VVHen Triumphant Holland like the victorious Tritonia was moun­ted on her pompous Chariot, molded of Spanish Silver by the valorous Enterprises of her renowned Admiral Peter P. Heyn; and her fatal soli­tudes seemd to give way, and allow her ac­cess to the Temple of Joy: there dwelt in the famous City of Amsterdam one Iustinus, a youth, whose mind upon the report of this most gallant Exploit, and the noise of such an invaluable prize seem'd to be be­witched out of the bounds of Continency; The universal display of an atchievment so noble, created in him another frame and tem­per of spirit, insomuch that it bereaved him totally of the blessed fruition of Content­ment in his proper vocation; adjudging it too mean a Medium to render him a participant of so big a Fortune; and an occupation not able to do him the lest service in the acquire­ment of his ambitious ends: so that contrary to the vulgarly known (yet solid) Document of Apelles, Let not the Shoemaker go beyond his Last, he arrives at this Conclusion, That [Page 2] some other course must be taken whereby he may attain to the scope he aim'd at: yet all his Resolutions were as impracticable, as his End was vain and inaccessible; to carry it on in Ho­nour and Valour, was a sphere too sublime and redious for him to move in, as Theft and Cheating was base and perillous; The former difficult, because he was not indow­ed with that acuteness of a Genius, which is requisite in endeavouring to gain the ascen­dant of those with whom he would willing­ly be had in repute; and the Party in perpe­tual danger of discovery, and the sequel. Thus the more he consulted with his Wits, the less satisfaction and product he reaped from a continual study and screwing of his Brain; so that sometimes to indulge his dis­quieted mind with ease and cessation of thoughts, he would betake himself to a Temple hallowed to the name of Bacchus, to whom he as often prostituted himself a Vo­tary. In this Temple was a Priestess who had great interest and acquaintance with a cer­tain Lady, who lived in the neighbourhood. These two frequently keeping together, gave Iustinus an Opportunity, now and then of seemg the latter, till at last he was caught in Cupids net. As for her form, she (in his judgement) surpass'd all that ever he had seen in his life time. To give you a relation of his deportment were a needless underta­king, [Page 3] since the World affoards us so many Copies, in those who are possessed with that bewitching Doemon, although every one have not the good Success our worthy Patient had, for greatly to his satisfaction he en­tred into Conjunctions with his imagined Deity, and had indeed a competent sum of money to boot, whereupon in an honest and temperate way he might have lived a contented-life.

Thus having obtained the full enjoyment of his desires, was in some measure content with the Merchandise he had purchased with the surrender of his freedom; hoping that his gains in time would be a hopefull issue, as in­deed it was, for shortly after she presented him with her pourtraiture, which he had moulded after the Original, and was so well imitated in lineaments and Symmetrie, that had not the Dimensions had imparity, it had been hard to determine which was the Co­pied, which the Copy, as far as regards the Fi­gure: an ofspring which seemed by the kind Heavens to be indowed with Sprite and Livelyness. But that his Fortune should not be too redundant in the effects of liberality, so soon as his son was produced from behind the Curtains of Time, his worthy Consort, as having perfected her Duty to him, and paid her Debts to Nature, expired her last, and took her leave of the World; which now [Page 4] involved the sad Father into so much Grief and Sorrow, that he was very prompt to submit himself to the Tomb: but far mista­ken, for Clotho had yet a litle Flax to draw before his fate would allow A [...]ropos to break the thred.

The Child being born, his Father thought it a duty incumbent on him to baptize him, which he also did, and under a name whol­ly conformable to his then afflictions, which we are desirous for this time to wave, the more because we are not willing to give any offence to his Friends and Alliance, many of whom are still living, much less, to be the occasion of any disadvantage, or be injurious to their Estate or Reputa­tion: but (notwithstanding the just merits of his wicked practises might not deserve it) we will shroud him under the name of Dio­medes de Lebechea: which we borrow from an Appellative that exactly suits his drift and humour; for the word Lebeche imports as much as the Southwest Wind, to which he may be fitly compared, being vain and light in his thoughts and projects, and managing his affairs and actions without any Founda­tion; and as the Sun of Earthly Fortune sometimes shone with his acceptable rays upon his thoughts, being (as it were) Westerly, but wavering from the point again produced him (like a south wind) a shower of Tears, [Page 5] as is frequenty conspicuous with those who settle their Foundations in the wind, not tilling nor cultivating their mind, but willingly content themselves with those weeds, which are the proper products of nature.

At first he grew up in Strength and health, being of a good and handsom form, both in body and visage, and in every thing else promising enough; from which his father received no small complacency, but after that depth of grief and sorrow which he had upon the decease of his endeared consort, he began to comfort himself with the life of her only son and offspring. After a few years he put put him out to School, where in a short time he had made himself master of Reading, Writing, Arithmetick and Mer­chants Accompts, partly by the Diligence of good Masters, and partly by the help of his own forwardness and wit. His Father, who hereat was well satisfied, determined after this his happy Progress, in that kind of Li­terature, to put him forth to some Trade or other, and in as much as he was in his Childhood very artificial at plating of hair, he judged it best to put him to a Perriwig­maker, as soon after he did to one at Bru­xels: Diomedes had no great Contentment in this trade, thinking himself never able to gain so much by it, as would answer his [Page 6] Pleasures, or to maintain him at such a rate as he desired to live in, at once to enjoy both plenty and ease.

Scarcely was he arrived at the 14. Year of his age, before his Father got his Quietus est, and bad adieu to the World: and inasmuch as he lived a merry life, so it could not be supposed that he should leave much behind him, as he did not, save a Catalogue of Cre­dit; which gave Diomedes little occasion of hopes to advance his future Fortune by his Patrimony: Yet still was he prompted with a groundless Opinion, as that something con­siderable might be reserved for him in the Cabinet of Chance, as usually is observable in many who are prone to judge according as they would willingly have it to fall out, and so was constant in considering with him­self how he might quit that mean and irksome imployment of his, and undertake some other course to bring him in a way to get riches, and live a splendid life. No mea­sures he could imagine seemed better to like him than Merchandise, which he had often heard his Father speak of, who had consumed a considerable sum that way, by a negligent managament of his affairs therein: willing for that very reason to instruct his only son in some honest Me­chanical Calling or other, as more stable and sure, though very much disagreeing [Page 7] with the inclination of the Youth.

Amongst several Projects he devised, one he pitch'd upon, which without much loss of time he put in practise; For, upon a morning betimes he rose up, and go­ing into the Shop he privately took six, or seven of the best Perriwigs he could come at, which he put up. The evening before, he had expostulated very hard with his Master, to take one daies recreation or two, with some friends of his, who desired him to ac­company them a litle on their Journey, which after some earnest entreatys his Master at­last assented to, hoping according [...]othe sole­mnity of his promise, he would return again in a day or two: But much on the con­trary, for Diomedes took his last leave both of Master, Shop, Trade and Ser­vice, and came with all expedition to Am­sterdam, with full intent to spend the re­maining years of his youth there; And taking Antwerp in his way, he met with a good market for his goods, for he sold all his Perriwigs there, save onely one, which he kept for his own Nodle; and as soon as he came to Amsterdam, put him­self into a suitable garb, purposing to ap­ply himself to some Merchant or another, as by chance i [...] fell very opportunely out: For, after he had been there a few daies, he accidentally fell into discourse with a Wine-Cowper [Page 8] which he met with in a Tavern: and after they had exchanged a few words he entred into an agreement with him for a certain sum of money, half of which he was to pay in hand, and that he should be in­structed in that Mystery and Traffique, and during the time of his service to have his Diet and Lodging with his Master.

This Merchant had an only daughter, called Aemilia, of a reasonable Stature, and a more than ordinary Beauty, which Diomedes took a great fancy for, though more for the circumstances of her purse than person; insomuch that he began to bend his study, how to please her; which (as he was himselfe sensible of) could not be with such ease accomplished, by one who had not an Estate to command, as some of his Corrivals had; however, hap hazard, he re­solvs to put the work in practise, and total­ly dedicated the sum of his inclinations to her, and under a colour of Vertue, Love and Fidelity he brought the busines so far, that, he had fully insinuated himself in­to her favour, and began to assure himself that he would shortly become Master of her Estate. She manifested to him, by many mu­tual affirmations, a reciprocal kindness she had for him, and that nothing should ob­struct the course of her affections, if he could but procure the Consent of her Fa­ther [Page 9] to the Making up of the Match, Dio­medes, now reckoning the Town more than half Storm'd, assumed the liberty shortly after to make the Overture and Pro­posals to her Father; though met with a Reply that put him into no small disorder, for she was absolutely denied him, and he threatned to boot that if ever he attempted the like afterward to be turned out into the wide world: Diomedes swore that this re­fusal should cost his Master dear, and that he would reward him with a recompence equivalent to this affront, cost what it would cost, as shortly after he was as good as his word: for,

Among the fellowship our enraged Lo­ver was wont to keep company with, was a young man, whose parents dealt much in Sait, whom Diomedes seeing, was there­upon put in mind of a notable revenge; and making use of his opportunity, he barte­red with this youngman for two Barrels of Salt, giving him almost the value in wine, and the Overplus in money, The Salt thus bought, he had it privately convey'd into his masters Cellar, and poured into every Tun and Hogshead a competent quan­tity, so that the Wine seemed rather Brine than Juyce of the Vine. No [...] long after the Merchant meeting with some customers, brought them home to give them a tast of [Page 10] some Wines he highly approved of; he whose turn it was to tast first took a swindg­ing draught, after which he was sensible that liquor was fitter to provoke thirst than to quench it, cried out, what De­vils drink have I got here in my mouth? surely this is fetch't from Styx or Cocitus, or is it the piss of Cerberus, the dog of hell? Is this the wine you told of, Wine! Are these the Tears of Bacchus? sure his God­ship has cried to think you have not given him his due, or lodg'd him here in the dark as not worthy of light; Nay Sir, keep this wine till Latter Lammas for me; beleeve me you may keep it yet a hundred; years before it will stink if you salt it at this rate. The Merchant himself was no less asto­nish'd, being almost besides himself, in meeting with so strange a Metamorphosis. The first thing he did was to examin his ser­vant whence it came; but he, who was never at a stand for want of Impudence, gave him a resolute answer, That he knew not: Probably, added he, it may be a divine Blessing that is light upon you above all others that deal in Wine, when as they in these dead times are fain to keep their Wine so long till it begins to stink, but you are out of danger of yours, it being well temper'd with Salt, which renders it a commodity not so easily damnified with [Page 11] keeping as theirs is. Hereat his Master was in such a fury, that if those honest Gen­lemen, in whose presence it happen'd, had not stop'd the course of his rage, he had sent him at one blow to Salute his Grandsir. The Master excusing himself in the best wise he could to his Customers, went to another Hogshead, which he found was no better then the first, and so on to every piece, one by one, but to his great astonishment found them all in the like pickle, being almost three Cellars full, and the best not worth a groat, where we will leave them to make their bargain.

The same evening Diomedes went to three Labourers, who had helpt him the day be­fore to smuggle some Wines, gave'um four Ducatoons a man, and told them that his Master had ordered it for their former help and service, and that about a moneth after he would have the like occasion, and would give them the same wages, provided they would by writing acknowledge that that money was given them for their past ser­vice, and that they would serve him again for the like sum: Or if they were not con­tented so, only to give a discharge under their hands for the money received; which last was accepted: whereupon Diomedes re­turn'd to his Master, and boldly deman­ded his Daughter, the Master in a hot pas­sion [Page 12] bad him be gone out of doors, or he would break his pate for him. Diome­des then to use the advantage he had against him, threatned to discover his Stealing of Custome, Excise, &c. if he would not give his assent to what he demanded; which the Master not much regarding but persi­sted still in his wonted humour, at last got him worsted out of his house. Diomedes im­mediately went to an Officer of Justice (whose duty it is, here, to take notice of such Delinquents) and informed him about his Masters practise, signifying the like to the Farmers and Commissioners of the Impositions of wine, who ruminated his Cellars from end to end, and thorowly exa­mined the matter of the Labourers, that had been assisting in the running and convey­ance of the Goods, adding well to the mat­ter, by declaring upon what account they had received that money; which when they had thorowly inspected found the Vint­ner tardy, as well from the clear Confession of those men who had received the Money as from the number of the Pieces of wine he had in his Cellar which he had never en­tered; insomuch that these Gravaminas requiring an Expiation too heavy for him to bear, was fain to retire, and leave his Coun­ting house and Goods to the Mercy of the Officers and Farmers of the Impositions. [Page 13] Neither did he ommit to make Complaint against the wicked practise of Diomedes, in damnifying his wine with salt, demanding Justice against him, and satisfaction for the Injury received; whom when he be­gan to look for, found that he had made his escape, and taken his dear daughter along with him, (being as it seems over­sway'd by the vigour of Love) and about five hundred Ducats of Gold, which he no soo­ner perceived but he fell into a strange Fit, in which he lay several hours before he came to himself. The loss not only of his Wine and Money, but also of his only Child and Reputation, brought him into a Consump­tion, which cast him just to deaths-door: Nevertheless, desiring before his death that his daughter should be enquired after: if possibly by the sight of her, and the resti­stitution of part of his Money, he might add a litle to his Days; but finding no means to get her again, unless he would frankly forgive Diomedes, of those many crimes he was factious of, and so with his full con­sent ratify the Marriage between him and his daughter, he was forc'd to comply; and so accordingly they were call'd home, the Match in every point confirm'd and the young Couple received into their Fathers house and Favour; altho the Father not­withstanding all that Physicians could prae­scribe [Page 14] or apply expired his utmost; and left Diomedes in full Possession of his Estate, which was no small cause of Joy to him. Af­ter the decease and Interrment of the old man, Diomedes mourned Court fashion, not in a purple weed, but in making many Jovial hours, every day holiday and good chear, leaving the direction and management of his Merchandise of wines (which he still continued) to the care of two servants of his, who served him as faithfully as ever he did his Master before him.

Neither was it indeed possible for Dio­medes to leave the tricks he had learn'd of his Master, or Father in law: Nay, he esteemd it a sin to pay full Excise for his Goods; be­ing ever ready to accomodate and deal with those that had a mind to smuggle; and that not only with persons of the meanest rank, but also with the most eminent in the Town, some through an insatiable desire they had to wine, others who out of Ge­nerositie were so liberal to good fellowship and acquaintance, as that they were asha­med that it should be known at the Excise Office what wine they consumed. Diomedes considering this, playd upon the other hand, and made a mixture of his Wines with water.

The old woman had not sought her daugh­ter in the Oven had she not been there herself; a proverb as true as ancient: Diomedes know­ing [Page 15] himself never too guilty of Fidelity, must needs sometimes harbour and entertain some suspicion of the like deportment from his men, which even now have the same oppor­tunities he had once himself; his Jealousie mov'd him to come upon them at unawars for several times one after another, but finding no ground for his Jealousie, he from thence forward reposed more confidence in them than before, thinking for a certainty they did not transgress their Duty.

It happened on a time when he had occa­sion to deliver some Wines, which having brought into Lighters, before they came to the Boom (or Water-bar) it was lockt, so that they could not get through to the stream, and were fain for that night to keep aboard the Lighters and watch the Wines. This opportunity fell out very well for the servants, who invited four or five of their fellows to bouze a glass with them, who made not many refusals; so to 't they went and were all equally paid off before the Sun rose, and although the Tuns were without Cocks or Spiggots, yet to supply that defect they made use of their Crane or Pipe, where­with they of that Mystery are wont to exhaust wine out of Casks, and made use of their hats till about midnight, when they found 2 or 3 foul glasses, which they rinc'd and made use of: these were in a perpetual mo­tion [Page 16] till the morning began to appear and commanded their dissolution, and each to do his duty, although they were fitter to go to bed by far. When the Water-bar was open, they went forth in good order, but whither they knew not; till at last one of'em espied a ship riding off in the stream, ready to set sail, concluded absolutely that that was the ship ordain'd to take in the Wine; and so one of them called out, Oho, the Fly boat, Ehey they aboard the ship saluted them with the like voice, and asked what they would have; We have brought here the Wine (quoth one of them) that our Master, Mons. de Lebe­chea, was to send aboard you, pray let us be discharged with the first, for we must be back again with all expedition. The Master of the ship seeing the Gentlemen between Hawk and Bussard, and so much wine presen­ted him without the freight, he pittied them and took in the Present, and presently after both wind and weather favouring he sit sail for the Texel, in Order to proceed on his voyage, and let the lighter and men find the way home. The men that were aboard the ship being all English, save the Master him­self, thought that it was some Merchandize he had bought for himself, not well under­standing the Netherdutch Language. But to return back again with the Lighter and guide them home; Diomedes seeing his men [Page 17] in such a pickle began to fear all was not well. He asked them on what ship they had delivered; they told him aboard the Eng­glish ship that lay (ready to set sail) off in the stream; being neither able to give any bet­ter description of the ship, or what she had in her stern. Hereat Diomedes was in such a passion that nothing could appease him, though all to no purpose; he went immedi­ately to the New bridge with his men, and with a pair of Oars went to enquire of all the ships, that lay before the pales of Amsterdam, where he found nothing more than what he lest sought; continuing still railing against his men who were in a condition fit to take a nap, needing neither Diacodium nor Opium for a provocative. At last Diomedes seeing an English Ketch, he made towards her and very bluntly asked them about the Wine they took in that Morning, and whether it belonged to them: The men swore they had not taken in any wine: Diomedes overswayd by his Fury jumpt out of the boat and aboard he went, bidding the Master to show what goods he had aboard, or he would brand him for a Rogue, and show what he had to do with him. The English­man not a whit behind him, began to threaten him as fast, and told him that for his uncivility he would not resolve him in his doubt, but as he had Stigmatized him [Page 18] under the mark of a Rogue he would break [...] the pate of the Rogue that said it: To be sho [...] the words on both [...]ides rose to that height, that they fell together by the Ears, and the Englishman with the help of his men gave Diomedes a gentle toss overboard to cool his Passion. the Ferryman seeing this, made all the hast he could to take Diomedes up, conclu­ding then for a certainty that the Wine must be in that Vessel, & in that perswasion went in all hast to the Water-bailiff, to whom he made a large complaint, how the English man had taken in his wines, and abused him, &c. Whereupon the Gentleman went with Dio­medes, who if he had given way to what Diomedes urg'd and aver'd, would have ta­ken the English man into Custody. The Bailiff coming aboard the Vessel asked them if they had taken in any wine? requiring them to show what they had aboard: They made answer, That they were not obliged to show what they had aboard, ad­ding that they were not under any duty or engagement to give them an account whe­ther they had taken any wine aboard or no; that it concern'd not them if they had, for what they had was paid for, &c, These words made Diomedes the more suspicious, absolutely thinking himself in the right, together with what his men did affirm, that it must needs be that, and no other vessel, here­upon [Page 19] the Officer took the Master into Cu­stody, at the Charge of Diomedes, who took it upon him, and bringing him ashoar com­mitted him close prisoner. But shortly after the English Master brought in a clear Exhi­bition, when, where and of whom he had bought the Wine, and that it was paid for, with which the Court were fully satisfied, and so granting him Inlargement, he was at liberty again; condemned also Diomedes in 300 gilders dammage, for hindering the ship on her Voyage, and for reparation of the credit of the Master whom he had so disgrac'd, by imprisoning him; which Fine was distributed in 3 parts, one part for the Aggrieved party, another for the Schout, or City Bailif, and a third to the use of the Poor: he was further orde­red by the Court to pay all the Charges, which besides the great loss of wine that brought him to this inconveniency, he was perplexed now more than ever, threatning his men to lay all to their reckoning, and place it to their accompt; but finding they did not much value his threatning, and that he could not help himself much, he was fain to rest contented, and now and then wash away sorrow with a glass of wine.

Emilia his wife coming to hear of the bu­siness, was greatly dissatisfied, and could no longer enjoy her self so long as this [Page 20] Course of life was held: she continually twitted him in the teeth with these things, ascribing the cause of all these misfortunes to his negligence and carelesness, many times repeating the great likelyhood there was of their being brought to poverty and ruin, if he continued in Junketting and Com­pany keeping; lamenting her direful fate, and the unhappy hour that she first saw him: assuring him for the future that in case he would not attend his business with more di­ligence, she would never own, or regard him as her husband: and follow what cour­ [...]es she liked best; but Diomedes, who was well acquainted with such Tempests, took not much to heart what she said, but on the contrary, from that time forward haunted Taverns and Gaming more than ever, where day and night he passed away his time, playing some times for 20 or 30 Du­cats a throw, insomuch that he used to come home not only monyless but also without Cloak, Gloves or Cravat, to the unspeakable grief of his Wife, and detri­ment of his whole Family.

