the testimonies of a kind Reception; with which, the Boy was so transported, that he studied nothing more than to please his Master, by being rea­dy at his Call or Beck: never out of the way to wait the Service or Command of his Master: and continued so (not only during his Masters stay in Ireland) but for some years after his coming into France, where the Boy had all convenient opportunities for his Education could be wisht for, which he neglected not; but made so good use of his time, that he im­proved it to the full, by acquiring the French Tongue perfectly, and all that he could ga­ther both from his Latine and Dancing Master, or what else the Academy could afford: which took so with the Monsieur, that he could not conceal from his Friends and acquaintance how precious a Jewel he had of his Boy Clan­cie; to whose Breast he durst commit the greatest Secret: Nor was he Master of that thing in the World, he could not trust his Servant Clancie with.

As appeared upon an occasion the Monsieur had to Travil into some far remote part whither his occasions drew him, and required [Page 4] his attendance for some considerable Time; which he acquainted his trusty Servant with; and told him withal, how great his satisfacti­on was at Parting, to know he left behind him the trustiest, carefullest, and honestest Ser­vant in the World; in whom he so much con­fided, that he would leave him in his House at Paris, to have a particular Care of his Trunks; wherein there lay some Papers of concern, his Apparel, and some Money. The Boy having with Tears expressed his great sorrow for being left behind his Dear Master; from whom he had never been separated since his coming into his Service till now; not knowing what it was to disobey, receives his Charge, takes leave of his Master and Fellow-Servants, and with a heavy heart pre­pares for Paris to his Masters house, where he was received by his Fellow-Servants there with much chearfulness; and as soon as he had shewed his Masters Orders, it was with a great deal of readiness immediately observ'd, and Clancie put into the possession of those Rooms wherein lay those Trunks formerly mention­ed.

Clancie very Dilligently came every day to discharge his Trust, by Airing his Masters Cloathes, sorting his Papers, and some times Fingering his Money, only to please himself by the sight of such a summ in his own Custody, [Page 5] which he could hardly believe, although hour­ly at the sport of telling.

One Day being invited to his Exercise of Brushing, by a Clear and bright Sun-shine day (which he seldome neglected) comes into the Room, Locks the Dore, lays apart each Suit of Clothes, with all that belongd to it:) (and looking about, seeing no body to inter­rupt him) had a great desire to see how that would become him, which he puts on, walks up and down, then to the Looking-Glass he goes; where he was so startled at first, that he stept back; hardly knowing who it was in such a Habit. But finding at last, after part of his wonder was over, that it was himself; begins to propose to himself, how happy and how fortunate should he be, if he could order matters so, as to keep all this finery by which he was so altered, that he might but appear to all others, as to himself in the Glass.

This Great and strange Alteration more and more increases, being by his Thoughts pursued upon every occasion when ever he changes out of one Suit into another. Till at last it is resolved that his Thoughts are rest­less, till this Design is effected: which he be­lieves will be very easie, considering that all the People in the House will give him no op­position, being very well satisfied, he will do nothing without Commission from his Master: [Page 6] and therefore will rather assist than hinder him in whatever he attempts.

Clancie tells the People, he will remove his Trunks to his Masters Country-house, where he is commanded to wait his coming. In order to which, there are Carts prepared, the Goods packed up, and Clancie upon his Road, ac­companied by several of his Comrades that came in Compliement to see him part of his way. Who no sooner took their Leaves, but he steered his course another way, and Bends toward the Sea-side, where meeting a Ship ready to set Sail for Wexford in Ireland, agrees with the Owner: puts his Goods aboard, of whom we hear no more till his arrival in Wexford.

Where was received by the chief of that place as a person of that Quality (that he pro­fessed) ought to be. The show he made by his Equipage, and the number of his Attendance, with his bounty to the Captain of the Ship, and his Seamen who were not sparing to give a ve­very large Character of him: confirm'd the Inhabitants of Wexford that he must be a great Man; and was so free of his Coin at all times, to those that did him any Service, by which he gave occasion to be made the only Table Talk, and chief Discourse of the Town: hap­py was he could have opportunity to Contract a Friendship with him, his Discourse was very takeing, especially amongst the Ladies, and [Page 7] the better sort: spending his time in Feasting, and making entertainments at any Rate; and receiving Returns of like nature was so pleasing a Pastime to him, without regard to expence, that he intended to spend most of his time there, to the great satisfaction of them all.

He had not been many Months there, when there chanced to arrive in the same Harbour a Noble-man of Scotland, coming out of Spain, by Name, the Earl of Crafford. The Towns­men Resolving to Receive, and Entertain him as became them, made Sute to their Friend Major Clancie to Countenance them in this in­terest: who was very glad of the occasion, to bring him into the Earl of Craffords Acquain­tance; who did it so well, and so much to their satisfaction, that they look upon it as a great Addition to the many former favours he had conferred upon them; after the Ceremo­nial part was over at the water side, the chief Magistrate with all the Aldermen and most considerable of the Town, having finished Compliment, and

Major Clancie his to some purpose, first in discharge of his Trust, and next in his ow [...] behalf, signifying how happy he accounted himself, to have so fit an Opportunity to give his Service to my Lord: for all which my Lord makes such a return of thanks, that all were extreamly satisfied. The Major desired [Page 8] his Lordship to do him the honour to make use of his appartment till his own was in readiness, which my Lord willingly accepted of: where was prepared for his Reception, a very Hansome Treat; to which were invited (to keep my Lord Company) the Best of the Town; so soon as my Lords Quarters were rea­dy, they all in their several stations waited up­on his Lordship thither: and all took their Leave, only Major Clancie, with whose con­versation my Lord was so pleased, that he was unwilling to part so soon, though sufficiently weary after so tedious a Voyage.

The day following, his Lordship having re­fresh'd himself, was very desirous to spend some time in Merriment, with those Gentle­men that had been so civil to him upon his Ar­rival, especially Major Clancie, to whom my Lord sent to invite the Rest to Dine, and bring such others with him as he thought fit. The Major to observe my Lords Command, having first invited those of the Town, and meeting accidentally with a Person of Quality, dwelling two or three Miles from Wexford, named Mr. Cheevers, who was very desirous to kiss my Lord of Craffords hand, the Major in­vites him to Dine with my Lord, my Lord welcomes him with all the Chearfulness ima­ginable.

Much time was spent in Feasting, each one [Page 9] striving to outdo the other, all intending the wellcome of my Lord of Crafford. Major Clancie is counted the best Garnish to each Feast: Mr. Cheevers being at several of them, conceives himself oblieged to take his turn in the List, which he speedily effects, being seldome unprepared for all such Encounters: some few days after, Mr. Cheevers having ac­quainted his Lady how he was invited by Ma­jor Clancie, and so extreamly much made of by my Lord Crafford, commending to that height the Person and Parts of the Major, which put both Wife and Daughters into no small longing for the Sight and Conversation of the Person so much commended by Mr. Cheevers, that seldome was heard to commend any Man, that they all press for his coming to their House, which is agreed upon. An entertainment is prepared in Mr. Cheevers's House, to which is invited the Earl of Crafford, Major Clancie and some Neighbours.

It would undoubtedly be too tedious in the recital, if I should particularise each Circum­stance and Ceremony made use of, where so many Ladies are concerned, and so many great Persons entertained. Therefore let it suffice, that you know the Preparation is great, the Company very Gallant, and the Ladies very Fine; this Feast continues four­teen days, every Creature so satisfied, and [Page 10] Complaisant that chearfulness might be read in every ones Countenance, especially the Major, who is so taken with his new Ac­quaintance Mrs. Katherine, eldest Daughter to Mr. Cheevers, to whom he bends all his Addresses, with so much earnestness, as if he had resolved to Dedicate his whole Life and Fortune to her Service (she finding so great a confirmation of those Truths, as she believed spoke by her Father in praise and Commendation of the Major) was willing enough, so far as her Modesty would give her leave, to receive and return in like manner, all those passionate Expressions of his un­quenchable Flame; if not restrained by the strict Rules of his Duty, which she resolves never to swerve from. Her Father having some hints given him of the Business, took a seasonable opportunity (meeting his Daugh­ter in the Garden very solitary) begins to examine her, with a strict Charge not to Conceal any part of the Truth, as she va­lued her only happiness, and the quiet and consolation of a sond Father (whom she knew lov'd her above the rest of his Children) To which she made this Answer, That she would sooner hazard her being for ever unhappy, than once displease him, and that she never intended to dispose of her self, without his Privity and consent: and that [Page 11] however her inclinations were bent, this was her resolution. My Child (says Mr. Cheevers) I am glad to hear you say so, and yet do find that you count your self unhap­py for ever, if you have not this Gentle­man. But my Child, have a little patience till I make a farther inquiry into the matter; that in Case I find him to be the Son and Heir of Mr. Clancie of Enestmian (as he says) I may provide him such a Portion as his Estate deserves. Whereupon, she being willing to second her Inclinations, and having this little encouragement from her Father, continued her wonted kindness to her Lover; which the Father perceiving, and being apprehensive that so much Familiarity might occasion worse effects, either to her Reputation, or the dis­satisfaction of her Parents, would sometimes▪ give her Admonitions, some sharp Repre­hensions; bidding her beware, lest she run headlong to her one destruction, by Marri­ing a Man (that for ought he knew) would prove a Counterfeit, she having contracted so great a Frindship with her Beloved, could con­ceal nothing from him not so much as her Fa­thers Advice. Wherein the word Counterfeit was used, which by the Major was interpre­ted as the greatest term of Reflection in the world, and told her; that if it were not for her sake that was dearer to him than all other [Page 12] considerations; [...]e would expect reparation: she percieving how great a Discomposure her in­discretion put him into, could not forbear to express with her Tears, the sorrow of heart; he perswaded her by all the endearing Lan­guage of a passionate Lover to forbear grieving, giving her all the assurance of his constansie, that her own heart could wish: by telling her that neither this, or any thing could happen: should ever have power to alter him, or les­sen his affection in the Least: and that affection should never end but with his Life. With which she rested satisfied, being willing to give Credit to all he says; this past on till Dinner, to which the Major was called. The Company being set, all took Notice of the great change they observed in the Majors Countenance; my Lord asked him what the Matter was? Whether an Indisposition of the Body, or the Mind? He answered, That his Provocation was such, as might very well oc­casion both; when his Honour and Reputati­on were questioned, where he could hope for little or no redress. This put them all to Si­lence; every Body bethinking themselves wherein, or which way they or either of them had given the Major any manner of Offence. Mr. Cheevers, who was extreamly troubled to see so great a Disappointment, both to him, and his Friend, that intended nothing but [Page 13] Mirth: broke the silence first by desiring the Major to assure himself in the knowledge that there was not one in this Company but loved and Honoured him, and would be most heartily sorry to give the least occasion for a thought of disservice to him, and therefore desired him to lay aside all such apprehention: and continue his wonted custom of being the best company in the World; without which there was no living. My Lord and the rest said as much, or rather more to the same purpose; to which the Major listned with a great deal of attention, and after having given to each particular thanks for those kind expressions, turns to Mr. Cheevers, and tells him that he scarce knew how to reconcile those differences that occa­sioned all this dissorder. First, his obligation for all the Favours he had received in so p [...]enti­full an entertainment, and so large professions of kindness, and but the day before when he was advising his Daughter in Terms of so great reflection upon him, by calling him a Counter­feit: that he did not well know how to bear it, and told him with all, that it was an ill Garnish to so brave entertainment, to upbraid Gentlemen of Quality, whose Birth, and edu­cation rendred them capable of better Lan­guage: and that for his own part, his trouble was so great to accasion so much disquiet to this noble company, and so discomposed for his [Page 14] affront: that he could believe no better of himself than a Bedlam, nor could he propose better Medium at all, but to leave the place, and so depart, he desired my Lord of Crafford's countenance: who was so much a Servant to the Major; that he could deny him nothing; but being very desirous to reconcile those dif­ferences, used all the means he could think of, but all in vain.

So soon as dinner was done, my Lord gave or­ders to his People to make ready, so did the Major, it is impossible to tell you how this sud­dain change of the Scene turned and altered the Face of affairs in this place. Where hither­to there was nothing to be seen, or heard: but what gladly contributed to the unspeakable sa­tisfaction and consolation of the whole Com­pany. Now upon the suddain (as if the fates had conspired the ruin of all their happiness) turned quite another way: all so con [...]ounded and troubled for parting in this manner, that none knew well how to dispose of themselves, especially poor Mrs. Katherine: who lookes upon her self as the most miserable, and most unfortunate Creature in the World, to be the only and absolute Author, and occasion of this so unhappy a separation: she is now like a Prisoner confined. After taking their leaves, and distributing to the Servants; the whole Company dispersed, my Lord and the Major [Page 15] go together to Wexford, where I must for sometime leave them to direct themselves as their several inclinations lead them.

The Major taking hold of this occasion and fearing some other discoveries, resolves to re­move from thence, acquainting his dear Friend my Lord with the intention at this time ac­casioned by Mr. Cheevers, and finding how apt the People were to censure him he would en­deavour to prevent the like for the future, by making known that he was the Son of such a Father as he professes, and no Counterfeit, as Mr. Cehevers took the Liberty to term him. In this resolution he desired my Lord to do him the Fa­vour to dine with him before his going away: to which request my Lord made answer, that he had too much friendship for him ever to deny him any thing though sorry to loose his com­pany so soon, yet could not disapprove of his so well grounded reasons. The next day being appointed, my Lord came to the Majors House, so did a great many more of the chief of the Town, all seeming to be much troubled to think that the Major is upon leaving them, he receives them with a great deal of kindness, and promises, so soon as he settles his affairs to return to them again.

Being at dinner, and in a pretty pitch of Jolitry the Major calls his trusty Servant pri­vatly, gives him orders to be gon to a Place [Page 16] called Ross: and thither to carry with him all his Trunks, and Cloakbags, with all the goods he had there, to take Lodgings and wait his comeing, which was no sooner commanded, then with all the speed that could be observed. The Major had no more trouble about it who had nothing now to do, but entertain his Friends, in which he lost no time, when (belei­ving his Servant to be a good distance from the Town) bethought him of his time to follow, then calls for the other Glass, and begins to my Lord a health, to that poor distressed for lorne Prisoner his Mrs. which my Lord most readily pledged, and seemed much troubled he had not the Honour to begin it, while healths were go­ing round, the Major calls for Boxes, and Dice, then for his Servant, to bring him Mony, whom he knew to be some Miles from thence, which my Lord observing, bid his Purs-bearer to give the Major Forty Pound, or what summ he would have: which the Major made use of a while, then left one in his place, as if called up­on in haste, took Horse and went away follow­ed his Servant (without noise) to Ross. My Lord, and his Company at play wondered at the Ma­jors stay, then calls for a Glass, and drank his health, giving him commendations by the Do­zen, till at the last the company began to grow weary; called for their Servants to attend them to their several homes, some to lead, and [Page 17] some to carry, but before they part, the Master of the House appears with a long Bill of Fair in his Hand; which the soberer part of the Com­pany (as my Lord, and some few others) seeing, asked what he meant by it, he told them he knew not who to call to for his Mony; that the Major had been in his House a good while, and never gave him Penny yet: nor did he now know where he was, or what became of him; and that he hoped his Lordship, and these Gen­tlemen would not see him undone

§ The Gentlemen looking one upon another, wondering, were all strook dumb! Come, come says my Lord, it is not not to be supposed much less believed, that a person of Honour and Quality would do an unhansome thing; therefore let us suspend our opinions till we hear farther: for I dare say there is some extra­ordinary accident that occasioned this suddain departure or there never had been this cause of complaint; however he is my Friend, and shall suffer nothing in my presence, and for your Bill of Fair my Man shall pay you presently. The Man was called, Major Clancie's debt of two and Twenty Pounds paid, the Company parted, my Lord to his House: the Gentlemen to their homes, and the Major to Ross.

§ I must now for some time leave this good Company, and return to the poor discontented Prisoner, whose unacquainted passions bred [Page 18] such a distemper in her, that she fell sick of a Fever: but by the Indulgent care of a sond Mother, soon recovered of that distemper. She studies nothing naw, but how she shall make some Reparation to her beloved, and conffirm him in an Opinion of her constancy; this she contrives to do by a Letter: sends it by her Foster Sister, (whose care is not questioned) she delivers the Letter to the Major at his House in Ross, who no sooner read it, but puts himself into a posture to comply with the Contents, which signified her sorrow, for the seperation occasioned by her self, and that she knew not how to repair it otherwise, than by giving him this Testimony; that if he pleased to come to such a place, at such an hour, with half a Do­zen Horses; she would not fail to meet him, resolving to be for ever after at his Dispose (I suppose I need not mention how he was Trans­ported with joy when he received this comfort­able Letter, or how plentifully he rewarded the messenger that brought it, and carried back his Answer) after dispatching the messenger, he im­mediately takes Horse, and goes unto Wex­ford, where the memory of this Prank was yet fresh.

I know not whether I may call it confidence, or impudence; but into my Lord of Crafford's Chamber he goes, who welcomed him as Cheer­fully as if his Lordship had received many obli­gations [Page 19] from him; the Major finding his recep­tion to be such as he could not in reason have expected from any Body, began to make his Ex­cuse, attributing the misfortune of so abrupt a departure to an accident that suddainly befell him, which my Lord would hear no more of: why then my Lord since you are still my best Friend, pray read this Letter, which he did, and and then asked him, what Service can you ima­gine me capable to do in this occasion. Only to lend me your best Horse. That I conceive will not be enough (says my Lord) for here she di­rects your coming not only well Hors'd; but well accompanied with half a Dozen Horses; 'tis pitty but she mould be observed: which (for her sake) I will adventure first to go. You shall have my Gray Horse for your self, and I with my Five Servants will wait upon you, this being a business could admit of no long delay. My Lord orders the matter so, that in a very little time they are all on Horse back, marching fairly to the place appointed by the Lady, who failed not to doe her part in coming at the hour according to her promise. After she had saluted the kind lover, over joyed; my Lord told them this was no time or place for dalliance; so to Horse she went, they as before, and she behind her Servant. Where was interchanged some glances of Love-looks, while they had leisure; which was not very long, when Mr. Cheevers [Page 20] upon notice of the Design gathers all his forces together, pursues the party, for whom they were too hard; yet they disputed their interest like men of Honour. But Mr. Cheevers soon decided the quarrel, though not without bloud, which (he might the better do) being ten times their number. In short, the Lady was rescu'd, the Major wounded, and my Lord taken Pri­soner; the Major escaped by the goodness of his Horse, which in little time brought him to Ross: where he lies under the hands of his Chi­rurgion, the Lady is made Prisonner the second time, with many threats of punishment for oc­casioning all this bussle: as also the breach of promise in the Garden; my Lord is led into the Common-dark-hall; where he walks up and down in Querpo (like a prisoner of War) without Hat, Cloak, or Sword; the place not affording so much light as to let them see who it was, till Mr. Cheevers coming in thither in state with Torches carried before him, who see­ing my Lord of Crafford in this posture: asked him Pardon a Thousand times, and wondered extreamly to see his Lordship there, blameing all his people for being so disrespective as not to distinguish between my Lord and others: my Lord (who knew very well what did belong to Fighting, and how few Ceremonies of that Nature are then used) makes excuse for the People; who immediately brought him his [Page 21] Sword, and all that they had taken from him; and set his Servants at Liberty; Mr. Cheevers is now at quiet, believing the storm now over his Daughter is rescued, and secured from any farther Attempts of the Major, so as he only bends his endeavours wholly to entertain my Lord; who he hopes will appear no more in countenancing the Major, in a thing so preju­dicial to that Family; this he expressed in his discourse to my Lord, who made Answer, that what he did in assisting his Friend, was not to prejudice him in the least, but that it was his constant Custome never to fail that Friend to whom he once professed Friendship. Sup­per being ended, they believing my Lord weary after the Counter-scuffle lighted him to his Chamber, and so left him to his rest. Who next Morning betimes takes his leave and goes to Wexford.

