<P_34>

I lately had standinge in my well house , which standeth on the
backeside of my house , a great cawdron of copper , beinge then full of
water , hauinge in the same halfe a doson <P_35> of pewter dyshes ,
well marked , and stamped with the connizance of my armes , whiche
being well noted when they were taken out , were set a side , the water
powred out , and my caudron taken awaye , being of such bygnes that one
man , vnlesse he were of great strength , was not able far to cary the
same . (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.2)

Not withstandinge , the same was one night within this two yeares
conuayed more then half a myle from my house , into a commen or heth ,
And ther bestowed in a great fir-bushe . (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.3)

I then immediatly the next day sent one of my men to London ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,35.4)

and there gaue warning in Sothwarke , kent strete , and Barmesey
streete , to all the Tynckars there dwelling , - That if any such
Caudron came thether to be sold , the bringar therof should be stayed ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,35.5)

and promised twenty shyllings for a reward . (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.6)

I gaue also intelligence to the water men that kept the ferres , that
no such vessel should be ether-3 conuayd to London or into essex ,
promysing the lyke reward , to haue vnderstanding therof .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,35.7)

This my doing was well vnderstand in many places about ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,35.8)

and that the feare of espyinge so troubled the conscience of the
stealer , that my caudoren laye vntouched in the thicke firbushe more
then halfe a yeare after , which , by a great chaunce , was found by
hunteres for conneys ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.9)

for one chaunced to runne into the same bushe where my caudren was ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,35.10)

and being perceaued , one thrust his staffe into the same bushe ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,35.11)

and hyt my caudren a great blowe , the sound whereof dyd cause the man
to thinke and hope that there was some great treasure hidden , wherby
he thought to be the better whyle he lyued . (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.12)

And in farther searching he found my caudren ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.13)

so had I the same agayne vnloked for . (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.14)

<heading>

A HOKER , OR ANGGLEAR . (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.16)

CAP. 3 . (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.17)

</heading>

These hokers , or Angglers , be peryllous and most wicked knaues ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,35.19)

and be deryued or procede forth from the vpright men ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,35.20)

they commenly go in frese ierkynes and gally slopes , poynted benethe
the kne ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.21)

these when they practise there pylfringe , it is all by night ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,35.22)

for , as they walke a day times from house to house , to demaund
charitie , they vigelantly marke where or in what place they maye
attayne to there praye , casting there eyes vp to euery wyndow , well
noting what they se their , whether apparell or linnen , hanginge nere
vnto the sayde wyndowes , (HARMAN-E1-P2,35.23)

and that wyll they <P_36> be sure to haue the next night folowing ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,36.24)

for they customably carry with them a staffe of v. or vi. foote long ,
in which , within one ynch of the tope therof , ys a lytle hole bored
through , in which hole they putte an yron hoke , (HARMAN-E1-P2,36.25)

and with the same they wyll pluck vnto them quickly any thing that they
may reche ther with , which hoke in the day tyme they couertly cary
about them , and is neuer sene or taken out till they come to the place
where they worke there fete : (HARMAN-E1-P2,36.26)

such haue I sene at my house , (HARMAN-E1-P2,36.27)

and haue oft talked with them (HARMAN-E1-P2,36.28)

and haue handled ther staues , not then vnderstanding to what vse or
intent they serued , although I hadde and perceiued , by there talke
and behauiour , great lykelyhode of euyll suspition in them :
(HARMAN-E1-P2,36.29)

they wyl ether leane vppon there staffe , to hyde the hole thereof ,
when they talke with you , or holde their hande vpon the hole ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,36.30)

and what stuffe , either wollen or lynnen , they thus hoke out , they
neuer carye the same forth with to their staulyng kens ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,36.31)

but hides the same a iij. daies in some secret corner ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,36.32)

<font> and </font> after conuayes the same to their houses abouesaid ,
where their host or hostys geueth them money for the same , but halfe
the value that it is worth , or els their doxes shall a farre of sell
the same at the like houses . (HARMAN-E1-P2,36.33)

I was credebly informed that a hoker came to a farmers house in the ded
of the night , (HARMAN-E1-P2,36.34)

and putting back a drawe window of a low chamber , the bed standing
hard by the sayd wyndow , in which laye three parsones <paren> a man
and two bygge boyes </paren> , this hoker with his staffe plucked of
their garments which lay vpon them to kepe them warme , with the
couerlet and shete , (HARMAN-E1-P2,36.35)

and lefte them lying a slepe naked sauing their shertes ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,36.36)

and had a way all clene , (HARMAN-E1-P2,36.37)

and neuer could vnderstande where it became , (HARMAN-E1-P2,36.38)