Besides all this he had a custome to change his servants, whom now and then he would Chide and turn away for their neg­ligence, takeing new in their place, amongst which he met with one Salvatius, to whom Aemilia took a great liking and fancy; and [Page 21] could have found in her heart to transgress with him; loving him better than her hus­band, and ever studious how to please him; which he presently began to smell out and perceive: so that in process of time he sought his Opportunity, and undauntedly made the attempt to bring her to his will, which she (without the least opposition) gave way to, rendring her self prostitute▪ and freely imparted what she had to him, No sooner was Diomedes abroad but they were at their sport, and never out of Town but they were a Junketting together, without having respect either to Money, Vertue, or Reputation.

It chanc'd once that Diomedes had occa­sion to go for Rotterdam, to direct some business he had there then depending in di­spute; hereupon Emilia (glad to see his back-side) made a noble banquet to her men and their Companions: not sparing mo­ney or pains to prepare this Collation, which was made up of the best delicacies, as Phea­sants, Partridges, Pullets, Geese, Turkies, Ha [...]es, Rabbets, and what not; each dress't after sundry manner: during the Banquet was good plenty of Sherry and Rhenish wines, or what sort the guests were pleas'd to call for: after all several dishes of Com­fits and Sweetmeats: so that nothing was dream'd on, but Eat, drink and play and [Page 22] every opinion condemn'd save that of Epic [...] ­rus. When the meal was over, and they had recreated themselvs with playing, danc­ing and kissing, they unanimously resolved to go all to bed, and take their ease a little &c. Hereupon the Blades began to mi [...] themselves with the Gentlewomen all in a body, and blowing out the candles, every one catches by guess whom he could meet with by the hand, went each into a chamber apart, and what they committed there (if Bacchus had not cheated Venus of her due) becomes us rather to leave it to your con­jecture, than to pronounce it any plainer.

The two maids of Emilia not well satis­fied with the issue of this merry night, the more because (perhaps) there were no Offal [...] for them, resolved to be revenged some way or other: here-upon they called for Two neighbours, who dealt i [...] Goats­hides, and pretended to court these two maids, who after a small consultation together resolv'd upon a stratagem, which was this. They took two large hides of a Goat, in which so fitly as they could, they shrouded themselves, with the horns u­pon their heads and the tail between their leggs, and the leggs made fast to their arms: that done they took Paper, and made it into long small pipes, which they fill'd with Gunpowder, and bound it fast in [Page 22]

[Page] [Page 23] [...]any places, and so tyed it round their [...]idle: which done, they made pellets of [...]et powder, and taking each man a [...]ick rope in his hand, they went forth­ [...]ith into a chamber, where strowing a few [...]ose grains of Powder on the floor, they [...]t the pellets on fire, and hurl'd them u­ [...]on the bed, which gave such terrible [...]racks, that the poor sinners awak'd, and [...]n amasement, with all the hast they [...]ould, jump'd out of bed, and with that [...]rew off the Pellets; which falling upon the [...]oor gave fire to the loose powder, and [...]here it miss'd, these Devils in forma tou­ [...]hed with long squibs artificially made of [...]owder, which so soon as it touch'd their [...]odies, they began to roar out in such [...]ideous and lamentable manner, that the [...]ery house rang again, perceiving likewise [...]y the light of the flame, the direfull shapes, [...]eally thinking that it had been the de­ [...]il, and that they already felt the tor­ments of Hell-fire. Immediately one of [...]he Crackers took fire which flew about the Chamber from place to place, among the [...]aked bodies, who knew not whither to [...]un for shelter: at last some of them, fin­ [...]ding the door, ran out into the street, not [...]ensible of their being naked; others so surprised that they fell down in a swound, which the perpetrators seeing they had ob­tained [Page 24] their end, went out at a back doo [...] and throwing off their infernal garb, r [...] took upon them a human shape.

Emilia with her Paramour, like anothe [...] Venus with her Mars, feared that angry Vu [...] can was come indeed to catch her in her transgression. Her thoughts thus wandring and she almost bereaved of sence, ra [...] with her bon Companions along the street, the most sensible of 'um all scar [...] knowing whither; every one naked to the shirt and smock. Here one complain'd how his thighs smarted with the stripes he got; there another complains he feels huge blisters begin to rise upon his back and shoulders; a third kept a clattering with his teeth by reason of his coming out of an imagined Hell, into the extreme cold air, being in the winter season; a fourth n [...] less tormented in his conscience than of bo­dy, fearing a perpetual scandal if they should be taken so, not knowing wha [...] excuse to make to palliate the verity of the matter: nor was it any time to stand there, for the day approached; nor had any [...] them the courage to return into the house o [...] Emilia; the Gentlewomen were married, and they durst not go home in that dress, and the Youngmen either lodgers, or with their parents, so that they could not find it the best advice to go home; But wha [...] [Page 25] must they do? Every minute adds to time. It will not be long before it will be day, people will presently be going about their respective businesses, and the Cock begins to proclaim the morn to the world. Emilia was hereat in such a consternation, that if she had not been hindred by her compa­ny, would have thrown her self headlong into the Haven. At last one of them re­membred that she had a Niece, or Cousin who liv'd alone with a maid, and that she had good hopes of coming in there, without much noise or discovery: And indeed this liked them all, so that they went all toge­ther to the said house, which was litle less than half a mile, and so knock'd at the door several times, before any answer was made: at last the maid comes to the door and demanded who was there; which when she perceived who it was, opened the door; The Gentlewoman, who was the only one that had acquaintance there, as­ked her, if her Mistres was within; She replyed, Yes; desiring farther, that she would please to pay her visit the next day, withall telling her, that her Mistres was not very well disposed, and had been above 3. or 4. hours in bed: but all in vain for being excited with the cruel torments of the cold, and impatience to tarry there any longer, one of them push'd open the [Page 26] door in order to go in, and seconded by ano­ther, was followed by all the rest; the maid knowing then for a certain who it was, and that no better would be, went grum­bling in, and told her Mistress that her cousin was there, with some other company, and urg'd mightily to speak with her. The Gentlewoman immediately slips on her night-gown, and bad the maid, to light a candle, and bring it to the door, for they were all this while in the dark: which she did; and was hardly got into the shop but seeing Ten or twelve women, and 3 or 4 men all in their shirts & smocks (as was said) she out of very fear lets the candle drop, and away out of door, half naked; thinking that it had been many, Ghosts so or that there was some Exorcism in the case.

Mrs Magdalen (for that was the Gentle­womans name) hearing this noise was asto­nished at it; yet although she was indeed by nature a little timorous, she resolves to go down and see what was the matter. And so taking a candle in her hand she makes toward the stairs which led down to the shop, and seeing there a whole Chorus of persons in their surplices, was worse affrighted, than the maid, and imme­diately fell down in a swound. The naked company seeing what had happened, made the work as short as they could, went in [Page 27] themselves to light a candle, and came back again to do what they could for the Patient, whom they found in a lamenta­ble Fit, and besides her the Abortive fruits of a miscarriage, wholly dead. Immediately they went about, seeking in every corner and cupboard for Vinegar, by the use of which they brought her to her self again, and made a shift to lay her upon the bed which was yet warm, and cover'd her ve­ry well. The Gentlewoman who still in a weak condition, as one that is but newly brought abed, begun to get a litle more heart; and requested of them, that they would be so free as to let her know the ground of the matter, and what was the cause, of this their being in such a posture and condition, which they to satisfy her curiosity begin to relate, in manner as we have already told you, without the least cohibition of any point, either out of fear or shame; which done they crept to bed again together, taking each of them what sheets, ruggs and blankets they could get, to keep'um warm: though not in man­ner as before: For the women looking upon this as a divine piece of Justice for their Guilt, resolved not to ingage any more with their Paramours, but made a sepa­ration, and so kept themselves at a distance, but could not close their eies together all [Page 28] the night; here we shall leave them and return to the rest of their company.

Those that were left behind, as we said before, were by the horrible sight of such monsters fallen aswound, upon the floor in Diomedes his house, and by this time (as awakened from a dream) were come to them­selves, they rising up began to parley among themselves, what this might be; con­cluding they were in the suburbs of Hell, and so began to strengthen each other in that conceit, the more easily to be effected in re­gard of the apparition which was still very fresh in their thoughts. Each one began to confess their bad life, and condole the sad punishment that would follow, and the penalty they must undergo, and yet not suf­ficient for an expiation for their wickedness. At last one who seemed the greatest sag [...] among them argued on the contrary, and s [...] discussed the thing in suspence. For (said he▪ it is evident and agreed by all, that Hell is▪ place so hot, that none can endure the heat and here you see we tremble for cold, muc [...] less likely is it that we are dead: nor yet i [...] it probable that we are in heaven, for o [...] bodies and souls are united, have a co [...] junct power and faculty of motion, so th [...] what has happened has been meerly a dream or some Deceptio visûs. They with th [...] toupe courage, & rising up began to h [...] [Page 29] up and down the house for Emilia, and the rest of the Company, but could not hear or see either young or old, whereupon they put on their cloaths and went out into the streets to seek them, but not being able to find them, they concluded that it was some special Judgement indeed, that had be­fallen them; that the rest were hurried out of the World, and they only left for an example to the race of mankind. After a se­cond and a third Consultation they returned to the place from whence they came (to wit) the house of Diomedes, big with ex­pectation what the [...]ssue of this callamity would be.

The day drew on, when Diomedes be­fore the time expected returned home; having casually met with the Gentleman, with whom he had to do, by the way, and so in a trice dispatch'd his affairs; he knocks at the door, and the Company within overjoy'd, thinking it might be some of their Mates, opened the door; but quite Contrary, it prov'd Diomedes; who seeing a Stranger, or two come to the door, was greatly surpriz'd not knowing what to say, or think, they were one whit behind him, possessed now with a second horrour; He began to ask for his wife, but none had the courage to ans­wer; but ran away like so many mice upon the sight of a Cat. Diomedes seeing this, [Page 30] caught one of the women about the midle, and threatned her so long, till she detected the whole passage, Which he hearing could hardly believe, being very confident in the honesty of his Consort, who feigned the greatest loyalty, that chastity could think on; evermore behaving her self as a modest Matron in his presence.

The cloaths he took, and lock'd them safely up, and the remainder of the company he secured in a room, where he was con­fident they were fast enough, with all ima­ginable patience expecting the coming of his wife who was said to be ravished by Pluto, which he did not once relent, as Cynane of old did at the ravishing of Proser­pina; Probably fearing with her to be changed into a fountain, where his second self might purify her of her fi [...]thy stains.

Emilia and her company rising the next morning, wist not how they should deport themselves. The Abortive fruit of Mrs: Magdalen they committed secretly to the Earth, least it might be the occasion of a rumour, not thinking that the wind was powerfull enough to drive the Scandal through the World, or that their Neighbour­hood by an inquisitive Curiosity sh [...]ould (like Midas in days of yore, with his Asses ears) discover the truth, though never so artificially palliated. Whilst they were in a [Page 13] great quandary▪ not able to invent any mean how they might go to the house of Diomedes, whence they came, and where their cloaths were: at last they resolved to stay there till it was night again, and so with Blankets, Rugs and Coverlets to go thither; which they did, and not without great terrour, fearing again to meet with some horrible infernal Daemon, as indeed they met with that which was as good, namely, Diomedes with a pair of eies as fierce as those of a lion, glowing with very fury in instead of an amorous complexion. Emilia thus meeting with another surprizal, had not a word to say: f [...] where she was not a war of what would befall her, she had not the occasion to premeditate an Apolo­gy, but instead of welkoming him home from his 4 days Journey, she attempted to run out again; but he seeing that, shut the door, so that no way was left for her to escape thedireful effects of his fu [...]y: and partly out of shame she could no longer en­dure his presence, but made toward the parlour where the rest were, he willingly let her in and [...]ockt the door, leaving them to their secret Consults. Diomedes in the mean while repairs to the husbands of the Women he had in his Parlour, and told'um respectively; he had a bargain of fair Beasts to sell, which were ready for slaughter, and stall-fed; adding that as he had got a good [Page 32] bargain by them, that he was willing to oblige a friend in a penny-worth again, pre­senting them for Twenty Florens a head, and pick and Chuse, onely one he had a mind to himself, assuring them that the remain­der, should be better than so many of the best kine in Amsterdam. The Gentlemen were unanimously resolved to see the beasts, he presented to sale, willing to disburt [...]e [...] him of such a bargain, went along with him home to see them. When the Chapman was about to open the door, he gave each man a truncheon, and told them they were somthing unruly, and that such an imple­ment might stand'um in some stead, and shows them a whole set of Canonics in their Stoles. See Here, Gentlemen (quoth he These are the Beasts I told you of, and although they have no HORNS, yet are so practical that they can make invisible ones. The Mer­chants who litle expected such a stage should be exhibited at the drawing of a scene, were horribly perplex'd twixt Stupor and rage, some not knowing their wives, being not attired in their usual dress, and wonderful­ly disfigured, with weeping, want of sleep, and so many terrible rescontres they had met with. While they were abashd at the suddenness of the spectacle, Diomedes broke the silence, told the whole passage through, from the beginning to the end, [Page 33] and brought them out of the doubt they were in; so that it was not possible for the poor captives to deny any thing, the case and matter being so probable and palpably evi­dent. One or two of them knowing (per­haps) the mild disposition of their husbands fell down upon their bare knees, earnestly and humbly begging that they would vouch▪ safe in clemency to pardon this great and hainous misdemeanour, but all to no pur­pose, for their fury was not so easily appeased. Each man in a great fume began to make use of his cudgel, and laid about till they were weary, their Wives stil crying out For­giveness! Forgiveness! Others not satis­fyed with that way, went to the Schout (or Minister of Justice) who alike committed them all to Prison; which was more accep­table to them, than to ly at the mercy of their merciless husbands. The Officer thus taking care for the Offending parties, the men went home with great contrition for what had past, and never enjoyed their usual contentment till they had got themselvs divorced from their wives, which after some solicitations they procured. Diome­des being sensible that if he parted with his wife, he must according to law, part with his whole Estate and Goods, chused rather to accept of the promise of reformation she tendred him, and her ingagement, to [Page 34] bequeath all she had in the World to him, at her death.

Diomedes thus quit of his servants short­ly supply'd himself with others, whom he instructed in his Mystery, but principally to make Beverage, which he made to pass for Wine: and so docible they were, that they quickly had the knack of it, so that they begun to have as good a trade on't as, he him­self; using the same way of dealing which he did, when he liv'd with his Father in Law, to sell it out by pottles and pints. Of which they made no smal profit, ever supplying the defects with aqua coelestis.

Every day Trading began to decay, and Gaming to Flourish; so that in short time after he found himself uncapable to con­tinue the Trade any longer, or to satisfie all his Creditors, who dayly pester'd him. Willing enough he was to pay, but often, times he was out of Cash, and could not endure to be dun'd; which his wife obser­ving how hard they were put to it, began to grow very pensive and melancholi [...], perceiving that she had seen her best days al­ready, and that there was no more hopes of ever coming to her pristine state. The Proverb is true, Poverty puts a man to his s [...]ifts; in him it is remarkably verified, for he began to make use of his wits to study how he might redress his decaying condition, [Page 35] by some means or other. His Cellars were as empty of Wine, as his Coffers were of Money, and he thought it was high time for him to seek remedy for his Credit which lay in it's last pangs, at last he found out a project he thought might cast the ballance. On a morning betimes he went to a Ship-carpenter, with whom he had some small acquaintance, and desired to view 3 new Ships he had built for sale. The Carpenter glad he had got a customer for his Ships, went with him, and show'd him them all over, and after a few words struck a bargain with him for all three, for 70 thousand Gil­ders; and accordingly Writings were drawn, specifying the sum and manner of pay ment, which was to be upon 3 May days: The Builder who did not question his sufficiency, let him have the ships without the lest scru­ple which he cheerfully took into possession.

Having got these three ships into Posses­sion, he, by the help of some Brokers sold two of them, and the third sold out to Part­ners reserving an eighth part to himself, so that he was speedily supplyed with money, and in a capacity to bring up his Quota, in order to the fitting out that whereof he was in part Owner, as in the Spring following she undertook a Voyage to Spain.

The next thing he took care for, was how he might imploy this money to the best [Page 36] advantage; To buy wines and supply his decaying stock, he thought was not the best course; since he had got such a bad fame of compounding it with Water, a Tempera­ment the buyers thought, was fittest for themselves to do at their own discretion, when occasion serv'd; insomuch that he was glad to sell off the most part of his Wines, for a very mean price, to those who made Vinegar of it. Amongst 12 Hogsh eads of French wine, he had one of passing good Rhenish: these being kept till the last, it just happened that a Vintner living at Leyden came to buy some wines, and casually ligh­ting upon him was content to tast of his Rhenish: he brought him into his Cellar which was very dark, and gave him a tast of that one Hogs head of Rhenish, pressing him to drink it off, after he had sipped a litle; which done he drew another from the same pretending to have drawn it from the next Hogshead, and so a third glass; the Vintner (who had been all the day at this work) had a conceit that their might be some distinction in the genuin property of the wine, yet concluded them to be all equally good. Diomedes, seeing the Vintner be­tween Hawk and Buzzard, press'd him to drink off his glass, which done, cries, Good Sir, let me give you of another, the Vintner, seeing a certain kind of Genero­sity [Page 37] in his Chapman, more than a Willing­ness to put off his wines, rescountred his courtesy with a declining of his kind offer, said, No, no, Sir, I am well satisfied, the wine is of a good body, and likes me well, & your person more, But now as to the price— Diomedes here interrupting him, to push home the matter, began to com­mend the wine, protesting he did not in­tend it should be sold to any that sold it again, when he bought it at Cologn, &c. But willing to do him a kindness, he was content to let him have it, hoping after­ward to have the Honour and Fortune to receive some of his Money, for this or the like merchandize, This done, the Vint­ner makes agreement with him, sends his wine home by the Market boat, and (ac­cording to their agreement) paid him a third of the money in hand, and the residue he promised to pay at the expiration of 3 mo­neths: which made Diomedes smile in his sleeve, to think how he had g [...]ll'd the credu­lous Vintner.

Not long after the Vintner, having dispatched his affairs abroad, returns home, and meeting by the way, near the Town, some of his customers, per­swades, them to go home with him and tast [...]ome of his wines he had bought; they were content; and the Vintner himself [Page 38] tasting first, met with four Frensh wine more like Verjuyce than wine, knew not what to think; recollecting his memory, woulds need perswade himself he dream'd, supposing of a certain it could not be the Wine he tasted and bought at Amsterdam; but afterwards coming to tast the rest, and finding one onely good, began to smell the cheat, ran in all hast to Amsterdam, almost blind with Passion, and finding out the house of Diomedes, knocks at the door two or three times before the maid could come at it. Diomedes hearing so many thunder-claps one after another, feared at lest a shower would follow, he ordered the maid with a wink (as he was wont to do) to deny his being within, and so she did; but the Vintner having a strong opinion it was a litle too early for him to be abroad, or thinking perhaps he was not willing to be disturb'd of his sleep, said to the maid, Prethee sweet­heart, tell him I must needs speak with him, my name is K [...]oonbergen (who was a great familiar of Diomedes) the silly wench, not knowing how to manage the business well, turn'd about and said, I shall Sir, coming again, he asked the maid, What her master said, Really sir, (quoth she) he says Hee's not within; which was enough to suspect his being within, [Page 39] and after a litle urging to no purpose at all, he found that Diomedes had seen a Wolf through the Chinks; and was for that time notcomeatable, he posts away to some other places in the City, where he had business, which being dispatched, he comes timely to the Exchange, where with great patience he expected the coming of his Chapman, About 12. a clock (when the Gates are shut, and none suffered to enter till after one, without 6. d. to the poor) he spied Diomedes, thronging in, amongst a great croud of Merchants, made forward to meet him, and lest he should loose him catches him fast by the midle & throngs up with him. Diomedes finding himself so kindly embraced, was in a deep study, how to rid him of his com­panion, and come off with credit: at last finding the man would not let him go, began to cry out, A thief, A thief, a Pick­pocket; the man still holding by the coat, which Diomedes had cunningly twisted, and so fastned his hand that if he would, he could not have got clear; At this noise the Rable, together with all the Boys, began to flock about the Vintner, who to his misery was thus entangled, some pelting him with rotten Oranges, others calling him Rogue, Rascal, Pickpocket, and made such a noise that it was impossible [Page 40] for the Captive to be heard in his own defence, seemingly taken in ip [...]o facto. Diomedes seeing himself now well, turn'd him over to the Mobile; some kicking him, others pelting him till he stagger'd again, continually crying, Thief, Thief: which at last the Schout (or Constable) having notice on, was put in mind of his Duty, together with his Assistants rushed in, and freed the poor caitiff from the rude rout, who thought then he had been at liberty again, but much mistaken, for the Schout commanded one of his Waiters, to ty him with the chain, which he did, and marched very orderly with him to pri­son, with a retinue of boys; nor would any Apology or vindication he could make for his innocency help or perswade the Schout, to consider the matter a litle, but was committed to the dungeon, where he was almost out of his sences with Pas­sion, swearing to be revenged on the knave Diomedes.

