Sur le Miroir de grand Bretaigne, de M. jehan Norden. GArdez gentiles, regardez cest ' owrage, Tres-doctes Dames, & tres-sages, Sieurs: Moult delectant voz yeulx, voz sens, & coeurs, Cy fait Plaisir, avec Profit marriage. Chacun Degree, rumine, chachun age, Ce petit liure, plein de grands doulceurs: Rend luy lovange, qui doulces rend odeurs, Que chacun fait, qui est sçavant ou sage. Les autres sont autheurs d' Enui', & vice, Ennemis a vertu, sciens, & Notice, Vilipendans les oewres de sçavoir: Mais nobles, doctes, & gentiles esprits, Qui compte tiennent des elegans escripts, Hault priseront NORDEN son cler Miroir. N'ayant espour qu' en Dieu, Robert Nicolson. Corrections. In pag. 11. line 5. for eighteen, read thirteen. In pag. 21. for Io. Fortescue esquire, read sir john Fortescue knight. In pag 27. for 5191. read 3911. In the same pag. for Antonius, read Antoninus. In pag. 47. for Staple Inn, read Lion's Inn. Wheresoever you see me, Trust unto yourself. OR, THE MYSTERY OF LENDING AND BORROWING. Seria jocis: OR, The Tickling Torture. — Dum rideo, veh mihi risu. By THOMAS POWEL, London-Cambrian. LONDON, Printed for Benjamin Fisher, and are to be sold at his shop in Pater-noster-row, at the sign of the Talbot. 1623. TO THE TWO FAmous Universities, the Seminaries of so many desperate Debtors, RAM-ALLY and MILFORD-LANE, MILFORD-LANE and RAM-ALLEY. TWo questions in demurer seem to stay us, Which is the elder? and from whence ye came, Not all the learning in old 〈◊〉 Caius, Was ever able to resolve the same: Your Books and studies are the same and one, The blessing from your Creditor must come. youare both as deeply learned (we do know it,) As to the very centre of the cellar: For Kitchen Physic, if ye list to show it, Yhave stomaches that can far out do Mountpellier, And for the rest of all the Sciences, We may send Douai bold defiances. Y'are both so ancient, worthy, so alike, It were great pity that you should contest, But rather let your wits best powers unite, Against your equal enemy professed: To multiply your Partisans apace, The Temple Gods vouchsafe and give ye grace. D. P. To the Reader. YOu see our Author goes not upon trust, And if the Title of his Book beiust: He bids you trust yourself, where ere you see him, So shall ye never fall to disagreeing. The Students of Ram-Ally to the AUTHOR. IF all be true that men speak a their knowledge, Yourself was sometimes fellow of a College Within Ram-Ally: and you should do well, To come and take a place that late befell: (To tell you true) it is the welsh Professor, Your pulpit shall be Robin Gibbes his Dresser. If you stand for the Lecture, fear not speeding, For then weare like to have a merry reeding. From the Horse-shoe, this first of May, 1623. The Author's Invocation. THou spirit of old Gybbs, a quondam Cook, Thy hungry Poet doth thee now invoke, T-infuse in him the juice of Rump or Kidney, And he shall sing as sweet as ere did Sidney: I am not so ambitious as to wish For black spic'keale, or such a precious dish, As Dotterels caught by pretty imitation, Nor any thing so hot in operation, As may inflame the Liver of mine Host, To swear I chalk too much upon the post: Myself a damned Promethian I should think, If with the God's Scotch-Ale, or Meth, a drink, The vulgar to profane, Metheglin call, Or drops which from my Ladies Lembick fall, In several spirits of a fifth transcendence, No, no, the hungry belly calls my mind thence: I wish not for Castalian cups not I, But with the petty-Canons being dry, And but inspired with one bare Qu: let any Compare with us for singing (O Sydany.) Thy Potherbs prithee Robin now afford, Perfume the Altar of thy Dresser-boord, And cover it with Hecatombs of Mutton, As fat and fair as ever knife did cut on: Then will I sing the Lender and the Debtor, The martial Mace, the Sergeant and the Setter, Ruins and reparations of lost wealth, Still, Where you see me, Trust unto yourself. WHERESOEVER YOU SEE ME, Trust to yourself. OR THE MYSTERY OF LENding and Borrowing. SEtting aside the contemplation of such Lending and Borrowing, as whereby the soul of Traffic is breathed into the body of a Commonwealth; I descend lower to that practice of mutuation, whereby we accommodate one another for our present necessities in moneys and other requisites. First, for the Borrower. I Will first show who be the most notable sort of Borrowers and Bookmen. Next, what method every one holds in his several way of Borrowing and Booking. Then their several cause of failing and insoluencie. Next, their sundry ways and weapons, with which they fence with their Creditors. Next, their noted places of refuge and retirement. Then their jubilies and days of Privilege. Lastly, the certain marks of a conscious cautious Debtor, with the Martial discipline of the Mace, according to the Modern practice of these days. Next for the Creditor. I Will first show the charitable extent of the Creditors courtesy. Then his Mystery of Multiplication. Next, how the Oyster caught the Crow. The hand in the book bred the wind-collicke in the warehouse. And then how that wind being not able to force a passage thorough the caverns of his credit, shaked the very foundation of his shopboard, threatening a most sudden, strange, and stormy eruption. Next, the signs forerunning the wonderful crack. Then the Reparation of the decayed man. And lastly, the singular comfort which the Commonwealth received by him, when he was sent forth for current out of his Creditors mint, with a new impression and a second edition. And of these in order. The chief and most notable Borrowers are, The Courtier, that neither cares for the call of the Countinghouse, nor the Check of the Chamber. The Inns of Court-men that never was Student. The country Gentleman no Hospital housekeeper. The city gallant that never arrived at his freedom by service. The Courtier's method follows. FIrst he invites his Creditor, to a dish of Court-Ling, with Masculine mustard plenty. Then shows him the privy lodgings, and the new banqueting house. Perhaps the Robes next. Then the great Magolls tent in the Wardrobe: And so much serves for the first meeting, and to procure an appetite to the second. To the second meeting our Creditor is summoned, and brings behind him his wife, like to a broken wicker glass bottle hanging at his tail, and enters into the Masking room. Whereat the Courtier's skill in delivering of the Maskers names, under their several disguises, did purchase an everlasting and indissoluble citie-consanguinitie with his female charge, over whom the more sleepy her spouse, the more vigilant was my cousin courtier. And now he hath made his party strong enough to visit my citizen, and to borrow and take up of him at his own home, in the most familiar phrase that can be devised for such like use and purpose. Then for the quickening, continuing, and enlarging of his credit, our Courtier pretends how he has received news that his feigned kindred is very sick: and thereupon a takes occasion (in stead of venison) to send her a bottle of that famous and far fetched frontineack: He bids himself to dinner the same day, and there in a cursory way of commending the excellent art of man, in matter of Manufacture, he falls by chance upon the remembrance of an extraordinary stuff which he saw a great personage wear lately in Court, not doubting but that his cousin's shop did afford the like: His purpose was to have a suit of the same very shortly, if they would but lay it by for him till his monies came in: Yet with a very little entreaty so cleanly exprompted, he was persuaded to take it along with him, but only for fear lest the whole piece might be sold by the foolish foreman unawares before his return. Give us old Ale and book it, O give us old Ale and book it: And when you would have your money for all, My cousin may chance to look it. The Inns of Courtman, and his Method. FIrst he makes himself acquainted with the Creditor, by going to him in company with one who is a known customer there, and an approved good paymaster. Then he procures this known customer to take the man of credence (as it were) modestly apart, and at his back while he is walking down the shop and aversed, to whisper, That this gentleman whom you see here, is son and heir to that worthy Knight so potent in the Peake, or that most markable Malster of much Marlborne: Or the great Grazier of Grymsborow, or the like. Then he returns to the upper end of the shop, and the Master takes an occasion to call to Thomas to give the Gentleman a stool, and tells him that he knows his friends very well: The ancient Manor house, and the Mill and goodly meadows a little beneath in the bottom: adding further, that no doubt but if he please the good old Gentleman, he may in time be owner of them all himself. Be owner? says mine Inns of court man. Why I tell you, that water-mill came by my mother, with all the meadows of that Level: And my Father would hang himself he cannot give them away from me. And whereas you say I may be owner in time, I think the old man has held them long enough: unless you would make his time endless, and him a very wand'ring Iew. I wis my Grandfather served not him so, he