A pleasant tale howe an honest substantiall Citizen was made a Connie, and simplie entertained a knaue that carried awaie his goods verie politickly.

WHat laws are vsed among this helish crew, what words and termes they giue them­selues and their copesmates, are at large set downe in the former two Bookes: let it suffise yee then in this, to read the simple true discourses of such as haue by extraordinary cunning and treachery béene deceiued, and remembring their subtle meanes there, and slye practises here, be prepared against the reaches of any such companions.

Not long since, a crew of Conny-catchers méeting togither, and in conference laying downe such courses as they seuerally should take, to shunne suspect, and re­turne a common benefit among them: the Carders re­ceiued their charge, the Dicers theirs, the hangers a­bout the court theirs, the followers of Sermons theirs and so the rest to their offices. But one of them espe­ciallie, who at their woonted méetings, when reporte was made howe euery purchase was gotten, and by what pollycie each one preuailed: this fellowe in a kinde of priding scorne, would vsually say.

In faithe Maisters these thinges are prettily done, common sleyghts, expressing no deepe reache of witte, and I woonder men are so simple to bee so beguiled. I would fayne see some rare and artificiall feate in­deede, that some admiration and fame might insue the dooing thereof: I promise yee, I disdayne these base and pettie paltries, and may my fortune iumpe with my resolution, yee shall heare my boyes with [Page] in a day or two, that I will accomplish a rare stratagem indéed, of more value then fortie of yours, and when it is done shall carry some credit with it. They wondring at this wordes, desired to sée the successe of them, & so dis­persing themselues as they were accustomed, left this frollicke fellow pondering on his affaires. A Cittizens house in London, which hee had diligently eyed & aymed at for a fortnights space, was the place wherein he must performe this exploit, and hauing learned one of the ser­uant maides name of the house, as also where shee was borne and her kindred. Vpon a sonday in the afternone, when it was her turne to attend on her maister and mi­stres to the garden in Finsbury fields, to regard the chil­dren while they sported about, this craftie mate hauing dulie watched their comming forth, and séeing that they intended to goe downe S. Laurence lane, stepped before them, euer casting an eye back, least they should turne some contrarie way: but their following still fitting his owne desire, néere vnto the Conduit in Aldermanbury, he crossed the way and came vnto the maid, and kissing her sayd. Coosen Margeret, I am verye glad to sée you well, my vnckle your father, and all your friends in the Countrey are in good health God be praised. The Maide hearing herselfe named, and not knowing the man, mo­destly blushed, which hee perceiuing, held way on with her amongst her fellow apprentises, and thus began a­gaine. I sée Coosen you knowe mee not, and I doe not greatlie blame you, it is so long since you came foorth of the Countrey, but I am such a ones sonne, naming her Vncle right, and his sonnes name, which she very well remembred, but had not seene him in eleuen yeares. Then taking foorth a bowed groat, and an olde pennie bowed, he gaue it her as being sent from her Vncle and [Page] Aunt, whome hee tearmed to bee his Father and Mo­ther: Withall (quoth he) I haue a Gammon of bacon and a Chéese from my Vncle your Father, which are sent to your Maister and Mistresse, which I receiued of the Carrier, because my Vncle enioynde me to deliuer them, when I must intreat your mistres, that at Whit­sontide next shée will giue you leaue to come downe in­to the Countrey. The Maide thinking simplie all hee said was true, and as they so farre from their parents, are not onely glad to heare of their welfare, but also re­ioyce to sée any of their kindred: so this poore Maid, wel knowing her Vncle had a sonne so named as he called himself, and thinking from a boy (as he was at her lea­uing the Countrey) he was now growne such a proper handsome young man, was not a little ioyful to sée him: beside, shée séemed proud, that her kinsman was so neat a youth, and so shee held on questioning with him about her friends: hee soothing each matter so cunningly, as the maide was confidently perswaded of him. In this time, one of the children stepped to her mother and said, Our Marget (mother) hath a fine coosen come out of the Country, and he hath a Chéese for my Father and you: whereon shée looking backe, said: Maide, is that your kinsman? yes forsooth mistresse quoth shee, my Vncles sonne, whome I left a little one when I came foorth of the countrey.

The wilye Treacher, béeing maister of his trade, would not let slippe this opportunitie, but courteouslie stepping to the Mistresse (who louing her maid wel, be­cause indéed shée had been a very good seruant, and from her first comming to London had dwelt with her, tould her husband therof) coyned such a smooth tale vnto them both, fronting it with the Gammon of Bacon and the [Page] Chéese sent from their maides Father, and hoping they would giue her leaue at Whitsontide to visit the coun­trey, as they with verie kinde words entertained him, inuiting him the next night to supper, when he promi­sed to bring with him the Gammon of Bacon and the Chéese. Then framing an excuse of certaine busines in the town, for that time he tooke his leaue of the Maister and Mistresse, and his new Cosen Margaret, who gaue many a looke after him (poore wench) as he went▪ ioying in her thoughts to haue such a kinsman.