Diomedes thus rid of his Customer was heartily glad, beleeving this good fortune to proceed from the influence of his kind Stars, and that the Heavens had blessed him above all others, with their continual Providence and Protection, so that he might rest secure under their Patronage, un­der which he was never likely to miscarry; [Page 41] through which perswasion he resolved to live in stately wise, to yield the reins to his affections, and never deny himself any thing that might add to his pleasure, and the free enjoyment of a voluptuous & li­bidinous life, and returning home, began to consider what course or practise he might next take in hand that might be profi­cient to his determined end.

Shortly after it happened, that a certain Merchant came to give Diomedes a Dun, for the payment of some money; which had been long due upon the delivery of some wines, having often urged the pay­ment, but was still put off, began now to show great impatience vowing if he would not immediately tender the money he would send him a summons. Diomedes finding he could no longer deferr the payment of this money, and weighing the matter with himself, did foresee that if this one Creditor should be as good as his word, it would be the laying of a bridge for the rest to pass over; which might be the ready path to bring him to ruin: Diomedes pray'd him to come the next day at night, avouching his sincere intentions to pay him the whole sum. The Mer­chant, willing to make tryal once more of the Fidelity of his promises, goes home and returns at the time appointed. [Page 42] Diomedes, who was evermore greedy of revenge, had in the mean while provided two Ru [...]ians, to whom he had given instructions, to dance attendance in a dark wast place near his house, till a certain Merchant (whom he described to them) should pass by, whom they might assail and take the mo [...]eys he was to have received. The Ru [...]ians very glad of so fair an opportunity promised not only to, keep counsel, but forthwith to put them­selves in good order, and the project in Pra­ctise, and accordingly they did at the hour appointed. The merchant, not willing to give Diomedes, the lest opportunity to excuse himself for any negligence on his part, comes at the time prefixed, receives the Money and taking his leave of Diomedes with a light heart and a heavy purse (the sum being about 2300. gilders) he departs homeward, but being past about ten houses from that of Diomedes, he was assaulted by two persons, who violently grasping him by the collar, and clapping each man a naked Poniard to his breast, bad him deliver, swearing by Heaven, that if he made the least resistance, or offered to cry out, they'd push home. The Merchant thus surprized not daring so much as open his mouth to dispute the matter with them, was fain to deliver, [Page 43] and glad he had redeem'd his life, that lay at stake, at so easie a rate. These villains having thus got their spoil, betray'd their trust in what they had under a solemn Oath promised to Diomedes, thinking it better to depart in peace, with the prey they had then in possession, than to present it to Diomedes, and stand to his Generosity for a reward of such a perrillous enter­prise, so that notwithstanding his ex­pectation of them (who value no more the Violation of an oath than the perpre­tation of such a villany) he was disapoin­ted. The next day came the merchant to Diomedes, not onely with a design to tell him the misfortune that befell him (his jealousy prompting him to fix a suspicion on Diomedes as the original cause thereof) but to make what observation he could in the face of Diomedes, when he related what had passed; but Diomedes who well provided with a premeditated manner of behaviour, and thorow pac'd in such things, acted Innocent better than Innocent himself could have done, and faigning himself greatly surprized and grieved to hear the thing rehearsed, sometimes pitty­ing the Patient of so great a loss, other times railing against the Villains with many Exclamations. Miserable men (quoth he to the Merchant) that for the enjoyment [Page 44] of so mean a portion of earthy Mam­mon, will hazard the ruin of Body and Soul! who for the poor benefits of the pelf of this world will endanger, them­selfves to dwell in everlasting Burnings! Sad infidels! who without the least re­spect to Heaven, and the Future state of the Pious, will rather for a trifle accompany Devils in perpetual Darkness and Torments; But alas what shall we say! men will take no warning at the punishment they dayly see with their outward and carnal eies, how should they then take example at what is threatned, which they because of unbelief and hardness of heart can not spiritual­ly behold? With these and the like Pal­liations, and Hypocritical ejaculations, he so blinded the Merchant, that he could not in the least imagine him ei­ther conscious or factious in the Rob­bery: But on the contrary with great satisfaction, as to the Innocency of Diomedes, he returned home to acquaint himself in the best wi [...]e he could with Patience.

Emilia somtimes perceiving the fals­dealing of her Husband, was greatly de­jected and sorrowful, weighing the bad issue which usually follows, and attends such dishonest Practises, would of [...]en [Page 45] ferr and instance several examples hereof to him, comparing his course of life, to divers of late times, that meritoriously received a condign punishment for their unjust actions: Yet all this was but char­ming of the Adder! Diomedes knew his wife was but a Woman, a creature as timerous as he himself was [...]emerous: he resolves still to persist in filthy lucre, and to accumulate moneys got per fas, aut nefas, by hook or crook, all equally just to him; ever delighting himself with an Epicurean life, and endeavouring to fulfill his sensual appetite, as to what might serve to recreation in that kind. The more Emilia seem'd to reprove and admonish him, the worse he was, and frequented Taverns, Houses of Game and other consumptive places more than ever, usually twitting her in the teeth of her former misbehaviour, as a re­ward for her kind exhortations; inso­much that she seeing no hopes of ever redressing his life, or her estate, she took it so to heart that the very same maladie, which siez'd and wasted the good Gentleman, her Father, took hold of her, as a just Judgment for her, that she who had (by her disobedience to him) brought him to such an end, should be afflicted and scourged with the like cha­stisement. [Page 46] The Marriage, which she in the time of her Fathers great affliction, would force him to the consent of, and that too with the greatest Fo he had upon earth; now gnawed more upon her con­science, that ever it grieved the mind of her deceased Parent. During the time of her consumption Diomedes the better to delight himself with others, severed him­self wholly from her, both at Bed and Boar. Which unkind doings being now and then reprehended for, as a great note of his inhumanity, his reply would be That it was a Venereal distemper she was quell'd with, as a Judgment upon her for her loose life; indeavouring to implant in them some apprehensions of Verity, by the rehearsal of that well known misbeha­viour before related, thinking with such a palpable instance to add sufficiently to their faith, who notwithstanding all that, did not prove so credulous, very sensible of his bad and churlish demeanour towards her. This continually increasing the grief of Emilia so often as she heard it, at last brought her to her fatal Catastroph'; her lingring sickness finally arrived with her at the Banks of death, which happy arrival was no small cause of Joy to Lebechea, her unworthy husband. She was no sooner buried, but he caused all her cloaths to [Page 47] be carried out and sold, thereby thinking to obliterate the very memory of her, lest at any time it should prove an obstruction to his mirth. He as was before mentioned, without any Coheir according to the vertue of an irrevocable Instrument of Conveyance, kept all her Estate in his hands, which rendred him the more capable to enter upon a second match.

Upon a time Diomedes resolving to make a Journey from Amsterdam to the Hague, to see if he could meet with any lucky bargain, for which end he changed about 5000. gil­ders into Gold, for levity sake: pursuant to his intended Journey, goes into the boat; where he was no sooner sitten down, but he espied a Merchant comming in all hast towards the boat, with two Thief-catchers (so called from their Office) and being conscious of a prank he himself had plaid that Merchant, (which hereafter shall be mentioned) su­spected that he was the man they aim'd at, was at first at a stand how to avoid the danger that he was in, but looking about he sees a great many of the Rable, made use of the present means he had, cried out, See Gentlemen, there comes a great Varlet, an Informer, a fellow that has no­ [...]hing in the world to live on but what he gets from the Commissioners of the Excise by trepanning of honest men; A rascal that [Page 48] would swear his soul to the Devil for a dol­lar, 'tis a wonder such vagabonds are not torn in pieces by well meaning persons, or how dare such notorious villains appear in the presence of so many honest Gentlemen, as are here, about their respective bu­sinesses, to and again? These words which you may rest assured he did not smother, or whisper, were immediately taken notice of by the Rabble, (who are as implicitely incens'd at the very name o [...] an Informer, as the Jews are at the com­memoration of Haman) kept an eye o [...] him and seeing him make toward Diome­des, interposed themselves and would not suffer him, to lay hands on him; h [...] who knew he had Justice on his side [...] began to push forward, but finding him­self opposed, began to lay about, which the Rable feeling the smart of, held it f [...] a lawfull occasion to fall upon him, a [...] they unanimously did, and pummel [...] him at such a rate that he thought h [...] should there have expired his last, o [...] tearing his Plush cloak, another fast ni [...] by his Point di Veneza band, a third ma [...] sure his Perrywig and Beaver: n [...]r we [...] they satisfied with this, for after they hi [...] annointed him with kennel muck, they to [...] him by head and heels, and threw him in [...] the water, leaving him there to shift for hi [...] [Page 49] self, and crawl out as he could, every one that were factious and had a hand in the mat­ter stealing away one by one, till none was left, but only a few spectators which were left to comfort him with many bitter revilings and curses, he all this while not sensible of the reason of this inhumane u­sage; nor had the Thief-catchers been be­hind hand with him who suspecting he had a wrong sow by the tail, thought it not safe to stay there much longer, ran away and saved their Lamb-pie till another time. Diomedes who himfelf had been a Spec­tat or of this scene in part, speeded him on his Journey, whom we will post after, and leave the Merchant in the Condition he's in.

Diomedes that night arrived in the Hague, and was lodged in a Gentle­mans house, whom for this time we will name Leopoldus; he being a person on whom Fortune ever smiled, and one who had married and met with a good match, which rendred him as to his private contentment, more happy than the greatest part of men. His principal Affairs were the Concerns of the East-India Company, and Actions; of which Diomedes was sensible, and consequen­tly hatched a notable Project, to his own advantage, which was thus: Diomedes coming to this Gentleman, accosted him ‘ [Page 50] on this wise Sir, I have been informed that some few days since you had the mis­fortune to lose a bag of Gold, as I think it a duty incumbent upon me, so I assume the boldness and freedom to let you know, it was my hap to meet with it, which without either expectation of a re­ward, or diminishing of the smallest piece of coin, I humbly tender it to You, to whom it indisputably belongs.’ Leopol­dus observing a true example of an upright heart, could not but return him a very cour­teous reply, said, Sir, I thank you for your kindness, but certainly I have not lost one farthing I know of. Diomedes who knew the Gentlemans integrity, that he was not so barkbound for money as to lay claim to any thing which was not his own by a just Ti­tle, began to showhimself highly concern'd; wishing the Party to whom it belong'd might have it restored him again, although it were Fifty-Crowns loss to him himself, declaring how loath he was to detain any mans right from him, or to keep what was not truly his own. This ended he brought in new dis­course, amongst which he began to relate how that the day before, he had bought some Leases, to about the value of 30000 gil­ders, as willing to dispose of his money that way, not knowing how to imploy it other­wise; with one showing some sealed Instru­ments [Page 51] of writing which seem'd to be Leases, as also an Acquitrance, whereby was confes­sed the receipt of 30000 gl. by the supposed Transporter, or Seller, desiring Leopoldus he would vouchsase to have the goodness to keep them till he came that way again, for that he judged it not safe for him to send them home to the Maid, with whom alone he kept house: nor yet to take them with him to Brussel, whither he was intended; considering the many perrils and danger of Robberies he was liable to, on such a Journey; adding that he was in some hast, and could not have the leisure to go & visit a very intimate friend he had in the Hague, on whom he might other­wise impose that trouble; and that an Uncle of his lay on his death bed at Brussels, who in­tended to be queath the most part of his Esta­te to him, if he arrived there before his De­cease. Leopoldus although credulous enough to beleeve what he said for a certain truth, yet he was very unwilling to admit of things of that nature into his custody, declined the matter with great earnestness, excusing his refusing to comply with such things, &c. till Diomedes promised to seal them up all to­gether in a Box. The Gentleman upon that offered to give him a Writing or Obligation to redeli [...]r such a Box. Diomedes thanked him, but would not accept of an Obligation, saying it was not necessary to bring that tron­ble [Page 52] upon him reposing great confidence and fidelity in Monsr: Leopoldus, not fearing to receive any disadvantage in the least by him, but deeming them as safe, as if they were in his own Chest under a hundred locks. The morning being come, and Diomedes ma­king himself ready, sore against his will took his leave of Seigneur Leopoldo, feigning great hast, departs: but instead of going to Brussels, he went directly for Rotterdam, when there was a very pleasant Mansion house to be sold, situate near Haarlem, in which Diomedes had a great liking, and determines to purchase it, without counting the cost, or weighing the va­lue of the money that so unnecessary a thing as a Countrey Summer-dwelling might come to stand him in.

Arriving at Rotterdam he forthwith ap­plies himself to the Sale, where hearing the Conditions read; he understood that it was to be paid at 3 several payments, each payment at the expiration of six moneths, one after another, which pleased him well, and the better to bring his purpose to effect, he took with him 2 or 3▪ Gentlemen, into whose ac­quaintance he had subtilly insinu­ated himself, under the notion of one of the most eminent Merchants in Amster­dam, which they also beleeved by some [Page 53] circumstantial words he negligently seem'd to let fall: these Gentlemen he intreated to assist him herein, being (as he made them believe (come thither to no other pur­pose than to purchase that Countrey-house, praying further the kindness of them that if they refused to pass it over to him without ready money, in default of know­lege, they would be so kind, as to be his Security, which they were free to do.

When the Sale began, Diomedes watch'd his bacon, and bad at a round rate, being all the while the leading man; at last got the bargain, and a Good Luck to boot; pro­mising to perform the first payment within 10 days, and giving good & sufficient Se­curity for the rest, they were content, Which ended, Diomedes departed for Mid­leburg, to compleat the time he promised to return in from Brussels.

It happened that he met with a Jokky by the way, at an Jun, who had 4 neat Coach-horses to sell, which liked Diomedes ex­tremely well, so that he resolved to buy them, and asking the price, the Jokkey offered them at twelve hundred gilders; he thinking that too much, bad [...]im 800, at which the Jokky turned about, and would make him no answer, but Diomedes pursued his bargain so, that he got them for 1060 gild, which he paid down in ready money he [Page 54] set forward toward the Hague where he bought a Coach, and hired a Coach and Foot-man, fully purposing thence forward to live like a Person of Quality.

In this state he came to the house of Leo­poldus, with Coach and Horses, himself and Retinue all in mourning, complements Leopoldus in courteous manner, decla­ring the decease of his Uncle, which Mr. Leopoldus hearing, immediately rescontred him with a complement of Condolency. After their complements were ended and Diomedes introduced into the Parlour, he begun to relate how strangely he happened to hearken out the person, who had lost the money (mentioned pag. 50,) and that upon his giving the real tokens of the Sum. and Species; he restored it him again. Yet all this would not bring him home to his purpose, which he shortly after put in practise. He humbly prays the return of his Box of Writings which were brought forth, and he after the passing of many Complements expressing his gratitude, took his leave, and posted for Amsterdam, where he set up his Horse in a Hackney­stable, till he had hired one of his own, where he ordered his Coachman to attend. Now nothing remained save his house, which was not furnished with Moveables suitable to the Grandour, he for the future [Page 55] purposed to live in. Hereupon he applies himself to a Painter, famous for Work, and Judgement, and one whose name I have seen set to many spurious pieces, that some­thing resemble his way of working, to make them give a greater price: of this Painter he bought 14 choice pieces, bar­gaining for the whole for 3200 gilders, which he promised to send him, the Painter not in the least mistrusting, or doubting of his honesty was content to part with his pie­ces upon those terms, without further care.

Having thus cullied the Painter with those Ornamentals, wherewith he garnished his house. In the next place he directs his course to a Woolen-Draper where he bought to the value of 800 gilders in Cloth, Bays and other Mourning stuffs, making the people believe he had an Uncle lately dead; at Brussels, who had left him a great Estate, which they beleeving gave him credit, greedy of his custome for the future.

And although he had hitherto well effected his purpose, yet [...]s in some fear that at last all these debts would come home to him, and that some care must be taken to retrive all again t these considerations were of­ten opposed with an idle conceit he had of his being born a Child of Fortune, and that the Angel of Providence was always at [Page 56] his elbow, so that he needed not to take care, or further thought, than only to en­joy the blessings, that the mild Heavens were still to pour upon him; The worst was to incurr new Debts to pay off the Old, since he was well in Credit, as yet hearing none breath a word of Jealousie to the contrary.

With these hopes he rested content, as do most men of desperate Fortunes aswell on the other hand. Shortly after he returns again to the Hague, designing to act his part with Leopoldus, to whom addressing, himself, accosted him on this wise: ‘Good Sir, be pleased to forgive the free­dom I come to request of you, wishing on the contrary, that it had been an oppor­tunity of mine, wherein I might have been serviceable to you: But be assured, Sir, if I may any way retaliate so great a kindness, I will be at all times prepared to perform an office so acceptable. My request is that you would please to sell me about 10 or 12000 gild. in Actions, and I will remit you the Money so soon as I arrive at home. The reason why I h [...] it not with me is because that coming to Rotterdam, I met with a bargain of 300 Tun of Herring, which I finding to be for my turn, bought, & paid a third of the money down the whole amounting to 17000 gl. odd money, and the rest I am obliged to [Page 57] answer in Actions according to the Te­nure of these Writings.’ With that he began to show Leepoldus false schedules and acquittances, he had made for the design; and presented him Obligations under his hand, and if he was not satisfied there­with, the Writings wherewith he was im­powered to receive the Herring, without which none could receive them, for that the Merchants had thereby acknowledged themselves obliged to deliver the said Goods, before the receipt could be made void. Leopoldus was easily induced to beleeve what he said, especially remem­bring the marks of honesty, and the signal tokens of an upright mind in him, from the honest tender of the moneys he pre­tended to have sound, as also his being in­riched upon the decease of his uncle at Brus­sels, which his returning in such a Gran­dour seem'd to manifest as a certainty: thus blinded, he assented to his request, granting him 12000 Gilders in Actions; which he confirmed by the signing of Obligations, no further security being then demanded, as adjudging him sufficient for the payment of so inconsiderable a sum. Diomedes (it is to be observed) signed the Obligation with a counterfeit name writing himself Desire. This affair done, he took Coach, and that night left the Hague, not without [Page 58] returning Leopoldus a Million of thanks, for so great a favour: making the more hast, lest Leopoldus should haply after a more nar­row scrutiny change his mind, and conse­quently revoke what he had done: Now Diomedes had so often as he had been with this Gentleman always a Jet-black Per [...]y­wig, his Eiebrows and Mustachios artifi­cially coloured, to the end he might not at another time be known.

Shortly after he went for Rotterdam where (by the help of a Broker) he con­verted these Actions into money, and there­with paid his first payment for his Coun­trey house, and passing a complement on the two Gentlemen who had been his Secu­rity for the whole, took his leave of them, and away for Amsterdam.

According to our Calculation he had now about 10000 gilders, with which he resolved to fit out some Ships, and try his fortune that way; but contrary to his hopes he was obstructed in this design, for he was upon the undertaking of this purpose surprized with the Thunderbolt of Misfortune; The Merchant which he had caused to be mis­used, under the notion of an informer found him out, which gave him but small appa­rency of success, as we shall shortly re­late; first, according to our promise (pag. 47.) we shall give you a reason of his being [Page 59] prosecuted by this person, and why he came with 2 Waiters to take him into Custody.

The Merchant, with whom we have to do, was one who dealt chiefly in Wood, and for his own use had fi [...]ed ou [...] Ships for Norway, and sometimes bought of others, according as he thought the Merchandise for his turn. Diomedes: who knew this very well, had a mind to show him a trick, for his own ends, applies himself to one Lammer, who dea­ling likewise in that way, & had a ship newly come in, loaden with such Wares, Lam­mer perceiving [...]he had a mind to buy some of him, was willing to show him the Lading, Diomedes appointed him a time when he should come to him in order to see the Goods, having already understood where the ship lay: but instead of giving attendance for Lammer at the hour prefixed, he applys himself to Vander Burgh the Mer­chant before mentioned, telling him he had a ship lately come in from Norway, laden with Wood, which he was desirous to sell, telling him withall that he would affoard him a reasonable good penny worth of it. Mr. Vander Burgh tickled to see it, thinking it might be an advantageous bar­gain to him, was in as much hast as Diome­des, who the better to effect the matter, had alreadie been aboard to make the Master [Page 60] beleeve he had bought the whole Cargo. Diomedes borrowed a boat of an acquain­tance of his, and rows aboard, warily shuning the S [...]ern, lest his Chapman by that means might come to suspect or descry the Villany. After he had shown him all the Wood, and the other making good inspection into the Quantity and Quality of the same, they entered upon the bargain, which at last was brought to the point. The Chapman not once thinking but that Diomedes had both power and property to sell it; though shortly after he found himself in an errour to his sorrow: for when Diomedes soon after struck a bargain with Vander Burgh for some other VVood, and had recei­ved it, deducting the price and payment of the first. Vander Burgh then thought that having now already bought the Goods and Ingrossed the Conveyance (which also was but a fraudulent practise of Diomedes) that he had already payd for those Goods, which Diomedes had after that mannet sold him and not delivered, by deducting it in the price of those he himself had sold Diomedes, which Diomedes had likewise then received: but finding he was circumvented, & that Diomedes had no Title to the Goods, ap­plies himself to the Law, which impowerd him to arrest him, though (as we have al­by ready said) he could not effect the matter, [Page 61] for the trick Diomedes had playd him, in ma­king the Rable beleeve he was an Informer.