All things in this place seem now to be at ease, save only the restless condition of the poor Prisoner, whose apprehensions torment her, not knowing if her sweet heart be Dead, or alive; then considering how instrumental she was in his misfortunes, these and many such distracting thoughts do so perplex her: that she is at her wits end; (a thing easily believed, especially of all such as either are or have been Sick of her dis­ease.) Sometimes she resolves to make her [Page 22] Escape, and come to him where ever he is: again that seems difficult, or rather impos­sible. Then is she as far to seek as ever; at last she resolves to Write, and commit it to the care of her Foster-Sister; this resolution takes place: she Writes to let him know how unquiet her Life is, and how little sa­tisfaction she has in the World without him; not knowing what was become of him, she farther signifies, that if he please (seeing publick meetings will not do) to try a pri­vate, to come to such a place, at such an Hour, such a day in the Evening, she would be ready to meet him.

This Letter she delivered to the Foster-Sister, with promises of a large Reward for her Care. The Foster-Sister thinking to pre­vent more mischief, takes the Letter, and delivers it not where she was directed; but to Mr. Cheevers who read it over and over; and believing he could make some use of it, looks upon the superscription, as if he had read it in mistake, and tells her, this Letter is not for me, go and deliver it to him it is directed to, whereupon she goes to Ross, where she found the M [...]jor lay'd upon his bed, and gives it him, by which he re­ceived so great satisfaction, that he waited no longer for his Plaisters; but Writes his Answer, and dispatches the messenger, then [Page 23] prepares for the day and Hour appointed Nor was he more diligent or careful in his preparation for that meeting, then Mr. Chee­vers, so that when the Major was come to the place, expecting his Mistress there, instead of her whom he expected, he meets a com­pany of Clubbatiers; that lay in ambush to wait his being on Foot. Who no soon­ner lighted, but they laied hold of him; and where he expected Embraces, and sweet Kis­ses, they pay'd him with Buffets, and Crab­sticks into such a pickle, as never was any poor Man before in this posture. They carry him to Mr. Cheevers, who believed himself sure of this booty, and therefore prepared to receive him, not as heretofore, but with a pair of Stocks, which he had placed in his Common-hall, purposely to be in Sight of all, both Men and Women, in the House; with which Sight very few were pleased but himself: who resolved to eat in the same Room, purposely to affront the Major, who is now in the Stocks, with his Clothes torne, his Face buffeted, and his Head broken. A Sight so displeassing to the good Mistress. of the House, that she de­sired her Husband to mitigate part of this Rigour, or rather Tyranny; for her part she was not able to endure to see a Per­son of his Quallity and parts thus used [Page 24] like a Beast in her House, and that he might find other means to Right himself, or prevent the harm he apprehended, with­out infringing the Laws, and Rules of hos­pitality thus. This speech did in some mea­sure mollify the unreasonableness of Mr. Cheever's passion; so that he turned toward the Major, and told him how much it was against his inclination to use any Gentle­man thus, and that if he would pass his Parole, never to proceed farther in this mat­tor, or give him any farther trouble in it: he was ready to restore him first his Liber­ty, and then all that had been taken from him, as his Horse, and Arms, and all that belonged to him.

To this Speech, she Major makes this Answer, Mr. Cheevers, it should seem (although you are a very knowing Man) you never read of the Knight of the Sun, or of his Brother Ross Clear, or of Rogero, or any of the famous and brave Men at Arms! how much they suffered for their Mistresses: (if you had, undoubtedly) you would in some measure have considered me, who of my self can consider nothing in com­parison to my Mistress for when I Remember, or call to mind, that what I suffer, or endure, is for her; it sweetens all my sufferings. I must confess Liberty is a great, and very pleasing thing (especially after such hardships as has [Page 25] been put upon me,) and a thing I should covet and court. Were it to be purchased either by Labour, Coyn, or Blood I should not stick at it. But to Relinquish my Pretences to my Mistress as if I would prefer any worldly consideration before her, I will never do it, nor is it in the Power of the whole World to make me do it. Let them and you, whose Prisoner I now am, Inflict what Punishment you please, it shall never be of force sufficient to divorce me from her Service.

This Answer wrought so upon the Mistress of the House, as also upon all that heard it, that it moved them all to Pity (I hope his own Mristress was not far off) She never left solli­citing her Husband, till she obtained the Ma­jors Liberty, then were all the Servants stri­ving who should do him most Service. One brings Water, another the Towel, another his Hat: all waited upon him to Supper, and from thence to his Chamber. Next Morning, having his Horse and Arms delivered him in very good Order, he takes his Leave, particu­larly of the good Lady of the House, that procured him his Liberty.

No sooner did he find himself without the Gate, mounted upon my Lords Gray Horse, and his Pistols fixt before him, but he turns towards the Door, and vows with a great imprecation, that no Body shall [Page 26] pass that way, but he will have his Life; un­less they let him see his Mistress before he goes. This put Mr. Cheevers into such a Rage of Anger with his Wife; You see, says he, what you have done, by giving this Man his Liberty; which way will you contrive to pacify him now? Were it not better to have kept him where he was? Let me see which of all you that were so much his Friends, Dare go and reason the matter with him? Not I, says one; nor I, says another; I am not so much con­cern'd in the Matter says a third; in Conclu­sion, none of them seem'd willing to venture on so desperate a Man, whose Anger they were not willing to provoke. At last they fix­ed upon a Reverend Person that was Chaplen to Mr. Cheevers, who with a great deal of en­treaty, took upon him to Argue the matter with the Major. The Major seeing him come in such fear, bid him not be afraid, and told him he should be heard without Danger; and likewise asked him what his Reverence had to say, and whether he spoke by Commission, or of his own accord. The Reverend Father told him, he came to advise him chiefly for his Souls sake, and next desired him to desist this Sute; for he knew of his own knowledg, it was to no purpose to do otherwise. Pray Father, Replies the Major, do you know more of her Mind than I do? Hark you Sir, I [Page 27] know you are a Priest, and therefore Con­jure you by all that is Dear to you, to bring me an Answer to the Message you are to carry, or else by the same Oath you are to take, I will, without regard to your Fun­ction, Pistol you before you leave this Place. This great Threat, put the poor Priest into such a Fright, that he knew not what to say, or do; only promise to deli­ver his Message, and bring an Answer: which was, to let him know, if he may see his Mistress before he go or not. The Priest undertakes it, to return upon the same Penalty, in case he procure not the Sight of his Mistress: in whose Retreat to Mr. Cheevers and the rest, you might see the Greatest Fright, the greatest Consterna­tion that ever Man was in. His own Shad­dow was enough to startle him; several times thinking as he look'd back, it was the Major in pursuit of him: He no sooner come into the Hall, where Mr. Cheevers with his Lady, and Company were, but he throwes one way his Hat, another way his Books and Spectacles, lik [...] a mad Man, declaring his Misfortune in coming into that Service, hoping now for no other Reward, than to be killed by Major Clancie, still crying out, what had I to do with your Daughter, or your self, or her sweet-Heart? What need [Page 28] I to involve my self in all this trouble? I must go back again to be Kill'd. Good Father says Master Cheevers. be quiet, and tell us what ails you, what ails me? cries he; The Devil ailed me, to concern my self in this affair, wherein I am sure to loose my Life, for if you do not consent that he may see your Daughter before he goes, (which I know you will not) I must go and tell him so, and am confident ne­ver to return with Life, for what cares that Man what Mischief he does me. Truly Father, I would do so much to save your Life: therefore let me intreat you to paci­fie your self, and Believe I will free you from this Danger you so much apprehend, by letting him see my Daughter; but it shall be at such a distance, and in such a place as She shall receive no prejudice by it. So having given this hope of Relief, to the Reverend Father, with some Cordials to bring him to himself) They all walk up to the Castle where, in the middle of a large window, they held her to be seen by the Major to the Middle, at which Sight he rejoyces more, than if thither came an Angel from Hea­ven. In this Posture, and the Hearing of all, they gave each other the comfortable assurance of Constancie, unalterably to be preserved by both, during the whole term [Page 29] of their Lives. The Major departs and Rides away.

CHAP. II.

THe Major at Ross, where since his first coming he dayly continues his Hospitable course of Life, by which he had Purchased a general Good Opinion, with the Character of the bravest Man, and best Companion that ever came into that City: where most of their time was spent in Feasting by Turns, which Custome is now continued upon the Majors Return. The first Night he invites all his Companions, and fellow-Feasters, with their Wives, to Sup with him. All came overjoy'd to see him safely return'd; from whence they knew not; yet were very sensi­ble of their own loss, by his Absence.

They are all so desirous to be linked by some Title or Tie of Friendship to the Ma­jor, that one calls him Ʋncle, another his Brother, another calls him his Patron; by which all are intituled, not only to a great­er [Page 30] Interest in him; but also to a large and fair pretence to good Drinking.

The next time it came to his turn, ob­serving some of his Companions absent, con­trary to promise and agreement: he seemed to be something discomposed at it, which they interpreted to be a great Argument of his good Nature: he calls aside one of the Compa­ny, with whom he had contracted the Great­est Friendship of all, to whom at all times he imparted his greatest Secrets, or at least made him believe so; tells him of the great Trust, and [...]on [...]idence he had always repo­sed in him, having so often experimented the reality of his proposed Friendship, which he is now necessitated to make a farther Tryal. Thus,

§. You have been no Stranger to my manner of Living, since my coming into this place, which I must con [...]ess is the same I have ever used in all my Travels, and is chiefly the occasion of this Trouble to you, which I hope will prove advantagious to you in the end. My constant Expence, has exhausted my Stock of Money, which you must supply with the sum of Fifty pounds, to carry me into Twomond, where my Estate lies. I am told that my Mother is married to my Lord of Insiqueen's Brother, Mr. Chri­stopher Obrien, and what Provision is made [Page 31] for me, or how things may be imbezled I know not, by reason I was sent abroad very young, where I have continued till now, trusting to Providence for my subsistance; and for this great kindness, I will bestow a Farm of fifty pounds a Year upon you, Rent-free, during your Life: and for your better security for the present, I will leave in your Custody one of my Trunks, which I must intreat your care of, till I return you your money; which I intend to bring you within few Months.

Mr. White was in no small trouble at this re­quest, not knowing well how to deny, or grant it, being but newly Married, and that without the consent of either his Wives Parents, or his own; nor did he know what Mony his Wife had, and therefore desired the Majors Excuse till he went home, and spoke with her; which he did immediately, and told her how great an Addition to his small For­tune he was like to have by the kindness of his new sound, and most dear Friend Major Clancie; who had given him a Farm of Fifty Pounds Per Annum. Rent free, dureing Life, and only desired a small Cour­tesie, the Loan of Fifty Pounds for some Months, and in the mean time would leave in his custody, one of his Trunks; a very sufficient Pledge for a greater Sum. [Page 32] The Wife made many Excuses; at last, be­ing by her Husband importuned with so much earnestness consented; delivered Fifty Pieces in Gold to her Husband, who made all the haste he could, and carried it to the Major, who no sooner received it; but he orders the Trunk to be delivered to his good Friend Mr. White, and he to his Wife, where it is very safely, and securely laied. By this time the whole Company were in such a height of Jolity, minding nothing else but drinking, that Major Clancies Servant had leisuer enough to observe the directions he had from his Master the day before, to Watch his opportunity to be gon, with all the remaining goods to Kilkenney, and there to stay, and wait the comeing of his Ma­ster: this was very punctually observed▪ and performed, a fine thing! a dilligent discreet Servant! of this we hear no more till we meet in Kilkenney. The Major seeing most of the Company elevated, begins a Rouz­ing health, to put all a sloat: and before that health went round, took occasion to go down Stairs (leaving one of his trustees to see fair Play) he walkes fairly on the Ferry, there being an Arm of the Sea to cross: takes boat, goes aboard a Ship that lay in the Harbour, being well acquainted with the Captain, who bid him veary heartily [Page 33] welcome, repeating his obligations for se­veral kindnesses received at his quarters in the City; the Major unwilling to make any long stay, told he only came to take his leave, being upon his Journey toward Kill­kenney; so having distributed to the Sea­men, takes his Boat, the Captain with him, that resolved to complement him to the shoar-side: and so return to his ship; where at his going, he ordered half a Dozen Guns to be given to the Majors farewel; which made such a noise, that the whole Town allarm'd (especially) the company that were solaceing themselves by drinking the Majors health, to whom they were so much beholding; all started at this shooting of great Guns, not knowing where, or whence it came: till one coming up stairs, tells them it is a Ship-board; whereupon they all resolved to go aboard that Ship that shot, and know what the matter was, which they immediately very furiously did, in company with the Major of the Town, who was then with them, and was no sooner aboard, but fell so fiercely to examine the Captain; all talking together: being so confoundedly Drunk, some threatning to punish him, for putting the Town into such a fright, o­thers seeming to excuse him, though they knew not yet for what, or which way; but [Page 34] all in such a disracted confusion, that the Captain thought Hell had been broken loose; they were so disorderly, that he knew not how to pacify them, at last turning to the Major and the rest, he tells them, Gentle­men either be quiet, and hear reason, or go home and sleep: for I have done nothing but what is warrantable, and just; in gi­ving a noble person a few Guns, being up­on his Journey to Killkenney, that had been very civil and kind to me, and bountifull to my men. I have not been spareing of my Powder upon such an occasion as this, to persons of far meaner quality than Major Clancie; they no sooner heard the name of Clancie, but were all silenc'd, as if struck mute with admiration, and won­der at the Major's departure in that man­ner; thus are the People quieted, and the Captain at rest: each to their several homes, entertaining their Wives with stories of Major Clancie, now the only pastime of that Place. Whoever was pleased with this Subject for discourse (I do suppose) Mr. Deverox, the Master of the House, where Major Clancie lay, was not, who from the time of his coming to Ross, to that Hour never received promise of his Money, poor Man, not knowing which way to turn him, having several ways run himself in debt [Page 35] for the Supply of the Major, from time to time; whom if he should follow to Killkenney, he is certain to lose his Labour; if he shall stay in his House, he is afraid of his persecuting Creditors; who now begin to call for their Moneys, which the poor Man has not to give them, nor indeed dos he know what course, or whose advice to take for his preservation: at last he bethinks him of a way that in appearance seems Fea­sible, and easy; which he first communi­cates to Mr. Maior (being related to him) that is to Petition the whole Town: most of them one time or other, having part of his spoil at those entertainments made for them by the Major, desireing them to con­sider him as a Native and long inhabitant of Ross: whose deportment none of them could be a stranger to, and that this sum of Thirty Pounds must unavoidably destroy him, and if that they pleased to contribute toward his preservation so far, as to divide this sum amongst them, which would make the burthen light to them, the weight of which must break his back.

§. The Major approves of it, the Aldermen and Citizens consented, so that the Creditors are satisfied, Mr. Deverox repaid his disburs­ments: who now thinks himself as Rich as an yof them; Mr. White who quietly hitherto [Page 36] listened to the several Complaints of those that exclaimed against the Major, he applau­ding his own happiness, in having that In­terest in the Major, who had promised him so good a Farm, and left him so good a Pledg for his fifty pounds, that he laught in his Sleeve, at all others.

One Morning his Wives Fingers Itched to be at the Majors Trunk, desired her Husbands leave to save her Longing; He tells her how unwilling he is to meddle, lest some of the Majors Goods might re­ceive some Prejudice thereby; but she pres­ses him so to open the Trunk, that there is no denial; only he must first acquaint the Maior of the Town, and desire him to be present for prevention of mistakes; to the Maior he goes, and tells him how he had lent money to Major Clancie, who left him a sufficient Pledg, and that his Wife being desirous to see the inside of it, pressed him to open the Trunk; to which he desired his Worship to come and be a Witness to what was in it; and that no injury should be offered to the Majors Goods. The Maior promises to be with him at the hour of three in the Afternoon without fail.

§. The Maior comes at his hour, with se­veral of the best in Town, to witness this great exploit; upon whose coming the Smith [Page 37] is sent for, with his Tools to break open the Trunk (which is not long a doing) no sooner the Lock is off, but the Wife runs in all haste to open it; the first thing the met with, was a piece of Sattin, with which all the r [...]st was covered, which you may believe were better so than seen: for from that piece of Sattin to the bottom of the Trunk, there was nothing but Brick­bats, Clods of Earth, and such like; at which Sight the Maior and all the rest, could hardly forbear Laughing.

§. The Wise seeing her self cheat­ed, without any manner of Hope ever to be relieved; falls a railing at her Husband, whose Patience is now sufficiently tried. From Railing she falls to Fighting of him; so that the Maior▪ and those others that came with another intention, had e­nough to do to part Man and Wife: whose best pastime is to scould, imputing the blame of all their misfortunes, to each other; a Fate that attends stolen matches so made without the Privity, or Consent of Pa­rents.

§. The Major by this time is arrived at Towmond, where his old acquaintance and Friends very much admire to see the great­ness of his Change, both in Apparel and Education.