On the morrow hee prepared a good Gammon of ba­con, which he closed vp in a soiled linnen cloth, and sew­ed an old card vpon it, whereon he wrote a superscrip­tion vnto the Maister of the Maide, and at what signe it was to be deliuered, and afterward scraped some of the letters halfe out, that it might séeme they had bin rubd out in the carriage. A good Chéese he prepared likewise, with inscription accordingly on it, that it could not be discerned, but that some vnskilfull writer in the coun­try had done it, both by the grosse proportion of the let­ters, as also the bad ortographie which amongst plaine husbandmen is verie common, in that they haue no bet­ter instruction. So hiring à Porter to carrie them be­twéene fiue and sixe in the euening he comes to the cit­tizens house, and entring the shop, receiues them of the Porter, whome the honest meaning Cittizen would haue paid for his pains, but this his maids new-found Cosen sayd hee was satisfied alreadie, and so straining courtesie would not permit him: well, vp are carried the Bacon and the Chéese, where God knowes, Margaret was not a little busie, to haue al things fine and neat a­gainst her Cosens comming vp, her mistresse likewise, (as one well affecting her seruant) had prouided verie [Page] good chéere, set all her plate on the Cubboorde for shewe, and beautified the house with Cusheons, carpets, stooles and other deuises of néedle worke, as at such times di­uers wil do, to haue the better report made of their cre­dite amongst their seruants friends in the Country, al­beit at this time (God wot) it turned to theyr owne af­ter-sorrowing. The maister of the house, to delay the time while Supper was readye, hee likewise shewes this dissembler his shop, who séeing things fadge so pat to his purpose, could question of this sort, and that well enough I warrant you, to discern the best frō the worst and their appointed places, purposing a further reache then the honest Cittizen dreamed of: and to bee plaine with ye, such was this occupiers trade, as though I may not name it, yet thus much I dare vtter, that the worst thing he could carry away, was aboue twentie nobles, because hee dealt altogeather in whole and great sale, which made this companion forge this kindred and ac­quaintance, for an hundred pound or twaine was the very least hee aimed at. At length the mistresse sendes word supper is on the Table, where vpon vp hee con­ducts his guest, and after diuers welcomes, as also thankes for the Chéese and Bacon: To the Table they sit, where let it suffice, hée wanted no ordinarie good fare, wine and other knackes, beside much talke of the Countrey, how much his friends were beholding for his Cosen Margaret, to whome by her mistresse leaue hée dranke twise or thrise, and shée poore soule dooing the like againe to him with remembrance of her father and other kindred, which he stil smoothed very cunning­ly. Countenance of talke made them careles of the time which slipped from thē faster then they were aware of, nor did the deceiuer hasten his departing, because he ex­pected [Page] what indéed followed, which was, that being past tenne of the clocke, and he feigning his lodging to be at Saint Gyles in the field, was intreated both by the goodman and his wife to take a bed there for that night, for fashion sake (though very glad of this offer) hee said he would not troble them, but giuing thē many thanks, would to his lodging though it were further. But won­derfull it was to see how earnest the honest Citizen and his wife laboured to perswade him, that was more wil­ling to staye then they could bee to bid him, and what dissembled willingnesse of departure hee vsed on the o­ther side, to couer the secret villanie intended. Well, at the length with much ado, he is contented to stay, when Margaret and her Mistresse presently stirred so make ready his bed, which the more to the honest mans hard hap, but all the better for this artificial Conny-catcher, was in the same roome where they supped, being com­monly called their hall, and there indeed stood a verie faire bed, as in such sightly roumes it may easily bee thought, Citizens vse not to haue any thing meane or simple. The mistresse, least her guest should imagine she disturbed him, suffered all the plate to stand still on the cupbord: and when she perceiued his bed was war­med, and euery thing els according to her mind, she and her husband bidding him good night: tooke themselues to their chamber, which was on the same floore but in­ward, hauing another chamber betwéene them and the hall, where the maides and children had their lodging. So desiring him to call for any thing hee wanted, and charging Margaret to looke it should bee so, to bed are they gone: when the Apprentises hauing brought vp the keyes of the stréet dore, & left them in their maisters chamber as they were woont to do, after they had said [Page] praiers, their euening exercise, to bed go they likewise, which was in a Garret backward ouer their maisters chamber. None are nowe vp but poore Margaret and her counterfeit coosen, whō she loth to offend with long talke, because it waxed late: after some few more spee­ches, about their parents and friends in the countrey, she séeing him laid in bed, and all such thinges by him as she déemed needfull, with a low courtesie I warrant ye, commits him to his quiet, and so went to bed to her fellowes the maidseruants. Well did this hypocrite perceiue the keyes of the doores carried into the good mans chamber, wherof he being not a litle glad, thoght now they would imagine all things sure, and therfore doutlesse sleep the sounder: as for the keyes, he needed no helpe of them, because such as hee go neuer vnproui­ded of instruments fitting their trade, & so at this time was this notable trecher. In the dead time of the night when sound sleepe makes the eare vnapt to heare the verie least noyse, he forsaketh his bed, & hauing gotten al the plate bound vp togither in his cloke, goeth down into the shop, where well remembring both the place & percels, maketh vp his pack with some twenty poūds worth of goods more. Then setling to his engin, he get­teth the doore off the hindges, and being foorth, lifteth close to againe, and so departs, méeting with in a doozen paces, thrée or foure of his cōpanions that lurked ther­abouts for the purpose. Their word for knowing each other, as is said, was Quest, and this villains comforta­ble newes to them, was Twag, signifiyng hee had sped: ech takes a fleece for easier carriage, and so away to Belbrow, which as I haue heard is as they interpret it, the house of a théefe receiuer, without which they can do no­thing, and this house with an apt porter to it, standes [Page] ready for them al houres of the night: too many such are there in London, the maisters whereof beare counte­nance of honest substantiall men, but all their liuing is gotten in this order, the end of such (though they scape awhile) will be sailing westward in a Cart to Tiborn. Imagine these villanies there in their iollitie, the one porting point by point his cunning deceipt, and the o­ther (fitting his humour) extolling the déede with no meane commendations. But returning to the honest Citizen, who finding in the morning how déerly he paid for a gammon of bacon, and a chéese, and how his kinde courtesie was thus trecherouslye requited: blames the poore maide, as innocent herein as himselfe, and impri­soning her, thinking so to regaine his owne: griefe with ill cherishing there shortens her life: And thus ensueth one hard hap vpon another, to the great griefe both of maister and mistresse, when the trueth was knowne, that they so wronged their honest seruant: how it may forewarne others, I leaue to your owne opinions, that sée what extraordinarie deuises are now adayes, to be­guile the simple and honest liberall minded.

Of a notable knaue, who for his cunning deceiuing a gen­tleman of his purse: scorned the name of a Conny-cat­cher, and would needs be termed a Foole-taker, as mai­ster and beginner of that new found Arte.