Vander Burgh was now herein greatly dis­satisfied, and had made a vow with himself to be revenged on Diomedes, and in order to that applies himself to the City Bailif or, Chief Minister of Justice, to whom he related the Ca [...]e at large, and understan­ding that he had some knowledge of the matter, remains under hopes to see him pu­nished according to his merits, pursuant to which he summons him before the Judge, where Diomedes in obedience to the Citation makes his appearance, was con­victed of the crime, and found he had chea­ted no body worse than himself: for Sen­tence being given against him, he was ordered to redeliver the Wood and fined 2000 gl. beside, which was within 3 daies to be paid to the Officer of Justice, or in default of that, to suffer Imprisonment, and a seve­rer Sentence to be the second time pronoun­ced against him, in which Diomedes was fain to rest contented for the time being.

About four days after he takes a resolu­tion to go to the Hague, and in order there­to betakes himself to the Boat, without either delivering of the Wood, or paying the fine, taking with him all he could on a sudden convert into Gold, which was about two thousand Crowns, but he was no [Page 62] ner come to the Boat but was aware of his friend Van der Burgh whom he had Stigmati­zed for an Informer, as was said before, with two Waiters of Justice after him: which leaving we will return to the pursuit of the matter, and manifest the Truth of the old Adage, or rather Proverb: Fraus fraude fraudulentos afficit.

Being now returned home, after he had gull'd Mr. Leopoldus in the Hague, added to his Grandour, by Coach, Horses; Ser­vants and Moveables, with intent for the fu­ture to live in stately wise; Van der Burgh comes to have notice of his return, which he had long wish'd for, went to him and de­manded either his Wares, or full payment: Diomedes finding himself obstructed in the carrying on of his Purpose, thought it his best way to redeliver the Wood, and inten­ding to deal no more in Wines, he sold off what remain'd of his stock, which brought up a sum of 3000. gilders, two thousand whereof the Minister of Justice laid claim to, as accrewing him accor­ding to the sentence which was issued against him, and was compelled to pay the Charges and Fees; insomuch that his whole Estate was not now above 7000 gil­ders, which he conceiving a few pompous and Jovial days would consume, began anew to study how he might, furnish his [Page 63] Coffers again.

His Custome was to frequent Coffee-houses, and places of like resort, where the more sober sort of People doe usually meet. Here he found now and then an oppor­tunity to meet with a Cully, whose humour he could suit, and inveigle with a seeming Probity. Understanding that one Ierome [...] Merchant, had a great quantity of Grain, which he was willing to sell, he applies himself to him, and insinuating himself into his acquaintance, grew so familiar with him that he invited him to Supper, preparing all things before hand, in order to the better effecting of the Stra­tagem.

When Ierome according to his promise was come and set at Table, Diomedes caused one of his trusty Brethren to withdraw himself into another room, & tell a heap of money, over and over, all the while the Merchant was there; which was accordingly done. The Mer­chant who all this while heard a great rattling of money, and that incessantly a telling, assumed the freedom to ask Dio­medes if it was not in the next house. Diomedes replies, No, Sir, it is my Ste­ward, who has received about Eighty Thousand Gilders this morning, for some Commodities I sold, with other [Page 64] money I have ordered him to tell out, inten­ding rather than let it ly, to imploy it i [...] some Merchandize or other: Ierome, who thinking he had now a fair opportunity offe­red him to make his market, asked him if he would buy a bargain of Grain telling him he had about 760 Tun of Rie, and some Wheat to dispose of, I am wel [...] satisfied, replyed Diomedes, but I must first inquire of my Cashkeeper what Cash there will be over, having obliged my self already to pay 30000 gilders in ready money for a bargain I met with this after noon, but (added he) if you are con­tent I'le pay you a Fourth ready money, and the rest at 3 moneths. Ierom was well sa­tisfied, not questioning the sufficiency of his new Customer: and so proceeding to the Bargain they ag [...]eed; the whole purchase amounting to 69160 gilders, the sale being drawn Diomedes signes it, having before hand provided Ink for the purpose, which was made of Salt-petre and other corrosive Ingredients, with this he subscribed his name, and delivered it to Ierome upon the receipt of the Grain.

So soon as he had got the Grain into his possession he went and sold a certain quan­tity, amounting to the sum of 13000 gilders, and not long after met with a Chapman which bought of him about the value of [Page 65] 9060 Gild. and within a week after, ano­ther that took about 18080 Gild. off his hand, so that his estate was suddenly ad­vanced from 7000 to 44000 Gild.

Now that he might put off the remainder of his Grain, which he thought would be so damnified with keeping that it might return to his loss, he procured a person or two of his own rank to cast a report upon the Exchange, as if the Most Christian King were a levying of a great Army, and that he intended to At­tacque the Low-Countreys; and to add a bet­ter colour and apparency of Truth to the rumour; he hired an obscure fellow, whom he ordered to give himself out for one but newly come from the French Court: he had also the Day before d [...] ­persed a letter or two, dated the latest post day from Saint Germains; which proved so effectual that the face of affairs was quite transformed, the Merchants and Inhabi­tants generally in great fear and consterna­tion, having always had apprehensions of a War. This sudden news so raised the Price of Corn that Diomedes wished he had reserved what he had already sold.

Amongst a Considerable number of Tra­ding men that were mis [...]ed upon this report, was one, whose too kind nature has seal'd, my mouth, and put a stop to my pen, for [Page 66] sundry obligations, to record his name: yet the Letter, which Lebechea had caused to be shown him, we shall here insert, as it is thus paraphas'd from the French:

This Gentleman, who, as I told you, was injur'd by the Contents of this letter, thinking to take care betime, for the furnish­ing of his Garner with corn, met acci­dentally with Diomedes upon the Exchange, and after a few circumstantial reasonings tending to the cheapening of the Com­modity, he struck a bargain with him for all the remainder of his Grain, which was agreed upon for the sum of 38000 Ca­ [...]oli Gilders, ready money: for Diomedes was ever fearfull lest his Creditors should fall suddenly upon him, and render him un­capable of receiving any money that was due to him from others. The next day he [Page 68] delivered the Corn and received the mo­ney, with which he made mirth and good chear: but it was not long before Ierome his Chapman came to spoil his sport; for looking by chance upon the Writing he found nothing but paper, and instead of letters, holes, as if it had been eaten with moths; was in a great amaze, and weigh [...]g the matter well with himself could not but conclude it as a cheat, whereat inraged he ran to Diomedes his house, and letting his Passion predominate over his Reason, withoutany further inquiry, charges the matter home upon him, and roundly be­gan to demand his money, which Diome­des hearing swore he had paid him all he ought him: Ierom then twice as passion [...]: as before could hardly for bear beating him, giving him whole volleys of Rogues and Cheats, Diomedes as well provided as he paid him in the same Mint, returning him as many Broadsides of Knaves and Rascals [...] as the other did him of Rogues and Cheats, telling him he was a fraudulent fellow for demanding his money twice. To be brief this Logic grew so bitter, that Diomedes bad him go out of his house, if he lov'd him­self or else to take what would follow, which Ierom observing and finding no good to be done this way, he goes away, threat­ning to prosecute him. This startled Diomedes [Page 69] not a litle, who after he had screw'd his brain a while, thought he must drive out one [...]ail with another: He took Courage, & to reap the benefit of a harvest of his own making, finding Obligations to be consi­derably fallen, repairs to a Broker, of whom he informed himself of a Person that had some to dispose of, and there bought for the value of 20000 gilders, which he paid in ready money, and told the Gentleman he had a mind to 60 or 70 Thousand Gilders more, whereupon the Gentleman (whose name was Mordecai, a Iew) promised him to come to him, with some others, as accordingly one evening ap­pointed by Diomedes he did, to transform Money into paper.

In the interim Diomedes had prepared all things in a readiness, and the same evening invited 7 or 8 Persons to Supper, who were there sooner than the Iew: last of all comes the Iew. Diomedes made his excuse to his Guests, saying he had a Gentleman, whom he did not expect that night, that had wai­ted some time in the Parlour for him, pray­ing them not to look upon his being so cal­led aside, as any rudeness; the business being of that moment, that for that time he could not wave it, he having bought some Thou­sands in Obligations of him, and that he must come to a Reckoning, and clear Ac­compts [Page 70] with him. The Gentlemen, his Guests, expressed their great Satisfaction, that he rather chused to dispatch an affair of that weight and urgency, than to oblige them in what might tend to his inconveni­ency, &c. Diomedes went forth to receive the Honour of his coming, praying him to be covered, and sit down; which, after a few Contre-Compliments return­ed, he did. After they had made a dis­course of some praevious matters, the Iew makes Ingress to the main concern, about which he came, showing Diomedes the Va­lue of 18 Thousand Gilders in Leases; but before Diomedes would buy, pray'd the Iew he would be so kind as to help him to make inspection of what money he had void, and whether the Sum would amount to that or no; which the Iew rea­dily promised to do, understanding Dio­medes to protest he would buy no more than his Cash would answer. Having now spent an hour in telling, they found that there was no more than 62200 gl. which consisted of different Coins, and most Gold; which when they had told, Diomedes put it up in­to bags, praying the Iew that he would let him have a Lease of 22000 Gild. or rather one of less, that it might not exceed his present Capacity. The Iew replied, that it was no matter, he would trust him [Page 71] for the 6000 gl. and could well acquiesce in him for such a Sum. Diomedes rather willing to play at great games than small [...]; or to get all, than so poor a purchase, insi­sted as before; so that the Jew told him he had one at home of 20000 gl. and offering that Diomedes agreed with him for 99 gil­ders per Cent. upon which the Jew made as if he would go forth, but Diomedes pray'd him that he would be so kind as to help him to carry the baggs into another Room, where he used to keep his Cash, not willing to let it ly open to the view of such as might pass through the Par­lour, with one pointing towards his Guests, which sat in another Chamber so as he could see them, the door stand­ing open, and they that were within could also see Diomedes and the Iew, and likewise hear any thing they said, as they did, unless it were something Dio­medes spoke not so loud, the better to pal­liate the Cheat. The Iew obey'd his de­sire took the money in his Arms, and carried it into another Room, Diomedes discoursing him all the while with material words, so that his Guests could not but take notice of all that was said and done. This done Dio­medes lockt the door of the Room, where the money was brought; the Iew de­parts, Diomedes thanks him for his trouble [Page 72] &c. The Iew in a moment returns, deli­vers Diomedes the Leases with a promise that he would satisfy him the next day as to the Validity of the same, that they were free of any Charge and not Fidei Commissa, with which he seem'd content; The writings drawn by a Scrivener whom he had under the number of his Guests, 2 more subscribed as Wittnesses; Mordechai signs to the Writing wherein was confessed that he had sold and transported 60000 gilders in Leases at 99 gl. per Cent. and payd in full for the same, expecting with one to have his money pay'd him, though much mistaken, for Dio­medes having the Writings effectual enough to confirm the Payment and Receipt, had lockt up the money. The Iew, after he had been a while held up with talk, prayed Dio­medes to pay the Money. What d'ye mean, Sir, (replied Diomedes) have I not pay'd you to your mind? I suppose these Gentlemen are sensible that I have payd you, and that you have taken the Money home with you. The Iew, who at this answer was not a litle dismay'd, began first in a moderate way to pray him not to fest, because his time was short, that he had appointed another meeting that night &c. Diomedes feigning himself greatly concern'd at the Iew's importunity pray'd him to forbear playing the fool, saying he was ashamed to be so rude to [Page 72]

[Page] [Page 73] his Guests, that he had already play'd too much upon their patience; These and the like reasons move the Jew to suspect a piece of Knavery, whereupon he greatly in­cens'd, demanded his Writings if he would not pay the value, as 'twas agreed upon: Diomedes, who was not only fore­arm'd, but also well accustom'd to this Rhe­toric, gave him a vocal Banquet, which the Iew could neither relish nor digest, being seconded by his Guests, who, by all the circumstances they knew, or could gather, could not but harbour a bad opi­nion of the Iew, fell all upon him toge­ther. Diomedes finding the Stratagem have such success, made use of his opportunity; told the Iew if he would not desist in that impudent way of reproaching him he would kick him out of doors; the Iew on the con­trary insisting upon his honest repute among men, and his abhorrence and detestation of such unjust things, as they were pleased to censure him guilty of, pray'd him again to deliver him his Writings, which Diome­des stil refused. To be brief; the one was stout and the other stiff, all Tongue and no Ear. Diomedes at last push'd him out by the shoulder', and (in a seeming fury) threw to the door. Which done he applies himself to his Guests; and with a Thousand Lies and Forgeries so argues the matter, that [Page 74] bearing harmony, and consonant to what they supposed to hear and see, did so far add to their faith, that they were ready to attest the reality of the Payment upon Oath, which was forthwith by a Publick Notary (or Scrivener) then present drawn up. After this was over, the Guests sat down to Supper, and were treated in Lordly fashion, with a sumptuous Banquet, a Corrolary of Junkets and good Liquor, that done, every one went to his respective home with great con­tentment for so great an entertainment: and Diomedes who had now doubled his Estate could not but smile in his sleeve to see how well the Machine was managed.

Mordecai who had now met with such a Haman was resolved not to let the matter rest so, but with all diligence indeavour to right himself, and purposes to bring the mat­ter to be decided by Authority, incited by his Integrity and Uprightness, which as ano­ther Esther might be able to ensnare this unjust Haman in his own Net: but as Humane Purposes are fatally disposed, and frequen­tly fail of a lucky Issue; so by an inopinate Chance he was for that time hindred in the pursuit of his Intentions, and Diomedes his Troubles procrastinated, which he was liable to for so notable a cheat, the Issue therefore of this we will ommit till hereaf­ter, when we purpose to draw a scheme of his Perplexities all at once.

[Page 75] There is not any Vice so pregnant of de­structive Consequences as Covetousness: That alone is both the root of all evil, and the Cause of Death, the just punishment of the same: Nay it is conspicuously evident to those who have but the lest tast of reason, that there are but two paths to chuse, which when that leading to a future Happi­ness cannot with ease be passed, in contraria current, they cannot avoid the other, which assuredly without any further promiseth bet­ter things than the former; and certainly this has been so prevalent with Diomedes, our present Subject, that Friends and Aliens have had an equal respect from him, when prompted through a zeal to Proserpina, of, as it is stiled in sacred Writ, Mammon, a Deity to whom the World in this age seems to be totally devoted.

Diomedes had an uncle by marriage whose name was Epacius, this lived in a Coun­trey-house near Hillegom, where he spent his days with all imaginable Quiet and Tranquillity, not troubled with those in­cumbrances which others who live in Towns, and under the Society of Men are subject to; contenting himself with the propper and genuin products of his own lands. Diomedes envied this good old Gen­tleman, desirous to see him take a Journey to Limbo, he being his next heir apparent: [Page 76] yet finding that this Uncle of his was still fresh, and in all likelyhood might survive him, he thought there was no way to be­come master of his Estate, but to circumvent him by fraud, and at last found out a subtle Invention which he put in practise.

He applyes himself to his said Uncle un­der colour of a visit, where he was cares [...]ed and received, with all signal tokens of res­pect and marks of Friendship, that could possibly be shown a near Relation: Nay in such sort that Diomedes (had not Satan blown up those infernal sparks which were bred in the bone) should not have found in his heart to play him the the prank inten­ded; but where Covetousness acts for Em­press, Vertue must a side; so far was it pre­dominant in him that forgetting all huma­nity he continues in his resolution, and af­ter some discourse counterchanged, which smell'd of nothing else but Courtesy and Piety on his side, he fell to bargaining with him, and bought 20 Oxen, paying down 300 gilders, the value whereof he had in Gold a­bout him, signing an Obligation for the rest, which he promised to pay within a moneth or two, and having taken leave of his Uncle, he hired one to drive the Oxen to Amsterdam.

After 2 or 3 moneths was expired, the old Gentleman not hearing from Diomedes, [Page 77] turns him to his Writings, where he found the Nest, but the birds flown; for Diomedes had temperd the Ink with such gnawing In­gredients as eat through the paper, as was shown in Pag. 64, where he serv'd the Corn-merchant after the same manner. This startled the Old man so, that he suddenly took pen in hand and writ the following lines.

[Page 78] Diomedes so soon as he had received this Letter, seemed to be greatly concerned at the matter, and the better to maintain his esteem with supporting apparencies, against any fu­ture suspicion, he Cries Whore first, and summon'd his Uncle to appear in Court, hav­ing in the mean time suborned a false Witt­ness or two, to give Evidence to a forged pa­per he had written, wherein Epacius was found to confess himself indebted to Iustin the Father of Diomedes, in the sum of Six Thousand gilders, payable in case of the decease of Iustin to his son Diomedes whereto the usual hand and mark of Epacius was ar­tificially counterfeited with a different Ink from the Body of the Obligation, both tem­per'd with soot, to seem a writing of such standing as the date would require. Besides this he had also forged a certain Discharge, the Tenor whereof was thus.

This Acquittance was cunningly sealed up and sent in a letter to a Countreyman, that lived near Hillegom, whom he had also hired to be assistant in the matter, he according to the order of Diomedes delivered it to Epacius, in the presence of the Court. Diomedes so soon as he saw him begin to open it, pray'd the Court to examin his Papers, which they did, and, found the Discharge, that made so much for Diomedes, that sentence was pass'd in his favour, and the Defendant constrain­ed not only to renounce his pretence, but also condemned to pay the supposed Re­mainder of the sum that was mentioned in the Obligation, which (the price of the Oxen deducted) was 4470 gl.

Some few days after it happened that Dio­medes went to visit an acquaintance of his to divert himfelf for a few spare hours. They who were well acquainted with his Course of life, had a mind to see, if they could cir­cumvent him as he had done others; in order to which, one Manvelius the most eminent among them invited him to a sumptuous Feast, inviting several others of his Ac­quaintance [Page 80] where, all Dainties were provi­ded that were thought requisite to Entertain the Guests in splendid manner. When now at the day appointed they were met, there appeared among the rest one Mons. le Cocque kinsman to Mr. Manvel, newly come out of France, where his retirement was. One of them after he had passed the usual Com­plement to the Reception and Welcom­ing of a Stranger, as ked him, what news he brought out of France? ‘I have litle news (replies he) which imports any thing of Ioy, otherwise I should impart it to the Company: For that which tends (though never so litle) to the augmenting of mirth would be both more acceptable and con­sentaneous to this present Occasion, which were not my Opinion such, I should not ommit to relate a passage lately happened.’ The Company hearing him say so, were yet more eager to know what it might be, and so pressed him that he to answer their desire began to relate (with as much elegancy as his Ability in the Language would dispence with) this following Preamble which suf­sufficiently expressed the drift of the Story.

So soon as this story was ended, gave each man his Opinion about the same, which that we may not detain you with any pre­vious discourse we shall ommit. Manvelius in the mean time gave his Guests great Contentment with a laudable entertain­ment, where plenty of every thing that might add delight to the Eie, or Pallat, was as it were poured out of a Cornucopia, Nor were the Guests tardie to acknowledge the same, expressing their great satisfaction by variety of Complemental Elogies on this splendid Treat.

Diomedes (who all this time seems to have lain dormient) was not remiss to afford what mirth he could to the Company, in telling of several pretty stories, of which he was well furnished.

Among the Guests was a certain Gentlewo­man called Christina; whose name, how well it agreed with her temper, you may judge by the sequel. This Gentlewoman suited the humour of Diomedes as well as she could, till at last Diomedes was so far ta­ken with her that he coveted what was not [Page 98] consistent with Vertue; and at last they understood one another so well that she went into a Chamber alone, whither he follow'd, and was for some time held up with a few Ceremonies, not much pertinent to the matter he came about, till she made a shift to pillage him of a Gold watch of a very high value, which he not once perceived. This done they parted without any further mischief, and full satisfaction to Diomedes, who contrary to his purpose miss'd his Venereal Corrolary where with, he thought to compleat his Epicurean Ban­quet. After the Guests had given the usual Complement to Manvelius they departed each to his habitation; Diomedes, who all this while knew not of his loss, goes to bed, and in the morning when he awoke, began to look for his watch to see what a clock it was, but found it not.

Yet was he not so much concern'd at the loss, as that he knew not who should be the Thief, and was in default of proof constrain'd to hold his tongue and put up the matter in quiet.