[Page 38] The Gentlemen of that Country are ex­treamly taken with his conversation, especi­ally Mr. Macnemarroe of Ralahim, a place so often frequented by him, as if it had been his constant dwelling. The constant Re­sort of Strangers thither so common, and so well known, that I must suppose there needs no other mention of his Hospitality.

One day as the Major was Travelling the Road near that place, he accidentally met a Gentleman newily coming into the Country from abroad, going homeward where he had not been in some years: longing much to pay his Duty to his Fa­ther, the Lord of Mountgarrot. The Major Accosts him with so many extraordinary signs of Joy, that Mr. Butler marvelled at the suddenness of this great Intimacy upon the first acquaintance; which the Major per­ceiving, told him, Sir pray wonder not at my Presumption, nor my Transport, till I have unfolded the Cause. First, I had the Honour to know you in such a place in France, where you were pleased to own me for your Servant. The next is, my great satis­faction to meet you here, from whence you shall not go (if I may prevail so much with you) till you t [...]oroughly inform your self what my Fortune is, that am nearly related to you, by my Marriage to your near Kins­woman, [Page 39] Daughter to Mr. Cheevers near Wex­ford, where I have been lasht with the censure of being a Counterfeit; which I hope you will soon be able to remove. My house is not far from hence, whither I must in­treat your Company.

§. Mr. Butler told him he had not time to spare at present, and that he would rather choose to come on purpose from his Fathers House to wait upon him at his own house, than lose one hours time now: and that he would go to his Cousin Cheevers pur­posely to remove that Doubt, and censure: and give such a Character of him, as should render him capable of a better Opinion both with Mrs. and Mr. Cheevers and all his Friends. For his own part he desired nothing more than an opportunity to renew this his Acquaintance, and return this Ci­vility; and withal assured him, how glad he was of his Alliance. After the exchange of many expressions to this purpose, Mr. Butler absolutely refused to go to his new Ac­quaintance and Cousins house, by whom he was very much importuned.

The Major seeing he could not prevail, presses him with much earnestness, to take a Bait with him, at another house of his, lately let to an Uncle of his, a Gentleman of that Country, of a very good Family, [Page 40] and good Estate; one Mr. Maccnemarroe, be­ing just in his Road to Limerick: whither Mr. Butler intended to go that Night, and Major Clancie resolves to wait upon him, and see his Cousin safe out of the Coun­try of Twomond, at least so far as Limerick, in his way was extreamly glad of the Occasion, which Mr. Butler did not much scruple then, being willing to observe his Cousin.

§. To Maccnemaroes house they are come, led [...]hither by the Major, who has that observance and ready Attendance from the Servants in the Absence of their Master, that he believes them to be Ʋncle and Nephew in good earnest. The Design of calling Maccnemarroe his Ʋncle was, that Mr. Butler should see he had Relations of Quality, and likewise take some notice what care, and at what distance he was obeyed here; they are plentifully entertained, the place being always provided for such occasions▪ Healths go very quickly about to Mistresses and Friends so fast, that they scarce take notice how the time goes; notwithstanding Mr. Butlers haste. They had not been long at this sport, when one of the Servants came run­ing to the Major, to tell him that his Master, Maccnemarroe was allighting at the Gate: the Major askes Pardon and Leave of Mr. Butler, to go and wellcome his Uncle who is come to the Gate. Down he hastes, [Page 41] and after Salutation, tells Maccnemarroe what a Guest he had brought to the house, believing it to be a great disparagement to the whole Country, if such a person as my Lord of Mountgarrot's Son should pass tho­row without Entertainment. Mr. Maccne­marroe Imbraces him, and gives him many thanks for that great favour. The Major tells him farther, how he had made Mr. Butler believe, that Maccnemarroe and he were Ʋncle and Nephew, to the end he might not wonder at his Interest there, nor the power he had taken upon him, which Maccnemarroe desired him to continue, and loose no time from that good work of en­tertaining that Gentleman, in which he would give all the Assistance he could, by surrendring to the Major all the power he had in the house: which the Major very readily, and gravely took upon him: into the House they both go together, where the Major presents to his Cousin Butler, his Ʋncle Maccnemarroe; Cousin Butler pray take notice of my Ʋncle; likewise presents his Couzen to his Ʋncle: so that here is upon the suddain a Knot of Kindred my Cou­zen, my Ʋncle, and my Nephew.

§. The Ʋncle Maccnemarroe did really be­lieve that the Major had a Design upon some Lady of Fortune, in which Mr. But­ler [Page 42] might be useful to him, which made him use all the means he could to promote that Interest, and settle such an intimacy as might be necessary upon such an occasion.

Mr. Butler thinks it high time for him to be gone, who, notwithstanding all the Arguments that are used both by Ʋncle, Nephew, and Cousin, perswading him to stay for some time, at least this Night, resolves for Limerick with his Cousin Clancie: who upon this Resolution, borrows his Uncles fine Horse; Mr. Maccnemarroe was in a man­ner ashamed to deny him in the hearing of Mr. Butler, before whom he had been so kind, and had confessed his Relation: so lent the Horse and his Groom to attend him, with money in his Purse, lest either might have occasion to use it.

§. To Limerick, goes Mr. Butler, accom­panied with his well-beloved Cousin Clan­cie: who is now bravely mounted, and well attended by two Servants, his own, and his Uncles: his Interest in his Cousin Butler is grown so great, that he can perswade him to any thing (though never so contrary to his own Inclination) insomuch, that not­withstanding his haste to see his Father, the Major wrought with him to stay in Limc­rick, eight or ten days: most of which time, if not all, was spent in good fellow­ship [Page 43] with some new Acquaintance. Clancie being by this time almost weary of this place, and Company, begins to think of a way to get handsomly from thence, in order to which he calls the Groom, who was com­manded to obey him, and bids him go to the West-Gate, and stay there for him, and leave the Bay Horse in readiness for him. As soon as the Groom was gone, he calls his own man, and bids him go towards the East Gate of the Town, out of the Grooms way, and about an hour after to come to him with some Story orother, by which he might pretend Excuse to part this place and Compa­his Man being very apt, and quick of ap­prehension, and well versed in his Masters ways, soon understood his meaning; so went his ways.

§. The Major returns to his Cousin But­ler, they had not been together above an hour after breaking their Fast, to which they had taken a large Mornings-Draught, when in comes the Majors Man, like one half out of his Wits, which he taking notice of, says to his Couzen Butler, I think my Man is Drunk; what is the matter with you Sirrah? You look as if you were either Mad or Drunk? Whence came you, that makes you seem thus distracted? The Man being So­ber, and not Barren-witted, tells him, it were [Page 44] no marvel if I should have lost my Senses to see so many of my own Relations and Friends undone, and ruin'd upon your Ac­count, by having so many of my Lord of Insiqueens Souldiers quarter'd upon them, who with a great many more of your Te­nants, are flocking with their Complaints to you: and you spend your time here.

The Major bids him go to them, and for­bid them to enter the City: and to tell them he would immediately go to the Com­missioners, and see them have Reparation; with this seeming Resolution, he rises from the Table, borrows his Cousin Butlers Scar­let Cloak, Garded with Gold-Lace, his fine Embroidered-Belt and Guilt-Rapier, goes down Stairs, and with much Expedition takes his Uncles Maccnemaarro's Horse, Rides quite another way from where he appointed the Groom to wait for him: whose Heels may cool be­fore he comes; so may his Cousin Butler too, who intended the next Morning to begin his Journey towards his Fathers. His Condition I can but pitty, to meet with such an unfortunate Accident, by which he is so disappointed, disordered, and disarmed, not knowing which way to turn him, or what course to take: only expects the coming of his Cousin, who I suppose in­tended it not.

[Page 45] §. The Major designing to shun such pla­ces as he supposed the likeliest to meet any of those he so lately played his prancks with, takes the Road to Gallway: who should he meet, within a place not possible for him to avoid, but his very good friend Mr. Maccnema [...] whose occasions had at that time dra [...] [...] that way? and seeing Major Clancie [...] mounted upon his own Horse, so far from home with Mr. Butlers Cloak, and Belt, begun to suspect there was some Roguery in the matter, which in Examination he found it to be so: he first asked the Reason of this coming that way? and not sending home his Horse, which he only borrowed to Limerick? Then next he asked him how he came by that Cloak and Sword and Belt, which he knew belonged to Mr. Butler? He Answered, that he bor­row'd all with intent to restore them at his Return, within two or three days; which did not at all satisfie Mr. Maccnemarroe, who was very much concerned for Mr. Butler, which makes him resolve to take all from the Major, and go purposely to Limerick hopes to find Mr. Butler there, that he might restore him his things, so unhandsom­ly taken from him, which in conclusion he did; by which means Major Clancie is left naked, without Horse, Cloak or Sword.

[Page 46] §. Mr. Butler hearing much of Major Clancie heartily wished it had been sooner, or that he had never known him. He is in such disorder, and so perplexed for this dis­appointment, that he does not well know what to do: he is very unwilling to send to his Father, by which he [...] Discover how he was Cheated, under [...] and pre­tence of Friendship, whi [...] he had rather conceal by much; at last he resolves to go to the Commissioners, and inquire if Ma­jor Clancie had been with them? (as he pre­tended at parting) and what was become of him? Mr. Fanning the Chief Commissio­ner, understanding who Mr. Butler was, and what had befaln him, having ever deser­vedly had a great Regard for his Family; received him with abundance of kindness, and respect, and told him how sorry he was to hear him fall into the acquaintance of Major Clancie, of whom he never heard Good; and told him, if he wanted money to carry him home, he should command it, or any other Service within the reach or power of the Commissioners: who kept lit­tle or no Correspondence with Major Clan­cie, so as they could give no Account of him. This occasion'd a long discourse be­tween Mr. Butler, and the Commissioners: who were very desirous to hear how he [Page 47] came to have any intimacy with Clancie, he concealed nothing; but told them of the meeting upon the High-way, with all his Invitations, and how he carried him to his Uncles House Mr. Macnemarroe, and so to Limerick, where he played him this last Pranck: at which the Commissioners laught heartily, knowing very well that Mr. Macc­nemarroe had no Relation in the World to Clancie. One of the Commissioners stan­ding in the Window, observes to come o­ver the Bridge the very person Mr. Butler is discoursing of, Mr. Maccnemarroe, he turns about, and tells them, there comes the Gen­tleman you spake of: he is no sooner got to his Lodging; but the Commissioners sent for him, to give them a further account of this matter: upon entrance into their Room, after a cold salute from all: one of the Commissioners asked him (by appointment) what was become of his Nephew Clancie? And before he could answer, told him how sorry they were that a Person of his E­steem, and great Reputation in his Coun­try, a Man of that known Honour and Worth, that all his Life-time was looked up­on as a principal preserver of the Credit of Twomond; at last to joyn with a Cheat, and could find no fitter a Subject for this Contrivance, but my Lord of Mountgarro [...]'s [Page 48] Son; and further, to the great discredit of the whole Country, to put a gloss upon the ill cause, and palliate the Design, there must be nothing but Uncle and Nephew, then a Pedigree must be found for a Rela­tion to my Cousin Butler. I am so much ashamed to think you should have a hand in the like, that I can, say no more; but leave to the Commissioners to speak their own Sences. The Gentleman Mr. Maccne­marroe, extreamly troubled to hear himself thus scandalously reproacht; had scarce the patience to forbear interrupting the Com­missioners: at last makes Answer: that he conceived he had very hard measure to be thus censured before he was heard; and that he scorned to have a hand in Cheating, as much as any of them that charged, or any other person in the World: as for joyning with Major Clancie, he was so far from giving any Countenance upon any Design; that meet­ing him but lately upon the Road, he took from him Mr. Butlers Cloak, with the Sword and Belt, which he brought thither of purpose to restore them to Mr. Butler; who being present at this Account, much joyed to have his Goods restored, which was done imme­diately, gives them all his most hearty thanks, goes forthwith to his Lodging, dis­charges all them, so goes on his Journey. [Page 49] Mr. Maccnemarrhe could not hold to ex­press his resentment in such Terms, as gave so much offence to the Commissioners; that they thought fit to Commit him; but before he was carried away, they asked him why he did not bring the Major, as well as the Goods; to which he only replied, he had no Commission.

§. The Commissioners knowing very well Mr. Maccnemarroe's Life and Conversation, to be very far from the giving occasion for any the least suspition, intending not to keep him under a Restraint any longer, sent for him, and assured him it was for no ill opinion they had of him, or ill Intention to­ward him, made them continue him: only for the jest sake, and desired him to take it so; with which he rested satisfied, onely desired from them an authority to apprehend and bring before them that Villain that occasion­ed him all this trouble, and bitter reproach­es. That they readily granted, with direction to the Sheriff of the County, to be aiding and assisting upon occasion. Mr. Maccnemar­roe takes his leave, begins his way toward Galleway: Imagining that to be the likeliest place, supposing the Major could make no very long Marches, being a Foot: he is wholly bent for Revenge, and makes it his absolute and onely Business to find out his Haunts; in [Page 50] which he spent much time, and labour before he could give himself any Information: But at last having placed his Spies, and Watches of all sides; he findes the Major in a very good amiable poisture, courting one of his new found Misses, from which divertion he carries him away to Limerick to the Commi­sioners, who commit him to the Almighty in Prison, where the Jaylor is ordered to keep him close.

§ The rumor of the Imprisonment and re­straint of Major Clancie, with its cause, is spread all the Countrey over, so far as the County of Newford: where it is brought to the hearing of Mr. Cheevers, who is not at all troubled at it, although his family be, especially his Daughter. By the way Mr. White in Ross being told of this, obtains a Warrant from some person in Authority, that Major Clancie shall be sent from Con­stable to Constable till he be brought to Ross, to be gazed by all that have seen him in his Bravery. There revenge is sweet, though without hope of ever seeing his fifty pounds again, about the time that the Major was brought as far as Cashel in his way.

§ The Earl of Insiquin in persuit of the Ulster Army under the Command of Ge­neral Owen Onele, chances to quarter at a [Page 51] place called Farmbridg, near Cashel, where the night seeming very tedious to him, he desired a Gentleman then in his Company, somewhat acquainted with the Courses of Major Clancies Life, to entertain them with some passages to divert them; which the Gentleman did, and continued his narrati­on so long, that after many fits of Laugh­ter they found they were all asleep; and he talking to the walls, then thought it time for him to sleep too, they all slept heartily till morning, though upon bare Boards.

§ Next morning betimes there comes a fel­low to the Door, the Centrey challenged him, and bid him stand; asked him what he would have? whither he would go? he answered he would fain speak with a Gentleman that was with my Lord: the Centrey told him he should not, that it was an ill time now; for they were all asleep. The fellow pressed very hard for an admit­tance, or at least to have his message car­ried up to the Gentleman: whereupon the Souldier asked what his name was; he told, that his name was Clancie, at that the Gen­tleman with whom he would fain speak knew him very well: they both spake so loud that my Lord and the Company heard them, and did verily believe this to be that [Page 52] Person so much talked of, the night before. Whereupon the Gentleman so inquired af­ter, goes down to see who it was; and see­ing a man almost stark naked, without Hat or Cap, without Cloak or Coat, without Doublet, Shoe, or Stocking, or any other thing in the World; only a pair of Breech­es with many Patches, and a Shirt suitable and fit to be worn with such a pair of Breeches: so dirty as if it had been dipt in a Kennel, in so much that the Gentle­man knew him not, Major Clancie perceiv­ing that his disguise had altered him from the Gentlemans knowledge, discovers him­self to the Gentleman; who immediatly car­ries him up to my Lord in that very po­sture: the memorey of the last nights Sto­ries, with the sight of him in this Habit, put Lord and Gentleman into such a sit of mer­riment and Laughter that some were forced to leave the Room.

§ The Major gives his Friend a Petition to present to my Lord, which the Gentleman took, but before I delivered this Petition if you would have this Gentleman to me­diate for you, pray oblige them with the relation of some Passages of your Life, espe­cialy such and such; being the Stories he had told the night before; which the Gen­tleman would have needs confirmed by the [Page 53] Major himself: who did it so exactly well, and with such additions, as made them all so taken with him, that they joyned in the request of his Petition, wherein was set forth how that the Major and his Predeces­sors having had there an ancient relation, out of mind of dependency upon his Lord­ships House, and Family, and that he hear­ing of his Lordships being in the Field in pur­suit of Owen Onele: came to wait upon his Lordship; being some days before well pre­pared for such an occasion, being very well Mounted, and well Armed. But meeting with a number of disorderly Highway-men, as he took them to be, was rob'd of all he had, and left in the posture you now see him in: the summ of his request therefore is, that his Lordship will be pleased to give him a Pass to goe through the Countrey to Lime­rick, where he means to recruit himself, and return to wait upon his Lordship in this ex­pedition: which my Lord at the Intreaty of all that were present granted; Clancie takes his leave of all the Company, particularly his old Friend: and finding a Horse of very little valiue (or a Garran more properly speaking) which he thought fit for his Turn, provides him a bundle of straw for a Saddle, a rope of Hay for his Bridle, and thus he rides in State into the County of Limerick: [Page 54] where he was so well known, that the people believed he had broke Goal, and by that means had made his escape: some run to apprehend him anew, who upon sight of his Pass from the Lord Insiquin were glad to let him alone. To his Lodging he rides without interruption: sends for his Barbers, prepares to be Bath­ed, and Trimed, and being provided of Cloaths was soon in condition to be admitted into Company.

CHAP. III.

THe Major is now returned unto Lime­rick, free from his fears of more restraint, the only Gallant of all the Town, the most pleasing, and best welcome Company that can be: no Company pleased without him, he seemingly resolves a new course of Life, clearly to reclaim himself from his long con­tinued Vicious and most dishonest Practices: declaring in all Companies how apprehen­sive [Page 55] he is of his former carriages, and how justly punished for them, by which he is made so feelingly sensible, that there can be no­thing, though of never so great value, of power sufficient to make him attempt to the preju­dice of any man for the future. To second this resolution, and make the World be­lieve what an uncounterfeited Penitent he is, he seldom misses being at Church, at those hours of Devotion appointed for the Godly: this was so generally observed, to the un­speakable Wonder of all that saw it, as hardly believed when reported to those that saw it not, and were no Strangers to his former Life: that it occasioned a resort of some that had a desire to satisfie their cu­riosity, by the sight of this unexpected refor­mation, especially the Commissioners of the Revenew, who had not long since commit­ted him, and are in some doubt whether they shall believe their own Eyes or no: the chief of these Commissioners meeting Ma­jor Clancie at his constant, and never fail­ling place, and hour of Devotion; invites him to his House, where his welcome was evidenced by the chearfulness in each ones countenance, both of Men, and Women; the Majors carriage more and more confirm­ing all men in an opinion of his constant re­solution, never to swerve from his pious Inten­tions: [Page 56] having no other reparation to make for his many and great Transgressions, than for ever to shun all occasions of tempta­tion, left his frailty might be wrought up­on. These and many such like expressions of his, at all times, and in all Companies, had so firmly fixed the opinion of his Hearers, in an assurance of his reality; that there needeth no further testimony; or tryal.