A Crew of these wicked companions, being one day met togither in Pauls Church (as that is a vsual place of their assemblie, both to determin on their drifts, as also to spéed of many a bootie) séeing no likeli­hood of a good afternoone, so they tearme it either fore­noone or after, when ought is to be done: some disper­sed themselues to the plaies, other to the bowling allies [Page] and not past two or thrée stayed in the Church. Quoth on of them, I haue vowed not to depart, but something or other Ile haue before I go: my minde giues me, that this place yet will yéelde vs all our suppers this night, the other holding like opinion with him, there likewise walked vp and downe, looking when occasion would serue for some Cash. At length they espyed a Gentle­man towarde the lawe entring in at the little North doore, and a countrey Clyent going with him in verye hard talke, the Gentleman holding his gowne open with his armes on eyther side as very manie doe, gaue sight of a faire purple veluet purse, which was halfe put vnder his girdle: which I warrant you the reso­lute fellow that would not depart without some thing, had quicklye espyed. A game, quoth hee to his fellows, marke the stand, and so separating themselues walked aloofe, the Gentleman going to the nether steppe of the staires that ascend vp into the Quire, and there he wal­ked still with his client. Oft this crew of mates met to­gether, and said there was no hope of nipping the bong because he held open his gowne so wide, and walked in such an open place. Base knaues, quoth the frolick fel­lowe, if I say I will haue it, I must haue it, though hee that owes it had sworne the contrarie. Then looking a­side, hee spyed his trugge or queane comming vppe the Church: away, quoth hee to the other, go looke you for some other purchase, this wench and I are suffient for this. They goe, he lessons the drab in this sort, that shée should to the Gentleman, whose name shee verye well knew, in that shee had holpe to coosen him once before, & pretending to be sent to him from one he was well ac­quainted with for his councell should giue him his see for auoiding suspition, & so frame some wrong done hir [Page] as well inough she could: when her mate (taking occa­sion as it serued) would woorke the meane, shee should strike, & so they both preuaile. The queane well inured with such courses, because she was one of y^e most skilful in that profession, walked vp and downe alone in the Gentlemans sight, that he might discerne shee stayed to speake with him, and as he turned toward her, hee saw her take money out of her purse, whereby hee gathered some benefite was toward him: which made him the sooner dispatch his other clyent, when shee stepping to him, told such a tale of commendations from his verie friend, that had sent her to him as she said, that hee en­tertained her very kindly, and giuing him his fée, whch before her face he put vp into his purse, and thrust vn­der his girdle againe: she procéeded to a very sound dis­course, whereto he listened with no litle attention. The time seruing fit for the fellows purpose, he came behind the Gentleman, and as many times one friend wil fa­miliarly with another, clap his hands ouer his eyes to make him guesse who he is, so did this companion, hol­ding his hands fast ouer the Gentlemans eyes, sayde: who am I? twise or thrise, in which time the drab had gotten the purse and put it vp. The Gentleman think­ing it had been some merrie friend of his, reckoned the names of thrée or foure, when letting him go, the crafty knaue dissembling a bashful shame of what he had don, said: By my troth sir I crie ye mercy, as I came in at the Church doore, I tooke ye for such a one (naming a man) a verie friend of mine, whome you very much re­semble: I beséech ye be not angrie, it was verie boldlye done of me, but in penance of my fault, so please yee to accept it, I will bestow a gallon or two of wine on yee, and so laboured him earnestly to go with him to the ta­uerne, [Page] stil alledging his sorow for mistaking him. The Gentleman litle suspecting how who am I had handled him, séeing how sorie he was, and séeming to be a man of no such base condition: tooke all in good part, saying: No harme sir, to take one for another, a fault wherein any man may easily erre, and so excusing the acceptati­on of his wine, because he was busie there with a gen­tlewoman his friend: the trecher with courtesie depar­ted, & the drab (hauing what shee would) shortning her tale, hee desiring her to come to his Chamber the next morning, went to the place where her copes-mate and she met, and not long after, diuers other of the crue, who hearing in what manner this act was performed, smi­led a good therat, that she had both got the Gentlemans purse, her owne money againe, and his aduise for iust nothing. He that had done this tall exploit, in a place so open in view, so hardly to be come by, & on a man that made no meane estéeme of his wit: bids his fellowes kéepe the worthles name of a Conny-catcher to them­selues: for he hence-foorth would bee termed a Foole-taker, and such as could imitate this quaint example of his, (which he would set down as an entrance into that art) should not thinke scorne to become his schollers.

Night drawing on apace, the Gentleman returned home, not al this while missing his purse, but being set at supper, his wife intreated a pint of Sack, which hee minding to send for: drewe to his purse, and séeing it gone, what strange lookes (beside sighs) were betwéene him and his wife. I leaue to your supposing, and blame them not: for as I haue heard, there was seuen pound in gold, beside thirtie shillings and od white money in the purse. But in the middest of his griefe, hee remem­bred him that said, who am I? Wherewith hee brake [Page] foorth into a great laughter, the cause whereof his wife béeing desirous to know, he declared all that passed be­twéen him and the deceiuer, as also how sone afterward the queane abreuiated her discourse and followed: so in troth wife (quoth he) betwéene who am I and the drab, my purse is gone: let his losse teach others to looke bet­ter to theirs.

An other Tale of a coosening companion, who would needs trie his cunning in this new inuented arte, and how by his knauerie (at one instant) he beguiled halfe a dozen and more.

OF late time there hath a certaine base kinde of trade béene vsed, who though diuers poore men, and doubtles honest, apply themselues onely to relieue their néed: yet are there some notorious varlets do the same, being compacted with such kinde of people, as this present treatise manifesteth to the world, and what with outward simplicity on the one side, and cun­ning close treachery on the other, diuers honest Citti­zens and day-labouring men, that resort to such places as I am to speake of, onely for recreation as opportuni­tie serueth, haue beene of late sundry times deceyued of their purses. This trade, or rather vnsufferable loy­tring qualitie, in singing of Ballets, and songs at the doores of such houses where playes are vsed, as also in open markets and other places of this Cittie, where is most resort: which is nothing els but a slie fetch to draw many together, who listning vnto an harmelesse dittie, afterwarde walke home to their houses with heauie hearts: from such as are héereof true witnesses to their cost, doo I deliuer this example. A subtill fellow, belike imboldned by acquaintance with the former deceit, or [Page] els being but a beginner to practise the same, calling certain of his companions together, would try whether he could attaine to be maister of his art or no, by taking a great many of fools with one traine: but let his intent and what els beside, remaine to abide the censure after the mater is heard, and come to Gratious street, where this villanous pranke was performed. A roging mate, & such another with thē were there got vpon a stal sing­ing of balets, which belike was some prety toy, for ve­ry many gathered about to heare it, & diuers buying, as their affections serued, drew to their purses, & paid the singers for them. The slie mate and his fellowes, who were dispersed among them that stood to hear the songs well noted where euerie man that bought, put vp his purse againe, and to such as would not buy, counterfeit warning was sundrie times giuen by the roge and his associate, to beware of the cut-purse, & looke to their pur­ses, which made thē often féel where their purses were, either in sléeue, hose, or at girdle, to know whether they were safe or no. Thus the crafty copesmates were ac­quainted with what they most desired, and as they were scatred by shouldring, thrusting, feining to let fall som­thing, and other wilie tricks fit for their purpose: héere one lost his purse, there another had his pocket pickt, & to say all in briefe, at one instant, vpon the complaint of one or two that saw their purses were gone, eight more in the same companie, found themselues in like predi­cament. Some angrie, others sorrowfull, and all great­ly discontented, looking about them, knewe not who to suspect or challenge, in that the villaines themselues that had thus beguiled them, made shew that they had sustained like losse. But one angry fellow, more impaci­ent then all the rest, he fals vpon the ballad singer, and [Page] beating him with his fists well fauouredly, sayes, if he had not listned his singing, he had not lost his purse, and therefore would not be otherwise perswaded, but that they two and the cutpurses were compacted together. The rest that had lost their purses likewise, & saw that so many complaine togither: they iump in opinion with the other fellow, & begin to tug & hale the ballad singers when one after one, the false knaues began to shrink a­way with the purses, by means of some officer then be­ing there present, the two Roges were had before a iu­stice, and vpon his discréete examination made, it was found, that they and the cut-purses were compacted to­gether, and that by this vnsuspected villanie, they had deceiued many. The [...]ne Foole-taker himself, with one or two more of that companie, was not long after ap­prehended: when I doubt not but they had their reward answerable to their deseruing: for I heare of their ior­ney westward, but not of their returne: let this fore­warne those that listen singing in the stréets.