I verely suppose that when they wer wel waked with cold , they suerly
thought that Robin goodfelow <paren> accordinge to the old saying
</paren> had bene with them that night . (HARMAN-E1-P2,36.39)

<P_42>

<heading>

A PRYGGER OF PRAUNCERS . (HARMAN-E1-P2,42.42)

CAP. 6 . (HARMAN-E1-P2,42.43)

</heading>

A Prigger of Prauncers be horse stealers ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,42.45)

for to prigge signifieth in their language to steale ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,42.46)

<font> and </font> a Prauncer is a horse : (HARMAN-E1-P2,42.47)

so beinge put together , the matter is playne . (HARMAN-E1-P2,42.48)

These go commonly in Ierkins of leatherr , or of white frese ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,42.49)

<font> and </font> carry litle wands in their hands ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,42.50)

and will walke through grounds and pastures , to search and se horses
meete for their purpose . (HARMAN-E1-P2,42.51)

And if thei chaunce to be met and asked by the owners of the grounde
what they make there , they fayne strayghte that they haue loste their
waye , and desyre <P_43> to be enstructed the beste waye to such a
place . (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.52)

These will also repayre to gentlemens houses and aske their charitye ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,43.53)

and wyll offer their service . (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.54)

And if you aske them what they can do , they wyll saye that they can
kepe two or thre Geldinges , and waite vppon a Gentleman .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,43.55)

These haue also their women , that walkinge from them in other places ,
marke where and what they see abroade , and sheweth these Priggars
therof when they meete , which is with in a weeke or two .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,43.56)

And loke , where they steale any thinge , they conuay <font> the
</font> same at the least thre score miles of or more .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,43.57)

There was a Gentleman , a verye friende of myne , rydyng from London
homewarde into Kente , (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.58)

hauinge with in three myles of his house busynesse , alyghted of his
horse , and his man also , in a pretye vyllage , where diueres houses
were , (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.59)

and looked aboute hym where he myghte haue a conuenient person to walke
his horse , beecause hee would speake with a Farmer that dwelt on the
backe side of the sayde village , lytle aboue a quarter of a myle from
the place where he lighted , (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.60)

and had his man to waight vpon him , as it was mete for his callinge :
(HARMAN-E1-P2,43.61)

espying a Pryggar there standing , thinking the same to dwell there ,
charging this prity prigginge person to walke his horse well , and that
they might not stande styll for takyng of colde , (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.62)

and at his returne <paren> which he saide should not be longe </paren>
he would geue hym a peny to drinke , (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.63)

and so wente aboute his busines . (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.64)

This peltynge Priggar , proude of his praye , walkethe his horse vp and
downe tyll he sawe the Gentleman out of sighte , (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.65)

and leapes him into the saddell , (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.66)

and awaye he goeth a mayne . (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.67)

This Gentleman returninge , and findinge not his horses , sent his man
to the one end of the vyllage , (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.68)

and he went himselfe vnto the other ende , (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.69)

and enquired as he went for his horses that were walked ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,43.70)

and began some what to suspecte , because neither he nor his man could
se nor find him . (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.71)

Then this Gentleman deligentlye enquired of thre or foure towne
dwellers there whether any such person , declaring his stature , age ,
apparell , with so many linamants of his body as he could call to
remembraunce . (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.72)

And , " vna voce , " all sayde that no such man dwelt in their streate
, neither in the parish , that they knewe of ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,43.73)

but some did wel remember that such a one they saw there lyrkinge and
huggeringe <P_44> two houses before the Gentleman came thether , and a
straunger to them . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.74)

" I had thoughte , " quoth this Gentleman , " he had here dwelled , " -
(HARMAN-E1-P2,44.75)

and marched home manerly in his botes : (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.76)

farre from the place he dwelt not . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.77)

I suppose at his comming home he sente suche wayes as he suspected or
thought meete to searche for this Prigger , (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.78)

but hetherto he neuer harde any tydinges agayne of his palfreys .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,44.79)

-- I had the best geldinge stolen oute of my pasture that I had amongst
others whyle this boke was first a printinge . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.80)