A few days after came Manvelius to give him a visit, accompanied with Monsr. le Cocq the Frenchman, and a third person, who in the project was to represent a strange Merchant. Manvel upon his first saluting him, began to beg excuse for his bold­ness, [Page 99] and so gradually proceeded on to the purpose. Sir said he, I am heartily sorry that I am necessitated to give you a trouble which I litle dream'd on, this Gentleman having made a journey expressly to receive a sum I am owing him, and has happened to come just as I am out of Cash, having yesterday paid off 3 considerable Summs, and the day before cleared Ac­compts with some of my Correspondents, so that being out of moneys, I beseech you be so kind, as to supply me with a Thou­sand Ducatoons, for three Moneths, where­in you will highly oblige me to do the like or greater favour, when your Occa­sions and my Opportunity concurr. Diome­des jointly considering Manvelius his Re­putation and Civility, could not deny him, counts down the money. Manvelius hereupon shows him a Blank bond which he had made, wherein Diomedes was to confess himself to have a Diamond-Ring of Manvels for a Pledge, which he desired him to sign. To this Diomedes assents, on Condition Manvel was to sign another for the money. Now after a short previous Colloquy, Manvel desires Diomedes to sign, which he did, having in the mean time clandestinely taken away that Obliga [...]ion, wherein the Pawn was spec [...]fi [...]d, and laid down another in the lieu of it, whose [Page 100] Contents was, That Diomedes confessed him­self Debter to Manvel in the Sum of 25000 gl. which Diomedes, not sensible of the fraud, without any difficulty signs. This done, Manvel and his Company took their leave of Diomedes, well satisfied that the matter took so well.

This Mischance was also seconded by another. For a certain Boor living near Am­sterdam, who had in former time been deceived by Diomedes, took upon him to be revenged on him for it, which he thus put in practise.

He had in his house a servant-maid to whom he imparted his aggrievance, and withall told her his purpose of retaliation. To this maid he gave Instructions, and de­livered her 2 pair of Pendants, the one pair fine, the other false, but so like each other in fashion that an ordinary Judge­ment could not distinguish them. With these she posts away to Diomedes, where coming to speak with him, she profferd them to sale, telling him that she was of good parentage, notwithstanding her then being in the state of a Servant, in which state she had diligently served for several years together, and so saved a small sum of money, which she then intended to dispose of to an advantagious end, only wanted about an hundred gilders more, which [Page 101] she pray'd him that he would do her the favour to lend her upon the Pendants.

Diomedes who had a reasonable Judge­ment in Jewels could not value them less than 6 times the money, readily gave her the Sum she ask'd upon them, on Condition she should pay 15 st. per moneth Interest, and sign'd a Writing whereby he confessed to have received such Jewels from her, which upon payment of the moneys lent he was obliged to make restitution of.

Whilst he was busy in writing the said Note, the Wench clandestinely drew out the false Pendants, and Convey'd the true into her Handkercheif, which she lay on the table, as a necessary instrument for a Hocus pocus trick in time of need.

For that time they took their leaves of each other, and the maid returns to her master, and told him what had pass'd, which pleas'd him extremely well.

Some time after the Peasant came to Diomedes at Amsterdam, and presented him a bargain of Oxen, promising to affoard him a good penny-worth, and a long day of Payment. This pleased Diomedes extremely well, having found so rare an occasion to chouse the Clown, so that he deemed it more than a venial sin, to neglect such a golden opportunity: he therefore returns the Peasant answer, that he would take a [Page 102] walk that way into the Countrey and, with­one see his Oxen.

In the mean while Diomedes calls to mind, how he had been cheated by a Ser­vant wench (not knowing that it was a Con­trivance of the Peasant) set up his wind­pipes and told the Story; sharply repre­hending the vices and ungodly Practises of this Iron-age; and gloss'd the whole mat­ter, with so much Candor and Integrity, that the Peasant, if his Conscience had not been asleep, must needs have repen­ted his designed Revenge. Never were two better met, the one acting Idiot, and the other Puritan; the Peasant under a colour of Simplicity, and downrightness, a [...]en­ted to every reason of Diomedes, without any deeper Sentence, than, Good-lack-a-day; What will this World come to a [...] last? well is 't po [...]ible? What a sinfull Age, is this we live in? and the like. After this man­ner they spent the tediousness of the way, which indeed, was too long for them both.

Assoon as they were arrived at the house of the Boor, and Diomedes set down, in comes the maid, whom Diomedes so soon as he saw knew to be the same that had put a trick upon him. He was no longer able to withhold his fury, but immediately taxes her with the cheat, and gave her a [Page 103] whole Tear of Mabs and Jades. But the wench, who had no small measure of Im­pudence, first made as if she were amazed, and afterward, began to act her part, and with one told him that he was himself a cheat, and that he should not put her off so, in telling her that the Pendants were courterfeit, which she had brought him; for she could bring manifest proof to the contrary. Upon that she ran out in all hast, and called an Officer, who arrested him there in the Room. Diomedes thus surpri­zed, addresses himself to the Boor, and makes his complaint, what ha [...]d measure he had. But the Boor instead of comfor­ting him, threatned to fall upon his Bones. You r asca [...], quoth he, think you that I will justify your villany, or that this hypo­critical Expressions have wrought so far upon me, as to have such a mean conceit of this good Gentlewoman, who is as well fam'd for her Vertue, as thou a [...]t infamous for thy Villany. These Jewels to my knowledge are not false, but it is thy naughtiness would persuade me to it, for they have been twice sold for more than 3000 gl. and if thou wilt not return them; Wee'l convert thy bones into Dice.

Diomedes hearing that unwelcome Eccho, had not patience to rest [...]ain his fury longer, gives the Boor such a Dandy­flute on the Jaws, that he reel'd again; but [Page 104] the Peasant, who was no novice at this game, lent him a blow with his fist, that made his nodle ring; and finally together they close, where at the first jirk, the Pea­sant had our Merchant under his rustic Car­case, where he so pepper'd him off, that Diomedes began to beg his pardon; which when he saw that the Boor would not hear at that ear, began to cry out, Murther; but the Peasant to throw all difficulty from off his own shoulder; put his hand in Diomedes his pocket, and drew out his Knife, which had his name on the haft, and threw it upon the floor. This done, he cries out for help; the neighbours who seeing this bloody Scene, and the Peasant crying out Murther, Murther, ran all together upon Diomedes and used him in most barbarous fashion: others in the mean while ran to fetch the Schout (or Constable) who carried him to a new lodging, though sore against his will; where he was fain to stay a day or two before he could get a Hearing. When he was brought before the Bench, in order to have his Case tried, there appeared 8 or 9 of the Neighbour­hood on behalf the Boor, who swore point blank against Diomedes, as, That he fell upon the Boor without any reason. That he drew his Knife with intent to stab him, and, That he went about to circumvent the maid, &c. When all these things were [Page 104]

[Page] [Page 105] heard, and the Oathes tendered and taken; the Court ordered Diomedes to pay the Charges, and the value of the Jewels and to remain in prison till either the Moneys were paid, or security was given. This startled Diomedes so, that he began to revile the Court for such an unjust Sentence: but when they threatned to whip him, pro Contemptu Curiae, he was fain to lay his hand to his mouth and give them better Language. This done the Court broke up, and Diomedes was remanded to Prison, where he remained some days, till by Coun­cil he mov'd for an Appeal, which they could not refuse. But when he thought himself a free man again, the Officer of Justice, made a new demand upon him, for drawing of his Knife, and so committed him to Custody again, for these new Pretences. Diomedes thus brought again to another sor­row, was out of hopes of making his Escape, for the Schout would not take any other security than ready money, or the value in hand. However he began to look about if he could see a hole to make his escape, and at last espied one; through which he forced his swinging Carcase; though that being too high from the ground on the out side, he durst not jump off; but seeing a litle thatch'd house on the north side of the prison he resolves that way, and off he [Page 106] comes, but the Roof being a litle too weak he fell quite thro [...]gh, and so upon a Bed, on which lay a young Countrey wench, and her Paramour, without know­ledge of her Father or Mother. These sin­ners were not a litle amaz'd, but thinking that some Judgement was come upon them for their wicked doings, it being dark, one ran one way, and the other, the other way, but whither, I protest I never yet could learn: however I think it good to follow our Merchant, whom methinks I see running for Amsterdam, with his tail between his legs.

By that time Diomedes was got home, and hardly got a good nights rest, came Manvelius to salute his Knaveship; pray­ing him with one to pay the 20000 gild. The twenty thousand gilders (quoth Dio­medes) pre'thee what dos't mean man? ex­plain thy self: Manvelius hereat counterfei­ted as much amazement, as he, and urged him to pay it without many words, or controversy; and not to pretend ignorance, or make the thing strange. To be brief they grew so hot that Diomedes held up his fist to give him a Sarabrand; whereupon, Manvel, who was no great affecter of such sport- [...]an out immediately to the City­messenger (or Bailif) to summon him up to the Town-house, where after the matter [Page 107] was debated, Diomedes, lost the tryal: upon which he appeals to a higher Court, where at that time he had another Trial, which was but of small moment, and that he won, but this which was of greater im­portance, was given against him; and he condemned to pay the money, which he did without showing himself much con­cern'd for the matter: though resolved to be revenged by some stratagem or other; which also succeeded well. For,

Having now designed his Machine, he bribed 4 or 5 Persons to be assistant to him in this affair; who glad of the opportunity promised to behave themselves according to his Direction. One of them was to be Don Philippo, forsooth, dress'd and attired in a gentile habit, to suit an Ea [...]or Baron. Two other of his Camrades he put in Li­ve [...]ie, like Pages, who were to follow Don Philippo. After instructions given, Don Philippo ma [...]ches up and down; and passed several times by the door of Mr. Manv [...], whom at length he found standing before his house. Don Philippo, steps up gingerly to him, salutes him, with all imaginable courtesy, and told him, he thought him­self the happiest man alive, to meet with so good a friend, asking him about his health and how affairs stood; Manvel, who was not one of the stiffest, received [Page 108] him with such courtesy as he thought might suit a person of his Calibre, and really thought with himself that he had seen him some where before, but durst not make so bold as to ask him at first, Who he was? Don Phi­lippo pursues his complement, and finally breaks off with the recommendation of Monsr. Le Cocque, whom he said he had seen (for Diomedes had made him acquainted with all necessary circumstances about him) he being but lately set forward for France. Manvel hearing that prays him to step in, which Don Philippo excused, thinking it time enough to accept it at the second intreaty; but Manvel thought perhaps the Gentleman might probably be in hast, and therefore would not be too importunate, insomuch that Sr. Philip, for that time missing of his expectation, took his leave of him, and went into an Inn, in the next street, where he took up his Lodging for that night. The next morning having consulted with his Confoederate Diomedes, he sent him this following Letter.

Manvel, upon the reading of this Letter, determines to set forward to Rotterdam, and make use of such an opportunity, especially because the same Broker from whom this Letter was supposed to come, had formerly sent him advice about some particular affairs which fell out very luckily: and according to this Resolution sets forward that night.

In the mean time Sir Philip, the Mock-Baron, sends to know whether Manvel, was gone or not; and being informed he was, goes with his Pages pro tempore, to Manvels' wife, to act the Part intended. Diomedes had in the mean time assured him that she was a brisk, open hearted Dame, and therefore gave him incouragement to [Page 110] use the more freedom with her. When he had got access and found her in every thing congruous with the Character Diomedes had given him, he began first to entertain her with soft and fair discourse, and so gra­dually to take a larger liberty, till he had got the scope he aim'd at, and won her con­sent to go to bed with him. This the Pages marking they acted their parts with the Maids below, who spared not for wine all the time, till the Maids were both so drunk that, they were not sensible what they did, and at last fell both asleep, the one under the Kitchin Table, and the other in the Cellar before the tap, with a great Stone-bottle in her arms. When the Pages saw that the [...]oast was clear, the Mistress above with their Master, the Maids-fa [...] asleep, and the Doors at the Order of Mrs. Manvel, securely bolted, began to hunt up and down the house for Keys: which after a litle seeking they found, and went to a Money-chest where the [...] met with 16000 Ducats. Having got the Money, they ran out leaving the door open and knockt at some of the Neighbours doors, praying them to have the goodness to come to the passing of Mrs. Manvel, who lay desperate­ly sick. This done they betook them to their heels. The Neighbours who held it their duty to visit Mrs. Manvel in such a [Page 111] time, especially, as some of them knew that her husband was gone from home, went in, and coming into the chamber where she was wont to ly, stood a litle at the door, whispering together, and at last opened the door very softly, to go in. Don Philip hearing the door open, drew back the Curtain and sees 3 or 4 women marching softly toward the Bed-side; upon which to avoid further trouble he jumps out of bed in his Wast-coat and Drawers, and with his Upper-garment upon his arms made all the ha [...] he could toget, out be­fore any more of that kind of people came: leaving his Breeches behind him, in which was a Copy of that Letter that he had sent Mr. Manvel, dated from Rotterdam.

Diomedes who tickled mightily to see the issue of the Project, was not far from them, but looking out, saw a heap of Sea­mens wives at Manvels' door, ran forth­with to see what was the matter and after a litle inquiry learned how the matter was. Well (quoth he) such People ought to be punished without mercy who violate their Husbands beds. It were a sin in the highest nature to conceal it; and those who would keep such things from the knowledge of Justice deserve as much themselves. But litle needed he to urge the matter much, for that were but to teach his Grandame to eat eggs. Within an hour [Page 112] or two comes an Officer, whom Mrs. Man­vel was fain to fee with a pledge of Jewels.

Within 2 days after arrived Manvel from Rotterdam, and hearing what had happe­ned was very ill at ease, wishing that h [...] had not taken that [...]ourney, being now ashamed to show his head abroad, and restless with his wife at home. However [...] he resolves to ease himself of the latter, and in order thereto goes about to get a Divorce, which was granted him: Upon which he returns his wife her Dowry reserving but a very mean Portion for himself.

Diomedes, although in some regard suffi­ciently revenged, yet was not satisfyed with this but soon after put another thing in practise.

He had acquaintance with one Luke a Wine-couper, who had been privy to the most part of his Roguery when he sold wine himself: to him he imparted his design, and promised to hold him harmless and run the Risque himself, if he would but undertake the Act. Luke was herewith content; and according to the Instructions of Diomedes went to Manvel, proffering him a bargain of Rhenish wine; which he told him he would affoard him cheaper than the common Price, because he had occasion for ready money. Manvel then seeing the man in a strait; thought to make a prize [Page 113] of him, went with him to his Cellar, where he tasted of several Hogsheads and before he came away struck a bargain with him for three thousand Gilders, to be delivered and paid that night. Manvel then goes to make room for the Wine in his Cellar, and Luke in the mean time removes those Hogs­heads which Manvel had bought, out of their place, and put others in their room, which were fill'd with sour wine, and in every tun was a pipe made of Lattin, cun­ningly fastned in the inside. These were filled with Gun-powder, and match fastned to the Ends thereof, being of a considera­ble length from the powder, that it could not burn so as to give fire for some considera­ble time. By that time the Wine-couper had laid his Machin, Manvel comes in with the money, which was paid and received according to the purport of the Bargain. When he had got the Wine home, and set in order in the Cellar, he went to Supper, where he had scarcely sitten a quarter of an hour, but he heard a fearfull cracking, and the house fell a shaking. Upon this he was not a litle altered; yet thinking, because it was hot weather, that it might be thunder, he sent one of his men to see if his Warehouse windows were to; for that side next the street was stow'd with Flax. But by that time his Servant was got to the [Page 114] innerdoor, the greatest pipe took fire which made all fly about; the hoops were broken to shivers, and the floor of the Parlour where they sate at Table, broke through, being directly over the Cellar where the Tuns were; and at once broke all his Porce­leyn, and a costly Looking-glass.

Diomedes longing to hear of the issue and effect of the machin, goes to a public house hard by, where he had not been above half an hour before he heard it crack and thunder, and suddenly saw the whole street in an alarm, none knowing what was the matter. Diomedes together with those that were in the house ran whither they judged the report came from, and found the Ware­house door of Manvel open, with a mul­titude of people at a distance not da [...]ing to come anigh it, much less so couragious as to enter in, till such times as they saw Manvel with two of his men come trem­bling down stairs, with a candle in the one hand and a Crucifix, or an Agnus Dei in the other. But before Manvelius was come to the midle of the stairs he fell down through the steps (the stair-case being all shattered loose with the force of the Pow­der) where he was up almost to the midle, in leckage of the wine, crying out, help! help! I drown, I sink, I drown, I sink, upon which one of his men which though [...] [Page 115] to pull him out came also tumbling down upon him, the candle falling out of his hand. Manvelius hereat surprized wist not what to think, but supposing it had been the Devil began to lay about, which the man took so well out that he paid him again in the same coin, in short, they bang'd it about with such courage that had not the other man come hastily with another candle lighted, they had both smothered in Wine. Diomedes, who to his hearts content­ment, was all this while a spectator of the scene, had almost lost his breath with laughing, and to give Manvel a hint, cryed out, If a man were indeed so zealous to fight the Devil, he would scorn his help in cheating of honest men. Manvelius not able to creep through the way he came, (the dimension of his Gut-case being with the thickest) was fain to go out at the street door, partly because of his being tipsie with tumbling in Old Rhenish, hardly able to steer his Cou [...]se, and partly because of the Rabble that crouded about the door. He was no sooner come out, but the people being in­quisitive how it came, and what was the matter: when he to satisfy their curiosity told all he knew of the thing. Diomedes among the rest hearing all, it so tickled his fancy, that he could hardly contain himself of laughter, which he indeavoured to [Page 116] bridle so well as he could, to prevent suspicion.

Manvelius upon this gets an Ague which kept him in his bed: finding out in the mean time the trick which was put upon him by the bursten pipes, match and smell of pow­der; and for the same summons the wine merchant to appear before the Magistrate, who could not deny the fact, but referrs himself to Diomedes, who being likewise sent for, denied to know any thing of the matter, but wholly pretending ignorance, the Wine-merchant received Sentence of Banishment and a Fine, by which means he was utterly ruined.

Diomedes had a Cousin married to one Ambrose with whom he held a long cor­respondence, and had a great kindness for. About these happened an odd passage, which I hold not impertinent to insert here, being both comical and ridiculous. This Ambrose her husband was one, who had but litle value or esteem for the world, unless for it's Movsture, being deep­ly in Love with l'eau de vie, or Brandy. Mrs. Anthonette, that was the Gentlewom [...]ns name, was reasonably fair, and might pass for a beauty, but never could get the ascendant of her husband, who was more in­clined to Bacchus than Venus. This beastly life of his made her almost weary of Life. [Page 117] Never came he in without a Guid, and whether she Carded or Spun at home, he was sure to Reel abroad: and when he was come home must be lifted into bed. Anthonette would often admonish him to leave off these tiresome and dishonourable Courses, where by he did not only loose his repu­tation amongst men, and make her a Mock­ingstock to her Neighbours, but ran head­long into ruin, and would at last reduce himself and her into such a condition, as would render their Lives uncomfortable. But this rather provoked his Wrath than Amendment: insomuch that he told her that if she did not desist and let him alone he would in place of spending a penny spend a pound, and for the future take a greater liberty than he had hitherto don. Mrs. Anthonette seeing that he was already with­out the bounds of reason, imparted her grievance to Diomedes praying him, if he knew any Council for her, or a mean to draw him from this loose course of Life. Diomedes was (as appears by our fore­going discourse) subtile enough in in­vention, and resolute in putting a thing in­to practise, promised to do his best and assist her when he met with an opportunity, which would be best, when he came home drunk again.