Of a craftie mate, that brought two young men vnto a Tauerne, where departing with a Cup, hee left them to pay both for the wine and Cup.

A Friend of mine sent mee this note, and assuring me the truth thereof, I thought necessary to set it downe amongst the rest: both for the honest sim­plicitie on the one side and most cunning knauery vsed on the other, and thus it was. Two young men of fa­miliar acquaintance, who delighted much in musicke, because themselues therein were somwhat expert, as on the virginals, bandora, lute and such like: were one euening at a cōmon inne of this town (as I haue heard) where the one of them shewed his skil on the virginals [Page] to the no little contentment of the hearers. Now as di­uers guests of the house came into the roome to listen, so among the rest entred an artificial Cony-catcher, who as occasion serued, in the time of ceasing betwéen the se­uerall toies and fancies he plaied: very much commen­ded his cunning, quick hand, and such qualities praise­worthy in such a professor. The time being come, when these young men craued leaue to depart, this politique varlet stepping to them, desired that they would accept a quarte of Wine at his hande, which hee would most gladlie bestow vpon them: besides, if it liked him that played on the Virginals to instruct, hee would helpe him to so good a place, as happily might aduantage him for euer. These kind words, deliuered with such honest outward shewe, caused the yoong men, whose thoughts were frée from any other opinion, than to bee as truely and plainly dealt withall as themselues▪ meant, accep­ted his offer, because hee that played on the Virginals was desirous to haue some good place of seruice: & here­vpon to the Tauerne they goe, and being set, the wily companion calleth for two pintes of wine, a pinte of white, and a pinte of claret, casting his cloake vpon the table, and salling to his former communication of pre­ferring the yoong man. The wine is brought, and two cuppes withall, as is the vsuall manner: when drin­king to them of the one pinte, they pledge him, not vn­thankfull for his gentlenesse. After some time spent in talke, and as he perceiued fit for his purpose, hee takes the other cup, and tastes the other pinte of wine▪ where­with he finding fault, that it dranke somewhat harde, sayd, that Rose-water and Sugar would do no harme: whereupon he leaues his seate, saying he was well ac­quainted with one of the seruāts of the house, of whom [Page] he could haue two pennyworth of Rose-water for a pe­ny, and so of Sugar likewise, wherefore he would step to the barre vnto him, so taking the cup in his hand, hee did: the yoong men neuer thinking on any such treache­rie as ensued, in that he séemed an honest man, and be­side left his cloake lying on the table by them. No more returnes the yonker with Rose-water and Sugar, but stepping out of doores, vnséene of any, goes away round­ly with the cup. The yoong men not a little wondering at his long tarrying, by the comming of the seruants to sée what they wanted, who tooke no regarde of his sud­den departure, finde themselues there left, not onely to pay for the wine, but for the Cuppe also, being rashlye supposed by the maister and his seruants to be copart­ners with the treacherous villaine: but their honest be­hauiour well knowne, as also their simplicity too much abused, well witnessed their innocencie: notwithstan­ding they were faine to pay for the cup, as afterwarde they did, hauing nothing towardes their charge but a thred bare cloake not worth two shillings. Take héede how you drinke wine with any such companions.

Of an honest housholder which was cunningly deceyued by a subtill companion, that came to hire a Chamber for his Maister.

NOt farre from Charing Crosse dwelleth an ho­nest yoong man, who being not long since marri­ed, and hauing more roomes in his house than himselfe occupyeth, either for terme time, or the Court lying so néere, as diuers do, to make a reasonable com­moditie, and to ease house-rent, which (as the worlde goeth now is none of the cheapest) letteth foorth a cham­ber or two, according as it may be spared. In an euen­ing [Page] but a while since, came one in the manner of a Ser­uing man to this man and his wife, and he must néedes haue a Chamber for his Maister, offering so largely, as the bargaine was soone concluded betwéene them. His intent was to haue fingered some bootie in the house, as by the sequele it may bee likeliest gathered: but be like no fit thing lying abroad, or hee better regarded then happily he would be, his expectation that way was fru­strate▪ yet as a resolute Conny-catcher indéed, that scor­neth to attempt without some successe, and rather will pray vpon small commoditye, then returne to his fel­lows disgraced with a lost labor: he summons his wits together, & by a smooth tale ouer-reached both the man and his wife. He tels them, that his Maister was a cap­taine late come from the Sea, and had costly apparel to bring thither, which for more easie carriage, he entreats them lend him a shéet to bind it vp in, they suspecting no ill, because he required their boy should goe with him to helpe him cary the stuffe, the good wife steppes vnto her Chest, where her linnen lay finelie swéetned with Rose leaues and Lauender, and lends him a very good shéete in déed.

This successe made him bolde to venter a little fur­ther, and then he tels them, his maister had a great deale of broken Sugar, and fine spices that lay negligently a­broad in his lodging as it was brought from the Ship, all which hee was assured his Maister would bestow on them, so he could deuise how to get it brought thither.

These liberall promises, preuailing with them that lightlie beléeued, and withall were somewhat couetous of the Sugar and spices: The woman demanded if a couple of pillow-béeres would not serue to bring the su­gar and spices in? yes marry (quoth hee) so the Sugar [Page] may best be kept by it self, and the spices by themselues. And (quoth hee) because there are many craftie knaues abroad▪ (gréeuing that any should be craftier then him­selfe) and in the euening the linnen might quicklie bee snatched from the boy: For the more safety, he would carry the sheet and pillow-béeres himselfe, & within an hower or little more, returne with the boy againe, be­cause he would haue all things redy before his maister came, who (as he said) was attending on the Councell at the court. The man and his wife crediting his smooth spéeches, sends their boy with him, and so along toward Iuie-bridge go they. The Conny-catcher séeing him­selfe at frée libertie, that he had gotten a very good shéet, and two fine pillow-béeres: steps to the wall, as though he would make water, bidding the boye goe faire and softly on before. The boy doubting nothing, did as hee willed him, whē presently he stept into some house hard by fit to entertaine him: and neuer since was hee, his Maister, the Sugar, spices, or the linnen heard off. Ma­nie haue beene in this manner deceiued, as I heare, let this then giue them warning to beware of any such vnprofitable guests.