knew what he did when he died. He did it out of true judgement, in fullness of understanding, able to pen his own will himself, when he was no longer serviceable to his country, he would not live only to mend the fire, or preserve it by applying every circumstant cinder within his reach: but though I pinch for it a while, a time (I hope) may come. Whereat my Creditor interrupting him, says, alas you pinch for it? That shall not need (God be thanked) your credit is worthy to be ranked in a shop book, cheek by jowl with any debitory disposed Gentleman of this town whatsoever. Besides, if you would be loath to have your name extant in so public a Repertory, you are able by such estate as is inseparably annexed to your person to give farther assurance (I do but speak it if need were) by other ways, and otherwise at your pleasure. Further assurance (replies my Gallant) A pox on't: For assurance they shall have what they will: And for price of any thing, it is my desire they should gain by me, yea they shall gain by me: For otherwise how should you be able to live by it? Now sir, you speak like an honest Gentleman (says he again) I would all our customers were of your mind, there be too few such as you are; if you have need of any thing here, either for your wearing, or else for conversion, wherein I hope you conceive me sir, it is at your command. Hereupon the man of the sword swears that he shall not outdo him in nobleness; Had he robbed the Statues of the new Standard of all their royal resolutions. He vows to return thither again, and that speedily: To bring his Tailor with him advisedly; To take up for diverse uses with much facility, and to give assurance according to the direction of his own Scrivener, a Bow lane most legally. And so leave we him like a horse put up to diet, whereby to be prepared to run his train scents on the deepest ground of assurance, that City counsel can find out or device. Puppy runs well, but who shall win the day Puppy? or Noddy? 'Tis an even lay. The Country Gentleman, his Method. THe country Gentleman, he is by this time come up to London; and has brought his Attorney with him, one that professes the taking up of money by writ of right. His Attorney brings him to the ship behind the Exchange, and leaves him there while he goes to fetch the only Noverint in those parts, whom he prepares at his shop with the purpose, advising him withal in his eat, so to handle the matter in hall, that beards may wag all, which he delivered with a most familiar wring of him by the hand, to insinuate his meaning as unto his share: He than brings the Scrivener unto the Tavern, good compliance is in all parties, and the Scrivener according to the true practice of the most of them, at the first meeting, especially while they are with the borrower in a Tavern, was more easy in promising, than they in proposing. The attorney then softly tells the Gentleman apart, that he should do well to bespeak supper instantly, assuring him that if he could but fasten that courtesy upon the Scrivener for the present, he were their own for ever after, neither the sum nor the security could be matter of any difficulty. The counsel was held wholesome as unto the supper, the Attorney was forthwith preferred to the bar, where he spoke so learnedly in the cause, that upon the same hearing, they recovered three full dishes on their side, the boys drew the proceeding of the business very Clarkelike, the Kitchenmaid supplied with a Tales. The Mistress called earnestly for the Postea, and the master he rated and allowed the bill of costs. At the execution whereof, my Scrivener fearing left the shot should disperse and scatter itself amongst them, while the Gentleman was feeling for money to discharge it; he to facilitate that hand, asks him softly in his ear; What is the sum that he would have? Then suspecting the long dwelling of his hand in the pocket, he tells him, He shall have what sum he will: Let me see, says the Scrivener, there comes in this night of Sir Sam van Skynkers money, five hundred, and to morrow as much more I can supply you from one hundred to ten out of that as your occasions require; how say you? We will have no dry reckoning replies the Gentleman: here's the full sum of the bill and a pottle over; Though we be Leicester-shire fed, yet we be not Brackly bred, I assure you. And for the sum which I should (or at least would have) for especial occasions, Let me see: There is a horse-race at Northampton on Monday come seven-night; I must needs have new furniture for Cropeare, which I will send down by Leicester Wagon. I will have that Hawk which I saw in Southwark this afternoon: clothes would do well: But that's my least care of a thousand. A pox a pride I say. Howsoever I must see the party I told you of by the way, before I go out of town, by any means if she keep the same lodging and the same name that she was wont to do: that's all now. Le's see, A matter of some three hundred will do't, so far forth as my present and most urgent occasions do press me at this instant: As for payment, And for raiment, For hedges and mounds, And stocking of grounds, For Corn for seed, Or Cattle to breed, Or the Wolf at the door, And a thousand things more. They are nothing so important and concerning as the least of these: I would not miss Monday come seven-night for three such sums, I tell you Sir: Monday come seven-night! That were a jest indeed. For that and what you please beside, says the Scrivener, you shall find no default on my party: This honest Gentleman that is with you knows the course of these kind of businesses: He and I shall take care of you wheresoever you dispose or repose yourself: And so with thanks for your costs and kindness, I shall take my leave at this time. The Scrivener departs, and the Gentleman stays behind, only to hug and endear the endowments of him that procured this meeting: He praises the prosperity of their journey, commends the comely carriage of the Scrivener, and vows everlasting acknowledgement of his Attorney's activity. And so they betake themselves to their lodging likewise for that night. The next morning my Gentleman sends his Attorney to see that the money which he spoke for, be told out and made ready for him against his coming, which should be when and where it shall please the honest Scrivener. (For by this time he had attained so much of reputation among them.) The same day and the next were both spent in continual quest of the Scrivener. But the Boys in the Shop according to their master's direction made answer, one while that he was gone to Sir Sam for moneys: Another while that he was at the sealing of writings at such a place: Then that he was at the speeding of a commission of Bankeruptisme at Guildhall, God bless the place and every good man of the Grand jury: And then shortly after, that he was but even now gone forth, and that it was impossible but that he should meet him, unless the dust of Popes-head Alley had put out his eyes by the way. The time wears out, & the horse-race comes onward, the apprehension whereof puts our Gentleman into such a perpassion, that on the next day early in the morning he goes to the Scrivener's shop, where suddenly and unawares he finds him saying his prayers, while he was withal cross gartering of himself; and had he not known him better by his crosse-garters than by his prayers, questionless he had lost his labour. Godmorrow (says the Gentleman) perhaps I do disturb your devotion? You Rascal, how chance you do not hang out the Labels? (says the Scrivener to his boy.) Then he proceeds with his prayers, and suddenly bespeaks the Gentleman, ask, What is your will with me Sir? Have you any business with me I pray now? O Lord Sir, (says he) I hope you remember what past between us at the Ship on wednesday night last, touching the three hundred which I was indeed to have the next morning, parcel of the thousand which was to come in then. Hum (says the Scrivener) I think there was some such matter: I remember we talked of it: But what were the names of your security which you did then give me? For names (replies he) why I gave you none, for I conceived it should not need: Or if it do, you shall have lands that for seat, and site, value, and Virgin title, shall bear and balance your mortgage down to the centre. Now you come to me (says the Scrivener) go you two to the Antwerp, but only to prepare me a particular of this land, and I will be with you presently. They go before the particular is made ready. The wine is burnt, the Scrivener with much pain has passed through his prayers, and recovers the Tavern do over, by that time he was come to (Amen.) He returns to his old compliment, pockets the Particular which they deliver him, and puts all unkindness into this cup; He drinks freely, and promises nobly: So that now there was no doubt made but we might be at Northampton most opportunely. And so much for that meeting. After dinner they came both again to the shop, where they found my Scrivener wrapped warm in his gown about him, fast asleep (Good man.) For if ever he were good, he was then good; Or (at least) I am sure he was then and there at the very best of