§ This Commissioner (Mr. Fanning) was so taken with the Company and conversation of Major Clancie, that he could not be one meal without him, and in a token of his extraordinary satisfaction, desired him to com­mand his Trunks to be brought thither▪ and that he himself would remove his quar­ter; to that House where he should have the absolute Command of all. The Major returned him hearty thanks, accepted his ve­ry kind Offer; and immediatly came with his retinue to Mr. Fannings House; where he has so insinuated himself, as well with Ma­ster, Mistriss, and Servants, that there is no man commands more. In so much that what ever he will have done by the Servants is obeyed, and approved of by the Master.

§ This Gentleman Mr. Fanning being upon a Purchase of a parcel of Land, from one Mr. Obryen in the County of Clare; had ap­pointed a meeting at Mr. Obreyens House, [Page 57] upon such a day, to conclude the Bargain by paying one hundred pounds, as an earn­est penny, there to sign, and seal accord­ing to agreement: in order to which they prepare of all sides; Mr. Fanning for his Journey thither, and Mr. Obrien for his re­ception. Mr. Fanning in his way, after ha­ving ordered his servant to follow him with the hundred Pound to Mr. Obryen's House it is still to be observed, that the great in­timacy, or rather the great fondness that Mr. Fanning has of Major Clancie, must needs ingage him to make one at this meet­ing, without whose presence there can be no satisfaction to Mr. Fanning) As they ride along, each one entertain'd with their several distinct thoughts, Major Clancie observing the man that had orders to follow with the hundred Pounds was not come up to the Company; slackens his pace, and waits for him, being prepared with a coulorable, plau­sible Story: with which he acosts the Ser­vant, telling him how angry and impatient Mr. Fanning was for his long stay: where­upon he sent me back with orders for your return to Limerick, with all the speed you can make (though you were forced to take a fresh Hore) there you are to go into his Closet, where you shall find behind the right hand leaf of the Window, in a piece of pa­per [Page 58] rold up twenty Pounds in Gold: which he intended to bring in his own Pocket to give to Mr. Obryen: you are likewise to de­liver me the hundred Pounds to lighten your Carriage, that you may come the soon­er to Mr. Obryens House, where your Master, and we all expect you; this requires hast, which your Master commands you by me.

§. The Servant not questioning the matter farther, being very well satisfied that all is real, and true that comes from the Major, whose interest in Mr. Fanning was well known to all the Servants; particulerly this very Person; delivers him the hundred Pounds, rides back to Limerick as hard as he could drive, gets one of his Fellow-Servants to make ready another Horse; while he goes up stairs to finish what he comes about. But when he came to the Closet and found the Door shut, and Lockt, he was at his Wits end; not knowing what to do, whe­ther to break open the Closet-door, or go back without the money: at last after ma­ny Changes in his resolutions, and appre­hending that the want of this money (for ought he knew, might break off the Bargain with Mr. Obryen which he so often heard his Master commend, resolves to break open the Door, which he could not easily do without some help; goes to the Window, [Page 59] searches every paper, and every corner ten times over: but could find no Gold, which put the poor innocent Fellow into such a consternation, that he falls a cursing of both Master and Major, so vehemently that he was troublesome to all the House: till in the end his Mistriss was forced to use her power to quiet him, who was not a little troubled to see her man in this disorder, her Husbands Closet-door broken, all his Papers tossed most confoundedly. Then to think of her Husbands disappointment put her into some disorders too.

§. The Fellow runs down stairs like a Bed­lam, rides whip and spur into Twomond, to Mr. Obryens House; where he finds his Ma­ster full of strange apprehensions for his long Stay, sometimes pacified by Mr. Obryen, telling him that his nonpaiment of the hun­dred Pounds should be of no prejudice to him in his Bargain; but when the poor di­stracted Fellow, almost weary of his Life, appeared, and his Master asked him what the Devil ailed him to stay thus long: put the Fellow into such a rage, that he hard­ly gave his master leave to speak, but very snappishly answers him thus: Sir you may very well ask me what the Devil ailed me, for sure enough it is the Devil, or I had never been tormented thus, upon so little [Page 60] ground, or reprehended thus only for obey­ing: having done nothing but by your own orders, brought me upon the high way by Major Clancie: commanding me to make all possible hast back again to Limerick, there to go into the Closet: where I should find behind the Right-hand leaf of the Window, in a piece of Paper, twenty pieces of old Gold, which you intended to bring in your Pocket to give Mr. Obryen; which I did ac­cordingly, and when I came thither, found the Closet Door lockt, which I was for­ced to break open, and after long painful Search, not only in the window, but in every corner, where I saw but a piece of Paper; thinking it might be that I came for, till wearied off my Legs, I quitted the Search, and followed you hither; to give you this Account; at which Mr. Fanning was asto­nished, believing his Man to be Drunk, or out of his Senses; having in all the Discourse made no mention of the hundred pound; whereupon, he ask'd him if he were not Drunk, or Mad and possessed with the Devil in good earnest? Or what else made him talk of a Closet, and a Window, and of twenty pounds of Old Gold; of Mr. Obryen and Major Clancie? Sure thou art Raving? But where is my hundred pounds, which should have been now given to Mr. Obryen, [Page 61] and was this Morning delivered you to be brought hither for that purpose? Truly Sir, said he, I gave it Major Clancie according to the Orders he then brought me. But says Mr. Fanning, where is the Major with the money? How can I tell Sir, that never saw him since? but sure I am my Heart is broke. Thy Heart broke, you Villain, where is my money? To which he could have no other Answer, but that the Major had it; who it seems is gone about his own Af­fairs.

§. The whole Company are now put to Si­lence at the suddenness and strangeness of this Accident. Mr. Fanning not believing there could be so much Ingratitude in Na­ture, to requite all his Kindnesses thus: the rest endeavouring to pacify him, parti­cularly Mr. Obryen; by telling him, this should in no wise hinder him of his Bargain; and that any other time should serve for the Payment of the money as well. Mr. Fan­ning is absolutely bent for Revenge, vow­ing the Punishment of the Major to the full: the rest of the Company disperse, some laughing heartily at the seeming Artifices used by the Major, with the strangeness of his Success in all his Attempts: others more concerned for Mr. Fanning, pitied him. This was not so privately carried, [Page 62] but it is suddainly brought to Limerick, and many other places, where all People, from the highest to the lowest, make it the Sub­ject of their Discourse and Pastime. Mr. Fanning, seeing there is no remedy for the present, must Arm himself with Patience, and study how he may have his Revenge, and Recover his money: sometimes he advi­ses and consults his fellow-Commissioners, what Course is best to take, and how far the Law will warrant his proceeding in this Case. One is of Opinion, that he will but lose his time and labour in Pro­secution of such a Person, that has not wherewithal to make him satisfaction. Others are of Opinion it is fit to make search, and find out the Offender, both for Example to others, and in some measure the satisfaction of Mr. Fanning; for probably though the Law will not bear the hanging of him for this Fact, yet there are punishments sufficient and warrantable. To this Opinion all a­gree; whereupon Mr. Fanning issues forth his Warrants into all parts for the appre­hending of Major Clancie, in search of whom there is much time spent, and labour, at least half a year to little purpose; so that all begin to give over the search and Thought of him. One day it fortuned, Mr. Fanning having occasion to Travel toward the Coun­ty [Page 63] of Cork; that a Gentleman in his Company Riding a good distance before him, observed Major Clancie coming along the Road, with­out Horse or Cloak, being lately come from Galloway, where he had lost at Play all he had in the World. The Gentleman Rides back to Mr. Fanning and tells him, Major Clancie is now at his Dispose, walking up that Hill. Mr. Fanning makes hast to meet him, and at first Sight, was so enraged, that he had scarce power to tell his Re­sentments: Yet told him sufficiently of his base, unworthy, ungrateful Carriage to one that had been so kind to him, and used him more like an only Child, than a Stran­ger. But now that I have you, I will make you know your Villany. Clancie, who ne­ver wanted Impudence to make his Defence, (though in never so unjust a Cause) would needs excuse himself: but Mr. Fanning would not hear him speak, has him put on Horse­back behind one of his Servants, Pinion'd so fast, that he left him no hopes of Escape: and to be sure of his long lookt for Priso­ner, he defers his Journey to Cork, and re­turns to Limerick to see the Major in safety in the Dungeon, with Orders to the Jaylors to use him Rigorously, where he is kept so close with such a weight of Irons, and so slender Fare, and continued in that manner [Page 64] so long, that he absolutely despairs ever to escape that imprisonment, till he is carried to his Grave. No Mediation or Intercession now prevails; no hopes of Comfort left; only the expectation of his Torments will soon end, with his most miserable Life, which he hourly wishes for, all that he can study or Aim at, or that his Torments will give him leave to think of is, to pre­pare himself for another World, where he must account for what he has done. In this now appears plainly to him the transitory­ness of things, how little Comfort or con­versation can be hoped for here, where there is nothing permanent; but all sublunary.

The Jailor being the only person privy to his most secret thoughts: drawn to some pitty and commiseration by the long con­tinued Sighs and Groans of the poor and akeing-hearted Prisoner:gives him privatly some Ease, by taking part of his tormenting Irons off; other times relieving him with some small Crumbs of comfortable Bits of Meat; and such like Acts of Charity: really belie­ving his stay could not be long in his Cu­stody: but that Death must soon ease him of his Burthen. One day the Jailor coming to visit his Prisoner, asked him if there was any thing he would have done, or any Message he would have delivered to any Friend, or [Page 49] Relation of his, or if he had a Will to make, either by Word or Writing: if so, he was very ready and willing to do him all the Service he could. To which the Prisoner made Answer; no, only gave him thanks for that Offer of his, and his many other Kindnesses, which he doubted not, but God would reward him for; one Request I have to make, and to none but you, that is, to consider me as a Dying Man, who now wholely and solely bend my thoughts and works to make my Peace with God, in order to which, that you will not deny me your Assistance, chiefly in bringing me the Supe­rior of the Franciscans, Father Delahyde, that I may make my Confession before my hour come; which cannot be long now, that he may be assistful to me in this great Work.

§ The Jailor made all the hast he could, lest the Prisoner should die before he return­ed. Father Delahide having heard much of Major Clancie, wondred at such a Charecter as the jailor gave of him, pressing with so much earnestness the Reverend Father to come away in hast; who is no sooner entred the Prison, But is struck with wonder at the sight of the Major, whose durance, hard­ship, and Pain, reduced him to the most lamentable Spectacle in the World: no­thing [Page 66] but Skin and Bones; his Eyes sunk, his Lips dried up, his Jaw-bone ready to pierce the Sin; a direct Anatomy, or per­fect Ghost; with so little Breath, as he was believed would onely serve for this short time of Confession: which the Major begins, having examined the whole course of his Life, from the beginning to that hour, with some uncounterfeited Zeal, so much seeming Sanctity, so strong Resoluti­on of amendment; in case of Life (con­trary to expectation) with so hearty Re­pentance that the Reverend Father admired him as the truest Penitent he ever met with, and having pronounced Absolution, sent presently to his Convent for a Cordial, to prolong the Majors Life if it could be, and where the Major begged his Reverence to come once a day to see him, the Father seldome stayed one hour in a day from him, for the oftner he came the better he liked the Conversation, or rather Recantation of the Major, never mentioning holy things, in which he took so much satisfaction that he believed it an acceptable and meritorious work to preserve him, and believed himself obliged to endeavour it.

One day Father Guardian went to see Mr. Fanning and the rest of the Commissioners, who all received him with a great deal [Page 67] of Respect and kindness, and asked him if his Reverence had any Service to command them. He said his chief business was to see them; and withal told them where he had been, to see one of the Wonders of the World; one he believed had not his fel­low in the World sor true Penitency and perfect Devotion. One of the Commissio­ners asked who it was, he told him it was the very Picture of sorrow and Repentance, Major Clancie. Mr. Fanning starts up, and wonders that any Man would mention him for any Good; but he had so generally abu­sed mankind, nay those that had befriended him most, he betray'd soonest.

To which the Frier replies, how merci­ful God is, and how Men ought to imitate and follow his Example!

This Subject occasioned a long Discourse, that at last wrought upon Mr. Fanning so far, as to grant Father Dallahide his Re­quest; which was, that Major Clancie should be brought before the Commissioners, and there be heard speak for himself: Orders were sent to the Jailor to bring him. The Jailor makes Answer he may as well bring the Prison upon his Back as the Prisoner in his Bolts, that is hardly able to walk without a supporter; if he had all other free­dome: whereupon he is commanded to take [Page 52] his Irons off, and bring him with some Souldiers to attend him. The Crowd in the Streets was so great, that the Souldi­ers had something to do to clear the way for this walking Ghost; who with much a­do is brought before the Commissioners, who were moved to some compassion at the ap­pearance of this lamentable Spectacle: Fa­ther Dellahide break the silence first, and turning to the Major, tells him, my Child, I have perswaded these Gentlemen to hear you; therefore what ever you have to say, speak it freely. I humbly thank your Re­verence, and these worthy Gentlemen; I have not much to say, but only this, that I cannot but apprehend how I must in­avoidably subject my self to the Lash of Censorious persons, who will undoubtedly reproach me with the scandalous Terms of Flattery, in repeating what I have just reason to believe, that God is well pleased with all these Gentlemen that have so justly punished and imprisoned me, whereby I come to know my self; and call to mind my many for­mer Errors, and Transgressions so often committed, with which I might have ha­zarded, if not absolutely purchased, perpe­tual Damnation; from which, I hope that God will now defend me. Nor do I peti­tion Life or Liberty, lest I might never be [Page 53] so prepared for my End: only desire so much Ease from those Tortures, that I might spend the few hours I have to live, in the Exercise of those Admonitions I have from my Ghostly Father. If I cannot ob­tain this, I submit with satisfaction, that some will take Example by my deser­ved Punishments, and amend their Lives, which I heartily wish all good Christians may do. With these and many such Ex­pressions the Major wrought so upon all the Crowd of Hearers, that some wept for Pit­ty, others wisht it in their powers to re­lease him; more especially Mr. Fanning, who now begins to listen to the Intercessions of Father Dallahide, and the rest of the Commissioners. In Conclusion, Mr. Fanning turns to the Frier, and tells him, Father you have wrought a great Miracle, for my own part I am glad if I have contributed any thing to it; as for those injuries I re­ceived by the Prisoner, I very freely forgive; upon the assurance that he will prove a new Man, as we have all Reason to be consi­dent he will: I therefore bestow him up­on you. Whereupon is expressed a great deal of gladness through the whole Town. The Jailor is discharged, Major Clancie is led along in Company of Father Guardian. to the Monastery, where he is received af­ter [Page 70] the wonted Ceremony of the place, and Orders.

§ It is a constant custome, and an ob­served Rule, that no body must take upon him the Habit of St. Francis, till he first serve out a year os probation, or Novelship, which Major Clancie with all humbleness did, and is granted his Petitions; sor where he is em­ploy'd, behaves himself with so much hu­mility, that there can be no Employment, or Office so mean or servile, but he most rea­dily undertakes: as for those Exercises of Devotion, no Man can be more punctual. Father Dallahide is so very fond of Brother Clancie, that he appoints him to lie at his Bed's feet, lest he might by Overworking after his late Imprisonment, bring himself into any Fit of sickness, that his Cordials might be in readiness at his Call. Brother Clancie is now in his Novelship, a professed Frier in the Order and Habit of St. Francis, and Chamber-Fellow to Father Guardian, who is sometimes disappointed of his Rest by that continual Exercise of Mortification practised by Brother Clancie, who every Night to torment and cool that wanton Body of his, pulls off his Habit, and rouls himself up­on the cold Ground, and when ever he hears the Cock to Crow, falls a whipping his na­ked Body, till commanded by Father Dalla­hide [Page 71] to forbear thus rigorously to torment himself; assuring him that to preserve him­self, were it but for example would do much more acceptable service to God, than to make himself away, and desired him withal, to remember how lately he came out of Prison, and how severely dealt with there, and how it brought him so low, that he could hardly crawl, and therefore would have him Cherish, and Nurse himself till he recovered his former strength. In this manner stood Affairs for some time. Brother Clancies Diligence more and more engages the Affections of all his Brother-Friers, especially Father Guardian, who sel­dome or never goes any where without him, chiefly when he goes to preach to his Congregation, to whom he often Declares as undeniable Truth, what had been told us by our Predecessors, in order to the Amendment of our Lives, and preservation of our Souls. Yet knowing how incident and natural 'tis to all Men, to be more ta­ken, and give more Credit to what they see, than what they hear, I must here take leave to point out to all your Views, the wonderful and almost miraculous work of the Al­mighty, in the clear and perfect Reformati­on of one of the loosest livers in the world. I hope, for your examples, as his own pre­servation, [Page 56] who had heretofore so plentifully tasted the pleasures of the World in every form Mans wishes could propose: nor did his want of Youth deprive him of hopes to continue so; yet being toucht with a timely Remorse, by which the vanity of the World was made appear to him, quits all hopes of the pleasures of this World; for the poor begging habit of St. Francis; wherein he now sits at the foot of the Pulpit, at which all the People look, knocking of their hands and brests for admiration, still listening to the Preacher; who pursues his Story, by tel­ling them how strangely studious poor Brother Clancie is, to find out unheard of punishment; in hope thereby to make some reparation, to pur­chase the Pardon, and expiation of his Crime, for the transgression of his Youth. I my self that am a Fryer, and a Preacher these two and thirty years, am now glad to learn new ways or Mortification of my poor Brother Clancie. Thus did this good and reverend Father continue of giving attributes of Praise to Brother Clancie, who by this time is very well versed in the several ways of both Clergy, and Laity; one thing he observed to the rule in the Monastery: not to reserve for the next Meal, (yet being dispensed with because of the War) they of that Monastery had got a little slock of mony together, [Page 57] from their charitable Neighbours, which Bro­ther Clancie knew of; who finding an opportu­nity by the absence of Father Guardian, goes to brother Spencer, who was then their Cash-keep­er, and told him that Father Delahyde being with the Commissioners, they had promised to do them a very kind piece of Service, which was, to employ their own Servants to the Fair of Mollengare to buy lean Cattle for the win­ter Provision, and would give them Grass till they were fit to be eaten, to which end Fa­ther Delahyde sent me for that little money, to deliver to the Commissioners for that Use, Fa­ther Spencer believing all this to be true, deli­vers him the money, being threescore Pounds; he no sooner had it but he carries it to a pri­vate Lodging, where he puts off St. Francis's habit, puts on his other Cloaths, and bids adieu to his benefactor Father Delahyde, and all the rest of his dearly beloved Brother-Fri­ers; as soon as the Guardian came in, his first enquiry was for brother Clancie, being always very tender of him, asked him how he did, and where he was?