Of one that came to buy a knife, and made first proofe of his trade on him that solde it.

ONe of the cunning Nippes about the towne, came vnto a poore Cutler to haue a Cuttle made according to his owne minde, and not aboue three inches would he haue both the knife and the haft in length: yet of such pure mettall, as possibly may bee. Albeit the poore man neuer made the like before, yet be­ing promised foure times the value of his stuffe and paines, he was contented to doe this, and the day being [Page] come that hee should deliuer it, the partie came, who liking it excéedingly, gaue him the money promised, which the poore man gladly put vp into his purse, that hung at a button hole of his wascoate before his brest, smiling that he was so well paid for so small a trifle: the partie perceiuing his merry countenance, and imagi­ning he gest for what purpose the knife was, sayde, ho­nest man, whereat smile you? By my troth sir (quoth the Cutler) I smile at your knife, because I neuer made one so litle before: and were it not offensiue vnto you, I would request to know to what vse you will put it too? Wilt thou kéepe my counsaile (quoth the Nip?) yea on mine honestie (quoth the Cutler.) Then hearken in thy eare said the Nip, and so rounding with him, cut the poore mans purse that houng at his bosom, he neuer fée­ling when he did it: with this knife (quoth the Nippe) meane I to cut a purse, marry GOD forbid (quoth the Cutler) I cannot thinke you to be such a kind of man, I sée you loue to iest, and so they parted.

The poore man, not so wise as to remember his owne purse, when by such a warning hee might haue taken the offendour dooing the déede, but rather proud (as it were) that his money was so easily earned: walkes to the Alehouse, which was within a house or two of his owne, and finding there thrée or foure of his neighbors with whom he began to iest very pleasantly: sweares by cocke and pie hee would spend a whole groat vppon them, for hee had gotten it and more, cléerely by a good bargaine that morning.

Though it was no maruell to sée him so liberall, be­cause indéede he was a good companion: yet they were loth to put him to such cost, nothwithstanding he would néeds doe it, and so farre as promise stretcht, was pre­sently [Page] fild in and set vpō the boord. In the drinking time often he wisht to méet with more such customers as he had done that morning, and commended him for a very honest Gentleman I warrant you. At length, when the reckoning was to be paide, hee drawes to his purse, where finding nothing left but a péece of the string in the button hole, I leaue to your iudgement, whether he was now as sorrie as he was merrie before.

Blanck and all amort fits the poore Cutler, and with such a pittifull countenance, as his neighbours did not a little admire his solemne alteration, and desirous to know the cause thereof, from point to point he discour­seth the whole manner of the tragedie, neuer naming his new customer, but with such a farre fetcht sigh, as soule and body would haue parted in sunder. And in midst of all his griefe, he brake forth into these termes. Ile beléeue a man the better by his word while I know him, the knife was bought to cut a purse indéed, and I thanke him for it, hee made the first proofe of the edge with mee. The neighbours gréeuing for his losse, yet smiling at his folly to be so ouerreached, were faine to pay the groate the Cutler called in, because he had no o­ther money about him, and spent as much more beside to driue away his heauinesse.

This tale, because it was somewhat misreported be­fore, vpon talke had with the poore Cutler himselfe, is set downe now in true forme and manner how it was done, therefore is there no offence offered, when by bet­ter consideration, a thing may be enlarged or amended, or at least the note be better confirmed. Let the poore Cutlers mishap example others, that they brag not ouer hastily of gaine easily gotten, least they chance to pay as deerely for it, as he did.

Of a yoong Nip that cunningly beguiled an antient pro­fessor of that trade, and his queane with him, at a play.

A Good fellow that was newly entered into the nipping craft, and had not as yet attained to any acquaintance with the chiefe and cunning mai­sters of that trade: In the Christmas holy-dayes last, came to see a playe at the Bull within Bishops gate, there to take his benefit as time and place would per­mit him. Not long had hee stayed in the prease, but hee had gotten a yoong mans purse out of his pocket, which when he had, hee stepped into the stable to take out the money, and to conuey away the purse. But looking on his commoditie, hee founde nothing therein but white counters, a thimble and a broken three pence, which belike the fellowe that ought it, had doone of purpose to deceiue the cutpurse withall, or else had plaide at the Cardes for counters, and so carried his winnings a­bout him till his next sitting to playe. Somewhat dis­pleased to be so ouertaken, he looked aside, and spied a lu­stie youth entring at the doore, and his drab with him: this fellow he had heard to bee one of the finest Nippers about the towne, and euer caried his queane with him, for conueiance when the stratagem was performed: he puts vp the counters into the purse againe, and follows close to see some peece of their seruice. Among a compa­nie of seemely men was this lustie companion and his minion gotten, where both they might best beholde the playe, and worke for aduantage, and euer this young Nip was next to him, to marke when he should attempt any exployte, standing as it were more then halfe be­tweene the cunning Nip and his drab, onely to learne [Page] some part of their skill. In short time the deed was per­formed, but how, the yoong Nip could not easily discern, only he felt him shift his hand toward his trug, to con­ney the purse to her, but she being somwhat mindful of the play, because a merriment was then on the stage, gaue no regarde: whereby thinking he had puld her by the coat, hee twicht the yoong Nip by the cloke, who ta­king aduantage of this offer, put downe his hand and receiued the purse of him: then counting it discourtesie to let him loose al his labour, he softly pluckt the queane by the coate, which shée féeling, and imagining it had beene her companions hand: receiued of him the first purse with the white counters in it. Then fearing least his stay should hinder him, and séeing the other inten­ded to haue more purses ere he departed: away goes the yoong Nip with the purse he got so easily, wherin (as I haue heard) was xxvii. shillings and odde mony, which did so much content him, as that he had beguiled so an­cient a stāder in that profession: what the other thought when he found the purse, and could not gesse howe hée was coosened: I leaue to your censures, onely this makes me smile, that one false knaue can beguile ano­ther, which biddes honest men looke the better to their pursses.

How a Gentleman was craftily deceiued of a Chayne of Golde and his pursse, in Paules Church in London.