<heading>

A PALLYARD . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.82)

CAP. 7 . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.83)

</heading>

These Palliardes be called also Clapperdogens : (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.85)

these go with patched clokes , (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.86)

<font> and </font> haue their Morts with them , which they cal wiues ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,44.87)

and if he goe to one house , to aske his almes , his wife shall goe to
a nother : (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.88)

for what they get <paren> as bread , cheese , malte , and woll </paren>
they sell the same for redy money ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.89)

for so they get more and if they went together . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.90)

Although they be thus deuided in the daie , yet they mete iompe at
night . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.91)

Yf they chaunce to come to some gentylmans house standinge a lone , and
be demaunded whether they be man and wyfe , <font> and </font> if he
perceaue that any doubteth thereof , he sheweth them a Testimonial with
the ministers name , and others of the same parishe <paren> naminge a
parishe in some shere fare distant from the place where he sheweth the
same </paren> . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.92)

This writing he carieth to salue that sore . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.93)

Ther be many Irishe men that goe about with counterfeate licenses ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,44.94)

and if they perceive you wil straytly examen them , they will
immediatly saye they can speake no Englishe . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.95)

Farther , vnderstand for trouth that the worst and wickedst of all this
beastly generation are scarse comparable to these prating Pallyardes .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,44.96)

All for the most parte of these wil either lay to their legs an herb
called Sperewort , eyther Arsnicke , which is called Ratesbane .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,44.97)

The nature of this Spereworte wyll rayse a great blister in a night
vpon the soundest part of his body ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.98)

and if the same be taken away , it wyl dry vp againe
(HARMAN-E1-P2,44.99)

and no harme . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.100)

But this Arsnicke will so poyson the same legge or sore , that it will
euer after be incurable : (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.101)

this do they for gaine and to be pitied . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.102)

The most of these that walke about be Walchmen . (HARMAN-E1-P2,44.103)

<P_45>

<heading>

A FRATER . (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.106)

CAP. 8 . (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.107)

</heading>

Some of these Fraters will cary blacke boxes at their gyrdel , wher in
they haue a briefe of the Queenes maiesties letters patentes , geuen to
suche poore spitlehouse for the reliefe of the poore there , whiche
briefe is a coppie of the letters patentes , <font> and </font> vtterly
fained , if it be in paper or in parchment without the great seale .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,45.109)

Also , if the same brief be in printe , it is also of auctoritie .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,45.110)

For the Printers wil see <font> and </font> wel vnderstand , before it
come in presse , that the same is lawfull . (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.111)

Also , I am credibly informed that the chiefe Proctors of manye of
these houses , that seldome trauel abroad them selues , but haue their
factors to gather for them , which looke very slenderly to the impotent
and miserable creatures committed to their charge , <font> and </font>
die for want of cherishing ; wheras they <font> and </font> their wiues
are wel crammed <font> and </font> clothed , <font> and </font> will
have of the best . (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.112)

And the founders of euery such house , or the chiefe of the parishe
wher they be , woulde better see vnto these Proctors , that they might
do their duty , they should be wel spoken of here , and in the world to
come aboundantly therefore rewarded . (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.113)

I had of late an honest man , and of good wealthe , repayred to my
house to common wyth me aboute certeyne affaires .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,45.114)

I inuited the same to dinner , (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.115)

and dinner beinge done , I demaunded of hym some newes of these parties
were hee dwelte . (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.116)

" Thankes be to God , syr , " <paren> saith he </paren> ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,45.117)

" all is well <font> and </font> good now . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.118)

" Now ! " <paren> quoth I </paren> " this same ' nowe ' declareth that
some things of late hath not bene wel . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.119)

" Yes , syr , " <paren> <font> quoth </font> he </paren>
(HARMAN-E1-P2,45.120)

" the matter is not great . (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.121)

I had thought I should haue bene wel beaten within this seuenth night .
" (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.122)

" How so ? " <paren> quoth I </paren> . (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.123)

" Mary , syr , " sayd he , " I am Counstable for fault of a better ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,45.124)

and was commaunded by the Iusticer to watch . (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.125)

The watch being set , I toke an honest man , one of my neighbors , with
me , (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.126)

and went vp to the ende of the towne as far as the spittle house , at
which house I heard a great noyse , (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.127)

and , drawing nere , stode close vnder the wall , (HARMAN-E1-P2,45.128)

and this was at one of the clocke after midnight . <P_46> Where he
harde swearinge , pratinge , and wagers laying , and the pot apase
walkinge , and xl. pence gaged vpon a matche of wrastling , pitching of
the barre , and casting of the sledge . (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.129)