§ Truly says Father Spencer he eat his Dinner heartily; for my part I have not seen him since he brought me a message from you. From me a message? what do you mean by a message? for I have not seen him this day, are you sure you do not mistake? I [Page 74] am sure Sir he brought me your Order to deliver him over our little Stock of Money to be carried to the Commissioners, who pro­mised to send their own Servants to the Fair of Mollengare: and there to buy lean Cattle, and that they would bestow Grass to seed them, till they were fit for us to eat. God bless us says Father Delahyde, I am afraid you are Drunk, or have lost your Senses. Should I be Drunk, that have not tasted any manner of Liquor this day? what then? what makes you talk at random thus of the Commissioners. of Mollengare-Fair, of Servants, of Lean cattle and God knows what? Sir I know no more, I do but re­peat his own words, he may give you a better Account which I suppose he will do when he comes in. But have you given the money in earnest? yes truly have I. And do you not know where he is? no in good faith not I. Why▪ then I am afraid we are all undone.

§ This last Act of the Major's to the great disappointment of the reverend Father, and the rest of his Friers, and Fellow-Suf­ferers, soon spread up and down the Town, that it came to the Hearing of the Commis­sioners, who next day came to see his Re­verence, and condole his great Loss. Mr. Flanning begins to enquire for Brother Clan­cie, [Page 75] that Example of Humility, that Pattern of Penitence: inlarging so upon that Sub­ject till Father Delahyde much out of coun­tenance, beg'd him not to torment Him with those reproachful Sentences, and Re­petitions of his irrecoverable Loss; and be­lieve this was sent for their Punishment, and Trial of Patience, who have no reme­dy, but Leave it to God. Father Spencer standing by, and hearing him say he would leave it to God; being troubled, replies there should be no search for Clancie, leave it to God, and if this wicked Fellow comes with one tear of Repentance, God will for­give him. But what shall we do in the mean time for Meat? at this the People fell all a Laughing, till the Company parted, each one to his Home entertaining their Selves, and Friends with those Passages for­merly repeated.

CHAP. IV.

MR. Clancie concievs it not safe for him to make any stay in them Parts, where he had so lately play'd so many Pranks, and had incensed so many Persons [Page 60] of Quality; who would undoubtedly have apprehended him, were it but only in re­venge of poor Father Delahyde, injured so: believing Limerick too hot a place for him, to take his Journy toward the County of Keary a place he never had been in before, there makes his inquiry as well of Names of Places, as the Inhabitants, and having thoroughly informed Himself in every parti­cular, he likewise inquires who those People were that liv'd in the Wood, and upon the Mountains, and what shift they could make for their Lively-hood, and Subsistance?

§ Answer was made him that most of them were Gentlemen of good Rank, Men of great Courage, and Resolution, put now to so much Hardship, that unavoidably they must be very Burthensome to the Country, troublesome enough to the Neighbouring Garrisons, having no Pay or other ways to live but what they must take by force from their Enemies, their Friends not daring to relieve them. He farther enquires which was the next Garrison, and who command­ed there? it was told him that Cork was the next; the Governours own Name he knew not. Pray do you know any of the Gentlemens Names that live near Cork? can I have admittance into the City? yes Sir, I know Mr. Ocallechan, and several others [Page 61] that pay Contribution. After this Informa­tion the Major goes toward Cork, to a Gen­tlemans House with whom he had some small acquaintance; who bids him very welcome, and gave him good entertainment, which the Major makes this Use of, and tells him that the occasion of his coming thither was to make Use of his kindness, in a Business he was very confident would be very accep­table to all Men, and injurious to none: whereupon the Gentleman of the House pro­mises to do him all Service. Why then Sir my request is, That you will do me the fa­vour as go to the Governour of Cork, and tell him that I am a Person that have a small Command amongst those Gentlemen that can­not but be troublesome to him, and his Quarters; and if he will give me good con­ditions, in order to my Transport, and those under my Command, I will wait up­on him, provided he first send me a safe Con­duct by you. The Gentleman of the house was very glad of the occasion; believing it a very welcome Message, goes next morning to the Governour: who kindly thanked him, and immediatly gives him a safe Conduct for Captain Clancie, and desires him to bring the Captain to his House, and to assure him he should have good conditions, and shall be very punctually performed. The [Page 79] Gentleman returns to the Captain with this account, who without delay comes to the Governours House in Cork: where he is most nobly feasted, his company very pleasing to all: no sooner Dinner was done, but Captain Clancie desired a private conference with the Governour, where he reasoned the matter, so signifying how resolute all his party were, and absolutely resolv'd to revenge their selves, in case of no relief: such of them as had not the intention with Captain Clancie, who likewise tould him how necessary he would be in this case; whereupon the Governour desired him to know what conditions would satisfy him? Sir I would not willingly be counted unreasonable to a Person so obli­gingly civil as your self. I would have a safe and free Quarter for my Men and Horses during our stay here, a good Ship well Mann'd, and Victualled, to transport us to our Harbour beyond Sea, with some mony in our Purses to serve us upon our arrival, which I will leave to your discretion.

§ Truly Captain I can but commend your care of your men; nor do I find so much of unreasonableness in your Demand, and to dispute any farther, but grant all you desire; all which was presently reduced into Writ­ing, signed by the Governour, and deliver­ed the Major, who no sooner finished his [Page 78] complement to the Ladies, but he takes his leave of the Governour, and those Officers with him, goes along with his Friend in whose House he had lain some nights before, and from thence to the Mountains: where he was very well known to a great many there, begins to wonder at their manner of living, without Meat, without Drink, without Lodg­ing. Some answered though their Fare was bad, yet their Cause was good, and others answer, would God for all the goodness of our Cause, we knew where to eat and drink one hearty good Meal; to which Clancie makes answer thus: Gentlemen I must con­fess I pity you. Pity us? a plague take your pity, could you help us to some Meat. I do as­sure you Gentlemen if you would be but ru­led by me, I would soon help you to Meat, and Drink enough. They all that were there present resolved, and vowed to observe him, and his orders in what ever he would com­mand them, (provided they law a provision made for them with any manner of safety) ho tould them that if they would but own him for their Captain, he would warrant with his life to provide for them as he pro­mised, to which another makes Answer He liked the motion well enough, if he knew how to believe Clancie: with whom he had been well acquainted before; whereupon [Page 64] Clancie, to remove that Doubt, produces the Articles he had made with the Governour of Cork. Upon sight of which to the num­ber of threescore and ten of them, call him Captain, and march along with him through the Country very safely, being every where much made of, a far pleasanter, and sweet­er way of living than on the Mountains. Thus they march to the gates of Cork, where they are received, and provided for by the Governour: who presently upon their Arrival appoints each one his Quarter, where they are to stay till the Wind serve: there being no other Lett, the ship being in readiness, and the mony that was articl'd for, paid to the Captain.

§ Soon after this the wind served fair for their Voyage, the Governour sees all clear, and aboard, waits upon Captain Clancie, wishing him a good Passage. The Captain having civily returned his thanks, set Sail, of whom we hear no more, till his Coming with his Troop into Flanders. Where some of them asked him for the share of their Mony given him by the Governour of Cork for theirs Use? He told them that what mo­ny was given him was for his own Use, and not theirs. But they not satisfied with this Answer, resolved to have it out of his bones, and threatned him, so that he was glad to [Page 81] get from them by stealth, and leave his Troop to shift for their Living, who not knowing where to follow, dispersed several ways to seek their Fortunes apart.

CHAP. V.

THe Major is by this time got into a re­motest part of the Country, where he had intelligence of a very Fair, and Rich Widdow, to whom he resolves to make his address: having for Excuse (of his presump­tion of coming with such an intention to a person of that Quality, in so mean an equi­page, and so slenderly attened) the distresse of his Country, well known to most Na­tions; which he begs her Ladiship to consi­der, and not to look upon him as mean, though peradventure his Habbit, and retinue might speak him so, which she should find upon enquiry.

§ The Lady with a great deal of modesty gave him thanks for his large expressions, and tould him withall, it was not her busi­ness to inquire after any mans Fortune, espe­cially [Page 82] having neither intention or inclination to change her condition, which she desired might serve for an answer: not that she mis­believ'd what he had said, or ever inten­ded to question tho matter, only that she knew not how to be rude to any Man; and that at present she had some occasions called her away. This he took for an In­couragement to come again, which he often did without Invitation. One day meeting with some of his Acquaintance of the Gen­try of Ireland; he imparts this Secret, by which he questions not, but to be shortly enabled to relieve them from their neces­sitous condition, and put himself into a very splended posture. This relished so well, that these Gentlemen asked if they or any of them by their attendance upon his Person, or any other way could be serviceable to him in this affair? he told that was not it, but the only thing he wanted to carry on this design, was so much mony as would furnish him with some Aparrel; that he might not always appear in one Dress.

§ Truly say they our stock you know can not be great, yet howsoever we will devide with you upon such an occasion as this, that cannot be every where had. He ingages that they shall never have cause to repent this kindness. They incourage him to pro­ceed, [Page 83] having already made so fair a progress, they make up forty pound between them; which they very chearfully gave him. He no sooner had it, but he forthwith quits his Matter, leaves his Lodging undischarged, and his Friends strangely disappointed of this great Expectation; crosses the Country, and comes into England: so to London. Where at a place call'd Nells Ordinary, to which there was great resort to, which there came two Strangers that discoursing of their Travels, one of them asked his Friend, if he knew of any that he could confide in, now I am going in­to France; and have some money which I would willingly put into the hands of a Friend, that would be just to, and save me the Trouble of Exchange; his Comrade told him he would inquire, and was sure he could not miss of many that would be glad of the occasion.

§ Major Clancie having heard the discourse as soon as Dinner was done, and Reckoning paid, call'd for some Wine to entertain his Friends: to which he invites these two Stran­gers, to whom he had made himself so known: that before they parted he contracted such a Friendship, as if they had been of long ac­quaintance: insomuch that they were sworn Brothers. They had not spent many hours in this new purchass'd Brotherhood, when he told him, Brother, if I am not mistaken [Page 84] I heard you wish for a Friend that would be true to you, and could help you to your money upon your Arrival in Paris. If that be a Service to you, I am sure I can help you; for there is a noble Person there, that has a considerable sum of money in his hands, that shall pay you upon sight of my Bill.

This the Earl of Insiquin, a Man very well known to be Responsable and just, and if you please to make a farther enquiry as tis sit you should, you will find this true. The Gentleman hearing the name of Insiquin be­lieving the thing withour any more ado, and told the Major he had two hundred Pounds, one he would carry about him, the other he should have: whereupon the Major draws his bill with a very careful earnest Letter of credence, with which the Gentleman was very well satisfied, and delivered the mo­ney, when the Reckoning was paid: The Company parted; The Major about his af­fairs, the Gentleman to prepare for his Jour­ny.

§ How that he is gladly eased of the burthen of his money, into so good a Hand, who no sooner Arives at Paris, but comes to my Lord of Insiquin, delivers his Bill, and Letter. My Lord seeing the name of Clancie: could hardly contain himself from laughing. So that he was forced to make an Apology, [Page 85] by telling the Gentleman that the many former stories that he had heard, and known of Major Clancie: being brought fresh by this Bill, and Letter into his memory, was the cause he could not forbear laughing; and withal told the Gentleman how sorry he was that any Gentleman should fall into the Hands of such a known Cheat, and for his part he never had money of Clancies in his Life, and that withal his heart he pittied the Gentle­man: not knowing how to advise him for the recovery of his money, other then to make what haste he could back again to London. where probably he might find Major Clancie before all the money were spent. This was such a suddain surprise to the Gentleman, so contrary to his expectation, that he nei­ther knew what to say or do: stood stock still like an Image, or Statue without Lfe, or Motion. But upon second thoughts, and serious consideration, he resolves to take my Lords advice; this being a Business could admit of no long deliberation.

§ And after a very little rest and some small repast, he takes post, and rides back to London, where he finds the Major that dream'd not of his return in the least, and rising suddainly from the Company to wel­come his Brother, meets half a dozen Ba­liffs, that handled him very roughly. The [Page 86] Gentleman hearing him call Brother, an­swers him with a curse, a plague take all such Kindred: in brief, the Major is carried to Prison, wihout making restitution of any money, having little or no [...]e about him; Where he had not been above ten days, but he makes love to the Marshalls only Daugh­ter, with some success: so much as gave him admittance, and oppertunity to make his pi­tied Passion known; he had a familiar ac­quaintance with the Daughter of the Great Earl of Twomond. To whom he takes the li­berty to signify by Letter the State of his condition as a Prisoner, without hopes of re­demption: desiring her Ladiship with much earnestness to continue still his Friend; to whom he had a very humble request. Which was, that She would command her Chaplen to come to the Prison, and hear his Confession▪ this request He hoped She would not deny him, it being the great concern of his Soul; The Lady did so. The Chaplen puts on his Disguise, and came to the Prison, where he was carried to a private Room. The doo [...] being shut close, he begins to tell the Major by whose command he came, and desir'd him to consider how he, and all those of his Fun­ction were persecuted; and that he could not stay long, and doubted not but he was pre­pared:

[Page 87] § Sir (says the Major) I know it very well, and shall not keep you long, my Confession is but short: I know what you have said to be very true that you are a Priest, my Con­fession is that I want money, which you can and must supply before you leave this pIace; or I will Inform against you. The Chaplen was so startled at this Confession, knew not what defence [...]o make, finding all his argu­ments fruitless: at last was forced to give the Major all the money he had; being twen­ty Broad Pieces, and his Bond for thirty more to be paid at the day agreed upon. The Chaplen goes home to his Lady, like a distracted man, to whom he tells what be­fel him, Imputeing the blame of his misfor­tune to her Ladiship, at whose Intreaty and Command he undertook that unfortunate Journey.

§ The Lady very much troubled concei­ving her Self the absolute occasion of this Disaster; knew no way to repair this inju­ry but by paying the Twenty Pounds, and ingageing for the Thirty, which She imme­diately did.

During the time of the Majors Imprisonment, there chanced to come into England, one Sutton commonly called Duke of Northumber­land, the pretended Heir of the Lord Dudley of Dudley-Castle; who then had a Relation [Page 88] in Town, who he often visited at his house, where he was sometimes entertained with Stories of Major Clancie, with which the Duke was so taken, that he acquainted the French Ambassador with, whereupon, this Gentleman and Friend to the Duke, was invited by the Ambassador to Dinner, where he was desired to satisfie that Company with some account of Major Clancies Life, of whom the Ambassador had heard so much, which the Gentleman did, with so much satisfacti­on seemingly to all the Company, more espe­cially the Ambassador's Secretary, who longed for nothing so much as the sight of this Ma­jor that was the Author of all this Dis­course, so that when Dinner was done, the Secretary takes one of his Matters Coaches, and some Footmen along, and having found after some inquiry, where the Majors Habi­tation was, makes him a Visit to the Mar­shals House, where he was Prisoner: The Major receives him with all the kindnesses that could be, and entertained him so plen­tifully, that the Secretary could not chuse but wonder to see with what Decent order he was served, upon the suddain: as if he had expected him; and a preparation made purposely for his Reception. Yet there could nothing be so satisfactory as the free­dom of Discourse with which the Secretary [Page 89] was so taken, that he resolved to come of­ten to see him, with intentention to do him Service. Thus they entertained each other for that Afternoon, and at parting, used so much Courtship and Ceremonies, as made the Marshal believe there must be a great deal of Intimacy and Friendship between them.

§ The Secretary is no sooner gone, but the Major, who seldome, or never wanted wherewithal, to put a good Gloss upon an ill Cause, and resolving to make some Use of this Visit, puts himself into the Posture of the most unfortunate Creature in the World; and Acted that part so well, that all the People there present, were very much concerned; though they knew nothing of the Cause: chiefly the Master of the House, who with a great deal of Earnestness prest to know the occasion of this so great and suddain a Change? To which the Major makes Answer thus, I know you cannot but wonder at me, that am indeed the wonder of the World for misfortune: so misfortu­nate that if you knew my Condition, I doubt you would not Relieve me, though your Charity might point you to things of great­er difficulty. Yet for your satisfaction, I will not conceal from your Knowledg, the true State of my Case. When I was in France [Page 90] last, I did Article with the King, that I would bring hIm out of Ireland, a Regiment consisting of two thousand Men. On this depended my Fortune, now crost by this cursed Imprisonment. The French Ambassa­dor not knowing any thing of my Restraint, and much wondering why I did not go with my Capitulation, sends his chief Secretary to know the Reason why I came not at him, that he might move all Objections, either with the Protector or else-where; that gave intterruption to this Design. Now you know the cause of my Distraction and Trouble, then judg if I have not reason to be so, to see the neck of my hopes broke by this re­straint; where I cannot promise my self so much Liberty, as would give me time to fi­nish my Business with the French Ambassa­dor.