A Gentleman of the countrey, who (as I haue herd since the time of his mishap, whereof I am now to speake) had about halfe a yeere before buryed his wife, and belike thinking wel of some other Gentle­woman, whom hee ment to make account of as his se­cond choise: vpon good hope or otherwise perswaded, [Page] he came vp to London to prouide himselfe of such ne­cessaries as the Countrey is not vsually stored with­all. Besides, silkes, veluets, cambrickes and such like, he bought a Chaine of Golde that cost him fiftie and sea­uen pounds and odde money, whereof because he would haue the mayden head or first wearing himselfe, hee presently put it on in the Goldsmiths shop, and so wal­ked therewith about London, as his occasions serued. But let not the Gentleman bee offended, who if this Booke come to his handes, can best auouch the trueth of this discourse, if heere by the waye I blame his rash pride, or simple credulitie: for betwéene the one and o­ther, the Chaine hee paide so déere for about ten of the clock in the morning, the Cunny catchers the same day ere night shared amongst them, a matter whereat hee may well gréeue, and I be sorie, in respect hee is my very good friend: but to the purpose. This Gentleman walk­ing in Paules, with his Chaine faire glittering about his necke, talking with his man about some businesse: was well viewed and regarded by a crewe of Conny-catchers, whose téeth watred at his goodly Chaine, yet knew not how to come by it hanging as it did, and ther­fore entred into secret conspiration among themselues, if they could not come by all the Chaine, yet how they might make it lighter by halfe a score poundes at the least. Still had they their eyes on the honest Gentle­man, who little doubted any such treason intended a­gainst his so late bought bargaine: and they hauing laid their plot, ech one to be assistant in this enterprise, saw when the Gentleman dismissed his seruant, to go about such affaires as hee had appointed him, himselfe still walking there vp and downe the middle Isle. One of these mates, that stood most on his cunning in these [Page] exploytes, folowed the seruing man foorth of the Church calling him by diuers names, as Iohn, Thomas, Wil­liam, &c. as though he had knowne his right name, but could not hit on it: which whether he did or no I know not, but wel I wot the seruing man turned back again, and seeing him that called him séemed a Gentleman, boo­ted and cloaked after the newest fashion, came with his hat in his hand to him, saying: Sir, do ye call me? Ma­rie doe I my fréend quoth the other, doost not thou serue such a Gentleman? and named one as himselfe pleased. No truely Sir, answered the seruingman, I know not any such Gentleman as you speake of. By my troth re­plyed thr Conny-catcher, I am assured I knew thée and thy Maister, though now I cannot suddenly remember my selfe. The seruingman fearing no harme, yet fitting the humour of this trecherous companion, tolde right his Masters name whome he serued, and that his Ma­ster was euen then walking in Paules. O Gods will (quoth the Cony-catcher, repeating his masters name) a very honest Gentleman, of such a place is he not? na­ming a shire of the Country: for hee must knowe both name, Country and somtimes what Gentlemen dwell neere the partie that is to bee ouer reached, ere hee can procéed. No in deede Sir (answered the seruingman, with such reuerence as it had béene to an honest Gen­tleman indéed) my Master is of such a place, a mile from such a Towne, and heard by such a knights house: by which report the deceiuer was halfe instructed, because though he was ignorant of the fellows Master, yet wel he knew the Country, and the knight named. So cra­uing pardon that he had mistaken him, he returnes a­gaine into the Church, and the seruingman trudgeth a­bout his assigned busines. Being come to the rest of [Page] the crew, he appointes one of them (whome he knew to be expert in deed) to take this matter in hand, for him self might not do it, least the seruingman should return and know him, he schooled the rest likewise what euery man should do when the pinch came, and changing his cloke with one of his fellowes, walked by himselfe at­tending the feate: and euery one being as ready, the a­pointed fellow makes his sally foorth, and comming to the Gentleman, calling him by his name, giues him the courtesie and embrace, likewise thanking him for good chéere he had at his house, which he did with such séemly behauiour & protestation, as the Gentleman (thinking the other to be no lesse) vsed like action of kindenesse to him. Now as Country Gentlemen haue many visiters both with neere dwelling neighbours, and freends that iourney from farre, whom they can hardly remember, but some principall one that serues as countenance to the other: so hee not discrediting the cunning mates words, who still at euery point alleaged his kinred to the knight neighbor to the Gentleman, which the poore seruing man had (doubting no ill) reuealed before, and that both there and at his owne house in hawking time with that knight and other Gentlemen of the countrey he had liberally tasted his kindnes: desiring pardon that he had forgotten him, and offered him the curtesie of the citie. The Conny-catcher excused himselfe for that time, saying, at their next meeting hee would bestow it on him. Then seeming to haue espyed his chaine, and commending the fairenes and woorkemanship thereof: saies, I pray ye sir take a litle counsel of a friend, it may be you will returne thankes for it. I wonder quoth he, you dare weare such a costly Iewell so open in sight, which is euen but a baite to entire bad men to aduen­ture [Page] time and place for it, and no where sooner then in this cittie, where (I may say to you) are such a number of Connycatchers, Cossoners and such like, that a man can scarcely keepe any thing from them, they haue so many reaches and sleights to beguile withall: which a very especiall freend of mine found too true not manye dayes since. Heerevpon he tolde a very solemne tale, of villanies and knaueries in his own profession, wherby he reported his fréend had lost a watch of gold: shewing how closely his friend wore it in his bosome, and howe straungely it was gotten from him, that the gentle­man by that disc [...]urse waxed halfe affraid of his chaine. And giuing him many thankes for his good warning, presently takes the Chaine from about his necke, and tying it vp fast in a handkercher▪ put it vp into his sléeue saying. If the Conny-catcher get it héere, let him not spare it. Not a little did the tretcher smile in his sléeue, hearing the rashe securitie, but in deede simplicitie of the Gentleman, and no sooner sawe he it put vp, but presently he counted it sure his owne, by the assistance of his complices, that lay in an ambuscado for the pur­pose: with embraces and courtesies on either side, the Conny-catcher departs, leauing the gentleman walk­ing there still: whereat the crewe were not a little of­fended, that he still kept in the Church, and would not goe abroad. Well, at length (belike remembring some businesse) the Gentleman taking leaue of an other that talked with him, hasted to go forth at the furthest west doore of Paules, which he that had talked with him, and gaue him such counsell perceiuing, hied out of the other doore, and got to the entrance ere hee came foorth, the rest following the gentleman at an inche. As hee was stepping out, the other stept in, and let fall a key, hauing [Page] his hat so low ouer his eyes, that he could not well dis­cerne his face, and stooping to take vp the keye, kept the Gentleman from going backward or forward, by rea­son his legge was ouer the threshold. The formost Conny-catcher behind, pretending a quarrell vnto him that stooped, rapping out an oth, and drawing his dag­ger, saide: Doe I meete the villaine? Nay, he shall not scape me now, and so made offer to strike him.

The gentleman at his standing vp, seeing it was he that gaue him such good counsaile, and pretended him­selfe his verie friend, but neuer imagining this traine was made for him: stept in his defence, when the other following tript vp his heeles: so that hee and his coun­sellour were downe together, and two more vppon them, striking with their daggers verie eagerly, marry indeed the gentleman had most of the blowes, and both his handkercher with the chaine, and also his pu [...]sse with three and fiftie shillings in it, were taken out of his pocket in this strugling, euen by the man that him­selfe defended.