Scrivener's goodness; the height of their holiness, and the perfection of their punctuality. They must by no means trouble him before he be fully recovered and enabled for a second meeting at the Mermaid after Exchange time. They attend the while: the clouds of claret shortly spend themselves: he wakens, they salute him. At length with much ado he calls them to remembrance, and asks them for their particular: they show the error in his pocket, and so he promises their dispatch the next morning without any fail, and they are gone to bespeak furniture for Cropeare in the mean time. At the appointed hour my Attorney comes to know if the writings were ready to seal, and the money proportioned into several hundreds, in so many several bags or no. The Scrivener replies, that it should be forth with prepared accordingly, so as they should bring good city security with them, but only to undertake for the property and transparency of the title of the Lands so tendered, and that was all should need for the matter, procuration being ever provided for, and writing taken to estimation according to the repate of the place where it was to be written, and that was all that was now remaining to be considered of on the Gentleman's behalf. This new task required more time in possessing and persuading of some Citizens his Countrymen, who knew him and his lands so well, that it was disputable, whether was more dear and desired unto them. They join with him in the security, and become immediately bound with him by bond for the payment of the money at a certain day to come, and to the great amazement of the Scrivener, thank him for this counsel in advising and directing them to the cautionary causeway of security both laterally and collaterally, by direct & oblique lines which he most mathematically had imagined and contrived in his head, as well for his own commodity as for their indemnity, without demanding of any other assurance as yet, and so my Gentleman is dispatched without further tie upon lands or person hitherto, saving what is mentally reserved upon the growth of this sum, by these his loving friends and countrymen. Friendship for country's sake I do commend, But not to sell my country for a friend. The Citizen, a Redemptionary Freeman, his Method. THe last, but not the least of these is our city borrower, a hopeful young man (though I say it:) A man of wisdom, for he is the best That ever was of our Ward-mo●t inquest: Of sweet behaviour, for this very year, He hath discharged the place of Scavenger. At an arbitrement he is a cutter, As ere concluded in a Tavern supper. If females for their linen do contend, He takes up all, and makes a friendly end. And if our Vestry brethren do descent, He makes the elder head most eminent. Grow up thou man of justice and of hope, My pen gives thee thy due, give thou it scope. This City youth, not altogether free by patrimony, but partly by matrization, is wonderful cautious of being a borrower upon record, or in the eye of the world. He will not have his name tendered to a Scrivener by any means, while he is yet but easily declining upon the stream of ready moneys, and not in stock, like the water which though it fall and sink by the sides, yet runs up in the midst with a manifest current long after. He now studies how to take up without expression to be a principal for himself, or to be too promptly drawn into security for others. He finds out for property for this purpose a young heir, who for a third share of the sum, was content to bear the only name and blame of borrower, and to yield to the ensafing of my Citizen, by such counter-bonds, sales and assignments, as by the Scrivener and himself, could be devised to uphold the reputation of a wonderful wary man. Can you now call this man a borrower for doing his friend a courtesy? Or is this man in a declension, when it appears by the book, that he is in the way of purchasing? No such matter, this cries up his credit: And howsoever these moneys be repaid, yet he is sure of the land, which before any insoluency shall appear on his party, he does intend to convey over in trust secretly, to the uses of his livelihood for the time of restraint to come, and like one that prepares his tomb while he is yet living, he resolves what lodging to take up on the masters-side, when his credit shall depart this mortal life. Besides, he had another way of borrowing, he finds out an old usurer of the same parish, father to diverse daughters, who catcht at espousal preferment, only by their father's countenance, and their concise carriage. The one of these he singles out from the heard, and pretends most pure and unfeigned love unto her: He visits her in his gown at Midsummer, whereat the old man conceives great joy and comfort, glories in his gravity, and delights in his decency. He on the other side peceiues the powle-cat in the Pursenet, makes present use of it. He shows him the conveyance which the heir made the other day unto him of all the houses in Conny-hoope-lane a one side; and desires to be furnished by him with so much as might bring the other side into his property likewise: for that it was now offered unto him upon reasonable conditions, so should be reduce all (as it were) into a circle, and his daughter should hold that for her jointer, and have the evidence in her own custody. The old man liked this passing well, and for fear left the bargain should be snatched out of his hand, he takes him into his closet, tells out the money, and sends him away instantly. The old man turns him about, and (pointing at her sweet heart) bespeaks his daughter thus: There goes he that labours for you most industriously, studies your good right carefully, I pray God make you thankful for him accordingly: For you shall have a husband (be it not vainly spoken) that for thrift and husbandry may be the very browch of all the City. In stead of going forthwith unto his Chapman, for the housing and candle rents, he is housed presently at a widows in the way, where he spends his time till candlelight. Here he likewise protests and professes love by whole sale: he shows her the moneys, and tells her what a bargain he could now have, if she would join stock with him in such a commodity come lately into the Downs with the last East-Indian ships. It might please God that this might be a happy occasion of uniting their persons as well as their parcels together. The Widow was hereupon taken with such a Sorpego in her wrists, that her fingers ends itched to be telling out of her part, and to take issue upon his promise of the union, which she performed with much dexterity. Then he puts all together, and assures her that he will be gone the next tide to Gravesend. When he comes home, he dispatches letters speedily to the old Usurer, certifying him of his good progression in Connie-hoope-lane, and desiring his patience for certain days, which the contriving of his assurance by good and sufficient counsel would take up. The time pretended for the Downs, and to draw down a good estate for his young Mistress, is upon better consideration bestowed at Rumford, where whosoever had seen him in the lift of his liberality, would little think him to be so little a thing as might be contained within the compass of a counting house, or be confined within the prospection of a false light. Expect anon the sequel of his story, Let Rumford now be famous for john Dory. Their several cause of insoluency followeth. THe Courtier's cause is in his conscience: For he neither can nor cares to pay. The inns of court man's cause is in his Coercence, for he would if he could pay. The country Gentleman's cause is in his confidence, for he trusts to his country men of the city, and had rather they than he should pay. But the citizen's cause is in hi● complacence. It pleaseth him so to pay, and he sees no reason why he should go beyond the rule of conformity. He finds good grand jury Precedents of five shillings in the pound, and it is fair too and sufficient solder for the first flaw (by my faith.) Some would and if they could, Some can, and yet they care not: The least pay what they should, The most spend all and spare not. The sundry ways and weapons with which they fence with their Creditors, challenge the next place. THe longest weapons with which my Courtier keeps his Creditor farthest off, are the winter's journeys, and the summer's progress. And when he is nearer hand, he does keep them at staff's length, by challenging of a privacy for indisposition of body, conference with great and honourable Personages, or employment in the States wonderful weighty affairs, when (God wot) the indisposition is for want of clean linen. The conference is with his boy, how to pay the Laundress which detains it. And his employment is in and about the taking of a pipe of Tobacco. The privy watergate, and the garden outlet do well. And when he finds no remedy but that his Creditor will close and come into him within his weapon's length, than he swears that he was even now about to send for him, had he not prevented him. He tells him in great secrecy how he is in possibility to pass a suit of great worth, only he wants some money to scatter