§. All that heard him, could not choose but be concerned for him, especially his Mi­stress, the Jailors only Daughter; who now made Use of her Interest with her Father: alledging such Reasons and Arguments of pitty, in behalf of the Major, whole future Happiness depended wholly upon this so con­siderable Imployment, as the Command of so many Men, by which it was not unlikely, but he might in little time be enabled to procure his Liberty, and make large Returns [Page 91] for the Favour should be conferr'd upon him; and what pitty it was that a Person of that Honour and Quality, should be thus restrained now in his Distress: The Father considering with great Attention the words of his dear Child, with how much reason spoke, and she was concerned; tells her how sorry he was that it lay not in his power to redeem and free him from all his trouble, being a person for whom he ever had a very great Respect: and whose gene­rous and free good Nature, was well known to him, seeing the Ambassadors Secretary come to him in such an Equipage, made him be­lieve all to be very true; whereupon he calls the Major to him to acquaint him with what the Daughter had said; and how heartily she pleaded for him, which indeed had wrought so much upon the good Man, he de­sired the Major to be very free with him; and let him know wherein or which way he could serve him, and he should find him a real true Friend. The Major returns him most hearty Thanks, with an assurance of that his Gratitude should speak it self; so as what ever kindness was done him now in his greatest necessity, should not be counted lost. Telling wit [...] all, how that the French Am­bassadors Secretary told him how requisite his presence would be to go along with the [Page 92] Ambassador to the Protector, in Order to set­tle a course for the Raising of his Regi­ment in Ireland; and when that was done, he was to receive a very considerable summ of money, out of which he would not fail to pay that summ for which he lay in Pri­son, and plentifully reward the many kind­nesses he had received there; and in Order to the effecting of all this, he desired no more, but that the Marshal would be so kind as to let him go to the Ambassador once a day, and take his own Parole for his Re­turn at Night. The Marshal told him it was not usually practised to set a Prisoner at Liberty without Bail.

Yet that the consideration of so pressing and weighty an Occasion, with the mediati­on of his Child to whom he could deny nothing, had perswaded so far with him, that he should have his Request, not doubt­ing but the Major would be so just to him as not to fail that expectation of coming in every Night till his Capitulations was finish­ed: by which he hoped to see him free from that and all his other troubles, which the Major moved to do, by all that was dear to him in this and the World to come. He now at Liberty to go every day about his own affairs, and follow his own Inventions; comes in every Night very punctually, nor can [Page 93] he all this time omit the least opportunity of making his address to his Mistress the Marshalls Daughter: who by this time is so wrought upon by those his many Passionate expressions, that she resolves to grant him all his desires, provided he first give her as an assurance of his constancy: that irremovea­ble Pledge, and ingagement of marriage, which the Major did not often deny any for, whereupon they both consent for many rea­sons to have it done with as much Privacy as could be, sirst, because it suited not so well as affairs stood with him, to have the Marriage, which the Major did Publickly; and next by reason She never consulted Fa­ther, Mother, or Friend; so that it is a­greed they both must meet in a secret re­mote part of the Town; with very few Witnesses, the Thursday following, where all things were solemnized, to the unspeak­able satisfaction of both; after which home they come; each their several way without the least suspition, where they have leisure, sufficient conveniency to meet, and advise as oft as they please, one day the Major be­ing in Company with some of his own Crew, notice was given him how that his Creditor was informed of his liberty, and that it was intended the Marshal should be called to an account for it, and that a course [Page 94] would soon be taken to restrain him, is not very speedily prevented: he no sooner comes to his hour of Loanliness and privacy with his Wife: but he acquaints her with the de­sign, telling her with all what his appre­hensions were, and that he knew no way so safe for the preservation of his liberty from the Mallice and Prosecution of his Pro­secuting Creditors, as for them both to be gone into some place of safety out of the reach of his enemies. Though he scarce knew how to effect this without her help, by reason of the scarcity of Money, occa­sioned by those several misfortunes that late­ly befel him, especially his last Imprison­ment. To which She makes answer that She had so absolutely setled her heart and affections upon him, that She will never de­cline or forsake him: But will with chear­fulness go with him into any part of the World he pleases, so She may enjoy him, and bear a snare as well in his Sufferings as his Plenty: and as for his present sup­ply, She knew of some Gold her Mother had in a drawer, in the bottom of a Trunck of Linnen, to which She had admittance at her Pleasure; and it should go very hard but She would bring him this Gold to any place, and at what time he should appoint with this he was overjoy'd, signifying by all [Page 95] he could say or do, the great sence he had in his own Happiness in Her, which he would not change for the Empire of the whole World. This mutual satisfaction was sealed with a kiss, the hour of meeting at Graves­end apdointed; he goes abroad about his Affairs, and She about her Design, which She affected that very Afternoon.

§ Her Father and Mother being gone as far as Hamstead, and leaving Her as their cheif Trustee to oversee, and have care of all their concerns at Home, which She was not unmindful of; for assoon as their backs were turned, She went to the Trunk having the key in Her own custody, so as She could meet with no Dificulty till She came to the Drawer; with which She was forced to spend some time; and use some Art before She could break it open, which She at last over­came, with as little noise as She could. Where She found two small purses with a Hundred broad pieces of Gold in each, and having put the Gold into her pocket, closes up every thing in as good order as She could, or her hast would suffer her, and so takes her leave of London for some time: away She marches to Gravesend; where She met her most dearly beloved Joy, to whome She de­livered this most welcome present, She thought it not convenient to make any long stay [Page 96] there; for fear of some persuit, aud there­fore made all possible hast into the low Coun­treys, where they spent their time merrily as long as their stock lasted. He finding the Purses were grown very light, and his ex­pence very great, resolves to put her to the Tryal of Wits, if not out of her Wits, by sending her back to her sond Father and Mo­ther, presuming her presence might recon­cile them to their Darling in order to the separation, he makes her believe his resolu­tion is to go into Flanders; where he has great hopes of such a Fortune as would make them live happily together for ever after▪ She not being in condition to Travel being with Child, to this part of his will She knew not well what answer to make, being over­come with grief, to think of leaving him, a thing so contrary to his promise, and so a­verse to her Nature; that she would undoubt­edly rather choose to leave the World, than him: but since it was his pleasure to have have it so, and that there was no re­medy She would obey him in this, as in all things else: away She came into England, so to London; where I must leave Her to make use of what Interest She has in Friends to procure her Pardon, and perswade a re­conciliation in which they meet with much difficulty.

[Page 97] § Till at last her Father being moved with several considerations of her being de­luded by that false Villain Clancie, whose insinuating Snares the Father himself could not escape: then She ever having been the fondest and most dutiful Child in the World; upon whom he had placed all his Comfort and Consolation; now returned home in her raggs like a Beggar; and which was worse, great with Child, and very near her time: he takes Her in his Arms, washed her cheeks with his Tears; gives her the same com­mand She had before her misfortune; at which the Mother was overjoy'd.

CHAP. VI.

MAjor Clancie having turned off his Wife, is now at liberty, free from any ap­prehension of Danger or Imprisonment, tra­vels into Italy, Arrives at a place called VIENA. where he is put to his Wits end for money, he privately calls his Ser­vants to him, gives them Orders that when he called any of them by their Christian'd [Page 98] names, they should be sure to answer him my Lord, as if he had been one in disguise, and would not have it known that he was so. They being very well versed in his ways knowing he was designing some tricks to get money; withal observed him very pun­ctually, and seemingly in so much that the Master of the House taking great notice of this, invites the Majors Servants to an even­ing repast, with intention to inform himself of the quality, and true Title of his new Guest: to this purpose he Feasts them, and at the Feast drinks himself and them into such a pitch, as that neither of them could say much; however he made a shift to let them know the desire he had to be infor­med of them the true Title of their Masters quality, having often overheard them call him Lord, & he being apprehensive that through his Ignorance he might abridge his Honour, made it his request to them to inform him. One of them told him that he had been so oblieg­ingly civil to them, he for his own part knew not how to deny him any thing: pro­vided he would be secret in a thing that would do them much prejudice to discourse it, being contrary to the command of their Master, and him no good; they knew not why, and that although his quality was far above what he now seemed to be, yet he [Page 99] for some reasons best known to himself, not fit for them to prie into; commanded their Secresie, which they would never have vio­lated without the same promise of Secresie from him, and withal desired that this might serve to satisfy his curiosity, and ask no more questions of particular relating to that: and for fear of any discovery, to be sure to use the same freedom as hitherto. All which the Master of the House promised he would be very careful to observe in every respect.

§ One day as the Major and his Land­lord sat at dinner, there chanced to pass by the Door a great many Hors-men attending upon some great Gentleman, they knew not who till one of the Hors-men, having for­merly lodged in that house, steps to the Door to inquire how his Friends there did, the Master of the House very heartily welcomed him, the Gentleman made no stay: the Ma­ster returns to his Dinner, and the Major being one of the inquisitive asks who that was, that was so kind as upon his first co­ming to visit your House, to which the Ma­ster made answer, that this Gentleman Sig­nior Gerardo had been a long time lodged in his House, and that all his Life-time he never lodged a Worthier Person, or a Braver Man; nor did he ever know any Man more generally beloved, and now coming to Town [Page 100] with the Prince of Tuskaine, to whom he was a Servant, would not defer that visit. Truly says the Major I cannot but commend Him for it, and could wish for an oppor­tunity to be known to a Person of so much Worth as you describe, and as he seems to be, and should take it for a great kindness, if you would let him know so much. I may do it with ease replies the Master; for I am to see him this night by appoint­ment, where I shall not fail to observe your command.

§ The hour being come the Master went to see his Friend Gerardo, who received him with all the kindness that could be, and after having exchanged their ceremonies of Joy to see each other: the Master tells him of a request he had, that could admit of no denial; and in the end he should find it no disservice to himself. Mr. Gerardo de­sires to know what request this was that should need so great a preamble; you know­ing very well you may command me. Why then says the Master, there is a Gentleman that now lodges in my House, who upon some discourse of you, desired me to bring you acquainted; let me assure you, you will not think your time ill bestow'd in his Com­pany; he is a Stranger in these Parts, and I believe of far greater quality then either [Page 101] his Equipage, or Attendance speaks him: but is of a very Noble, and generous Spirit, a free hearted Man and of Good, and very pleasing conversation as ever you knew: this acquaintance (replies Segnier Gerardo) must needs be of greater advantage to me then to t [...]e Gentleman; and should sooner sue for it: but since it happens thus, I will with much willingness give him my atten­dance to morrow about Mid-day: for we must part by reason of some business that calls upon me, being but newly come, aud not knowing what our stay may be. The Master comes home to his House, gives this account to the Major his Dear Guest; who gives him many thanks, and desires him to prepare for Segnior Garardo again that time of the day, which was done accordingly.

§ Next day these met in the Majors Cham­ber, where they were very plentifully enter­tained, when the Major and his new ac­quaintance grew to such an intimacy, as no Brothers could be dearer. After dinner the Major takes Gerardo into his Closet, and there discourses with him of the times, and asked him if he had lately heard any thing of the King of England, or if he knew any one of that Court, to which Gerardo makes an­swer how impossible it was to conceal from the World the usage of the King of England, [Page 102] and for his part he had no knowledge of particulars, or any acquaintance with any of that Court: but had heard very much of the constancy, Loyalty, and fidelity of the Lord of Ormond in all places, and in all Com­panies: but more especially from his own Master, who often gives that noble Person such Characters as were not to be parallel'd. The Major, as if struck dumb at the very mentioning of that Name, was silenced for so long time; which Gerardo perceiving the suddainness of his change, and seeing him more concern'd than ordinary; took the li­berty to ask him if he were not of some near Relation to that Noble Man: to which the Major males this reply, Sir the descrip­tion given by my Landlord of your worth, and the great confirmation I find in your Self, denies me the power to conceal from your knowledge my Relation, with what else I have to impart. I must first intreat your secrecy, and then the constancy of that Friend­ship you were pleased to profess to me, with this assurance that I shall ever make it my study to requite kindnesses of this Nature. I must confess my self, that Person, though probably not deserving the Characters that had been given: and now returning to my Master, am a little pincht, and therefore must intreat you to acquaint the Prince, [Page 103] that I beg it as a favour he will not give Himsef the trouble to see me, nor so much as take notice of my being here; or take it ill that I cannot wait upon him, other then by you that are his Servant, and my best Friend. I shall not name what sum to car­ry me home, other then what can be spar'd with conveniency. This I must earnestly intreat you to keep to your self from all Men, but the Prince; not doubting but I may be in condition to requite your kind care, as becomes me. I must further desire that you make no discovery by any chance, or distance while we are together; but be­lieve me to be your reale Friend; or I should not have us'd this freedom.

§ Gerardo being strangely surprised, begg'd his Lordships pardon for these errours his ignorance had led him into, which he would endeavour to repair by this faithfulness in what Service his Lordship had now comman­ded him, in which he knew he should be very successful, knowing the temper of his Master, and patticular respect he had for his Lordship; of all which he should suddainly have an account. Whereupon Gerardo takes his leave, goes to the Prince, and ingages him to secrecy: before he would discover, or let him know any thing. The Prince won­dering what should be the cause of all this [Page 104] Pudder, and being very desirous to know what the matter was, and knowing very well that Gerardo was a stay'd sober Man; must needs have some strange thing to ac­quaint him with, which makes the Prince promise him as much of privacy as he can desire. Whereupon Gerardo told him all, how that my Lord of Ormond was in Town in Disguise, and how he came to know it, and what discourse past between my Lord of Or­mond and him, and what my Lord had given him in command to acquaint his Highness with, in order to a supply of some money for this occasion; and that his Highness would much oblige him in not taking any notice of his being in the Country, and that as soon as his Lordship came to the King, his High­ness should be sure to hear from him with all acknowledgments imaginable.

§ The Prince was so surpriz'd at this re­lation that he started at it, and ask'd Ge­rardo if my Lord would not give him leave to wait upon him privately, as for any thing else he desir'd, he should most willingly com­mand it: in order thereunto he commands Gerardo to go back to my Lord and carry him three hundred Pounds, and bid him tell my Lord he shall have as much more as he pleases, and that there was not that thing in the World within the compass or reach [Page 105] of the Prince but he should command; and that, the only trouble the Prince had at this time is, that his Lordship forbids him to see him: there being nothing he coveted or long'd more for then the oppertunity to contract a real Freindship with his Lordship. But since it appears to be his pleasure not to be seen he will obey, only attend his Lordship in his wishes.

§ Gerardo returns to the suppos'd Lord of Ormond, who receives him with a great deal of cheerfulness, and large promises of re­ward; ingaging him by all the indearing terms that can be, to express to the Prince how feelingly sensible he is of this great fa­vour thus seasonably plac'd upon him: which Gerardo promises to perform very effectually, Gerardo takes his leave; the Master of the House appears with a sad countenance to think of parting with the best Guest that ever he had; the Major having paid all his scores, and with an open hand destributed to the people, presents the Master and Mi­stress of the House very largly, designing thereby to raise the report and continue the belief of his greatness. At his going to Horse he threw money to the standers by, being his custome so to do when his purse was full; which by some was constru'd to be more for ostentation, then devotion.

[Page 106] § He now abounds in plenty, so that he resolves to deny himself nothing his fancy can propose, sometimes his inclination leads him to the Wars, where he behaves Him­self like a Person of a clear courage; and an undanted resolution: in places of great­est danger he is sure to be one of the first, either in charging the Enemy, or making an Attack, of which there is so much notice taken; as also of his free, and unlimited way of expence, that in little time he acquires a great Reputation, and a general good opinion of all his acquaintance: at another season of the year he retires, and makes his abode in some City, where he courts all occasions to shew his generous disposition: so that his com­pany is coveted by all. Thus he spends some years abroad till he understood by his corre­spondent in London, how that his last Wife, being received into her Father and Mothers bosome, died in Child-birth; which was some encouragement for his comming thither, if there was no other rub in his way.

CHAP. VI.

THe Major by this time is thoroughly as­sured, that the King will soon come into England, to the unspeakable satisfacti­on of his people, of which number he ac­counts himself one, and therefore resolves for London, to joyn in that great Congra­tulation where he soon arrives in a very splended and flourishing condition; rich­ly aparrel'd, and very well attended: he comes one day to a Merchants House, as if it were by chance (though indeed it was a contrivance) to carry on another Design, with intention to take some Lodgings; which the Merchant seem'd willing to accommodate: shews him the prime part, and best furnish­ed Rooms in his House which the Major could not mislike; but was so well pleased with the several conveniences, that he re­fers to his new Landlord, what Rent he should pay for so many Rooms, as he shall have occasion for by the year; pretending [Page 108] that all his servants were not yet come from beyond the Seas, and having made an Agreement, enquires if the Master of the house be Widdower or Bachellor, to which the Marchant Answers, Sir my wife will wait upon you presently. The Mrs. appears, having been all this while making her self as fine as she could, and preparing a Ban­quet to entertain her new Guest. Her hus­band Ushers her into the Room where the Major was, who is hugely pleased that for­tune is so good, to light upon such a place, and in the dispose of so worthy a couple; during their Discourse the Banquet was brought up, and set on the Table where there was nothing wanting that could be thought requisite for such an entertainment.

The Major asked the Marchant if he knew Sir William Rider? the Marchant told him that he knew Sir William Rider to be a very worthy honest Man; and ve­ry Rich. The Major likewise asked him if he knew Sir Williams Factor, in such a Country? The Marchant told him he did. The Major again asked him if he knew the Factors hand-writing? To which the Mar­chant replied very well: and that he had been long acquainted with it, having many times accasion of Correspondencie: whereup­on the Major draws out of his Pocket a Bill [Page 109] of Exchange upon Sir William Rider, from his [...]actor, with a Letter of credence, for five hun­dred pounds; which the Marchant no sooner saw, but he assured him it was as good mony as any he had about him, and that it would be paid as soon as called for: why then says the Major, pray keep the Bill of Ex­change, and the Letter, and let me have a hundred pieces for my pocket mony, till there is occasion for the rest; which the Marchant immediately brought him; and told him he should command more at his Pleasure. The Major was very well plea­sed to see himself have this success in all his undertakings; as also with his Enter­tainment, his Lodgings, his Landlord, and e­very thing else, as if conspiring to his sa­tisfaction: but much more Mistress of the House, whole Conversation was very delightful to him, and the meekness of her Disposition so taking, being as well stored with the Beauty of the Mind as the Face, and the Comliness of her Body, that he makes it his whole Business and Study to Court her to a good Opinion of him: which in the end came to be more than ordinary, in so much that before the expiration of many Months, the Husband began to take notice of their too much familiarity, and their too often meeting, which he could not well digest; although he could find no room for [Page 110] a thought, that could warrant the least su­spition of ill in [...] whose Vertue he belie­ved to be proof enough against all Tempta­tions; yet being a little dissatisfied, he begins to make some inquiry into the life of Major Clancie: which by the relation of those more conver [...]ant with the Major) he finds him to be the most vicious dishonest villainous Cheat in the World: which incenses the Marchant, and kindles such a Flame of jealousy in him, that he is at his Wits end: and in such disorder that he knows not what he had best to do.