And out they goe , in a fustian fume , into the backe syde , where was
a great Axiltrye , (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.130)

and there fell to pitching of the barre , being thre to thre .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,46.131)

The Moone dyd shine bright , (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.132)

the Counstable with his neighboure myght see and beholde all that was
done . And howe the wyfe of the house was rostinge of a Pyg , whyle her
gestes were in their matche . (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.133)

At the laste they coulde not agree vpon a caste , (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.134)

and fell at wordes , and from wordes to blowes . (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.135)

The Counstable with his fellowe runnes vnto them , to parte them ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,46.136)

and in the partinge lyckes a drye blowe or two . (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.137)

Then the noyse increased ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.138)

the Counstable woulde haue had them to the stockes .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,46.139)

The wyfe of the house runnes out with her goodman to intreat the
Counstable for her gestes , (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.140)

and leaues the Pyg at the fyre alone . (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.141)

In commeth two or three of the next neighboures , beinge waked wyth
this noise , (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.142)

and into the house they come , (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.143)

and fynde none therein , but the Pygge well rosted ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,46.144)

and carieth the same awaye wyth them , spyte and all , with suche
breade and drinke also as stoode vpon the table . (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.145)

When the goodman and the goodwyfe of the house hadde intreated and
pacified the Counstable , shewinge vnto him that they were Proctors and
Factores all of Spyttell houses , and that they taryed there but to
breake theyr fast , and woulde ryde awaye immediatelye after , for they
had farre to goe , and therefore mente to ryde so earlye . And comminge
into their house agayne , fyndinge the Pygge wyth bread and drincke all
gonne , made a greate exclamation , (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.146)

for they knewe not who had the same . (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.147)

The Counstable returning and hearinge the lamentable wordes of the good
wyfe , howe she had lost both meate and drinke , and sawe it was so in
deede , hee laughed in his sleue , (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.148)

and commaunded her to dresse no more at vnlawfull houres for any gestes
. (HARMAN-E1-P2,46.149)

For hee thought it better bestowed vppon those small feastes his poore
neighboures <P_47> then vppon suche sturdye Lubbares .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,47.150)

The nexte mornynge betymes the spitte and pottes were sette at the
Spittle house doore for the owner . (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.151)

Thus were these Factours begyled of theyr breakefast ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,47.152)

and one of them hadde well beaten an other ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.153)

" And , by my trouth , " <paren> quoth thys Counstable </paren> " I was
gladde when I was well ryd of them . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.154)

" Why , " quoth I , " coulde $they caste the barre and sledge well ? "
(HARMAN-E1-P2,47.155)

" I wyll tell you , syr , " <paren> quoth hee </paren>
(HARMAN-E1-P2,47.156)

" you knowe there hath bene manye games this Sommer .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,47.157)

I thinke verely , that if some of these Lubbars had bene there , and
practysed amongest others , I beleue they woulde haue carryed awaye the
beste games . (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.158)

For they were so stronge and sturdye , that I was not able to stande in
their handes . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.159)

" Well " <paren> quoth I </paren> " at these games you speake of , both
legges and armes bee tryed . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.160)

" Yea , " quoth this offycer , " they bee wycked men .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,47.161)

I haue seene some of them sithens wyth cloutes bounde aboute theyr
legges , and haltynge wyth their staffe in their handes . Wherefore
some of theym , by God , bee nought all . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.162)

<heading>

A ABRAHAM MAN . (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.164)

CAP. 9 . (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.165)

</heading>

These Abrahom men be those that fayne themselves to haue beene mad ,
and have bene kept eyther in Bethelem or in some other pryson a good
tyme , <font> and </font> not one amongst twenty that euer came in
pryson for any such cause : (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.167)

yet wyll they saye howe pitiously and most extreamely they haue bene
beaten , and dealt with all . (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.168)

Some of these be merye and verye pleasant , (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.169)

they wyll daunce and sing ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.170)

some others be as colde and reasonable to talke wyth all .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,47.171)

These begge money ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.172)

eyther when they come at Farmours howses they wyll demaunde Baken ,
eyther cheese , or wooll , or any thinge that is worthe money .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,47.173)