It was not needfull that he should wait [Page 118] long for that Occasion, for it was almost a miracle to find him sober at night. She therefore prays Diomedes, to do it so soon as he could: and accordingly he promi­sed that night he would. Anthonette stood at her door in the Evening waiting for her husband, whom at length she saw at a di­stance; surveying the breadth of the streets, with a train of boys after him, who convoy'd him to his door: where being come he complements his wife after his old mood, with his hat to the ground, and a hundred base los manos, till at last stum­bling upon a great stone, he lay as flat as a Flounder. Anthonette seeing him ly so, pray'd her Neighbours to help him in a doors, where they tug'd and wrestled, till they got him into the Parlour. This done she sends her maid to Diomedes, who without delay came and found friend Am­brose in the condition we left him in. Dio­medes gave order to unharness him which was accordingly done. When he was stript, he wrapt him up in a Winding Sheet, and lay him handsomly in an old sugar Chest and carried him down into the Cellar, where they stopt all the windows close that he could see no light; and tied an English Water-dog to his feet. That done they went up. Anthonette put her self into deep mourning, which she had upon the [Page 119] Death of her Father. Diomedes took a Goats hide which he fastned about his bodie, that was so neatly contrived, that one would have taken him for a Devil, or at best a Monster. Two persons more were hired, to complete the Stage, whereof one of them was put into another che [...]t, like a Coffin, at a small distance from Ambrose: the other was like Diomedes sh [...]ouded in a Goats-skin. When they were in their Acting ga [...]b, they went down into the Cellar, and lay some loose grains of powder about the Chest in which the merry Ambrose lay, and ever now and then tilted up the Coffin at both ends, letting it fall down again with a great force: the other that was to represent a Corps, all the time upon a heap of wood in the Corner. Anthonette caused her maid to dress her self in an ougly Robe, made of old rags of divers colours, with a black long snouted visage. And artificial breasts made of two bags of sand, which hung down to her midle. When all this was done they began to dance round about the Chest, roared and yelled so long till he awoke, which when they perceived, the two mock-devils ran and embraced him, rubbing their snaky wiggs against his cheeks, which put him into such a Sweat that all he had about him was as wet as if it had lay in water, fain would he look up [Page 120] but durst not move or stir, for Diomedes looked at him so grim, as the Devil over Lincoln, and he with his eies fix'd upon Diomedes durst not look another way, for fear the Devil should take him for a living soul. While they stood gazing at one another, the other Devil in forma came, and threw half a dozen live-eels into the Coffin which began to creep up and down over his whole body and face; yet durst he not cry out or stir, for Diomedes had him so fast in his eie that he held him strictly in aw. When this was done, they put fire to the loose grains of Powder, which flew all into a flame round about him. This caus'd some alteration & made him cry out, Ick bid u doch, Heer Duyvel, soo ghy de Man [...] diemen soo veel lof van sprec [...]t, seght mijn daar ick ben, en hoe dat ick hier [...]ome te gera [...]en. Derschoont my doch dat ick die vrppostighept gebruycke om U. E. aen te spreken, want ick ben een vroome Hollander, en betale daar ick schuldigh ben; selfs mijn Waardinne in't Schilt van Vranckrijck, die de meeste hadde te pretendeeren, heb ick tot den uytersten duyt betaalt. That is, Good Mr. Devil, if you be the Gentleman I have heard so much talk of, do me the favour to tell me where I am, or how I came hither, and please to pardon the liberty I take to ask [Page 121] you, for I am an honest Hollander, and pay my debts. My very Landlady at the French Arms, I have paid to a farthing which was the grea­test sum I ow'd. In this dreadfull Pickle he lay panting, but could not screw an answer from his Devilship. At last he pray'd they would let him go away. You fool (said the other that lay in the Corner) do you think that we shall ever come out of Hell? no, no. Remember how often you have called out, Den Duyvel haalt my, The Devil fetch me, and now you see what a sad condition you are in, and how he has once got you in his clutches. You have wholly dedicated your precious time to drink­ing, and shall ere long, see the reward of such impious courses as you have made choise of, and have leisure to wish you might live the time again, when all will be to no purpose. I am in the same condition you are in, and would (were it in my power) give ten thousand Worlds to live my time again: but to litle pur­pose is my wish; my opportunity I have lost, which can never be recalled, and the golden minutes I was so prodigal of, are a greater Hell to me, than Hell it self as thou poor cai­tif, ere long, shalt be made sensible of, on thy behalf. Ambrose hearing that really beleeved that he was dead and already before the Postern of Hell. After he had lay in this condition an hour or more; the two De­vils took him up, the one by the head, [Page 122] and the other by the heels, made him fast with ropes, and so dragg'd him to a Post, where they bound him so, that he could neither move hand nor foot: which done they took each a whip, that was made for the purpose, and one of them with a hoarse voice bad him confess his Offences. He seeing them in good earnest, began to mutter it out by degrees. ‘The first was his Drunkenness, as that he now and then took a cup of the Creature, more then did him good, That he had abused the good counsel of his wife, who had many times forewarned him of Perils conti­nually attending both body and soul. That drinking sometimes with a Good­fellow, or two, when they went aside, he would clandestinly drink off a glass, wripe his mouth, and fill it again. That he had several times and in several places lay with such and such Gentlewomen.’ This Anthonette overhearing had hardly the Pa­tience to hold her tongue, being now ascer­tain'd of what she was theretofere never jealous of. When they had wrought with him so long as they could, and that he could confess no more; They let him done gently, and brought a bottle of Brandy, which they temper'd with Opium, and Diacodium; adding a litle spirit of Hartshorn and Assa foetida; the first to make him sleep, and the [Page 123] latter, by way of circumstance to suit the Place, and Condition of the Patient. This Potion they forced him to drink, which at first he was unwilling to do, yet when they threatned to commit him to the Flames he quaff'd it off, hoping by his obedience, now, to be excused another time. This having done he was again drunk, and by the vigour and vertue of the sleeping Ingre­dients, fell into a deep slumber. Which being effected they brought him up into his own bed, and drew off their Infernal Robes, and put on Terrestrial Garbs. Antho­nette remained still in her mourning Weed, and one of her Assistants put on a moodish suit, suitable to a Gentleman of Quality, who was to represent a Bridegroom and the other who was to be his Friend. Diomedes was also in sleight mourning, being cousin to Anthonette as was said before, and Appolonia served at Table. When they were all set, they began to dance and make a great noise, which at length, though hardly, awakened Ambrose, who was in a thousand troubles when he thought upon what had happened, sometimes would indeavour to perswade himself that it was only a dream or whimsy, and would vanish in time; yet again that it must assuredly be real, by the Wounds and boils he had about his body; and seeing the face of things quite altered, [Page 124] it confirmed his beleef the more. At last seeing Glasses go round briskly, and his Anthonette, drinking to every one respe­ctively began to cry out, Oh Good friends have a care what you do, and listen a litle to what has happened to me. Hardly had he opened his mouth, but all rose from the Table, and began to shriek out, as if they had been indeed amazed, one run­ning this way, and another that way, and finally every one out of the Chamber Antho­nette only excepted, who fell down upon the floor, as if she had sounded away. This Ambrose marking durst not rise up to help her, fearing to make her worse but be­gan to call out to the maid, Appolonia, Ap­polonia, no maid makes answer, Anthonet­te lies still, and Ambrose lay still in his bed, musing on what was past, being all in a sweat; till at last by the vertue of the Po­tion he fell into a slumber again, and conse­quently into a deep sleep. This Anthonette observing, she ran out softly and thank­ed the respective persons for their service and caused the maid to uncover the Table in the dark, without making the lest noise, and so pulling off her Mourning Weed, went to bed, to her husband, sleeping by him a good part of the next day.

When Ambrose awaked, saw it was day, and found his wife by his side, was in a [Page 125] hundred quandaries, not knowing what to say, or think. At last he began to push his wife till she awaked, and asked her, how she came there; and, If she was not afraid to have a Ghost to her bed-fellow. Anthonette hearing him speak with such an absolute zeal, could hardly contein her self of laugh­ter. Pre'thee my Dear, (quoth she) what dost mean? Do you go about to make me laugh, or to put me in a fright. I beseech you explain your self, and I shall perhaps answer your ex­pectation and design, Upon this he asked her, If he was not lately dead and she about to marry with another? This coming so se­riously from him made her laugh whether she would or no: yet made as if she looked upon this as meer dotage, and the effects of wine. Ambrose still held on in this dis­course, and did all he could to asseverate the passages which he imagined to have tru­ly happened, from whence Anthonette con­cluded, that the Stratagem had had a good success. Pursuing his discourse after some few ejaculations, he began to express sincere intentions of repentance, and to become a new man, saying, Oh, that the Heavens would but grant this one thing, That I might always persevere and remain in this good purpose of Life, I should never so far for­get my self as to do those things, which I am now sensible tend to eternal destruction. But, [Page 126] alas! what remedy? or, what helps my bare and simple wish, my time is past, and I am now bound to go on a long journey, for which to my grief I am unprepared. More he indea­vored to speak but could not for weeping. Which, with these expressions pleas'd her to the heart, hoping for the future, to enjoy a peaceable life, with our new Convert: and seeing him in such a perplexity began to drive the thing out of his head, and assured him that he was still alive, and that he had perhaps been in a Trance, which might pro­bably have been for a happy warning, and to make him sensible of his condition and of the state he was in, by suffering himself to be so drawn aside with ill company, and letting loose the reins of his lust and libi­dinous propensity, which every man is in­clined to by nature, and the like. But say what she could, he could hardly beleeve but that the thing was real, and that he had verily been tormented, for it was already high light day, and he in his perfect senses, yet had still the wounds about him; and to be short he became for the time a pure Con­vertit, and fully resolved with himself, to be more circumspect in his actions, and never again to bath in the Sea of Bacchus, lest he should chance to drown in the Abyss of Pluto: and so effectual was this mean hat [...] altho his own wife (who before [Page 127] had work enough to restrain him) had of­fered him Wine, he would not so much as once tast it; nay, so abominable was it to him that he could neither endure to see or smell it: his Tossing off whole Bowls, was now turned to a nauseous Vomiting, and the charming Delights of good liquor changed into a detestable and loathsom Ab­horrency.

Five full years continued this passage in great privacy, before Ambrose discover'd the Trick, for it was done with the knowledge of too many persons to be always conceal­ed, or held under the Rose: at what time (by I know not what pick-thank) he was informed how his wife with the help of some others, had deluded him; which nevertheless his fury was in some manner too strong for him to bridle, yet being sensible of what he had confessed at the whipping post, he held fast the Rains of his wrath, lest he should be twitted of his belluin acti­ons: and had by that time so learned to lord over his passions, that he rather thought it his duty to content himself with the effects of that machin, how unkindly soever he might take it from their hands who had been the cause of this his odd Conver­sion.

This Amsterdamnable Gusman having once in his life done evil that good came of it, [Page 128] met once suddenly again with another op­portunity to do himself good, which was on this wise:

Not long after this Masquerade he applies himself to an eminent Merchant of Amster­dam, whose chief Traffic was in the Straits and at Greenland, whither he sent every year several Ships: of this same Mer­chant he bought, to the value of 3600. gilders in Train and Whale-bone, besides 800. gilders in Rice, which he promised to pay upon delivery, for which purpose he repairs to the House of Mr. vander Ha— the said Merchant, with a bag of money, where the Goods were delivered. Diomedes tender'd him the money, amounting to 4400. gilders, for which the Merchant signs an acquittance. Now Diomedes in the mean time had a Camrade of his by him all the time, whom he had instructed in what he was to do. Seeing now his opportunity, he calls the Merchant aside, as if he had an earnest to impart to him, where he held him up with an invented story, while the other clandestinly takes up the bags and ac­quittance, and steals away.

When Diomedes saw all effected he walks demutely back again with the Merchant in­to the Counting house, where the Merchant coming sees the Money and Paper gone, be­gan to rage and stamp like mad, not know­ing [Page 129] what to do in the case, but at last cal­ling to mind, such another prank Diomedes had play'd, of which some had given him an inkling, immediatly without more ado charges the matter home upon him, and tax'd him for the Thief. Diomedes highly incensed at the affront began to give him scurvy language, which was again reta­liated; in short to high words they came, and finally Diomedes gave him a challenge, which Mr. vander Ha— refused not to answer, so to't they went, where Diomedes, being an experter sword-man, gave him a prick under the left pap, which he judging to be mortal, took him to his heels, and away for Paris, to avoid the danger that was incumbent on him.

Mr. vander Ha— in the mean while lies wallowing in his blood, is found by some who knew him and brought home, three Chirurgeons are immediatly sent for, who having made inspection into the wound, concluded the good Gentleman past reco­very; however use their utmost diligence to cure him, and at last by their joint care and skill, brought him so far up, that he was judged past all danger.

Diomedes who knew no better but that his Antagonist was dead, kept himself very privatly at Paris, till all his money was spent for by reason of his sudden departure, he [Page 130] could not take more with him than a litle gold he had in his pocket. Seeing now that all his money was gone, he resolves to list himself among a company of Padders, having already got into acquaintance with a Captain of the Gang, who upon his inti­mation gave him free admission, with this proviso, That he should first show his proof by way of Tryal, or examen, wh [...]ch he essay'd and with good success, as you shall presently understand.

Now by reason of the unhappy circum­stances he had involved himself into, he went under the name of Monsr. de Villeneuf, which name we purpose to make use of to denote his Worship in the sequel.

Monsr. de Villeneuf went into a noted Or­dinary, where several of the young Nobi­lity did customarily meet once a week, where being come, and looking like a Per­son of no indifferent quality, sat himself down among those Gentlemen, and being in the croud, when they first began to take their places, none took occasion to que­stion how he came there; for besides their civility for the better convenience of the House, strangers are admitted at the Re­quest of the Landlord, every one thought he might probably be an acquaintance of some one in the company, and therefore unwilling to put any affront upon him, not [Page 131] knowing whose displeasure that they might incur by so doing. To come more to the matter, Monsr. de Villeneuf, observes, when (as the manner of that Ordinary is) the Guests gave money into a silver Charger for the use of the Poor, which went round the Table; that a Gentleman who sat at his right hand had a velvet Purse well charged with Pistols: This Purse made his Teeth to water, and like a Load-stone had such an attractive vertue that it turn'd his eye what wa [...] soever it turned its self.

When the Meal was over the Gentleman rose from Table, and took his leave of the company. Monsr. de Villeneuf seeing him go, posts away after him, to see if he could bring his purpose about, and accordingly closes up with him, saying; ‘Sir, I per­ceive by your discourse at Table, that you have a desire to buy two Coach-horses, There is an acquaintance of mine, who has a brace of Flanders-Mares, which if you have a mind to see I will give him no­tice of it, that he may wait upon you, at what time and place you are pleased to appoint. Monsr. de Molineaux’ (for that was the Gentlemans name) hearing him say so, made answer? ‘Sir, 'tis true, I have 4, or 5 days inquired but cannot hear of any according to my mind, and if you can bring me to sight of those two Mares, you [Page 132] will infinitly oblige me, yet believe me, Sir, I should be loath to put you to so great a trouble; but wherein I may serve you, vouchsafe but to command and your injunction shall be obey'd.’ Villeneuf re­plies that it was no more than his duty to serve him, the more because his supposed acquaintance had desired him to recom­mend his bargain: and so pray'd him to go along with him to a Cabaret hard by, pro­mising to send for his friend thither. To this Molineaux assents; where being come Villeneuf writes to his Comrades, under no­tion of writing about what he had intimated to Molineaux. After he had done he stept aside to give it a Boy who was to carry it, according to his directions. The sense of the Letter was thus:

I have met with a Cully, do you therefore come as Officers and arrest him as a Male­factor, 'tis a fat bird and for our turn, fur­ther directions I need not give, Sat sapienti­bus dictum puto, but what other instructions shall be necessary, I judge it time enough when you make your appearance. The World is turn'd over the moon.

The note was larger but abstruse: how­ever so perspicuous to them as they under­stood his meaning, and accordingly came; one representing an Officer of Justice, the [Page 133] rest his Dogs, or Followers. So soon as they came in, they siezed the person of Mo­lineaux, in presence of Villeneuf who made as if he had been mightily astonished at the matter, and show'd himself greatly con­cerned for him, desiring them not to be so uncivil as to drag a Gentleman out of the house at that rate. Monsr. Molineaux prays them to tell him what was the matter, and upon what account they arrested him, with all desiring them to advise the matter bet­ter together, and bethink themselves, whether he was the person, or no, that they came to look for. The Officer with a dreadful look tells him, that he, and none else, was the Person they looked for, Come, come, added he, you would pretend ignorance, would you? are not you acquaint­ed with such and such men [naming some of an infamous gang, and himself for one] and are you ignorant of such and such a cheat? Monsr. Molineaux swore and pro­tested he never was acquainted with that gang of Rogues, neither did he know any thing of those cheats. However notwith­standing all those asseverations, the Officer commanded the men to ty him fast, as they would have done, only Villeneuf prays them that he might have the liberty to speak a word with him apart, to which the Officer gave his consent. Villeneuf therefore calls [Page 134] him aside and discourses him after this man­ner; ‘Sir, I cannot enough condole your present trouble into which you are fallen, but if I can be Bail for you, I will, rather than that you should be carried through the streets, which may tend to your dis­honour, well knowing (although my acquaintance with you has not been long) that you are a Person of such worth, as that you cannot but be universally known, only I desire to have some security for my self, which if I should demand upon such an account I hope you will not take ill out, since you have that by you, which will do it.’ Monsr. Molineaux thanks him for his great civility, withal telling him that he was content, and pray'd him to ac­cept of the Purse of Gold if that would sa­tisfy him. ‘Well (replies Villeneuf,) I hope that the matter will not prove so difficult after they find it a mistake, and I question not on the other hand (since the Officer knows me) but that he will accept of my Bail;’ and with that steps toward him, and offered his Bail. At first he seems to scruple, saying, that he knew not whether he might do it or not with safety; ‘But, added he, for the honour of you Monsr. Villeneuf, I am content to hazard the matter, being you seem to have knowledge of him.’ Villeneuf having promised upon his parole to [Page 135] make him forth-coming, the mock-Consta­ble took his leave of him and went out, lea­ving them two together.

When they were gone Villeneuf began to ask him, what was the matter? to whom the Gentleman replies, that he knew no more what it was than of his Deaths-day, but that he was sure it was a mistake. ‘If I might be sure of that, (quoth he) I would go my self and discourse the Offi­cer about it, for albeit I am satisfied as to your being wrong'd, yet people you know are always apter to sustain and har­bour a bad opinion of any man, than a good, and the whitest walls we see are the soonest stain'd.’ To be brief, he desired him to stay a litle and he would go and speak with him, and if he did not return within an hour, that he should go to such a Cabaret in St. Honory street, and there in­quire for him, which Monsr. Molineaux promised to do. Villeneuf in the mean time, goes to his Comrades and tells them that at such a time, he was to bring him a sum of money for his security, naming when and where, which was the same time and place he thought they would find the Gentleman, praying them to meet him at that time there. This done Villain-enough trips off and went for Rouan, where he imbarques himself for Middleburg, having got 800. and [Page 136] od Pistols to bear his charges thither.

Monsr. Molineaux whom he had left be­hind beginning too late to distrust the Cheat, resolves with himself to go out and see if he could hear of Villeneuf, but the Landlord, seeing him offer to go forth, takes him by the shoulder and bad him pay before he went, which he was fain to do. Coming to the House where Villeneuf had appointed him, he inquired for him: but not hearing of him, and he now waited a good while for him, began to distrust the matter, and at last makes his mind known to the Landlady of the House; who imparted the matter to her Husband, her Husband to other Friends then in the House, who all con­cluded it to be a Cheat. Whilst they were busy in talking, comes the Fellow who had plaid the Officer, and five or six of the gang with him, and asked for Villeneuf. The Landlady knew that was the name of the Bail, and pray'd them to go up to him a­bove stairs, which they did, but entring the Room they found that they had got a wrong Sow by the tail, and would have run out again, but the Man of the House shut to the street door, and would not suffer them; till having sent for an Officer, they were apprehended, and committed to Prison, where they remained till they re­ceived their Trial in the criminal Chamber. [Page 137] The Ring-leader himself had both his ears cut off, and burn'd in the shoulder with a Flower de Luce. The rest only scourged a litle, except two which had been before con­victed of enormous crimes in Picardy, were sent to Marseilles to tug at the Oars.

Diomedes now arrived at Middleburg durst not go for Amsterdam before he had heard how squares went there, and whether Mr. vander Ha— was recovered: He therefore sent to a trusty Friend of his to inquire for him: who sent him word that the wound, though at first judged mortal, was well cu­red, and that there was no danger of reci­divation; Upon this his Rogueship returns for Amsterdam, without fear of such cour­ses as his Creditors which he had so balk'd would take, so soon as they had notice of his arrival, which indeed would have fallen out sour enough if it had not just happened to be in the Vacation time; However when the Vacation was done they began to ba [...] him like a Bear at the stake, till he was fain to make his escape, as shall be hereafter said.

After he had been a day or two in Amste [...] ­dam, he went to visit an old friend he had at Haarlem, and with one to give him a Dun. But hardly was he got out of the Gates, be­fore he was espied by a Mercer, who had about three years before sold him to the [Page 138] value of 800. gild. in Silks and Tissue, which money he could never get. This Gentleman seeing Diomedes posted after him as fast as he could, taking two friends along with him who were well mounted, and just then upon a journey for Flanders, for which reason the Mercer was to convoy them a part of the way. So soon as Diomedes with the passage Boat arrives at Haarlem, the Mercer follows him to see where he would go in, and there arrested him. He now under arrest, knew not any evasion, but was fain to pay down the money which was al­most the last of his Gold, which he brought with him from Paris. This done he was set free again, and the Mercer glad to get his money went with his company to Leyden, where he took his leave of them.

Diomedes in the mean while, goes to his Debtor, whom he found not at home, and was fain for that time to be content. But bethinking himself of a sum he had ow­ing him at Amersfoort, he betakes himself thither.