It was maruellous to behold, howe not regarding the Villaines wordes vttered before in the Church, nor thinking vppon the charge about him (which after hee had thus treacherouslye lost vnwittingly): he stands pacifiyng them that were not discontented, but onely to beguile him. But they vowing that they would pre­sently go for their weapons, and so to the field, told the Gentleman he labourd but in vaine, for fight they must and would, and so going downe by Paules Chaine, left the gentleman made a Conny going vp toward Fléet­street, sorry for his new Counseller and freend, and wi­shing him good lucke in the fight: which in deede was with nothing but wine pots, for ioy of their late gotten [Page] bootie. Neere to Saint Dunstones church the Gentle­man remembred himself, and feeling his pocket so light had suddenly more greefe at his hart, then euer happen to him or any man againe. Backe he comes to see if hee could espye anye of them, but they were farre inoughe from him: God send him better hap when he goes next a wooing, and that this his losse may bee a warning to others.

How a cunning knaue got a Truncke well stuffed with lin­nen and certaine parcels of plate out of a Cittizens house, and how the Master of the house holpe the decei­uer to carry away his owne goods.

WIthin the Cittie of London, dwelleth a worldly man, who hath very great dealing in his trade, and his shoppe very well fre­quented with customers: had such a shrewd mischance of late by a Conny-catcher, as may well serue for an ex­ample to others least they haue the like. A cunning vil­laine, that had long time haunted this Cittizens house, and gotten many a cheat which he carryed away safe­ly: made it his custome when hee wanted money, to helpe him selfe euer where hee had so often, diuers things he had which were neuer mist, especially such as appertained to the Cittizens trade, but when anye were found wanting, they could not deuise which way they were gone, so pollitiquely this fellow alwayes be­haued himselfe, well knew hee what times of greatest businesse this Cittizen had in his trade, and when the shop is most stored with Chapmen: then would he step vp the stares (for there was and is another doore to the house besides that which entreth into the shoppe) and what was next hand came euer away with. One time [Page] aboue the rest, in an euening about Candlemas, when day light shuts in about sixe of the clocke, hee watched to doe some feate in the house, and séeing the mistresse goe foorth with her maide, the goodman and his folkes very busie in the shop: vp the staires he goes as he was wonte to doo, and lifting vp the latch of the hall por­tall doore, saw no body néere to trouble him, when step­ping into the next chamber, where the Cittizen and his wife vsually lay, at the beds féete there stood a hand­some truncke, wherein was verye good linnen, a faire gilte Salte, two siluer French bowles for Wine, two siluer drinking pots, a stone Iugge couered with sil­uer, and a doosen of siluer spoones. This truncke hee brings to the stayres head, and making fast the doore, againe, drawes it downe the steppes so softlye as hee could, for it was so bigge and heauy, as he could not ea­silie carry it, hauing it out at the doore, vnséene of anye neighbour or any body else, he stood strugling with it to lift it vp on the stall, which by reason of the weight tro­bled him very much. The goodman comming foorth of his shop, to bid a customer or two farwell, made the fel­lowe affraide he should now bee taken for all togither: but calling his wittes together to escape if he could, he stoode gazing vp at the signe belonging to the house, as though hee were desirous to know what signe it was: which the Cittizen perceiuing, came to him and asked him what he sought for? I looke for the signe of the blew bell sir, quoth the fellowe, where a gentleman hauing taken a chamber for this tearme time, hath sent me he­ther with this his Troncke of apparrell: quoth the Ci­tizen I know no such signe in this stréet, but in the next (naming it) there is such a one indéed, and there dwel­leth one that letteth foorth Chambers to Gentlemen. [Page] Truely sir quoth the fellowe, thats the house I should goe to, I pray you sir lend me your hand, but to help the Trunck on my back, for I thinking to ease me a while vpon your stall, set it shorte, and now I can hardly get it vp againe. The Cittizen not knowing his owne Trunke, but indeede neuer thinking on any such no­table deceite: helpes him vp with the Trunke, and so sends him away roundly with his owne goods. When the Truncke was mist, I leaue to your conceits what housholde greefe there was on all sides, especially the goodman himselfe, who remembring how he helpt the fellow vp with a Trunke, perceiued that heereby hee had beguiled himselfe, and loste more then in haste hee should recouer againe. Howe this may admonish o­thers, I leaue to the iudgement of the indifferent opi­nion, that see when honest meaning is so craftily belea­gerd, as good foresight must bee vsed to preuent such daungers.

How a Broker was cunningly ouer-reached by as craftie a knaue as himselfe, and brought in danger of the Gal­lowes.

IT hath beene vsed as a common by-word, a craftie knaue néedeth no Broker, whereby it should appeare that there can hardlie bee a craftier knaue then a Broker. Suspend your iudgements till you haue heard this Discourse ensuing, and then as you please, censure both the one and the other.

A Ladie of the Countrie sent vp a seruant whome she might well put in trust, to prouide hir of a gowne an­swerable to such directions as she had giuen him, which was of good price, as may appeare by the outside and [Page] lace, whereto doubtlesse was euerie other thing agreea­ble: for the Tayler had seuentéen yards of the best black satten could be got for monie, and so much golde lace, be­side spangles, as valued thirtéene pound, what else was beside I know not▪ but let it suffice, thus much was lost▪ and therefore let vs to the manner how.

The satten and the lace being brought to the Tayler that should make the gowne, and spread abroade on the shop boord to be measured, certaine good fellowes of the Conny-catching profession chanced to go by, who séeing so rich lace, and so excellent good satten, began to com­mune with themselues how they might make some purchase of what they had séene: and quickly it was to bée done or not at al. As euer in a crew of this quality, there is some one more ingenious and politique then the rest, or at least wise that couets to make himselfe more fa­mous then the rest: so this instant was there one in this companie that did sweare his cunning should deepelie deceiue him, but he would haue both the lace and satten, When hauing laid the plot with his companions, how and which waie their helpe might stand them in stead, this they procéeded.

Well noted they the seruing-man that stood in the shoppe with the Tailer, and gathered by his diligent at­tendance, that he had some charge of he gowne there to be made, wherefore by him must they worke their tre­cherie intended, and vse him as an instrument to be­guile himselfe. One of them sitting in a seate nere vnto the Tailers stall, could easily heare the talke that passed betweene the seruing-man and the Tayler, where a­mong other communication, it was concluded that the gowne should be made of the selfe same fashion [...] euery point, as another Ladies was who then lay in the citie, [Page] and that measure being taken by her, the same would fitlie serue the Lady for whome the gowne was to bee made: now the seruingman intended to go speake with the Ladie, and vppon a token agreed betweene them (which he careleslie spake so lowd, that the Conny-cat­cher heard it) he would as her leisure serued, certifie the Tailer, and he should bring the stuffe with him, to haue the Ladies opinion both of the one and the other.