in fees by the way: For it is to be understood, that with great Officers the chamber-men wear good clothes, and the doorkeeper has a precious faculty: he shall only supply with so much as will even the old sum, and pay himself, tot, talia, and tanta, at his own pleasure, yea he shall be a Patentee himself, for argument of honest purpose and honourable dealing. What shift so ere we make, he needs must do it. For profit and preferment prick him to it. The junes of Courts man's weapons. HIs first weapon is a well-penned Letter, excusing his delay by incompetency of exhibition. Or by the necessity of attending the revolution of their Tenants six months day of payment, according to the custom of the Country. But especially by occasion of his father's great and dangerous sickness (though there were no such matter) for that he knew was the only viscouse matter to belime his Creditor that could be devised or applied. The next weapon, when the former way is stale of assiduity, is his good sword, a watchful eye and a ready hand. The last is the deviation and avoiding of the most frequented passages and streets, and to hold compass at the half point, through the Let-goes of Allies, Taverns, with back doors, or by water, as stands with most accommodation. His fencing in the night I most commend, When he may safely drab, and drink, and spend. The Country Gentleman his Weapons. THis youth (alas) hath neither occasion at the first to practise his defence, nor knows the use of the weapon, nor will he be brought to it of a long time; when payment is prefixed to be made to him the said Solomon set in silver street London, he in his better wisdom is betting of all his white money at the cockfighting in Coventrie. And when all comes to all, when farther occasion hath drawn him into a farther respectualitie with his undertakers in London; so that he must either stand upon his guard, or lose the Bleane, with all Meadows, Pastures, Feeding, woods, underwoods', and other the appurtenances worth ten times the money borrowed: Then, O then, he looks out his manly munition. The ancient sleeping entail. The old mother's jointure. The endowment of his wife, adostium Ecclesiae. All these he brings to his Cutler of Chancerie-lane, and bestows so much upon the oil of equity, as will scour them up cleanly, and make them fit weapons of defence against all the Cossaques of the City. Petitions be the Postures of thy guard, And may thy motions be like Canons heard; Set field, or skirmish, Chamber, or the Bar, 'tis like to prove a very lingering war. The City borrower his fence. HE handles his weapon with the best grace of them all, his Creditor dares scarce come within his reach, but only ask how he does as he goes by. And if he do presume to leave word with the apprentice boy, that he would have him tell his Master that he was here to speak with him in the current of his other business, it is a bold adventure, and a saucy presumption taken very censoriously by my young. Master at his coming home, especially if he have been at the Renterwardens feast. The City's occasion, The Companies convention, and The parochical provision, These be the things which challenge propriety and priority in a comely Citizen, before all other respects whatsoever. He will not discontent the first, Nor disappoint the second, Nor disfurnish the last for observance of whomsoever. For the money taken up of the Scrivener, the interest only needs to be paid in as yet: and the Scrivener (to stop his mouth) he shall have the employment and benefit to eiect the Tenants of Conie-hoope-lane, and withal he will have the Scrivener sue the bond both against the heir and himself, upon which he will appear to suffer judgements against both right willingly. (Marry) he shall take execution against the heir only. For the old Usurer's money, he found that the assurance could not be perfected till the next Michalmas term, for it required the ceremony of the bar, and before he would debar his wife of any ceremony belonging to her, he would be reputed the unperfectest member that ever ministered in the City's mysteries. And for the Widow's money bestowed in the Downs, he found the commodity not so vendible here as beyond the seas, therefore he thought it best to send it into Holland, where it attends the next market, and would not so much as suffer it to touch at our coast. This cannot cure but lengthen thy disease, It may defer the pain, but not release. Their noted places of refuge and retirement follow. Ram-alley, I Will not so much as look into the court, or any the standing houses; the housekeepers lodging, nor the gardiner's receipt, neither the Mews. Nor pry into the menial precincts of any the Inns of Court, farther than they stand for refuge and relief of the neighbouring privileges about them. The first and chiefest of all which, for advantage of the ground, for fortifications, for water-works, posterns and passages, supplies and provision by land or otherwise, is that so far famed, and so fitly named Ram-Alley, or the Ramykins, according to the Dutch translation. In it is a garrison of old soldiers, every one of the which is able to lead a whole army of younger Debtors. They call their Muster-roll in the round Church. They drill them in the garden, and They make their set battles under the trees in the new walks, which piece of ground was listed in and levelled for the purpose. For the works within Ram-Alley, there be two most notable: the one is raised and contrived in the form of a Ram, which Rams were used in the old jewish Discipline, as appears by the History itself more at large. This work is of a reasonable strength, having a watch-Tower in the similitude of a Cobbler's shop, adjoining, from whence all the forces about are called together upon the least approach of the enemy. But the other is a fort most impregnable, where the enemy dares not so much as come within shot, to take the least view of it. There is none but this only one so invincible, far and near, and therefore our latter writers have styled it the Phoenix. There be other pretty contrived plotformes in the fashion of Cook's shops two or three, where if a Setter or Spy do but peep in at them, they will make him pay for the roast before he depart (I'll warrant him.) To the Rammykins do belong a very great fleet, consisting of many sail well man'd, and these ere only for the service by water. This place according to the Geographical map, and the report of our modern Authors, cannot possibly be so besieged, but that they within may go in and out at their pleasure without impeachment. At the Middle-temple gate they will issue in spite of the devil. At the Inner-temple gate they fear no colours in the Rainbow. And at Ram-Ally Postern, in case they cannot fetch Fetter-lane, but discover ambushment, they need only draw their bodies within guard of pike, turn faces about, and retreat through the Mitre. Or admit they stand for Fleetstreet, & be so intercepted, that they can neither recover the Mitre nor Ram-Ally, it is no more but only to mend their march, fall downward as if they gave way, suddenly discharge their right hand file, and fall easily into Sergeant's Inn, where by an ancient treaty had between these two houses, it was agreed that the parties in such distress might, paying the Gentleman Porter's Fee, have convoy and conveyance through the Garden into the Temple, without re-hazzard of his person. Then when they would forage, they are no sooner out of the Middle-temple gate, but there be three several places of defence to friend them: (viz.) The Bell. The Barregate, and Shire lane. The passage through the King's Bench office is a most excellent safe way for close contriving and retriuing. The Gardener's wharfage as the tide may serve, will serve the turn too. But the new door by the Bochards, though it be none of the sweetest way, yet it is the safest of all the rest, for at the sight of the pomp the setter starts back, and will by no means pursue him any further. Fulwoods' Rents. THe next place of refuge is commonly called Fulwoods' Rents, which lies so in the main and plain continent, that it requires the stricter watch and stronger court of guard to be kept about it. Besides, the General of the enemy hath planted very near it, and lately cast up a mount in the fashion of a Sheriffs Office just in the face of them. In Fulwoods' Fort, otherwise yckleeped Skink-skonce, besides Robin-hood and his outlaws, lie a regiment of Tailors, the one half whereof with red beards, and the other having no beards at all. Captain Swan was a very tall man, So was not Francis Drake a; When Snypp does swear in single beer, The Bailiffs use to quake a. At the upper end of these Rents, and at the very portal of Purpoole-palace westward, was lately begun a most excellent piece of work, which had it not been interrupted by those that played upon them from above (questionless) it had been the strongest and surest hold that ever was raised within the continent for this purpose. The back gate into Gray Inn lane, with the benefit of the little Alley, ex opposito, is of good use, but not at all times. The passages through certain Inns on the field-side, are