Coming into a certain Village near the City he takes up his lodging there, for he having once play'd a foul Trick at Amers­foort, durst not venture himself in the Town, but sent a note to the Person who ought him the money, praying to speak with him. The man received his Letter, [Page 139] sent him answer that he would come, as the day following he did, being come Diome­des prays him that he would please to pay the money: But the man who was not in a capacity to pay it, pray'd him, to have patience 14 days and he would pay him the most part of the sum. Diomedes seemed very unwilling, but knowing that he durst not sue him, because of the bad circumstances he was under, which, if he had made the lest stir or appearance would have turn'd to mis­chief; and on the other hand, was sensible how cases stood at home, resolves to content himself with his promise, and spend that time in the Village. He called briskly for wine and was attended after the best manner, till his money was up. When the 14 days were expired, he sends to his Debtor at Amersfoort who pray'd him to stay a week longer for his money, and he would faithfully pay him all, giving him some like­ly and probable reasons, whence he might gather that there was some apparency of reality in the man. Diomedes, though sore against his will, was fain to take all in good part, for the aforesaid reasons, and when the time came about, he sends again but word was brought him that his Debtor was march'd of and had taken all his moveables with him, which so vex'd Diomedes, that he was ready to hang himself, that he should [Page 140] be so chouc'd with the man, and besides his tedious journey; to run himself into debt at his Lodging. Every time Diomedes rose from Table, his Landlady look'd for her money; who seeing nothing come but a few airy Castles, at last assumed the boldness to ask him when he thought to pay her, Diomedes told her that the next day he would receive some money for a bargain of Wine he had sold to a Vintner, and upon the re­ceipt of that money he would pay her. She distrusting, the rather because he sent and re­ceived several Letters, to & from Amersfoort, contented her self with that answer. The next day, the Landlady perceiving him to deal in Wine, pray'd him to show her the way to purify Claret; Diomedes gives her some instructions in writing, which he pro­tested cost himself a great deal of money in France. He told her besides that he had a way of making one Pipe or Vessel yield two sorts of Wine; as by example, If it be a Hogshead of white Wine that it would run both white and claret from the same Vessel, at two several Cocks, as distinct and diffe­rent both in tast and colour, as if it were two sorts of Wine. The Landlady prays him to teach her that art, saying that she was a poor woman, and burthened with a charge of children, and by her late Hus­bands negligence brought into so much [Page 141] debt, as she was never able to pay. Diome­des, at first seem'd to scruple, saying, it was a mystery that only another besides himself in all the 17. Provinces knew: However, said he, I shall tell you on condition that you will swear upon your honesty never to reveal it. This she promised to do, and told him that she would reckon him the Center of her happiness ever after Well, quoth Diomedes, Then at night we will try it, at what time you shall send your Maid of an errand, and we in the mean while will get all things in a readiness. The evening being come, The Landlady sends out the Maid on a sleevless errand, which she thought would cost her an hour or two at lest; Diomedes provides himself with an auger to pierce the Cask, and a paper or two of Powders, which must be the Ingredients, and so calling his Land­lady into the Cellar falls a boring: when he had bored one hole, he pray'd the Woman to set her thumb to it till he had bored ano­ther, which when he had done, cries out, Good lack a day, what have I forgot? the main Ingredient I have left some where in my Chamber, which is the first that I must use, and so pray'd the Landlady to stop the other hole so long with her other thumb which she did. Diomedes seeing her so hard inga­ged at stopping, marches softly up stairs into his Chamber, takes his Port-mantle, and [Page 142] ruminating the House finds a Bag of money which was left to the care of the Landlady by a Butcher who was come to buy Cattel at the Beast-market, and so trips off. The Landlady being thus imploy'd waited a while with patience till she grew weary, be­gins to cry out, Where are you, Sir, if you stay much longer, the Maid will come. But no answer was made, she then calls out again, a second and a third time, still receiving no answer; whereupon she began to smell a Cheat, and fain would she go to see for him but could not leave the Cask: and in this po­sture she was fain to stay till her Maid comes home, who wondred to see her Mistress fast to the Cask, ask'd her, what was the matter? Pre'thee Nan says the old Woman, set your thumbs to these two holes, till I go above; The Maid relieves the Mistress, and the Mistress runs in all hast up stairs, to see for her Guest, but entring his room, finds him not, and going into another, sees her Linnen and other Goods all on a heap toge­ther, cries out with a lamentable voice, Theeves, Theeves, I am undon, I am rob­bed, I am undon, all I have in the world is stole. The Maid hearing her say so, forgets her self and in all hast runs up also, to see, if her new Petticoat and Linnen were not stole likewise. The Woman runs up and down the House like one distracted, the more [Page 143] when she mist the Butchers money, and the Maid, out in all hast to call in the Neigh­bours, who understanding the business got an able fellow or two to run after Diomedes, who by that time was far enough out of their reach.

About three days after Diomedes arrives it Utrecht, it being then Horse-Fair, takes up his Lodging at an eminent Inn, not far from the Cathedral Church, and met acci­dentally with a young Gentleman who was a Canonic, or Dom Heer of that Place, and come thither to receive his annual Prebend. When they sate together at supper Diomedes insi [...]uated himself into his acquaintance, and at last came to sound his concerns. The next day the Gentleman prays Diomedes to accompany him to the Fair, and (since two heads are alwayes better then one) desired his help and judgement about a Horse. Dio­medes to show that he was a man of breed­ing, could not be so uncivil as to deny him and so accordingly they went together. After they had view'd the Fair well, the Dom-Heer, spies one to which he took a sin­gular liking, being both of a neat shape be­fore and behind, and likewise an excellent ambler. The Horse he bought paying to the value of 45. pound sterl. for him, and or­dered him to be brought to the Inn, where he lay, and returns with Diomedes home, where [Page 144] by that time he came, the Horse was brought, and set up in the stable. The next day the Gentleman asks Diomedes if he would break his fast with him, to which he easily assent­ed; and when they had done, called for a reckoning, the Dom-Heer sadles his Gelding and makes himself ready for a journey. Diomedes seeing him lay on a heavy Port-mantle behind him, thought it more than a venial offence to loose such a considerable booty, told him he would bear him com­pany part of the way, if he would please to have the patience so long till he had hired a Horse, willing rather to ride, having such a civil Gentleman for his Fellow-traveller, than to sit in the Passage-boat such fair wea­ther among a company of old wives. The Canonic was glad to have his fellowship, I told him he would stay for him, Diomedes immediately goes to a Hackney stable; where he, with the recommendation of the Landlord, hires an old Jade that could hardly trail her leggs after her. This done they both mount, and so soon as they were got out of the Town, the Dom-Heer new phangled of his purchase, rides out to try his Gelding, which done, he prays Diomedes to dismount, and try him, which he also did, and let the Dom-Heer ride so long on his old Hackney. Diomedes now mounted on the Gelding rides a good way forward, [Page 145] and honestly returns again, and so a second time a litle further, returning likewise. The Gentleman taking more delight to see ano­ther ride his Horse than himself, prays him to ride off again, which he did, and that so far that he never saw him since.

Diomedes after he had left his Companion and provided himself, of a good horse and money enough was resolved to take a turn up towards Aix la Chapel and Cologn, and accordingly went through Brabant, where he play'd some notable Pranks, one whereof was thus.

Coming into Lovain, he took up his lodg­ing at the, King of Spain (one of the best Inns in the Town) where being allighted they brought his Gelding into the stable. There happening to be at that time a Colonel who had long served under the famous Mon­t [...]cu [...]ul [...]: This Colonel viewing well the horse of Diomedes, and taking a singular fancy for him; asked him if he was willing to sell him. Diomedes seemed to be unwilling, say­ing, that the Rijngraaf by recommendation of a Gentleman had a great mind to see him, and herefore was not willing to part with him, unless upon very good Conditions, see­ing he was sure to have his Price for him. These words made the Colonel the more eager to buy him, praying Diomedes to set a Price and see if they could agree. Diomedes [Page 146] asks, 350 Pata [...]oons. The Colonel told him that was a price he thought much too high, and willed him therefore to be more reasonable. He prays the Colonel if he had a mind to try him, he should not think that too dear, whe­refore he prays the Ostler to ride him out, which he did. Now said Diomedes, do you think the Price too high, beleeve me I am sorry that I propounded not a higher: I make no question but I shall make more money of him when I come at the Campagne, Sir (replies the Colonel) I am satisfied as to the Horse, but as touching the Price, I think much to give so great a Sum and therefore if you are not willing to give him for less I presume it will be no bargain with us. Well Sir (said Diomedes) There [...] no great harm done, you have your Money, and I have my Horse; and with that bids the Ostler set him up, and rub him well, &c. which he did, Diomedes returns with the Colonel to their Inn, where after supper they agreed for the Horse, the Colonel pays him 300 Rix-dollars in Gold for him, and was well satisfied with his purchase. The next morn­ing, so soon as the Gates were open, Diome­des goes out to the Stable without once reckoning with his hoste [...]s and demands his Horse of the Ostler which he had sold and already received Money for. The Ostler neither knowing nor mistrusting any thing to the contrary, but that it was his own Horse, [Page 147] delivers him without any scruple. Lebechea being now furnished with Money as well as with a Horse, thought it his best way to re­turn towards Holland, and accordingly ta­king Machlin by the way, posts for An [...]wer [...], where coming to the Goos Inn upon the Mar­ket, he meets with the Marquis of P—to whom he sold his Horse for the same price, and imbarqued himself aboard the Schuyt for Dort, and so forward to Amster­dam, leaving the Marquis and Colonel who were near kinsmen to divide the Horse or dispute their Right.

Being now returned for Amsterdam he remained some time there unknown to his Creditors who lo [...]ged greedily to hear of his Arrival, and for many days together [...]anging by night thro the Town with his Cloak mussled about his ears, he was at last discerned by a neighbour of his, whom he had formerly served a dirty trick. This Per­son being a Broker and thence very popular, and a man of universal acquaintance, went and signified his arrival to every one he knew to be any way interrested in him, upon which notice they came every day clustring delive­ring him Reckonings; as also in the street, for so soon as he thought that most, or all of his Creditors had heard of his arrival he chused rather to hazard his Person abroad than to loose his accustomed Recreations [Page 148] and Divertisements. Every day that the kind Heavens bestowed upon the World, was our Merchant pesterd with Duns. Now comes the Mercer, Draper, Taylor, Embroyderer, Habe [...]dasher, then comes the Mason, Car­penter, Smith, Painter, Carver, and Gla­zier, another, or perhaps the same day comes the Butcher, Poulterer, Fishmonger and Baker with Bills as Woodcocks. Nay the vast expences which he had vainly thrown away in repairing his Countrey house, after his own particular fancy, did far sur­mount the money he purchased it for, and than it was really worth. Besides this came every day those persons which he had chea­ted, Leopoldus from the Hague, the Vintner of Leyden, the Ry-merchant, the Ship-Carpenter of Amsterdam, Mordechai the Iew, and the Wood-monger, these coming-constantly to give attendance and wait upon his Knaveship, fell now and then into discourse together, and so summed up his Roguery, and some of those so concerned at his unjust dealings that they reviled him in the open street which caused a great concourse of people and sometimes the Mobile before his doors: others who were quite worn out of patience, resolved to take a speedy course, least dal­lying too long they might come to late, since he had so many of those Serviteurs every morning at his door.

[Page 149] It happened that some of his Creditors meeting together upon the Exchange, where they came to speak with him, agreed upon a time when they should come all together to give him a visit, amongst which was the Painter of whom he had bought 3200 gl. in Pictures, 3 Taylors, a Mercer, an Upholste­rer, an Embroyderer, and others that wan­ted their Rent for Cellerage; these coming one day desired to speak with him; but he, as his custome was, let'em know he was not within, insomuch that they were fain to be content without effecting any thing at that time: however seeing that they could never find him at home they swore they would come every day till they received satisfa­ction, as accordingly they did, thronging so before the door and in the passage of his house that he could not go out, and at last forced the Fox out of his hole, where they delivered each man his accompt, and pray'd him to peruse'em.

On a certain morning came in so many of his Creditors that the entry of his house was full, which he understanding called in some of the Principle of them into a Room apart where he opened a Chest of Drawers and show'd them several Baggs of Money and asked what for coin they would be pai'd in; they made answer, so as he pleased. Well, said he, Gentlemen be content for this [Page 150] time to go away, and come to-morrow and I shall in the mean time take it into consideration. With this answer they were fain to depart; but coming the next day found him still in the same Story: For he ever let them see the Land of Promise, but would never suf­fer them to enter into it. These being mostly Persons of mechanical Professions could not endure any longer to be balked, but resol­ved to proceed against him at law, and see if that would be more effectual than Threats and Flatteries.

Soon after comes Leopoldus from the Hague who had sold him 12000. gl. in Actions, and the Ship-Carpenter who had pretence of 4666 gl. upon him, the Corn-Merchant Ierome to whom he was owing 69160 gl, and Mor­decai the Iew, who came in for 82000 gl. more; these all unanimously went and made their Address to the Upper-Judge, who hearing these various complaints, could not but add credit to their Demonstrations, they being Persons of that worth, and Gentlemen of honest Fame; insomuch that these Enor­mities made Diomedes so black, that the Officer of Justice could not but take notice of him as a great Criminal as well for Chea­ting, Forging of Writings, &c. as for Fighting and Bloodshed, with many such like abuses: Insomuch that he watched his op­portunity to apprehend him and commit him [Page 151] to custody having already an old claim against him for a delinquency already men­tioned. Diomedes beginning to smell a Ratt, thought good to pack up his Auls and be gone, taking with him 10000 gild. in Gold and about 36000 gild. in Jewels, which he had to that end bought to supply himself in time of need: besides 18000 gild. in Mo­ney and Jewels which he hid some where about Haarlem, thinking that if he should prove infortunate, that might be his Friend in Extremity. This done lie posts away through Rotterdam and so on for Middleburg, where he took up his lodging in an Inn, thinking there to rest a litle after a wearisom Journey.

He had with him only one Person to wait upon him, who spoke very good English, judging him as serviceable upon his inten­ded Journey, which was for England. His whole purpose he imparts to Harry (for that was his mans name) and what his resolution was: Harry in the mean time (haveing acquain­tance with Leopold's Page) writes to him and detects the whole concern; the Page thought it his duty to intimate the matter to his master, shows him the Letter. Leopold upon this notice went with all possible speed for Middleburg, where Diomedes lay wind­bound, and charges the Pretor or Baliff of the Town with him, who went instantly [Page 152] with the Dienaers and siezed him, being so drunk that he was not able to stand; inso­much that they were fain to arrest a Fellow with a wheel-barrow to carry him along, which after they had first made him fast, they did, being guarded by hundreds of the Rabble, and an infinite Train of Boys, who were very inquisitive what the matter was that such a Gallant should be so meanly coached.

Diomedes all this while was not sensible whither they brought him, being so drunk that he had not the use of his sences. Thus hurried away, he was put into a Dungeon where having got a little Sleep he awaked; and not knowing any thing of the matter could not devise where he was got, for all was dark. In this amazement he began to grope here and there, where still he could feel nothing but the bare Walls, and loo­king about him could not see any thing, which made him doubt whether he were blind, or that it came by the vigorous effects of the Wine. At last he began to cry out▪ but the more he cried the worse perplexed he was, for no answer was made. Thus remaining in a quandary a thousand doubts and Imaginations possessed his mind, till at length he falls asleep again and so remained till it was day, at what time he discovered by the light of a litle hole that he was for [Page 153] that time injoyn'd to take Chamber-air. But all this time he could hardly persuade him self that the thing was real, but would fain impose upon his thoughts that he only dream'd, and that it was a meer Fantasy occasioned from the Threats, of those he had gull'd at Amsterdam. This continued for some time till at last he saw clearly there was no deception in the case, but that he was surely fast. His negligence he relented now more than his Actions, which were the occasion of this his misery, and the loss of his money vex'd him more than that of his Reputation: but seeing that Repentance was now an hour too late, and all his com­plaints to no purpose, he begins to hunt out for a place to make his escape by. After much▪ [...]eeking he espied a hole which was very high, and thwarted with massy grates, so that it was impossible for him to come out that way: he therefore began to examin his Pockets to see if he had money enough to bribe the Jaylor or Turn-key, and so that way to give them the slip, but he found they had taken away almost all the money he had about him, only the Jewels they had left him which were stitchd up in his Drawers. These he offered the Jaylors man that brought him meat; but he considering that his place was of more consideration than the Jewels (ac­cording to all the judgement he had) and [Page 154] the Penalty greater than both, he durst not hearken to him lest he should be tempted, insomuch that Diomedes grew desperate of ever coming out that way, and was fain to comfort himself on the best wise he could and with hopes of Mercy.

After a few days he came to Tryal, and found that his Creditors were all acquain­ted with his Condition, and had made in­stance to have him brought to Amsterdam, amongst whom the Head-Officer of that City principally appeared, that there he might receive his condign punishment according to the enormous feats he had committed there, and therefore most fitting there to be a public Example. Diomedes seeing no suffi­cient evidence, in Court, denies all, and was thereupon remanded back to prison till further and clearer proof could be made, by Wittnesses of Affidavits from Amsterdam. Being now secured the second time, his greatest fear was that those of Amsterdam would prevail in their Demands, and get him thither, where he being palpably guilty of so many enormities would hardly come off with his life, or that perhaps coming to have a second hearing, cases would appear so dirty that he might for better security be clapt into shakles, and have a pair of Iron garters bestowed upon him; resolved there­fore to loose no time or opportunity, nor [Page 155] spare for pains to get out of his cage: and in order thereto sounds the Privy, which he found to his purpose, and in the dead time of the night, began to dive where he was almost smothered in Filth, and having tra­velled so far till he met with the common shoar could not see which way to go, nor meet with any soul to show him the way. Many Cross-pipes and conveyances he found, but either he could not find an Entry, or else the mussin too narrow to receive his body: however, the hardest Invention is ac­quirable, and nothing so difficult, but may be accomplished by Time, Patience and In­dustry. He hearing a great noise, which he perceived might be about 20 steps behind him, and making towards the place it was warm water which he presumed some had thrown down the house of Office, to purge it, and finding the pipe of a sufficient wide­ness, indeavoured to force himself through. After a long pinching and squeesing of his body, in he goes, and found it ever wider and wider till he got up so high that he could teach the seat, where groping to find the hole, feeled a pair of warm Buttocks, which happened to be a Gentlewoman, who was newly set. The Gentlewoman fee­ling, some body finger her Flesh behind, and not dreaming of our subterranean Passenger, shrieks out and ran away in all [Page 156] hast, hardly daring to look behind her.

Our Pioneer seeing the Lady in such a fright, cried out; Madam, please to ex­cuse me that in stead of handling your Breaosts I have through a mistake seized upon your Buttocks: Neither think that I come to do you any harm, for I am an honest man, and under hopes of Privacy and Concealment am come to seek pro­tection under your Roof, which I hope after a full hearing of my deplorable state your Ladyship will vouchsase to grant me.

The Gentlewoman who at first was astonished, was content to dispence with so much time as to give him a hearing, he relating almost the whole passage, [...]ow he was an eminent Merchant in Amster­dam and was upon his Journey for Eng­land, but by some malitious and ill-af­fected persons seized and accused of what he was never guilty, and therefore being clapt up in Prison, was fain to do what none would leave undone, that is ten­der of his Life, and therefore hoped that the Lady would neither think it strange nor take it ill out, but rather pity his sad Condition, &c. These and many other Arguments perswaded the Lady to compassion, and to give credit to what he said, the more by reason of his rich ha­bit and embroidered coat, which was cir­cumstance [Page 156]

[Page] [Page 157] enough for a Credulous wo­man to beleeve all he said was real, and not barely verbal. In sum the Gentlewoman lent him a shift and other cloathing to cover himself, leaving him by himself in the yard, and show'd him the Pump where he made himself clean, she in th [...] mean time looking thro the window and seeing his well propor­tioned body, began to be enamoured with his Person, and had hardly the Patience to wait his coming, to examin him a litle fur­ther. After he had made clean his body, he also washed his cloaths in the best wi [...]e he could, and hung them up to dry: which done he steps into the Parlour to give the Lady thanks for the great civility she had shown him which he did with so much grace and Eloquence that the Lady resolved that night not to go to bed, but to discourse him about affairs, &c. After he had warmed him a litle she took him, and (according to the manner of the Countrey) show'd him all the house round, where she let him see much costly Furniture, besides her Plate Jewels and Cloaths: having done above stairs, she brought him below to see her Shop, which standing in the best place of the City was furnished with all sorts of rich Laces, Points, and fine Linnen, besides another shop next to it▪ divided from the former only by a small Partition▪ this was [Page 158] furnished with all sorts of Silks, flo­w'red, striped and plain, besides many rich Indian Gowns, ready made, whereof she took one, and desired him to put on, lest he should get cold. Madam, replies he, Your courtesy is not to be paraleld, where­of, this is a notable instance, your Ladiships gracious Favours already heaped upon me denote the real worth of the Interiour habit of your Mind, as well as your Angelio [...]l Countenance and form to evidence the completeness and per­fection of your external Person. But, Madam, it is not likely, or may it in any wise be deemed possible, that I should take cold, so long as I am within the Circle of your sun-like beauty, where I could be heartily content to live and dy. Mrs. Olympia, (for that was the Gentlewo­mans name) was not much behind him, for a Complement, but the greatest part of their Communication, as we have in some part forgot, and as it is otherwise not mate­rial, and consequently not necessary to our present purpose I shall wave. But only by way of abridgment, it may suffice to tell you that before many hours were spent they made an insubid vow, plighted their Tro [...]h together in the presence of Heaven, and swore a perpetual fidelity and constancy of mind. This rash promise they ratified by many kis [...]es and mutual embraces of each other, she thinking her self at worst to have [Page 159] a personable man, whether all other appen­dencies were as he had represented them, or no; and he on the other hand in hope of bet­ [...]ering his Estate, by imbarquing himself on a firm-built bottom and substantial shop­keeper as appeared by what he had already seen. Diomedes seeing her so fast linked to him, as well by that irrevocable and invio­lable ingagement which they had recipro­cally counterchanged, as also by the great in­clination he could observe she had towards his Person, thought it best by degrees to detect the naked truth to her, rather than conceal it any longer.