And if they espye small company within , they wyll with fierce
countenaunce demaund some what . Where for feare the maydes wyll geue
theym largely to be ryd of theym . (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.174)

If they maye conuenyently come by any cheate , they wyl picke and
steale , as the $vpright man or Roge , poultrey or lynnen .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,47.175)

And all wemen that wander bee at their commaundemente .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,47.176)

Of all that euer I saw of this kynde , one naminge him selfe Stradlynge
is the craftiest and moste dyssemblyngest Knaue . (HARMAN-E1-P2,47.177)

<P_48>

Hee is able wyth hys tounge and vsage to deceaue and abuse the wysest
man that is . (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.179)

And surely for the proportion of his body , with euery member there
vnto appertayninge , it $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be a mended .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,48.180)

But as the prouerbe is " God hath done his part . "
(HARMAN-E1-P2,48.181)

Thys Stradlyng sayth he was the Lord Sturtons man ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,48.182)

and when he was executed , for very pensiuenes of mynde , he fell out
of his wytte , (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.183)

and so continued a yeare after and more ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.184)

and that with the very greefe and feare , he was taken wyth a
marueilous palsey , that both head and handes wyll shake when he
talketh , with anye and that a pase or fast , where by he is much
pytied , and getteth greately . (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.185)

And if I had not demaunded of others , bothe men and women , that
commonly walketh as he doth , and knowen by them his deepe
dissimylation , I neuer hadde vnderstand the same .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,48.186)

And thus I end wyth these kynde of vacabondes . (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.187)

<heading>

A FRESHE WATER MARINER OR WHIPIACKE . (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.189)

CAP. . (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.190)

</heading>

These Freshwater Mariners , their shipes were drowned in the playne of
Salisbery . (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.192)

These kynde of Caterpillers counterfet great losses on the sea ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,48.193)

these bee some Western men , (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.194)

and most bee Irishe men . (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.195)

These wyll runne about the countrey wyth a counterfet lycence ,
fayninge either shypwracke , or spoyled by Pyrates , neare the coaste
of Cornwall or Deuonshyre , and set a lande at some hauen towne there ,
hauynge a large and formall wrytinge , as is aboue sayd , with the
names and seales of suche men of worshyppe , at the leaste foure or
fiue , as dwelleth neare or next to the place where they fayne their
landinge . (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.196)

And neare to those shieres wyll they not begge , vntyll they come into
Wylshyre , Hamshyre , Barkeshyre , Oxfordshyre , Harfordshyre ,
Middelsex , and so to London , and downe by the ryuer to seeke for
their shyppe and goods that they neuer hade : (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.197)

then passe they through Surrey , Sossex , by the sea coasts , and so
into Kent , demaunding almes to bring them home to their country .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,48.198)

Some tyme they counterfet the seale of the Admiraltie .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,48.199)

I haue diuers tymes taken a waye from them their lycences , of both
sortes , wyth suche money as they haue gathered , (HARMAN-E1-P2,48.200)

and haue confiscated the same to the pouerty nigh adioyninge to me .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,48.201)

And they wyll not <P_49> beelonge with out another .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,49.202)

For at anye good towne they wyll renewe the same .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,49.203)

Once wyth muche threatninge and faire promises , I required to knowe of
one companye who made their lycence . (HARMAN-E1-P2,49.204)

And they sweare that they bought the same at Portsmouth , of a Mariner
there , and it cost them two shillinges ; with such warrantes to be so
good and efectuall , that if any of the best men of lawe , or learned ,
aboute London , should peruse the same , they weare able to fynde no
faute there with , but would assuredly allow the same .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,49.205)

<P_50>

{COM:image_and_verse_omitted}

<P_51>

<heading>

A COUNTERFET CRANKE . (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.210)

CAP. 11 . (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.211)

</heading>

These that do counterfet the Cranke be yong knaves and yonge harlots ,
that depely dissemble the falling sicknes . (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.213)

For the Cranke in their language is the falling euyll .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,51.214)

I haue seene some of these with fayre writinges testimoniall , with the
names and seales of some men of worshyp in Shropshyre , and in other
Shieres farre of , that I haue well knowne , (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.215)

and haue taken the same from them . (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.216)

Many of these do go without writinges , (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.217)

and wyll go halfe naked , and looke most pitiously .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,51.218)