§ To pocket up his apprehended injury he is not able, to revenge it he knows not which way; but still inquiring in all Com­panies, as well in Coffe-houses as Taverns, after the Major, where he never meets a­ny that affords him a good word; but the sormer Charecter confirm'd by all men. The Marchant has only his own thoughts to con­sult in this great affair, which indeed takes him wholly off from the consideration of all other concerns, he is by chance inform'd of a private Lodging the Major frequents when he separates himself from company; where he and Mr. Berningham a Comrade of his lie together; the Marchant at his hours of lone­liness, contriving some way to repair part of his losses by the Major: first for the use of his [Page 111] house since the Majors coming thither, then for the several sums of money from time to time, with which he supplied him: but chiefly for that irreparable injury which he dares scarce trust his own most secret thoughts with: but something he must do or not live. At last he takes a resolution to revenge him­self upon the Major, which he conceives he may do with the more ease; having found out his private Lodging, where he intends to lay hold of him by the rough hands of six Baliffs appointed and hired for that purpose. But first he will [...]ound how his Wife is in­clined, and how she will relish this design of his, which he does without delay, finding her in her Chamber alone at her needle-work, tells her what had been told him by many, of the wickedness of Major Clancie: who he fears will make them smart if some timely course be not taken to prevent it, he reck­ons up what money he had of them, what di [...]t, and lodging, besides the money lent him upon Sr. William Ryders [...]ccount, upon a Bill of Exchange: which he really believes to be counterfeited, so that money must be lost; if not▪ all the rest.

§ To all which she makes answer that it is no small cause of wonder to her that any man could be so great a Counterfeit; and that if all this was true, she hoped her [Page 112] Husband had more discretion then to suffer himself to be so abused; by a Person he had so much obliged, and was so base to requite mens kindnesses: by Cheating, she uttered those words with such a Passion, and seemed real­ly so angry at the Majors ingratitude, and the fear of her own loss: that she press'd her Husband with all the eagerness that could be to Revenge himself upon that unworthy Fel­low. The Marchant hearing all this, and be­lieving his Wife had spoke nothing but what she cordially wish'd, was extreamly satisfied to see, and hear her so heartily take his part, and seem so little concerned. for the Major: whereupon he tells her how he in­tends to revenge himself, and prevent his harm for the future; and that he had his Writ and his Baliffs ready to apprehend the Major: in his private Lodging which he that day found out, and would that night visit him, she seemed to be very well pleased with the design, and desir'd her Husband to loose no time: but to prosecute that base ungrateful Fellow. The Husband goes his way extreamly well satisfied, blaming him­self for having so ill thoughts, and mean ap­prehensions of so honest and so Vertuous a Wife: his back is no sooner turn'd, but she immediatly sends for Major Clancie; and makes him a challenge of unkindness for [Page 113] his company keeping in his Private Lodging, and never acquainting her: who could not conceal from him any tiling either of af­fection, or fortune, he easily made his peace with her, who continues so firmly her Friend­ship for him; thoroughly acquaints him with her Husbands intention, to visit him at his private Lodging, with six Baliffs that night.

§ The Major having express'd his thank­fulness after his wonted manner, tells her he knows not where to be in safety from that storm that threatned him, but in her Arms: to his unspeakable joy, and conso­lation: thus they interchange glances of Love-looks, while [...] Marchant is prepa­ring for his intend [...] visit. About eight of the clock at night he comes to the private Lodging, gives orders to the Baliffs to handle the Major very Roughly; to beat him soundly, and spare nothing about him but his Life: and in case they found his chamber door not open, to break it open, and he would save them harmless. Up stairs they go, and finding the Chamber-door shut, they opened it as they were com­manded, and into the Room they croud, and finding a Man in Bed, cryed out loud­ly here he is, we have him. The Marchant bids them pay him soundly, spare him not, which order they readily obey'd, they fall [Page 114] most terribly a beating of him, so fast that they scarce gave him time to ask what the matter was, or what they meant, or did in­tend to murder him: they cry'd still with e­very stroak thou Rogue, thou Raskal, wee'l pay thee for all thy Villanies. When they had done buffiting of his Head, and Face, with the pomels and hilts of their Swords, till they had disfigur'd him, he crying aloud Murther, Murther, with which he alarm'd the People of the House, so that they all came up to his rescue, and amongst them the Marchant, who upon sight of Mr. Ber­ningham, who was the Man abused; claps his Hands, falls upon his knees, begs Mr. Berningham pardon a thousand times over, and over to little purpose; for Mr. Bern­ingham told him in plain, Sir though you seem not to have known me, and that this abuse is in mistake; assure your self that I know you very well, and am glad you are of ability to repair me for this abuse, the like I believe was never heard: break my Head and Face, to tear my Hair and Cloaths, to thrust my Bed-cloaths through with naked Swords, and piercing my Skin, and all this for nothing, but under colour of mistake! Assure your self while there is Law in the Land, I shall find means to right my self, the Marchant knew not what excuse to make [Page 115] the Baliffs having proved him to be the cause; and that it was his private Orders, and pub­lick Commands to use him whom they found in Bed thus rigorously: to which the Marchant makes no reply; but invites the Master of that House, and Mr. Berningham: who by his Landlord was perswaded, to the Tavern, where a Chirurgion was sent for to dress those hurts Berningham had received in the Counter-scuffle. The Marchant makes use of his interest in all the Company to mediate with Mr. Berningham for a recon­ciliation: to which he was not willing to listen, till at last with much ado being oblig'd to his Landlord, he consented to an accommodation, which was, that the Mar­chant should immediately pay him Fifty Pounds before they parted, which he did, and was glad to come off so.

§ The Marchant discontented, goes straight home to his House. Twas late at night, and finding the door open, as he directed, goes up to his Chamber, bemoaning his misfortunes to his Wife, and she in bed: who joined with him in railing against Major Clancie the Author of these disasters, who was at that hour in bed with her; and while the Merchant was venting of his Passion, and she seemingly much troubled for all those Losses he had mentioned; she directed her [Page 116] Friend Clancie where to convey himself, be­fore Candles were brought in: which he had the good Fortune seasonably to do, in a lit­tle private Closet of hers, where he remain­ed till morning, when the Merchants occasi­ons timely called him. So that the Major had opportunity to make his escape without disco­very. What hours of Pleasure they two stole for the future is not mentioned. But 'tis to be supposed he seldom made any publick visit. Mr. Berningham and Clancie at their meeting made themselves merry, with repeating those passages formerly mentioned. The Marchant rests contented with the absence of Clancie, for all the losses he sustained by him; notwithstand­ing he despaired of ever being repaid his mo­ney, or having any other reparation.

CHAP. VIII.

AS the Major was one day a courting of a Mistress he had in St. Martains-lane, and looking out of the Street-window, he obser­ved a Fellow upon the stall of a Cutlers-shop, and knowing him to be a Baliff, suspected his being there to wait for him, he calls his Servant, bids him go over the way, and bring him the Boy of that Shop that he saw knocking of some nails: the Servant went, and brought the Boy. Boy says the Major privately, I will give you a Crown if you will do me a small piece of Service in point of meriment, which he undertook to do if he could: he takes the Boy to the window and shows him the Fellow that sate upon the stall; do you see (says he) yonder Fellow with a great leather Belt how it [...]angs a cross the stall, as soon as you go to your work, and as you are knocking [...]he nails, do but fasten that part of his Belt to the stall, and be sure to nail it so as [...]e may not readily free himself. The Boy [Page 118] undertook it, and was very glad of the oc­casion, as of the reward: goes over to his Shop, falls a knocking of some nails as be­fore, of which the Fellow took no notice, he nails the Belt, and piece of his coat to the stall, as the Major directed him, who was all the time looking out of the win­dow, till he saw the Fellow fast. Then comes down to take Coach, the Fellow seeing him come out, leaps off the stall in great hast, and gives it such a pull that down comes the stall, and all that was upon it: tumbles the Fellow to the gronnd, with the stall at his heels, and all the Hammers, Nails, and Boxes, which at the fall made such a clutter that the Fellow was frighted out of his wits: thinking the Divil had been at his back: out came the Neighbours to see what the matter was▪ they disintangle the Fellow, carrie him in­to a house till he recovered his wits again▪ The Master of the Shop asked him if ever he would sit upon a stall again.

§ The Major by his contrivance escaped the Baliffs, and passing by Temple-bar, un­expectedly meets one of his old Creditors, a Citizen of whom he had borrowed fifty pounds some months before: the Citizen asked him if it were not high time for him to have his money promised him long since [Page 119] to which the Major could make no other answer then the scarcity of money, which he hoped would soon be over; and that then he would not sail to pay him; and requite his long forbearance as became an honest man, that he could not choose but be sensible, of such a courtesy, and desired the Citizen to go with him into the Globe Tavern hard by, and take a glass of Wine. The Citizen accepted his Invitation, and af­ter a glass or too desired him to six upon some certain time to pay this money, though it were six moneths more: he did not much scruple that so he might be sure to receive it at his day: to which the Major makes answer he should not be so long without it: but that so soon as his Uncle came to Town he doubted not of such a supply as would inable him to discharge that debt. Being an absolute stranger to the Majors Relations, the Citizen asked him who his Uncle was, from whom he expected that supply from, he told him a man very well known, the Bishop of London. A very wor­thy reverent good Man says the Citizen, upon whose Note or Word you shall com­mand what sum you please or have occasion to use: thus they entertained each other for some time, till the Citizen having some occasion to rise from the Table, and walk­ing [Page 120] toward the window; observes the Bishop of London's Coach, where upon he calls to the Major immediatly telling him his Uncle was comming up the Street. The Major, as if very glad of it, hastning down the stairs, takes the Citizen along, bids him keep a little distance, within hearing, which the Citizen observes while the Major goes to the Coach, and bids the Coach-man hold. The Bishop not knowing the Major, asked what Service he would command, or what his business was; whereupon the Major with a great deal of humility, told him after he had begged his Lordships pardon for this unsea­sonable trouble, occasioned by a discourse that hapned between him and his Friend in the Tavern about Religion, and cares of Conscience by which he plainly discovered several doubts, and scruples that bred many disorders in this Friend; and were part of his learning or skill to remove, which indeed (my Lord) made me ingage to find him one, whose Ability, and willingness was suffici­ently known to be ready upon all such oc­casions (meaning your Lordship) the Bishop tells him it was well done, and I thank you for your good opinion, and shall be ready to do my part when ever your Friend appea [...]s. (My Lord) I humbly thank your Lordship, and look upon the work as half [Page 121] done, now you have undertaken it, and here is the Gentleman, calling the Citizen to the boot of the Coach, to whom the Bishop gives this orders, and assurance in these words, Sir if you please to come to my house about ten of the clock to mor­row morning, I will satisfy you: the Citi­zen is beyond measure pleased to have so much certainty of that money, he despaired ever to see, the Major and the Citizen re­turned to the Tavern, where after a glass or two, he asked the Citizen how he was pleased with his Uncles answer? so well plea [...]ed that if you have occasion for more money, I am ready to furnish you upon that security. For I know my Lord to be a very just man, the Major replies you may be well assured I want money or you had not been so long without yours, where­upon the Citizen lends him fifty broad pieces of Gold, in hopes to have it repaid by the Bishop the next day, with the other fifty at the hour appointed.

§ The Citizen rises betimes joyfully, goes to the Bishops house about the hour of ten, as he was directed, and meeting one of the Bishops Servants, desires him to acquaint my Lord there was a man to speak with his Lordship by his own appointment, the Servant went and told my Lord as much, [Page 122] my Lord having it seems forgot; asked what manner of man it was, till by mentioning the appointment, and recollecting upou the discourse he had with a Geutleman he knew who was in the Street the day before: calls to minde the promise he had made to satis­fy the Gentleman in his doubtful scruples of Conscience, and believing that to be the Gentleman, bids his Servant take him into the dining-room, and there to enter­tain him with a glass of Sack, while he staid in his Closet to look over some few cases and prepare himself for the discourse he expected, his stay was not long, when coming into the Dining-room he desires the Gentleman to sit down by him, a [...]d very freely to speak his mind and conceal no­thing that troubled him, which the Citizen did after doing his Duty, and giving his thanks to the Bishop, then falls a telling a long story how that he had lent his Ne­phew fifty pounds some moneths since, and Yesterday fifty pounds more in Gold, upon his Lords promise to satisfy that debt by the hour of ten of the clock, which he comes now to receive, the Bishop lookt upon him very strangely, admiring what he meant by talking to him of a Nephew, and fifty pound long since, and fifty more Ye­sterday, and gave him the hearing with the [Page 123] more patience, thinking it to be the effects of a light Head, that having wanted sleep oc­casioned by what had been told him. The Citizen wondred what the matter was that the Bishop was so slow in paying the mo­ney he thought himself so sure of, presses more earnestly for it; so that the Bishop found the man was really in earnest; and therefore makes him this answer. Sir I am a stranger to you, as also to all you have said. I know nothing of the matter of mo­ney, or Nephew you speak of, for I have none, nor do I well understand you, as for the promise I made Yesterday, for which you now challenge me, 'twas net for pay­ment of any money, but to endeavour your satisfaction another way, by removing those doubts of Conscience in points of Religi­on, with which you had been so tormen­ted, that was my promise, and my mean­ing, and that I am still ready to perform, and nothing else. The Citizen hearing this Resolution, grew so stark mad to think how he was deluded: and how unfortu­natly he contributed to his own undoing, by parting with his last fifty pounds; could not contain himself from telling the Bishop his resentments; to which the Bishop makes this reply that he believed his discourse to be a contrivance between the other man [Page 124] and him to cheat him of his money, but they should find their mistake. Pardon me for that, (says the Citizen) being very much troubled, and in great rage; for my Lord it looks more like such a design between your Nephew, and you, then for me to cheat my self: this made the Bishop so angry that he bid the Fellow go about his business, so left the Room. the Citizen is ready to hang himself, knows not in the World what course to take, till upon some Advice he sets forth the whole case by way of Petition to the King, to whom it was presented by the hands of Sir Edward Nicolls then Se­cretary.

§ The King having read the Petition, and finding it to have so great a resemblance to the many such like effects oft times told of Major Clancie: says, if Major Clancie were alive, I should think this to be one of his Pranks, a Gentleman of the Court standing by, says Sir I am sure he is alive, for I saw him in the Gallery as I came hi­ther now, the King bid him call in Clancie, which the Gentleman did, as soon as he appeared, the King bid him look upon that Petition, and tell if it were not like one of his roguish Tricks: to which Clancie im­pudently answered (may it please your Ma­jesty) I know this story well, for 'twas I [Page 125] that did it: so runs hastily out of the Room, the King not being willing to have the rest buried, commands the Secretary to write a Refference, upon the Citizens Petition to my Lord of Ormond, to examine and report, if not determine the matter: as soon as the Piti­tion and refference was brought to my Lord: he appoints a day of hearing, in or­der to which he sent for the Bishop, like­wise to the Citizen, who failed not of co­ming at the hour to the place appointed for the hearing. Thither came a croud of peo­ple to hear the matter debated, first the Citizen was called to make good the Alle­gations of the Petition, which he did, with much ease, there being none to contradict.

§ Then the Bishop was desired to make his defence, who confessed these words in the Petition to be true, that is that he would satisfy the Petitioner next day in his doubts, and scruples of Conscience, but not to pay any money, for there was not a word of any such like thing spoken of by any of them, which was all he had to say. My Lord of Or­mond asked if there were any Witness, or other proof to be heard on either side? to which he answered no.

Why then says my Lord I do find upon the whole matter, that the Petitioner is out of purse two several fifty pounds, one was [Page 126] lent long before your Lordship was any way concerned, so as I must needs free you from any part of that sum, as for the last fifty which was absolutely lent upon your Lord­ships promise of satisfaction by such an hour. I do not clearly find how to ease you of that; but advise you to compound with the Petitioner, several arguments were used by the Bishop to strengthen what had been Pleaded in his behalf, and formerly re­peated in this discourse: but all to little purpose.

CHAP. IX.

AT the Kings Restauration, The Prince of Tuscany and his Servant Gerardo being together, having some occasions offered to talk of the Restauration of the King of En­gland, at which they were very much re­joyced, Gerardo began to talk of my Lord Ormond, wondering they never heard from him since his leaving that Country; the Prince said it was something strange, yet believed the reason was because they had [Page 127] not been setled in their Possession and Laws, so soon after so many Changes and Revo­lutions. Gerardo asked his Master if he would give him leave to go into England to see the Change? To which the Prince consented, and said, he would write by him to my Lord of Ormond, a Letter of Con­gratulation, with some modest mention of his own small Concern: His preparation for his Journy took up but little time, nor do we hear much of him till his Arrival in England, where he spent part of his time in seeing the Country; informing himself every where as he Travelled of the Peo­ples Satisfaction, in the Kings coming home, very inquisitive after the Nobility, of their several Names and Fortunes, especially my Lord of Ormond, of whom he had such Cha­racters of nobleness, and a ccomplished generosity as confirmed him in the belief of what he had often heard before. To Court he comes, there enquires for my Lord of Ormonds Apartment: where meeting some of my Lords Gentlemen, desired to be brought to kiss my Lords hand, and deliver his Letter, of which my Lord ha­ving notice, sent to have the Gentleman brought up, who no sooner came into the Room, and delivered his Letter: but there was observed a suddain change in his Coun­tenance: [Page 128] at which the Standers by much wondered; although not half so much as my Lord did at the Letter, which menti­oned thing which my Lord knew nothing of; but having read it, turns to the Gen­tleman that brought it him, and said, Sir, I understand by this Letter you have brought me from the Prince, that your Name is Gerardo, and that you are his Servant; and that you brought me at such a time from him a very kind and friendly Token. Pray Sir did you bring any such, or did you ever see me before this time? The Gentleman see­ing how grosely he was mistaken in him, that took upon him to be Lord of Ormond, the greatness of the difference, both in Person and Carriage; scarce knew what Answer, or what excuse to make for him­self, either to my Lord or his Master were he there present; and had enough to do to stand upon his Legs; which all perceived, yet with a great Sigh, he told my Lord, how innocently he fell into a most unfor­tunate mistake, though with a true inten­tion of a real Service to his Lordship, that most true it is, that I never saw your Lord­ship till now, and as true as there was a Gentleman, that came into our Country, that did personate your Lordship very cun­ningly, and imploy'd me to the Prince; [Page 129] who very readily sent by me what he desi­red, believing him to be my Lord of Or­mond; though not resembling you in the least; this my Lord is the truth, and my undoing to be instrumental in a thing of that prejudice to my Master, and no manner of Service to your Lordship, to whom it was intended.