attempted with some hazard by reason of the straggling troops of the enemy, who he pardue in every alehouse thereabouts. The only safe way of Sally, is that through the walks, from whence the Red-Lion in Graies-Inne-lane receives them with good quartering, and passes them through the back way into the main land: And so much for Skink-Skonce. Milford lane. THe next is Milford lane, to which certain Captains and their companies being long since cashiered, betook themselves, and liking the situation of it, did there erect diverse works, both to the landside and the water for their ensafing. As they came in by conquest, so they hold it by the sword; and howsoever their title hath been much disputed heretofore, yet they have now commuted the matter, proved plantation, pretended the first discovery: and withal have reduced it to a most absolute Hanse and free town of itself without dependency. The chief benefit they have for securing of their persons is that of the water, for to the land there is little safety when you are once without their works, and therefore I will abide here no longer, but hold my course onward to the Savoy. The Savoy. IF the Savoy should not be sufficiently defended every way, and in every respect, it were a great shame to the discipline of the place, and the troops that are there billeted, the rather for they consist for the most part of Engyniers and Projectors: and in memory of them, have builded there certain tenements which shall bear the name of Proiector-Ally for ever. Duke Humphrey. FRom hence you must give me leave to pass by boat to Duke Humfries, which was a very strong fortress in former times, when the Megazine of munition, viz. the treasury of Tobacco-pipes was there established. But the Megazine is removed, and the place much weakened, their Commanders dispersed about Budgerow, and scattered in Warwicke-lane, where they are the only upholders of the threepenny ordinary (a strange alteration.) The poor remainder of this Garrison, unless they be speedily relieved by them of the College, to reinforce the daily assaults of the enemy, must of necessity yield up all with much dishonour. I can stay no longer here with good name & fame, and therefore I return to my waterman attending all this while, who is to set me over to Southwark, and land me at an excellent hold indeed, commonly called Mountague-close, sometimes the Scite of the Monastery of Saint Saviour's near the bridge. Montague close. ANd though the Garrison here consist not of so many old Soldiers, yet there number is no whit inferior to that of Ram-Ally, and some of them serve on both sides, and are in both rolls ever attending where the service most requireth, and the most of them are men of much activity. The eldest company within it, are and have been directly dyer's in grain, descended from the race of the old blue Britons. In Lent when other Garrisons are most thin and worst victualled, these do most exceed in both, for then whole troops of Butchers from the Cantons adjoining, offer themselves like so many Swissers unto them: and convey by land and water to that place, such abundance of cattle fetched from the Kentish Kerns, and the Sorry Yonkry about them, as makes themselves plump and pliable for any enterprise all the year after, and also draws very great store of Wascoterians and handsome Basketerians unto them from all parts of the City and Suburbs, and all for mere carnality. Ely Rents. THe last is that everlasting liberty of Ely Rents in Holborn, which is so advantageously mounted, that it commands all the level beneath it. It is a work of small receipt, for it may be made— good, with three Brokers, two Cobblers, a Baker and a Tapster, against all invasions and Invaders whatsoever. I cite not that privilege of S. martin's le grand, with many other adjoining, which have proper officers for return of writs within themselves; because though they be not under command of the city, yet they admit no Sanctuary or refuge to the borrower, unto whom the Fire and the Frying-pan are both alike. These forementioned Garrisons, Forts and Fortresses, stand still in such state as is before expressed. But I cannot forget the present estate of others, upon which the enemy hath entered, either by conquest or composition: Namely, Cold Harbour. THat of Cold Harbour, where was an excellent Blockhouse to correspond with that of the close on the other side. Both which together cleared the passage of the river between them, so that no water Bailiff durst come within their reach at point blank. And this (as they write) was taken in by the sword in time of their security. The Friars. THe Friars, Augustine and Cruciate, Black, White, and Grace, great and less, and those of the Trinity. The spital and Saint Graces, had all their Cools pulled o'er their heads, and so were all for the most part led into the city captivity, where they remain to this day. 'tis said that they were most lost by this means, that they suffered those of the Freedom not only to dwell among them, but likewise to increase and multiply, to plant and supplant, the Nobility and the Gentry which upheld their liberties: and in the end when they had got and engrossed all power of office, trust and authority, into their hands; they set open the gates and suffered the military men of the Mace to enter and surprise all. The Commanders of the city were only content upon treaty, to article and agree with those of the Blackfriars; that notwithstanding they so entered by conquest, yet the old companies, especially the English Feather-makers, ●he Dutch jewellers, the Scotch Tailors, and the French Shoemakers, with some other foreign forces, should have and enjoy their ancient privileges, without molestation or interruption in any kind. Saint Bartholomew's. But the greatest blow that ever was given to the Borrower, was the taking in of Saint Bartholomew's, upon whose platform A whole Army of Borrowers and Bookmen might have been mustered and drawn out in length, or into what form or figure it had pleased them to cast themselves. What works, yea what variety of art and workmanship was within it? What an excellent half Moon was there cast up without it for defence, towards Aldersgate-street? What Sconces in the fashion of Tobaccoshops and Taphouses, in all parts of it. What art was in the Silkeweavers there, who in twisting of their silk made it serve like so many Optic lines to convey and receive intelligence to and fro in an instant, and laugh to scorn asinissimum illum Nuntium inanimatum. But alas, these are all demolished, the old soldiers discharged, and all delivered and yielded up upon composition and consent of the Commander. By the last packet we receive news, that there are daily assaults made upon Saint john of jerusalem. It is said likewise that they are in a mutiny within themselves; which if it be so, the band of borrowers there billetted will be shortly disbanded and dismissed utterly. The jubilees and days of Privilege follow. THe unparaleld Parliament is the first and of all others the best. The very Tunc temporis wherein jupiter hath the full effects of his influence, when he is in his masculine house, and in a full aspect (hora optima.) The next is a time of a raging pestilence: for if the sergeants do not then fear the plague of God hanging over their heads, I know not what the devil will fear them. The next is the time wherein my Lord Mayor takes his oath: For then the Sergeants and their Yeomen are all at Westminster (hora bona.) The next is that wherein the Sheriffs are sworn: For in the forenoon the Mace-men attend their masters. At noon they have enough to do to wait upon Mr. Mayor of Oxford's cups: And in the afternoon it is as much as they can do to get home. Other days of privilege are all such wherein they are all generally tied to attend their Sheriffs to Paul's, as that of Christmas day, All-saints day, Candlemas day, the Coronation day, the Pouder-plot, and the fifth of August. (hora mediocres) Only take heed how you touch at any Tavern near unto Paul's after the Sheriffs are once set, and until they be ready to depart, for fear of freebooters. I cannot say what hope there is in the privilege of the Sabbath, but there is great presumption upon the benefit of those times, wherein the Sergeants wear their best Apparel, for I have observed that they will make bold with their zeal, when they place much matter of conscience in their clothes. The days of their Spittle-sermons are especial good ones: for their Masters and Mistresses being then in conjunction, it requires that they should be double diligent the while. The days wherein the great Lords come down to ociate, or negotiate, eat, or treat with their Masters, are reasonable good. Whitsonday at the new Churchyard does well, but I am afraid that they will not be altogether so mad as to be all comprised within the perambulation of Bedlam, where I will leave them at this time: and proceed to The marks of a Conscious Cautious Debtor, with the discipline of the Mace. These be the general Marks. 1 Uncertainty of meeting. 2 Obscurity of walking. 3 Variety of lodging. 