And if any clothes be geuen them , $they imnmediatly sell the same ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,51.219)

for weare it they wyll not , because they would bee the more pitied ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,51.220)

and weare fylthy clothes on their heades , (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.221)

and neuer go without a peece of whyte sope about them , which , if they
see cause or present gaine , they wyll priuely conuey the same into
their mouth , and so worke the same there , that they wyll fome as it
were a Boore , <font> and </font> maruelously for a tyme torment them
selves ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.222)

and thus deceiue they the common people , (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.223)

and gayne much . (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.224)

These haue commonly their harlots as the other . (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.225)

Apon Alhollenday in the morning last Anno domini . 1566 , or my booke
was halfe printed , I meane the first impression , there came earely in
the morninge a Counterfet Cranke vnder my lodgynge at the whyte Fryares
, wythin the cloyster , in a lyttle yard or coorte , where aboutes laye
two or thre great Ladyes , being without the lyberties of London ,
where by he hoped for the greatter gayne ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.226)

this Cranke there lamentably lamentinge and pitefully crying to be
releued , declared to dyuers their hys paynfull and miserable dysease .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,51.227)

I being rysen and not halfe ready , harde his dolfull wordes and rufull
mornings , (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.228)

hering him name the falling sicknes , thought assuredlye to my selfe
that hee was a depe desemblar ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.229)

so , comminge out at a sodayne , and beholdinge his vgly and yrksonle
attyre , hys lothsome and horyble countinance , it made me in a
meruelous parplexite what to thinke of hym , whether it were fayned or
trouth , - (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.230)

for after this manner went he : (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.231)

he was naked from the wast vpward , sauyng he had a old Ierken of
leather patched , (HARMAN-E1-P2,51.232)

and that was lose about hym , that all his bodye laye out bare ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,51.233)

a filthy foule cloth he ware on his head , <P_52> being cut for the
purpose , hauing a narowe place to put out his face , with a bauer made
to trusse vp his beard , and a stryng that tyed the same downe close
aboute his necke ; with an olde felt hat which he styll caried in his
hande to reccaue the charytye and deuotion of the people ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,52.234)

for that woulde he hold out from hym ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.235)

hauyng hys face , from the eyes downe ward , all smerd with freshe
bloud , as thoughe he had new falen , and byn tormented wyth his
paynefull panges , - his Ierken beinge all be rayde with durte and myre
, and hys hatte and hosen also , as thoughe hee hadde wallowed in the
myre : (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.236)

sewerly the sighte was monstrous and terreble . (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.237)

I called hym vnto me , (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.238)

and demaunded of hym what he ayled . (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.239)

" A , good maister , " quoth he , " I haue the greuous and paynefull
dyseas called the falynge syckenes . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.240)

" Why , " quoth I , " howe commeth thy Ierken , hose , and hat so be
rayd with durte and myre , and thy skyn also ? " (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.241)

" A , good master , I fell downe on the backesyde here in the fowle
lane harde by the watersyde ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.242)

and there I laye all most all night , (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.243)

and haue bled all most all the bloude owte in my bodye . "
(HARMAN-E1-P2,52.244)

It raynde that morninge very fast ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.245)

and whyle I was thus talkinge with hym , an honest poore woman that
dwelt thereby brought hym a fayre lynnen cloth , (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.246)

and byd hym wype his face therewyth ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.247)

and there beinge a tobbe standing full of rayne water , offered to geue
hym some in a dishe that he might make hym selfe cleane :
(HARMAN-E1-P2,52.248)

hee refuseth the same . (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.249)

" Why dost thou so ? " quoth I . (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.250)

" A , syr , " sayth he , " yf I shoulde washe my selfe , I shoulde fall
to bleedinge a freshe againe , (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.251)

and then I should not stop my selfe : " (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.252)

these wordes made me the more to suspecte hym . (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.253)

Then I asked of hym where he was borne , what is {COM:sic} name was ,
how longe he had this dysease , and what tyme he had ben here about
London , and in what place . (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.254)

" Syr , " saythe he , " I was borne at Leycestar ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,52.255)

my name is Nycholas Genings , (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.256)

and I haue had this falling sycknes viij. yeares ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,52.257)

and I can get no remedy for the same ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.258)

for I haue it by kinde , (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.259)

my father had it and my friendes before me ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.260)

and I haue byne these two yeares here about London , and a yeare and a
halfe in bethelem . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.261)

" Why , wast thou out of thy wyttes ? " quoth I . (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.262)