§ To which my Lord makes this reply, that he never knew any thing of the matter before, yet is very sensible of the Princes kind intentions, and that although he did not receive the benefit of the kindness inten­ded him; yet his obligation was no whit the less, and that he would not alow the Prince to be a Sufferer for his good will to him; but would restore him his money with ma­ny thanks, which he commanded-should be immediately brought to Gerardo, with a To­ken of Gratitude for his own good will. The case is much altered with Gerardo upon the suddain, who resolves for the remaining part of his Life, to evidence to the World the Bounty, and true Nobleness of the Ge­nerous Lord of Ormond brought him from Death to Life, by preserving his Integrity to his Master, and easing him of the weight at Present of that great Burthen he lay un­der; which was like to have sunk him be­fore them all. Gerardo returns homeward [Page 130] chearfully, gives his Master an account of his Reputation, and his own astonishment at first sight of my Lord of Ormond: and likewise how my Lord received the inten­ded kindness of the Prince, who at hearing this Relation; wished for nothing more then to find out the Counterfeit, that durst take that Name upon him, and personate so brave, and worthy a Nobleman; and lofty attempt: to fool and cheat him of his mo­ney, vowing he would give that sum to have him, they were soon weary of the search.

CHAP. X.

CLancie being no nearer than London, practising his own Trade, after his wonted manner. Goes into a Wollen­drapers-shop, takes up so many yards of Cloath to make him a new Livery, has it carried into his Coach, tells the Marchant he had no money about him, but send one of these young Men your Servants along as far as my Lodgings, and I will pay him: but before I go, let me see him you send, that there may be no mistake. The Marchant shewed him a young Youth, this is he shall wait upon your Worship, the Major goes along, the Boy follows the Coach he knew not whether; the Major instead of going to his lodgings, goes to a Barbours-house into one of his upper Rooms, to be trim'd and having done, rewards the Barbour plen­tifully, and tell him withal, do not you think that I give you so much money for your pains you take in trimming me. No, for I have a greater charge to give you, [Page 132] in which I must intreat your care, and di­ligence; for which you shall be well re­warded, that is, as soon as I am gone you must call up hither a young youth that fol­lows me, he is a little bashful, and you'l hardly perswade him to confess his infirmi­ty, till you force him; therefore lock him in with as much privacy as you can, and search him, and if you find things be amiss which I suspect you will, pray apply such things for his recovery as you think most expedient, and I will reward you well. I know the Boy will be very shie, and seem not to understand your meaning; But let not that suffice till you have a full view of all, and thereby satisfy your self, and be careful. The Barbour promises to be mind­ful of it, and so soon as the Major went into the Coach, bid the Boy go along with the Barbour, and he would do his business: the Boy makes a leg, and goes along.

§ The Barbour leads him into a private Room, locks the door, begins to preach to the Boy: tells him what a fine Youth he is to fall to his Roguery so timely, the Boy thought the Fellow mad, and blushed to hear him, come come (says the Barbour) your modesty must not serve your turn, your Master told me all this, I must see how you are, the Boy thought the Devil had possess'd [Page 133] the Fellow, asked him what the matter was, or what he would be at: that he came for his Masters money, the Price of his Cloath, the Barbour replies, your Masters order I must Follow. I am to search you for you have the Pox, and I am hired, I will do my duty. The Boy vowed and swore he had no Pox, that his Master lived in Cheapside, and sent him with that Gentleman for his money. All this would not serve the Barbours turn, but he must be true to his trust, and will search, so that the dispute ended in Cuffs; but in the end the Barbour being too hard for the Boy, forced down his Breeches, and searcht the Boy, who he found as clear, and sound as any Creature could be. The Barbour satisfied himself that he had done his part. The poor Boy much troubled for his abuse, without remedy goes home to his Master, with this sad account. Tells him the whole story, how that instead of money he had a beating, and a long Encounter with the Bar­bour, and was searched for the Pox; the Master not knowing how to help himself, could not choose but smile at the passage, who must sit down with the loss.

CHAP. XI.

THe Major having played so many mis­chievous Pranks, by Cheating and Abu­sing so many Persons of all sorts, without distinction, thinks it high time for to leave England, and proposes to himself some­thing of more safety in Ireland, where he had not been in a long time, though not been Idle when he was there. Thither he goes, where by some he is made welcome, more for the description he sometimes gave of the passages of his Life, wherein People found some pastime, then any way coveting his so well known Company. At the time of his being in Ireland, there was erected a Court for Trial of all Mens Qualifications, called the Court of Clames, which he ve­ry often frequented, and observed the man­ner of proceedings there, and how Justice was destributed to all Men according to Evidence; he being given to understand that in that Court was a day perfixed ac­cording to Rule, for the Trial of one in [Page 135] Makoones Qualification, where he must ei­ther prove his Innocency or be declar'd Nocent, and consequently loose his Estate. He that was chiefly concerned in this Cause, and who must have found Witnesses for to Criminate Maccmahon was, Sir Henry In­glesby, a Person of much Worth and Ho­nour, to whom Major Clancie offers his Ser­vice; as being the fittest Man in the World for Sir Henry to imploy as he pretended: and gave these reasons, that Maccmahon was well known to him; so were most of his Actions of his Life. Especially from the first of all the Rebellion wherein he presu­med, Sir Henry was only concerned: here he tells him that there was such a Cause, such a day to be heard; and that he doubted not of Proof sufficient to Criminate Maccmahon, nor would he be ungrateful to such as would appear there for him. Sir says the Major, the Service I can do is this; I can prove by several Witnesses, that Mac [...]mahon in the first of the Rebellion was in Actual Ser­vice with the Rebels; that he had command of a Troop of Horse, and that there were comming from their own dwellings to be sheltered from the Rebels in Cork, twelve poor English-men that were killed by this Maccmahon in such a place, this alone I can assure (says Clancie) is sufficient to do [Page 134] [...] [Page 135] [...] [Page 136] your work; and shall be proved before the Judges of the Court, by such Witnesses as I shall not fail to bring, on which you with confidence rely. Sir Henry was undoubted­ly pleased to have the offer of such a Ser­vice so seasonable; gave the Major many thanks, with the assurance of such a return as became him for so great a kindness.

§ The day appointed for this cause, be­ing come, Major Clancie having prepared his Witnesses, waits upon Sir Henry to the Court where Sir Henry was called, and asked if he was ready, and where were his Witnesses. He produced seven, brought him by Major Clancie: whose Testimony agreed so well in every Circumstance that the Court was satisfyed, and resolved to declare Maccma­hon Nocent; till Sir Henry offers to the Court that in case they are not yet suffici­ently satisfied with what they have heard of his proof, he had one more sufficient good Witness to confirm what had been proved before; to which the Court answered they would discountenance none; but hear as many as he pleased, whereupon Major Clan­cie was called: having given him his Oath, the Court asked him if he knew Maccma­hon, and how long? he answered he knew Maccmahon from his infancy. 'Twas asked him again how he found Maccmahon incli­ned as to the Rebellion, and lastly what he [Page 137] knew as to the cause depending? To all which he makes answer thus: may it please his Honour and Court to take notice: that I am upon my Oath, and shall speak nothing but the truth: that I know Maccmahon the Son and Heir of Sir Tirlah Maccmahon, and from his Infancy had an intimate acquaintance with him, and that in all that time I ne­ver knew an honester a true Man to the di­stressed English, and farther by the vertue of the Oath I have taken, I do believe he never drew Sword in anger, or ever drew drop of Blood in all his life. I do farther take upon my Oath that I believe these seven men that swore last before me, knew no more ill of him then I do: that the Testimonies they gave here against him is only the dictates they had from me: how says the Judge! here is a great contradiction, that have point-blank Criminated him, knew no ill of him: but what you have dictated, and you sware him innocent to all intents. How can this agree or be made out? To which Major Clan­cie replies, 'tis all very true; and I will make it out with the Reasons I had for doing of it. I have been often at Trials of the like na­ture in this Court, where I have seen, and observed to my great trouble of mind, many and innocent Persons suffer to their undoing, by their Perjury of suborned Witnesses: and [Page 138] being very fearful that such of the like might have been here. to the ruin and utter de­struction of so much innocency: to prevent which, I choose rather to bring my self upon the Stage by offering my self to Sir Henry. By which I hope I have preserved the Fortune of an honest Innocent Man. And for farther Proof of this undeniable Proof, I humbly desire that some of the seven, sworn and examined before me may be again exami­ned if what I have here declared, be not all true, to the knowledge of every one of them, which request was granted. The Fellows were reexamined, who confessed this to be true▪ Whereupon the Cat was turned into the Pan. Mr. Maccmahon was declared innocent, his Estate decreed him, and Sir Henry put to shist for deficiences else-where.

CHAP. XII.

MAjor Clancie now begins to find how that by his long continued lew'd Practices he has brought himself to that pass, that few or none will anear him. Such as do, are in a continual apprehension of some design, which makes most Men keep at such a distance: that Clancie is ne­cessitated to quit the Kingdom, which he scarce knows how to do for want of mo­ney. Till supplied by a Friend that had for some time kept him concealed from his Persecutors in a Closet: till there was an opportunity to convoy him aboard a Ship that was Bound for Chester, and was Wind-driven into Beumoris in Wales. The Major takes up his Lodging at the Post-Masters House, one Mr. Jones, where he had not been above an hour, when there chances to Arrive a Lady that came from London, and was bound for Ireland. which the Ma­jor understanding by one of her Servants, desired the Servant to acquaint his Lady [Page 140] that there was a conveniency very lucky come into the Harbour, which undoubt­edly She would be glad to make use of, which was the Ship which the Major came out of Ireland in. A strong stansh Vessel, with good Accomodations, and very skilful Seamen. The Servant very joyfully goes to his Lady, and acquaints her with all that the Gentleman had told him, whereupon the Lady being desirous to be rid of a te­dious troublesome Journy, was extreamly glad to hear of such a conveniency, were it but to save her the labour of going to Holly-head: which must have cost her the Toil of another day.

§ Whereupon She sent her Servant to de­sire that Gentleman to come to her Cham­ber, if it were not troublesome to him af­ter his Voiage; of whom She expected a more exact account of particulars, in order to her Transportation; which the Servant neglected not, but went forthwith to the Major and delivered his Message. You may easily believe the Major would loose no time to obey the commands of a Fair Lady; (as he found her to be) who no sooner comes into the Room, after a kind salute; but the Lady desires to know more of those conveniences, being altogether a stranger to the matters of that kind, or any [Page 141] things that belonged to Sea Affairs: al­though her occasions compell'd her to at­tempt it at this time invoidably. The Ma­jor told her that there was no conveniency to be expected in any Ship upon the Irish Seas, but this Ship had, which he was ex­treamly glad of for her sake; as also that he had the good Fortune to be Messenger of so good News to her. Some time was spent in discourse till they were called to Supper, where the Major very diligently attended each motion, or look of Hers, and that in such a way as must have ex­pressed a passion, which is impossible but She must take notice of, and improbability not much dissatisfied therewith.

§ Thus they continued some days, the Wind being still cross, till at last he plain­ly told her, he had not the power any longer to conceal his affections, which he had so long smother'd to his unspeakable prejudice, and disquiet. She with a great deal of modesty, told him how sorry she should be to occasion the prejudice or dis­quiet of any body: and that She believed all this to be but words of course: and that the Major did it for his pastime, She being very sensible there could be no such Attractiveness of her part, that could pro­duce any such effect: to which the Major [Page 143] makes this reply, that if She doubted the Truth of what he had said, he should evi­dence it to the hazard of his life, and turn back from his intended Journy to Lon­don without regard, or consideration of any thing, and wait of her into Ireland, with resolution never to quit his preten­tion, or decline her Service. Thus the Ma­jor laies close Seige to the Lady having two Friends to joyn with him in his un­dertaking, Opportunity, and Importunity, who have all plaid their parts so succesfully, that the tender hearted Lady was at last forced to yeild. But upon the most honour­able Terms of Marriage, which was soon consummated to the unspeakable comfort, and consolation of both. This Seige held a great while, about six days, to the ex­pence of many Bottles; at the charge of the Major, whose whole study is how to reemburse himself by the help of his Lady, whose little stock of money, with a con­siderable percel of Jewels, are most wil­lingly delivered as a Marriage Portion to the Major.

§ Whose Brains are now as busie in contriving a way to leave his poor betray'd Lady, as ever they were in giving Her good will to this Ʋnfortunate Match. Too [Page 142] late to be repented, he wrote a Letter as if brought him by a Messenger of the Earl of Carbury; from his house the Golden Grove, signifying how much it concern'd the Major, to make all the haste he could thither for prevention of his own harm, which unavoidably must follow if he come not quickly away. This Letter he order­ed to be brought him when they were all sate at Table, which he reads with some Surprize, as if a stranger to the occasion, and the pressure of it; then delivers it to his Lady, who upon reading of it had like to have fallen down dead, by rea­son of the suddainness of it: and her own apprehensions for the loss of her Joy. (though but for a time) The Master of the House and the rest of the Company applied things to recover her. As soon as Dinner was done, he takes his Lady aside, and gives her all the assurance imaginable, as well of his Constancy, as his speedy re­turn; in the interim leaves her box in which her Jewels formerly lay; makes her believe he had removed none, when in truth he had left none: he takes his leave of all, and goes toward Aperconeway.

§. His Lady fixing her Blubbered Eyes upon him, till he was out of sight, then goes to her Chamber, bemoaning her self [Page 144] to the Walls (who undoubtedly would have pittied her, if they had Sence) this poor distressed Lady a term proper to all that have to do with him) knows not what is best to do, either to go for Ireland, or stay where she is, and there wait the coming of her Comfort; which for a long time she did in vain; for he never came thither af­ter, but left her to pay all his Debts, as well as her own; which gave her occasion to go to her Box, with intention to dis­pose of one of the Jewels of lesser Value; But when she had opened the Box, and found none there; then came her Fits in earnest: by which she was made the true Object of Pitty, having neither money nor Jewels left; and what was worst of all, betrayed by the false heartedness of a pre­tended Lover, who has now left her no other Relief, than what the Charity of good People will allow her. In this di­stressed Condition I must leave her to pur­sue the Major; who bends his Course to­wards London.

CHAP. XIII.

THe Major being in few days arrived at London, takes up his Lodging in Kingstreet at a Barbers House; where he had not been many Months, when he endea­vours to make sure of a Friend there, by Debauching the Maid-Servant; who would by no means consent, without a promise of Marriage, which he never scrupled, ha­ving some other Design in which he intended to make use of her; he had not often been in Company, but some one or other revives a Discourse of his former Actions, by which he perceives that most Men begin to forsake him, being in a low Condition; having squandred away his late acquired Jewels: it being his constant Custome as soon as he had a Stock to Lavish it ex­travigantly upon all Occasions without regard to the time to come, or preserva­tion of his Credit designing nothing but to Cheat; which rendered him uncapable of admittance into civil Company; where­by [Page 146] he was necessitated to play at Small Games.

§. As appeared upon making his Address to a very ordinary plain woman, neither Rich nor Fair, to whom he had promised Marriage, and thereby Invites her to go with him into a little blind Alehouse, where they lived like Man and Wife for three or four days. One Morning as they lay in Bed, he tells her how inconvenient this place is for them to reside in; and therefore would have her take some course to discharge what expence they had been at since their comming, for he declared he had it not. Shee plainly Answered, she had nothing in the World but that Ring, which she pulled off, of her Finger, and gave him; a very rich Couple fortunately put together, able enough to undo any o­ther two they met with. He no sooner fin­gers the Ring, but conveys himself away and leaves his Wife to pay the Reckoning, which she was forced to pawn her Clothes for; and being Jealous of his going to visit others he loved better, She with Hew and Cry apprehended him, had him sent to Newgate, where he had but few Visiters save only the Servant-Maid with whom he had contracted a Friendship, when he Lodged at the Barbers in Kingstreet; who by this [Page 147] time had removed from the Barbers to the Service of one Mr. Owen, from whence she often went to Newgate in pure kindness to Major Clancie, and in most of her Visits thither, she carried in her Arms a Child of her Mistresses who seldome came home without Cree­pers at its Back, to witness the clean­ness of the place it came from. One day this Maid-Servant Visiting the Major, he tells her how Unfortunate he is, in the want of a small sum of thirty pounds, for which he could now redeem himself from the great danger that threatned him, and free himself of his Restraint, and restore his Liberty, which he preferred before the World. She being undoubtedly much concerned, told him where there lay a considera­ble sum of mony much above that sum as she guest by the Bulk. If there could be away contrived to bring it him, she would not fail of her part, at which the Major overjoy'd, told her though he was a Prisoner, and there­by deprived of power to do it in [Page 148] his own person, that he had those he durst trust, and would do the work essectua [...]ly with her Assistance; so that before they parted it was resolved, that those he sent should come at such an hour to Mr. Owens house to be merry, with resolu­tion to find fault with any Room they should be carried into, till the Maid had given them a Sign, by which they were to know the Room wherein the money lay. All which was effected in very few days, with great success, in so much, that the two Men imployed by the Major, had in their possession one hundred Broad pieces of Gold, and thirty pounds in Silver; which they carried clearly away, and considering how rich they were grown upon the suddain, bethink them how to make this money their own by dividing it between them two, without thought of him that imployed them; so that they Robbed Mr. Owen, and Cheated Major Clancie.

No sooner came Mr. Owen to the knowledg of his loss, but he with an [Page 149] industrious Dilligence makes such inqui­ries, as soon brought the Maid under suspicion of being privie to the Robbe­ry; which upon Examination before a J [...]dge, she could hardly deny; where­upon she was committed, and would have been hanged, but that she preten­ded to be with Child. Nor did Mr. Owen rest satisfied with this, but re­solves to spare neither Charge nor La­bour to find them out that Robb'd him, which he did in few days, and had them Committed to Newgate, till the Great destructive Conflagration came so near, that struck such a Terror in all the Inhabitants, that they scarce knew what they did. One day the Jailor or Turnkey coming to visit his Priso­ners amongst the rest these two that had Robb'd Mr. Owen, who plainly told him how that they apprehended the danger of the Fire much more than the Crime for which they were committed; Vowing that it he would not take off their their Irons, and set them free from that Danger, he should never leave that Place, [Page 150] but that they would force him to stay and take his share of what hapned; where­upon, the affrighted Fellow, strikes off their Irons, sets them at Liberty, and goes away; who were no sooner in the Streets than they fell to Pluudering all such Goods as they met with, or could conveniently carry away. Thus Mr. Owen was Robbed without Relief, the Robbers and the Maid saved, but Major Clancie Hang'd.