4 Inconstancy of abiding. The particular marks follow. At the lanes end he ever looks behind him. And after he is once turned out of sight he mends his pace in an extraordinary degree of footmanship, till he have gained some ground of the followers. And then he makes another stand to take notice whether any of them have arrived thither with more than ordinary speed, or precipitate himself at the coming about the lanes end, which is the certain sign of a Setter or a Sergeant. He never keeps the proponticke passage. He hath a catalogue of all Taverns with back doors, especially to the water's side. Difference of attire (if he have it) stands him in great stead. He envies the increase of the Moon more than he pities the decrease of his own fortunes. He knows there's little got by running, and less by rising at the Sergeant's hands. Therefore when he hath business to do on the next day, he commonly removes himself o'er night to the end he may have a safe morning's flight. His meetings (when he does say and hold) are in places where he may stand as much upon his reputation as his Tailor may upon his credit. With the Italian he does much mislike the overhasty manner of pace used by our nation in the city, (a place of civility, and that in the following of their ordinary affairs. He is better at retriuing then at contriving. He is a great enemy to idleness, for he loves not to see one stand leaning at a stall, or looking about him, where he claims no property, nor owes any service. He learned of his Grandmother to hate whistling after candlelight above all things. He prays not in common for me, but that the Commons may meet in for me (as aforesaid.) And no sin sticks so impressively in his conscience, or disperses itself through his whole heart, as that he ever paid any thing to his Creditors in part. The Discipline now offers itself, and the Mace is lifted up, in Terrorem populi. WIthin London there are two regiments of Mace-men. The one is encamped in the Poultry. The other in Woodstreet. The greater number of them attend their colours where they are ever ready to sally upon the Alarm or signal given. Other of them guard their Colonels person by turns. And the rest are appointed and exposed (as followeth.) So many of the best able and most trusty of their Cavallerie, as their service requires, especially in term time, are planted at Chancery lane end, to make good that place, and to cut off such as issue out of the works on the other side, or come down from other parts to put themselves under the protection of them. Of these Chancery-lane end men, if the design do deserve it, some one or two are drawn out of them, to defeat the passage between the middle Temple and the Bell or the Barregate, but this is upon especial occasion, and therefore seldom attempted, but when they have intelligence of some extraordinary booty, or good pillage coming that way. Others of them are quartered in Smithfield, where every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, they stand charged with cock up, ready to give fire at every poor Butcher in the Graziers quarrel, and these are of their Infantry. Others are on every market day commanded for Leaden-hall, where they serve oneday under the Tanner, against the shoemaker, another day under the Butcher against the ●●●mer, and sometimes for the Scrivener against both. Others are appointed to other severalll markets, where rather than they will want entertainment, they will bear arms against the very butter-wives (enough to make their hearts to melt with the very thought out) the eldest sort of them, such as hold charge, rather for their advice then their ability, are laid at the Exchange, where though the service be daily, and the Nation against whom they serve are all people of great stomach, meeting ever at dinner and supper times only, yet the danger is but small in regard they have the Country round about to friend. The only Despervieos among them are severally appointed to the several gates, where they scour and keep clear the passage to the Bars, being the utmost extent of their works. They are all right perfect at their Postures: As Bear your Musket under your left arm, id est, Be sure to touch the prisoner on the sword side. Pull out your Scowrer, id est, Draw your Warrant. Advance your Pike, id est, Exalt your Mace. Cock your Match, id est, Enter your Action. And so for every posture, Punctually and particularly in his order. Then for Stratagems of war, they ride the ancient discipline, quite dagger out of sheath. The best that Roman Histories afford us, is of that one noble resolution, who to gain belief and credit of the enemy, mangled himself, tunning out of the gates into their Camp to complain his own misery and his Country's tyranny, with offer of giving them up into the enemy's hand, only for actuation of his own revenge. But give me the plot that conquers at a far less price. A Porter's frock (a Project of excellent carriage.) A Lawyer's gown, (Latet quod non patet.) A Scrivener's Pen and Inkhorn (a design of deeper reach than you are aware on.) These shall make his passage, sine sanguine & sudore. This is your only Projector indeed, whose first ancestor was begot between the man i'th' Moon, and Tom Lancaster's Laundress, upon a fair faggot pile, from whom are descended the only Choristers of our counter-quire. It would do you good to hear the whole pack of these together, they are so excellent for scent and cry. But the best mouthed among them in truth, and for my money, the only mouth is without Bishopsgate. And the best scented at the upper end of red-crosse street, just at the entrance into Golding-lane, into whose sweet bosom I commit them all, and there leave them. It may be expected that I should say somewhat of the Discipline of the Bailifeses, but especially of those of the Verge and the Clinkonians. But some of them have no Discipline or order at all, and the rest very little. The poor Pichard cannot out pilfer them in the plain pathway of their practice, they hold no good quartering with any man, but are more desirous of prey then of lawful conquest. The better sort of them go in boots without spurs, and they for the most part are bought in Turning-stile lane in Holborn: the Author holds them not worthy his pen, or to be ranked with the men of the mace before mentioned, and therefore by his good will he will have nothing to do with them at any hand. The Creditors part. FOr the Debtors part, I am persuaded that our Author hath performed it reasonable well. But for the other of the Creditor (to say the truth) he hath practised that part very little hitherto, and therefore is very diffident of his ability therein. Yet howe'er, he'll stand upon his credit, And justify his word, because he said it. For the charitable extent of the Creditors courtesy. VErily this man of Credence doth observe these principles in all his proceeding of this nature. First, that he may lend or trust upon such conditions as may tend to the benefit of the Borrower or Debtor chiefly. Then, that his own gain may be moderate. Then, that there may be Record thereof kept for testimony of his sincere intention, in two or three several books at the least. And lastly, he doth not only lend or trust, but farther giveth it a blessing, that it may yield much increase to the borrower and debtor. The reasons hereof are all as pregnant as pious. 1. For it is better for him to build then to pull down. 2. He will not grind the forehead of his poor brother. 3 His book cannot err, for it admits no tradition, but the pure and uncorrupted text itself, as it was delivered in the primitive register, while Thomas his foreman was yet living, and did bear record as a faithful witness of these proceedings. And though the blessing be bestowed upon a dead commodity, yet I hope it argues no superstition in him that giveth it. And all this is apparently good till we come to The mystery of Multiplication. TRadition, it is not tolerable but an abomination, and yet our Creditor holds that Addition in the secret of shop-book may be very allowable. For so long as he doth only make up in credits what he hath lost in stock, or what is decayed in necessary expenses, and not riotously or vainly, seeing the wicked are but usurpers of the riches of this world, it is lawful for him with an equal hand to be carried among his Debtors by way of apportionment, to rate and assess them at his discretion. He will take no interest, nor wrong his conscience for any good, his shop-book hath hitherto held good name and fame. Heresies may creep into the Church daily, but never into his shop-book in any wise: there is nothing there but what hath been delivered, and his servants (especially one amongst the rest) will as boldly as any Brewer's desperate Clerk maintain and justify it: shall he not maintain his master's mystery, when they are both to be saved by the same faith? Why, he shall put the debtor in mind of the delivery of every parcel, with all the circumstances to it, for he remembers it as perfectly, as if it had been done but yesterday. Now the Debtor begins to quarrel the Shop-book, my Creditor is most justly incensed: And therefore now in the next place The Crow looks to eat the Oyster alive, but is caught in the