" Ye , syr , that I was . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,52.263)

<P_53>

" What is the Kepars name of the house ? " (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.265)

" Hys name is , " quoth hee , " Iohn Smith . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.266)

" Then , " quoth I , " hee must vnderstande of thy dysease ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,53.267)

yf thou hadest the same for the tyme thou wast there , he knoweth it
well . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.268)

" Ye , not onely he , but all the house bee syde , " quoth this Cranke
; (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.269)

" for I came thens but within this fortnight . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.270)

I had stande so longe reasoning the matter wyth him that I was a cold ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,53.271)

and went into my chamber (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.272)

and made me ready , (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.273)

and commaunded my seruant to repayre to bethelem , and bringe me true
worde from the keper there whether anye suche man hath byn with him as
a prisoner hauinge the dysease aforesayd , (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.274)

and gaue hym a note of his name and the kepars also :
(HARMAN-E1-P2,53.275)

my seruant , retorninge to my lodginge , dyd assure me that neither was
there euer anye such man there , nether yet anye keper of any suche
name ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.276)

but hee that was there keper , he sent me hys name in writing ,
afferming that hee letteth no man depart from hym vnlesse he be fet a
waye by hys freendes , and that none that came from hym beggeth aboute
the Citye . (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.277)

Then I sent for the Printar of this booke , (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.278)

and shewed hym of this dyssembling Cranke , and how I had sent to
Bethelem to vnderstand the trouth , and what aunswere I receaued againe
, requiringe hym that I might haue some seruant of his to watche him
faithfully that daye , that I might vnderstand trustely to what place
he woulde repaire at night vnto , (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.279)

and thether I promised to goe my selfe to see their order , and that I
woulde haue hym to associate me thether : (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.280)

hee gladly graunted to my request , (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.281)

and sent two boyes , that both diligently and vygelantly accomplisht
the charge geuen them , and found the same Cranke aboute the Temple ,
where about xii. of the clocke he wente on the backesyde of Clementes
Ine without Temple barre : (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.282)

there is a lane that goeth into the Feldes ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.283)

there hee renewed his face againe wyth freshe bloud , which he caried
about hym in a bladder , (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.284)

and dawbed on freshe dyrte vpon his Ierken , hat , and hoson .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,53.285)

And so came backe agayne vnto the Temple , and sometyme to the
Watersyde , (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.286)

and begged of all that passed bye : (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.287)

the boyes behelde howe some gaue grotes , some syxe pens , some gaue
more ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,53.288)

<P_54>

for hee looked so ougleie and yrksomlye , that euerye one pytied his
miserable case that beehelde hym . (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.290)

To bee shorte , there he passed all the daye tyll night approched ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,54.291)

and when it began to bee some what dark , he went to the water syde
(HARMAN-E1-P2,54.292)

and toke a Skoller , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.293)

and was sette ouer the Water into Saincte Georges feldes , contrarye to
my expectatian ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.294)

for I had thought he woulde haue gonne into Holborne or to Saynt Gylles
in the felde ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.295)

but these boyes , with Argues and Lynces eyes , set sewre watche vppon
him , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.296)

and the one tooke a bote (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.297)

and followed him , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.298)

and the other went backe to tell his maister . (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.299)

The boye that so folowed hym by Water , had no money to pay for his
Bote hyre , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.300)

but layde his Penner and his Ynkhorne to gage for a penny ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,54.301)

and by that tyme the boye was sette ouer , his Maister , wyth all
celeryte , hadde taken a Bote (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.302)

and followed hym apase : (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.303)

now hadde they styll a syght of the Cranke , wych crossed ouer the
felddes towardes Newyngton , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.304)

and thether he went , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.305)

and by that tyme they came thether it was very darke :
(HARMAN-E1-P2,54.306)

the Prynter hadde there no acquaintance , nether any kynde of weapon
about hym , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.307)

nether knewe he how farre the Cranke woulde goe , becawse hee then
suspected that they dogged hym of purposse ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.308)

he there stayed hym , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.309)

and called for the Counstable , whyche came forthe dylygentelye to
inquyre what the matter was : (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.310)

thys zelous Pryntar charged thys offycer wyth hym as a malefactor and a
dessemblinge vagabonde - (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.311)

the Counstable woulde haue layde him all night in the Cage that stode
in the streate . (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.312)