The seruingman being gone about his affaires, the subtill mate that had listned to all their talke, acquaints his fellows both with the determination and token ap­pointed for the Tailers comming to the Lady. The guide and leader to all the rest for villany, though there was no one but was better skilde in such matters then honestie: he appoints that one of them should go to the tauerne, which was not farre off, & laying two fagots on the fire in a roome by himselfe, and a quarte of wine filled for countenance of the treacherie: another of that crue should giue attendance on him, as if hee were his maister, being bare headed, and sir humblie answering at euery word. To the tauern goes this counterfet gen­tleman, and his seruant waiting on him, where euery thing was performed as is before rehearsed. When the master knaue calling the drawer, demanded if there dwelt neere at hand a skilfull Tailer, that could make a suite of veluet for himselfe, marry it was to be doone with very great speed.

The Drawer named the Tailer that we now speake of, & vpon the drawers commending his cunning, the man in all hast was sent for to a gentleman, for whō he must make a sute of veluet foorthwith. Vpon talke had of the stuffe, how much was to be bought of euery thing appertayning thereto: he must immediatly take mea­sure [Page] of this counterfet gentleman▪ because he knew not when to returne that waye againe, afterward they would go to the Mercers. As the Tailer was taking measure on him bare headed, as if he had bin a substan­tiall gentleman indéed, the craftie mate had cunningly gotten his pursse out of his pocket, at the one string whereof was fastened a little key, and at the other his signet ring: This bootie he was sure of all readie, whe­ther he should get any thing els or no of the mischiefe intended, stepping to the window he cuts the ring from the pursse, and by his supposed man (rounding him in the eare) sendes it to the plot-layer of this knauerie, minding to traine the tailer along with him, as it were to the mercers, while he the meane time tooke order for the other matter. Afterward speaking alowde to his man, sirrha, quoth hee, dispatch what I bad you, and a­bout foure of the clock méet me in Paules, by that time I hope the tailer and I shall haue dispacht. To Cheap­side goeth the honest Tailer with this notorious dis­sembler, not missing his pursse for the space of two houres after, in lesse then halfe which time the satten and golde lace was gotten likewise by the other villain from the Taylers house in this order.

Being sure the Tayler should bee kept absent, hee sends another mate home to his house, who abused his seruants with this deuise: that the ladies man had met their master abroad, and had him to the other Ladie to take measure of her, and least they should delaye the time too long, hee was sent for the satten and lace, decla­ring the token appointed, and withall giuing their ma­sters signet ring for better confirmation of his message, The seruants could doe no lesse then deliuer it, being commanded (as they supposed) by so credible testimony: [Page] neither did the leasu [...] of anie one serue to goe with the the messenger, who séemed an honest young Gentleman and carried no cause of distrust in his countenaunce: wherefore they deliuered him the lace and satten folded vp together as it was, and desired him to will their ma­ster to make some spéede home, both for cutting out of worke, and other occasions.

To a Broker fit for their purpose, goes this deceiuer with the satten lace, who knowing well they could not come honestly by it, nor anie thing else hee bought of that crew, as often before he had dealt much with them: either gaue them not so much as they would haue, or at least as they iudged they coulde haue in another place, for which the ring-leader of this coosnage, vowed in his mind to be reuenged on the Broker. The master knaue who had spent two houres and more in vaine with the Tailer, and would not like of anie veluet he saw, when he perceiued that he mist his purse, and could not deuise how or where he had lost it, shewed himselfe verie forrie for his mishap, and sayd in the morning he woulde send the veluet home to his house, for he knew where to spéed of better then anie he had seene in the shops. Home goes the Tailer verie sadly, where he was entertained with a greater mischance, for there was the Ladies seruing­man swearing and stamping, that he had not séen their master since the morning they parted, neither had hee sent for the satten and lace, but when the seruantes iu­stified their innocencie, beguiled both with the true to­ken rehearsed, and their masters ring, it excéedeth my cunning to set downe answerable wordes to this excée­ding griefe and amazement on their part, but most of al the honest Tailer, who sped the better by the Brokers wilfulnes, as afterward it happened, which made him [Page] the better brooke the losse of his purse. That night all meanes were vsed that coulde bee, both to the Mercers, brokers, goldsmiths, goldsiners, & such like, where hap­pily such thinges doe come to bee solde: but all was in vaine, the onely helpe came by the inuenter of this vil­lanie, who scant sléeping all night, in regard of the bro­kers extreme gaining, both by him and those of his pro­fession: the next morning he came to the Tailers house, at what time hee espied him with the Ladies seruing­man, comming forth of the doores, and into the tauern he went to report what a mishap hee had vpon the sen­ding for him thether the daie before.

As he was but newly entered his sadde discourse, in comes the partie offended with the broker, and hauing heard all (whereof none could make better report than himselfe) he takes the tailer and seruing-man aside, and pretending great griefe for both their causes, demands what they would thinke him worthy of that could help them to their good againe. On condition to méete with such a friend, offer was made of fiue pound, and after sundrie spéeches passing betwéen them alone, he seeming that he would worke the recouerie thereof by arte, and they promising not to disclose the man that did thē good, he drew forth a little booke out of his bosome, whether it was latine or english it skilled not, for hee coulde not reade a word on it, then desiring them to spare him alone a while, they shoulde perceiue what hee woulde doe for them. Their heartes encouraged with some good hope, kept all his wordes secret to themselues: and not long had they sitten absent out of the roome, but he called thē in againe, and séeming as though he had bene a scholler in déed, sayd he found by his figure that a broker in such a place had their goods lost, and in such a place of the [Page] house they should finde it, bidding them go thether with all spéed, and as they found his wordes, so (with reser­uing to themselues how they came to knowledge ther­of) to méet him there againe in the euening, and reward him as he had deserued.

Awaie in hast goes the Tailer and the seruing-man, and entering the house with the Constable, found them in the place where hee that reueald it, knew the broker alwaie laid such gotten goods. Of their ioy againe, I leaue you to coniecture, and thinke you sée the broker with a good paire of bolts on his héeles, readie to take his farewell of the worlde in a halter, when time shall serue. The counterfet cunning man, and artificial con­ny-catcher, as I heard, was paide his fiue poundes that night. Thus one craftie knaue beguiled another, let each take héed of dealing with anie such kind of people.