attempt, and the hand in the Shop-book breeds the winde-collique in the warehouse, which shaked the Fabric and foundation of all his factory as followeth: Suppose the tide is now coming in, and the poor Oyster gapes for some refection in the moisture of it. The Birds of prey (s●ilicet) the shopkeeper the Crow, and the Usurer the Cormorant: these hover about it, each of them hoping to pull it out of the little 〈◊〉 where it dwells, and to devour it alive. Hereupon the Cormorant and the Crow contend for the prize: The Crow claims it as a Stray lost, and left without the bounds of any watery coverture on the dry land at a low ebb, The Cormorant challenges it nevertheless, as being still within his high watermarke; Then the Crow alleges that its so wasted (wanting water) that it is become no better than Carrion, and therefore it does properly belong unto him. The Cormorant denies that, and assures him that the Oyster is yet alive, and therefore no carrion. But the Crow had given so much credit formerly, that he would now scarce believe his own eyes (especially in his wife's case) he would by no means believe this to be true, and therefore in hope to cousin the Cormorant, he desires that he may only feel with his bill whether it were so or no? Leave is given by the Cormorant, who thought it was enough for the Crow to smell upon the prey, intending that never any more should come to his share: Then the Crow who knew how to tickle a Trout at his pleasure, did without assistance of Constable or advice of Counsel, make a most violent entry upon the Oyster, which presently claps to his door, shuts the Crow within, and caught him so fast by his bill of entry, that all Colchester and the customhouse can testify to this day, with what uncustomed and uncourteous entertainment he was there received. Well might the Crow cry and call for his companion the Cormorant to redeem him from captivity, but all was in vain. The doors were shut up, he could not so much as belch at the key hole, or let out the wind which troubled the warehouse by any means forward or backward, the very foundation of the shop and shopbord, were shaken with the violence thereof. Being in this extremity, and so taken with the wind, that nothing applied inwardly could possibly help him, he calls for the shop-book, and begins to conjure the collicque with such terrible charms and incantations, as the like were never devised nor put into any pentacle: Then he raised the great Prince, In primis, out of his Eastern Empery, with a legion of Items attending him. These two he sets to task, and enjoins them to distinguish his Debtors in Spero, from those in Despero, and to deal more plainly with him herein, than Widows use to do by their Husband's estates in the Court of Orphans, and elsewhere: They perform his design instantly, and the greater number appeared to be perdues directly desperate and debilitate, amongst the which my cousin Courtier and my Inns of Court-men were of the number. The Courtier's suit did long languish and was palliated and upheld with letters commendatory, it complained much of the disease called the reference, it was a little lightened by a Cordial certificate laterly, yet in the end no means nor medicine could serve the turn, but of a stopping and obstruction at the great seal it died. The Inns of Court m●n was neither heir nor aged sufficiently, for the enabling of any such act as he had undertaken publicly by deed, or privately in the shop-book. The Scrivener, the City counsel, himself, and all were fatally infatuated, betrayed with a beard, and fooled with formality. The wind rises more and more, the storm increaseth, strange stitches on every side of the shop, wonderful weakness in the warehouse, and convulsions in the Counter-boord and box, complain and cry out upon the Colic, at whose mercy we leave him, expecting the eruption thereof very speedily. The Signs forerunning the wonderful Crack. THe certain Signs in a Citizen are these: He strives to be called into such office, especially as whereby he may have the stock of the Parish or Company in his custody. He gives ground in matter of payment, the longer he deals, the more he leaves in the remainder upon every payment. He leaves the plain path of his profession, and places more faith in a Project, then in all the probabilities of his own Trading: and when a Citizen turns Projector, he has the very tokens of the wonderful Crack upon him. His Country house is too little for him, and it wants a gatehouse for his Wife and Coach to come in at, and therefore there must be laid out in building thrice as much as the Fee-simple of all when it is finished will afford. He takes up at interest to make good the building: all his good debts he sets over to the immediate accountant in trust, and with an intention to prevent his Creditors. All his purchases are either in the name of his son, or some trusty Kinsman of his wines. The nearer the Crack, the faster he lays about him, to take up in any kind, and upon any conditions, than he conveys all things of value out of his house. And at last he gives fire with a report of his great losses at or beyond the seas, where he (God wot) had never any factory or dealing in all his life time. Then he sends his Wife to her Mothers, where she must live awhile, that she may not be troubled with the noise and clamour of the Creditor. He betakes himself to his Chamber, keeps the shop windows shut, and provides a Catalogue of all his desperate credits only to deliver to his Creditors, when they shall come to treat upon the subject of satisfaction. The news reaches to the Exchange by noon, where they that have given credit to him, look so prettily and pitifully one upon another, as you might know and challenge them by their faces. Then they gather together, and confer their notes, and cast up the whole sum what all their credits may come unto, only some of the more pragmatical sort, who fear to publish their losses lest their own estates should come likewise in question, do dissemble the matter, and speak with the least. Others that suspect, it may be their own case very shortly, pity the man's misfortune, blame the hardness of the times, deadness of trade, and scarcity of coin, recounting what he is out for foreign plantations abroad, and other contributions at home, and with what charge he hath gone through so many offices in so short time, whereat every man relents and lets slack his more strict purposes, agreeing all to go to his house to confer with him after dinner. And so dismiss we them till then. IT may be you look I should have spoken somewhat of the Crack of my City gallant, but it is improper to place him amongst Creditors that has been bred a borrower from his cradle, and that according to the custom of the City: let it only suffice, that though he had not his country house, yet he had his country hostess, and though he dealt not in court Projection, yet he kept a vile coil for court Protection. His Hostess she paid the old Widows and his young Mistress their debts in the same coin that he tendered to them. And at last when his insoluency appeared upon every post, she preferred any justice of peace his Clerk thereabouts to her respectuality before him, so that there was neither abiding at Rumford, nor return to London, but he must of necessity make a voyage, be it but to Britlesey, where he lies close under a borrowed name, which was the last commodity that ever he took up, till his friends shall have rectified his credit, and restored him to the estate from which he was so lately collapsed and fallen. The recovery of the old man, with the common comfort which it did beget, hold the next place. AFter dinner all the Creditors met again on the Exchange, where they hold full three hours' conference, during which time not any of them did believe one word which another spoke unto him, for they were too wise and learned in the use and exercise of conformity, to speak the simple truth, because they were to deal in a matter mixed and compounded of many ingredient credits commedled and put together. From hence they go to the house of their Debtor, in number as many as a whole college of Physicians to inquire for their Patient: they are forthwith brought up unto him into his chamber, where they found him in an old suit only fit for garbling or eating of greenefish, with as many nightcaps upon his head as there be cups in a nest of Court-dishes, and the old gown which was always wont to lie at the Hall for ordinary days: in stead of plate there were only two full Urinals standing upon the Court-cubbord, by which they might discern the great disability and weakness, which the windchollique had wrought within him. And in stead of accounts, bonds and bills, and other evidences, there lay only open before him, the foresaid Catalogue consisting of desperate debts and debtors (as aforesaid.) They salute him as if they did in a manner partly remember him, and then all together, as well the man of ten, as he of two and twenty hundred in credits, without difference, put forward for the first delivery of his mind unto him. This disorder was much blamed by the graver sort, and upon better