" Naye , " saythe this pitifull Prynter , " I praye you haue him into
your house ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.313)

for this is lyke to be a cold nyght , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.314)

and he is naked : (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.315)

you kepe a vytellinge house ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.316)

let him be well cherished this night , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.317)

for he is well hable to paye for the same . (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.318)

I knowe well his gaynes hath byn great to day , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.319)

and your house is a sufficient pryson for the tyme ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,54.320)

and we wil there serche hym . (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.321)

The Counstable agreed there vnto : (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.322)

they had him in , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.323)

and caused him to washe him selfe : (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.324)

that donne , they demaunded what money he had about hym .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,54.325)

Sayth this Cranke , " So God helpe me , I haue but xii. pence , "
(HARMAN-E1-P2,54.326)

and plucked oute the same of a lytle pursse . (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.327)

" Why , haue you no more ? " quoth they . (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.328)

" No , " sayth this Cranke , " as God shall saue my soule at the day of
iudgement . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.329)

" We must se more , " quoth they , (HARMAN-E1-P2,54.330)

<P_55>

and began to stryp hym . (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.332)

Then he plucked out a nother purse , wherin was xl. pens .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,55.333)

" Toushe , " sayth thys Prynter , " I must see more . "
(HARMAN-E1-P2,55.334)

Saythe this Cranke , " I pray God I bee dampned both body and soule yf
I haue anye more . " (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.335)

" No , " sayth thys Prynter , " thou false knaue , here is my boye that
dyd watche thee all this daye , and sawe when such men gaue the peeses
of sixe pens , grotes , and other money ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.336)

and yet thou hast shewed vs none but small money . "
(HARMAN-E1-P2,55.337)

When thys Cranke hard this , and the boye vowinge it to his face , he
relented , (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.338)

and plucked out another pursse , where in was eyght shyllings and od
money ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.339)

so had they in the hole that he had begged that day xiij. shillings
iii. pens halfepeny . (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.340)

Then they strypt him starke naked , (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.341)

and as many as sawe him sayd they neuer sawe hansommer man , wyth a
yellowe flexen beard , and fayre skynned , withoute anye spot or greffe
. (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.342)

Then the good wyfe of the house fet her goodmans olde clocke ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,55.343)

and caused the same to be cast about him , because the sight shoulde
not abash her shamefast maydens , nether loth her squaymysh sight .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,55.344)

Thus he set downe at the Chemnes end , (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.345)

and called for a potte of Beere , (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.346)

and dranke of a quarte at a draft , (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.347)

and called for another , and so the thyrde , that one had bene
sufficient for any resonable man , the Drynke was so stronge .
(HARMAN-E1-P2,55.348)

I my selfe , the next morninge , tasted thereof ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.349)

but let the reader iudge what and howe much he would haue dronke and he
had bene out of feare . (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.350)

Then when they had thus wrong water out of a flint in spoyling him of
his euyl gotten goods , his passing pens , <font> and </font> fleting
trashe , The printer with this offecer were in gealy gealowsit ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,55.351)

and deuised to search a barne for some roges and vpright men , a
quarter of a myle from the house , that stode a lone in the fieldes ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,55.352)

and wente out about their busines , leauing this cranke alone with his
wyfe and maydens : (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.353)

this crafty Cranke , espying al gon , requested <font> the </font> good
wife that hee might goe out on the backesyde to make water , and to
exonerate his paunche : (HARMAN-E1-P2,55.354)

she bad hym drawe the lache of the dore and goe out , neither thinkinge
or mistrusting he <P_56> would haue gon awaye naked ;
(HARMAN-E1-P2,56.355)

but , to conclude , when hee was out , he cast awaye the cloke ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,56.356)

and , as naked as euer he was borne , he ran away , that he could neuer
be hard of againe . (HARMAN-E1-P2,56.357)

Now the next morning betimes , I went vnto Newington , to vnderstand
what was done , because I had word or it was day that there my printer
was ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,56.358)

and at my comming thether , I hard the hole circumstaunce , as I above
haue wrytten ; (HARMAN-E1-P2,56.359)

and I , seing the matter so fall out , tooke order with the chiefe of
the parish that this xiij. shyllings <font> and </font> iij. pens
halfpeny might the next daye be equally distributed , by their good
discrecions , to the pouertie of the same parishe ,
(HARMAN-E1-P2,56.360)

and so it was done . (HARMAN-E1-P2,56.361)