advice, select men were drawn out of them to compound, for so many as would voluntarily conform themselves, which was to be done according to the Catalogue, and as the ability would bear it. In the mean time a letter of licence is sealed for his liberty, to call in and recover what was due unto himself. This Letter of licence begat a commission of conformity, and then to work they go full roundly: some of the chief who had taken other and better conditions of satisfaction of him in private, than the rest, showed much forwardness in the public way of composition, and in the end did so strengthen their party, that they prevailed against the other. The whole debt was cried down to six and eight pence in the pound, the windows were opened, the servants in the shop flung up their caps, the Curse was removed from their house, their Master was a recovered man, and none but a bankrupt would say to the contrary. Their Mistress was sent for home with all the speed that might be, and this night all her kindred and their master's friends were to solemnize this happy recovery of the decayed man, where they meant to drink to the health of six and eight pence, from six in the evening till eight next morning. The common Comfort only remains. NOw the recovered man makes a most strict scrutiny and review into his shop-books, as well for debtors soluent as insoluent, he confers his Registers all together, and where he finds a debt uncrost in any one of them, though it be discharged in the other two it makes no matter, this is it by which he must stand charged, and unless he can discharge himself by this also, he is like to perish and receive condemnation by the very letter without tradition. He will spare no man whom the Law puts into his hands, lest he become a partaker in his iniquity. He calls home all things which he had formerly conveyed out of doors. And sets forward his building in the country. He flourishes as he never did before, and will give 1000 pound with his lame daughter now, more than he offered with her at the last swan-hopping. he'll out bid all the town for the great and lesser sons. Briefly, he vows: To redeem the time past. To prevent the evil day to come. To run the course, and tread in the footsteps of some of the right worshipful, and in reverence of conformity to convert his old composition gown into a fair and conformable foot-cloth. But three rich wives, and such another Crack, Will make thee scorn to cry (What do you lack?) By the Counsel of Ram-Ally. Non nobis nati sumus. WHereas in these latter times it concerns us in civil policy, to be so much the more industrious as we are become numerous above formerages, and no endeavour can be so beneficial and honourable as the enlarging of our territory by discovery and plantation in parts habitable and agreeable with our debitory disposition, where we may disperse our Colonies with more conveniency and advantage then at this present: for which purpose we have lately employed and set forth the good ship, called (The least in sight) accompanied with that approved and well appointed Pinnace (The pay nought) the charge and command of both which, we conferred upon Mr Cliver Owemuch, who man'd, the same with persons best qualified in the Art of Insoluency, the greater part whereof, himself had known and tried to be men of much trust, being his own Creditors, and creatures of his own discreation, whose loving kindnesses he requited in manner of employment following, viz. His Mercer he made Master of (The least in sight) and his Baker Boatswain. And because his Vintner had bestowed many a shot upon him in prosperity, he made him Master Gunner in his adversity. His Tobacco-man desired to be the Gunner's mate, because he would make all smoke again. A Purser they needed not: for besides that, they had all bad memories in calling of things passed to remembrance, they held it a foolish thing to keep accounts where there was no purpose of payment. His Haberdasher came somewhat with the latest, but his Laundress by the power of her Letters commendatory, preferred her husband to be controuler of the Coil, Remembrancer of the Bilbowes, and Yeoman Squabber of (The pay nought.) And his Tailor last of all, because he had the best stomach to the action, he was made Steward, and had charge of the victual for the voyage. Being thus provided on Monday the first of March, the wind blew fair from the East, when they left the Temple-staires: And the same day being Saint David's day, the air grew thick and very foggy, insomuch that the pinnace had lost the Admiral, had it not in stead of a light in her Lantern hung up a Leek in the main top, by the sent whereof it recovered sight of her again the next morning by break of day. On the second, third, and fourth day the weather was very variable and stormy, howsoever they still spoond onward for most advantage. About eight of the clock on friday the fifth of May, their Pilot who had been a Spectacle-maker and a Prospectuary without Temple-bar, descried a sail making towards them which they suspected by his flag to be the water-bailiffe of London. Hereupon a Council was called aboard, the Captain to consider what was to be done in this imminent extremity. Some advised that it were fit to make the land, if they knew where to touch without hazard. Others of higher resolution advised to stand the fortune of a Sea-fight, and to draw their number out of sight into the hold, whereby to encourage the enemy to a nearer approach, which opinion was generally received and allowed. Presently, as the occasion required, it was agreed that for the sublimation of every spark Spirit amongst them, there should be an extraordinary allowance made instantly (that was) the full proportion of one pipe of Tobacco, and a Temple-pot of six to every two of them, which when they had cheerfully passed about; the Tailor whose conscience was more tender than his stomach, would needs be resolved in two points concerning his soul's health before the fight should begin. The first was, whether the cause and quarrel which they were to undertake were justifiable or no, for that he ever held Ludgate more worthy than Newgate in diverse respects: and the next was in case he should miscarry in the action, whether Limbus patrum & infantum, were not under his own shopboard or no. Before my Tailor could have opinion herein of their Captain's Chaplain, who had been a Viniger-man formerly, and a fellow of excellent sharp apprehension: the supposed enemy came within shot, whereupon every one of them began to apply him to his charge. But just as Matter Gunner was ready to let fly, (not for fear I hope) they perceived no other assailants but the Churchwardens of new Brainford, who were bound for London to buy bells, not for the Church but their morris dance against the ensuing Whirson-ale. Hereupon for their better recovery, the allowance was again doubled to every one of them. And on they pass bravely till on Saturday the sixth, they discerned firm land, lying upon the Savoyans Eastward. Here the Captain drew out the one half of his forces, and with his long boat put them to land, where they found a most spacious continent fit for plantation at four degrees beyond the Temple, the climate exceeding temperate so long as you pay the Tennis-court keeper for your lodging, the accommodations most excellent, either thorough the white Hart into the Covent-garden, and so into the country round about; or from the great house thorough the Swan into Drury-lane, and so forth free as bird in the air: The Lacedaemonian women supply them with fish and fruit of all sorts, which they bring down in abundance from the upland countries: insomuch as there is neither fear of want of victuals, so long as they have money; Nor of security while they do put themselves under the protection of Denmark-house: here they left the Haberdasher and certain other to winter it, and the rest returned aboard the ninth day of May, bearing their course still West and by North: On the the twelfth day, Cape Virde, or Green's wharf, did show itself unto them, where they likewise put in, & foraged clean thorough it on both sides. This place (besides other goodly beasts of all sorts) is most famous for Hearts, whose horns are of the comeliest branch and spreading, as also of dimension and extension that can be; so that in memory of them, the Captain named the place Harts-horne-Ally: Then the which no place hitherto discovered, is of a more capable continent, or more rich in Minerals, Vegitatives or Victuals, or more agreeable with the constitution of our countirimen, especially if they be married. The several commodities and merchandizes whereof you shall receive more at large upon return of the Least in sight, from thence In the mean time we exhort you that both with cheerful contribution, and otherwise with your advice, you do not only uphold the old ones, but also further and advance the said two new plantations so happily discovered, and so prosperously pursued hitherto, by you the Council and Adventurers of the said company, and at your only charge and expense. So ye that see't may wish, but never shall ye Perform the like adventures as Ram-Ally. FINIS.