He began first to relate a mixed story of Truth and Lies, as my Grandmother used to give me a medicine against worms, which of its self, was bitter, she was wont to swee­ten the Cup about the edges with honey, or temper it with sugar to make it more palata­ble. First he tells her how that of his kind nature he had been surety for some of his Relations, and upon their Failing he was fain to pay their Debts; and at such and such times he had losses by sea, & bad Debtors, in­somuch that he had been frequently in Extre­mities, which had compelled him to do some things which his good Conscience would not dispence with, and in sum he had payd 15. times his real Estate upon such unfor­tunate Occasions, and was at that instant [Page 160] Debtor in 260000 gild. and had on the con­trary Credit 220000 gild. which he did not doubt but one Adventure or two would make good, and assopiate the differences which lay between him & injured Persons.

This can did Confession did not in the lest startle the constant Olympia, who had rather disburse a greater sum, than to break squares with him, who had already insinuated him­self so [...]ar into her Brest that for better or worse she was resolved to imbarque her self with him into what Ease or Trouble the Fates should involve him in, and promised him to make good his Accounts, in case he would deliver the remnant of his Capital into her hand. To this Diomedes freely assents, and so the Troth was mutually sealed and confir­med on both sides with many Expressions and Protestations of stabilily.

The day approaching, our Terrae filius, having regard to his security consulted with his new Mistress, what course was to be ta­ken for the point of Safety: and in sum it was thought advisable to be jogging before break of day to a place, which she had appoin­ted him, and to commit his affairs into the hand of some trusty Solicitor, or other, who might make the streets passable for his Wor­ship.

The next morning being come, the Jaylor opens the Prison door misses Diomedes, which [Page 161] startled him so that he was ready to kill him­self, or the first person that came nigh him; yet bethinking that it was a vanity to lay vio­lent hands upon himself, he imparted the matter to his wife, who presses upon him to acquaint the Officers of Justice with the whole Affair, and at last perswaded him to do it, upon which a scrutiny was made, and Messengers sent abroad with a Pouvoir to apprehend him, if within the Jurisdiction of the Province of Zeeland; But when he could not be heard of, the Committée for criminal affairs had a debate among them­selves the Result whereof was, That the Jaylor himself should be shut up and secured, in his place, suspecting that he had been bribed or corrupted by money, or fair Promises, since it could not be made appear that he had broke any way out, the Walls, Doors, Windows, Roof and Floor being all [...]irm, without any breach: and on this wise con­tinued the innocent Jailour, till a Person no­minated by Diomedes, appeared and offered full payment to all his Creditors, who re­sted satisfyed; only the Schout of Amsterdam, who made a large Demand, upon the crimi­nal score; however was in process of time satisfied with a handsom sum of money, and gave Diomedes liberty to appear abroad, and negotiate his affairs wheresoever his con­cerns then lay.

[Page 162] After they had been a while married Dio­medes began to press hard upon her to get her to remove for Amsterdam, which she for her own part was very inclinable to, but as Old women are no more willing to leave the Place they have lived in all their life time, than they are willing to leave the World; so her mother Livia was as far from consenting to leave Middleburg, as she was free to their wedding. But however she was forced to yield to their humour, and assent to their mar­riage though sore against her Will, since the greatest part of Olympia's Estate came to her by a former husband, who bequeathed her 80000 gild. by Testament, dying but 10 daies after the Marriage and about 6 moneths be­fore she married with our Merchant. Thus breaking up at Middleburg she removes shop, Goods, and all to Amsterdam. Her mother also followed, and hired a house not far from her son in Law, thinking to comfort her self the remainder of her Life with the Company of her only Daughter.

That which is bred in the bone will never out of the Flesh, a Tree that grows crooked when young cannot be bent when it grows old and sturdy. Diomedes who was so addicted to bas [...] and indirect dealings and an irregular course of Trade from the very Craddle could not forget his old Customes and inclinations, no more than Aesops Cat, which was by [Page 163] Venus transformed into a beautifull Lady, but being married and on her Nuptial Bed with her Bridegroom about a delightsome Exercise, accidentally spies a Mouse run over the Floor, immediatly jumps out of the Bed, and after the mouse; at which Venus was so inraged that she transformed her into her former shape again, The sequel of my story may supply the place of a Moral. Dio­medes not content with such a fair Condi­tion, and a well settled state having at once cleared himself almost of all claims against him, got a good Estate and Married with a fair and vertuous Gentlewoman: but fin­ding him in a new way of Trade begins to try practises that way, and makes false measures, a true and a false yard, the true to show upon examination, and the false for dayly use in the shop. This way dured not very long, for his new Customers soon found one his base doings and consequently went else where to market, which he perceiving took the mat­ter into consideration, and resolved to try some other way before it was too late, and in order thereto, insinuates himself into the [...]avour of the Factors of the East and West India Companies, and that so fa [...] that he had their Custome for goods, and the op­portunity to deliver a considerable quanti­ty of Linnen, and withall received a round sum of money from both the Companies.

[Page 164] Not long after came those two Gentlemen that had been security at Rotterdam for his Countrey house, desiring either that he would pay the remainder, or quit them of their Ingagement. Olympia who knew no­thing to the contrary but that all was paid, and now hearing those un welcome Tidings was mainly altered, having already paid so much money for him, upon so many occa­sions. Diomedes, not willing to suffer any affront or shame for so small a sum, promised to follow them in a day or two, and so to pay them in full, with which they being satis­fied for that time, took their leaves of him. Within 3 days Diomedes sets forward on his Journey, and in the Passage-boat between Amsterdam and Haarlem meets with a young Gentlewoman with whom he made Ac­quaintance, and after a litle discourse began to be very free with her, and inquisitive about her dwelling and Condition, and whether she was Maid, Wife, or Widdow, to which she answered that she was unmar­ried and never had a husband, and that her Residence was at Haarlem, altho shortly after she casually dropped out that her hus­band had lay 3 years sick of a Quartan Ague: From which Contradiction Diomedes obser­ved that she was a Gamester, and conse­quently offer'd his service, which with­out many Ceremonies she accepted. When [Page 165] they were come to Haarlem, she brough [...] him into a noted Inn in that Town, whence he concluded that she had no fast dwelling there. This being before noon Diomedes bespeaks a dinner where he treated his Miss very splendidly, having before hand conclu­ded to pass for man and wife. After dinner they took a walk into the Woods, where they spent the Afternoon, and in the Evening return to Haarlem. After supper he asked the Landlord if their Bed was ready; answer was made, Yes, first asking them if they were man and wife, or that they must have two several Chambers, they both answered that they needed but one. The fore part of the night they spent in amorous delights, but towards the morning Diomedes falls fast asleep, which she observing, rose up very softly, and cuts off the Plate buttons of his coat, goes softly down stairs, and prays the Landlord to show her an Apothe­cary, pretending her husband was very sick and had not slept all the night: Madam, said the Landlord, If you have any occasion at the' Pothecaries I shall send my Maid, The Gentlewoman made answer that she only wanted a lit [...]e Diacodium or Opium to provoke sleep: and withall told the Landlord that her husband was sometimes troubled with a Frenzy or a lightness in the head, and was used at such times to talk idly, and she [Page 166] was affraid that he would have one of his Fitts if he should not get a litle rest.

The Landlord sends the Maid with these directions who quickly returns. The Gen­tlewoman upon that goes softly up stairs, as if she would give it him in, and finding him still fast asleep, did not tarry any longer above than to take away suspicion of the mat­ter. Coming down stairs prays the Landlord that if they had any business above stairs in any other Room, to make as litle noise as they could, and with one desires him to deliver her the money her husband had givē him to lock up, for that she must go and pay it that mor­ning according to promise. The Landlord not in the least suspecting any thing, freely gave it her. She now having got so rich a Booty marches off, and was never heard of since.

About II a clock Diomedes awakes and missing his Darling was affraid of what he afterwards to his sorrow found true. So soon as the Landlord hears him awake, he goes up and opens the door very softly, and sees Diomedes in a raging fit, looking upon his Coat, which was bereaved of Buttons. The Landlord asks him, how he did? and how he had rested that night? Never the bet­ter for you, you Rascal. (replies he) What is the meaning of this? See here: and with that shows him the Coat. The Landlady hearing him stamp and make a noise, ran up stairs, asks her [Page 167] husband, what was the matter? Why Poor man! said he, he has been a pulling off the Buttons from his Coat you may see what a sad thing it is for a man to be deprived of his sences. You D [...]g, replies Diomedes, D'ee take me for a Mad man? O pray Sir, saies the host, have Pati­ence, and take a litle rest, I hope it will shortly go over. What a pox d'ee mean? says Diomedes, what do you take me for drunk or mad Now, now, quoth the Landlord, 'Tis the Physic, Sir, that works in your head' twill quickly go over. Work me no Working saies he, you rogue, who has stole my Buttons? and with that reaches for his sword, which the Landlord seeing ran out of the Room as fast as he could drive, slaps to the door after him, and down stairs after his wife but she not so quick as her hus­band, down she tumbles and he upon her, and with the fall put her Arm out of joynt. The Landlord thus perplexed was almost be­sides himself, and the Woman not a whit better. After he had gathered his sences to­gether again, he bethought himself to send for a Bone-setter for his wife, in the first place, fearing her arm was really broke, and in the next place to send for 2 or 3 stout­hearted men to enter the Room where Diome­des lay all the while a thundring and pelting the stools about the Chamber. When the Champions were come together the Land­lord up and told them all the story; ‘How [Page 168] that a Gentleman and his Lady was come there the night before, and that the Gentle­woman her self was gone out to pay some moneys in the Town, and had left him there, being possessed with a Frenzy which he was troubled with at certain times of Moon, &c. and that he had therefore sent to desire their help and advice.’ After the Consult was ended they went up with joynt courage to visit this Bedlamite, where opening the Door found him not, for he had jump'd out at a Window; which they seeing open, gathered thence that he was gone out at a back-street, so that they made no great search for him, but coming down stairs, they meet Diomedes coming in with the Substitute Schout, [or Constable] who immediatly tax'd the Landlord with very grievous Crimes, which being debated pro & contra they began to understand each other better than they did before. Diomedes impa­tient of this tedious dispute, demands the money he have him to lay up; Why, re­plies the Landlord▪ Your Wife has taken it with her and is gone to pay it. Hey day! cries Diomedes, what, ever worse and worse, The Woman I never see with my eies before, [...] is none of my wife. That is no fault of mine, quoth the Landlord, you did not only tell me she was your Wife, but lay with her, and upon that score I must justify my self, she has the [Page 169] Money. This enraged Diomedes worse than before: but the Officer hea [...]ing of their lying together, would have seized his per­son suspecting that he was a married man (which Justice takes more notice of than otherwise) and Diomedes fearing that if he dallied there long, that he might be secured till he should evidence the Contrary, which he could not do, and so bring himself into public shame, besides a round some of mo­ney at best, to satisfy Justice, which would but be Loss upon Loss; he therefore to prove the worst steals softly out, under colour as if he would go se [...]k for his Dar­ling. And betakes himself in all hast for Amsterdam, thinking one time or another to revenge this injury.

Olympia seeing her blessed Jewel come in such a fashion home, without ever a button on his coat, or his sword, which he was fain to pawn by the way to bear his expences, was not a litle altered: but he to palliate the truth of the matter (as his old custom was) told her that missing the Boat between Haarlem and Leyden, he was fain to go a foo [...], where comming at the Downs he was assailed by 3 or 4 Russians all mask'd, who immediatly clapt a pistol to his brest and bad him deli­ver, which he to save his life was fain to do, nor yet were they contented so, but must disarm him, and cut the buttons off his [Page 170] Coat. Olympia was not easily induced to beleeve this his story, but after a litle chi­ding with him was forced to put all up in good part.

Diomedes was not willing to leave the mat­ter, so but urges her anew, to give him 6000 gild. more, which she would in no wi [...]e con­sent to, till by his continual Importunateness he had almost harassed her out of her life, that she was fain to give it him, upon promise of being a better husband.

Having got the money he departs for Rotterdam, & there arriving he paid the sum. and returns back again for Amsterdam, where he was as welcom as Quarter-day to a Te­nant that has no money to pay his Landlord: For so soon as he arrived he found Olympia very pensiv and melancholic, that she would not give him a word; which he observing thought some way or other, to remedy the matter, by making of one good bargain or other.

But amids all these hopes he received Let­ters from Spain that the Ship which he had sent out upon a hopefull voyage was cast away on the heighth of Cabo Verdo, which news reduced him to despair, insomuch that he continually ran from one Tavern to another, and mispent his time, that with an incessant consumption of money made his wife in a worse humor than before.

[Page 171] It happened not long after that he met with an expert Gamester at Backgammon who allured him to play a Game with him to pass away the time. Diomedes who in his days had now and then shaken his arm, was easily moved to it; so to't they went; where from Shillings they proceeded to Ducatoons, and from Ducatoons to Du­cats, Diomedes in the mean time holding the board eaven with his Antagonist, which was done by subtility to make Diomedes the more easily induced to venture upon greater sums. At last it came up to 25 gild. (or 50 sh.) a throw, so that Diomedes came off at night with 1300 gild. loss. And being willing to go home, his Party takes him by the shoul­der and would not let him stirr out of the place till he had given him a Bond under his hand, whereby he acknowled himself to be indebted so much money to his Party, and thereby firmly binding himself to pay it upon demand. Diomedes was at first very loath to set his hand to paper, but seeing no remedy he was forced to it.

The next morning betimes came the Gentleman and demanded his Money of Dio­medes, before his wife was stirring; upon which Diomedes went privately and stole away the Keys, Olympia not once percei­ving, for she was fast asleep, not having slept the whole night by reason of her husbands [Page 172] staying late out; for whom she was in con­tinual fear, knowing him to be of a rash and resolute temper when he had drunk a litle more than ordinary. Having now got the Keys he took out a bag of moneys very clandestinely, pays his Creditor and lays the Keys where he took them.

Whem Olympia had occasion for some moneys went up into her Chest and found a great hole in the Cash, falls aboard her husband and called him a thousand Rogues, which he by all the means he could indea­voured to extenuate, but all to no purpose for he had not the art to tame a Shrew. All the ways he could possibly think upon he made use of to pacifie, and flattered her with promises of Amendment, and I know not what. Still Olympia rails and curses the day that ever she saw him, wishing she had been in her Coffin when she sat upon the house of Office, or that Death had seized upon her Heart, when he seized upon her Breach, &c. Thus she continued for many days to­gether in this fume, and would not go to bed with him, no, nor eat in his presence. Long dured this feud between them altho he for his part did all he could to compose the Difference, which in process of time he accomplished.

The money being now brought to the ut­most he began to solicit for more, which he [Page 173] would raise by exposing some Linnen to public sale, which converted into money, he told her he had a conceit in his head to put them well in stock again; Olym­pia was not so rash of beleef as he had hopes she would be, before he made the over tu [...]e and moved the matter; well knowing it was by no laudable, but some dishonourable practise.

Day by day he wrought upon her, till he made her weary almost of life, and, was at last forced to give her Consent: which ha­ving obtained, he went to the Public Sale­man [or Out-crier] and delivers him the Goods.

As soon as he had got the moneys, he went to a Merchant who dealt in Linnens by Whole-sale, and told him, that whereas he had bought several Pieces of him, and not paid for the same, he was come to pay off the Accompt, according to his Duty, Sir, replies the Merchant, I know nothing of the matter, pray what is your name? I shall see in my Journal. My name, said he, is D. de Lebec [...]ea, you will find it about 16 or 18 moneths agon, for to the best of my remembrance it must be then about. The Merchant turns over his Books but finds no such name and told him he beleev'd it must be a mistake. Diomedes assures him that it was no mistake, for he could be positive as to the Goods re­ceived, [Page 174] and the sum, but not to the time, for he had only noted it negligently in his poc­ket book without any certain date. Still the merchant declines it, and declared how unwilling he was to receive moneys which he doubted whether it belonged to him or no, and that it might probably be some other person, and that the mistake mightly there. Diomedes assures him on the contrary, saying that certainly he was the man. Many Ar­guments were used on both sides, and at last it was brought to this conclusion, that they should cast a lot, and so end the Diffe­rence that way; which they did, and it fell upon Diomedes to pay the money, upon which he told him 160 gild. Which he said was the sum, this being don, the Old Merchant invites Diomedes to a glass of Wine. When they were grown a litle merry, they struck a bargain for 6090 gild. in Linnen, whereof he was to tender 1000 gild. in ready money, and the remainder in 3 moneths, with which the old Gentleman was well satisfied, not in the least distrusting any guile in his new Customer, for that he had already shown himself a well meaning just man. Diomedes having got the Linnen, brought it home and furnished his shop in better manner than it ever had been before.

Olympia seeing all these Goods brought home was more possessed with fear than joy [Page 175] suspecting it was brought about by some unjust mean or other, and would at last prove a bitter bargain. Often times she indeavoured to understand from him whence it came and upon what conditions he had bought it, which nevertheless he would not let her know. However she never desisted to admonish him of leaving off his unjust courses, withall telling him what would be the end of it: but all to litle purpose, for he was deaf on that ear: and as Guil and sinister dealings seldom ever make a man real­ly happy, so it rendred him very unfortu­nate, as will appear in these following Rela­tions.

It happened not long after that Diomedes met with a person that every way suited his drift and humor who was likewise a Blade of Fortune. This Gentleman desirous to show Diomedes a trick went into North-Holland, where he hired a Lighter, to go for Amsterdam, and arriving there he applies himself to Diomedes desiring to buy some Linnen, and pretended he came expresly upon that account from Hoorn, and in case he would use him kindly in what he had oc­casion for, he would be a constant Customer to him. Diomedes thereupon promises he would deal fairly with him, and affoard him as good or better Penny-worths than any Linnen-Draper in the City, upon which [Page 176] he show'd him several sorts of Linnen and rich Silks. In sum he made a bargain with him for several pieces, which he pray'd him that he would help him to Ship, which Diomedes did, Herman (for that was the Customers name) having given him a Glass of Wine, or two, at last prevails with him to go down with him to Hoorn where he would pay him the Money, and crave his Assistance in dispo­sing and ordering of the Shop. Diomedes not willing to disoblige such a hopefull Cust [...] ­mer, went with him, not distrusting his ho­nesty in the least.

So soon as they were arrived at Hoorn, Diomedes steps with him out of the Lighter supposing he would bring him to his house and with one pay him his Money. After they had gone through several streets Harman brings him into an empty house which he had taken for a year only to that end and purpose. The house was without any fur­niture than only a stool or two, an old Table and a few planks. Entring the house they were welcomed by a Person who was privy to the matter, whom Diomedes supposed to be his Brother. Diomedes is desired to sit down and a Glass of Wine is brought fo [...]th, which after they had drunk twice or thrice round to the success of the business, the new customer and his supposed brother dropped out one after another and leaving [Page 177] Diomedes to keep himself company, mad, all the hast they could to get the Lighter which having got, they set sail, & with a stiff gale presently got out of sight.

Diomedes all this time waits for his Custo­mers, but having sitten above half an hour, and finding they did not come he began to mistrust some Knavery, and on a sudden runs up stairs and into every Room in the house, where he saw no body. After he had ruminated the whole house through, he went in all hast to the Haven where the Lighter came on, which by reason of the many cross streets and by-lanes they led him thro, he had much ado to find: but com­ing at the very Place he found the Lighter was gone; upon which in all hast he returns back again to the house and enquires of the Neighbours whose it was, and what his name was that had taken it, the fi [...]st they told him, but for the last they could not in­form him, for that it was a stranger. At this Diomedes was startled, and in all hast runs to the Landlord, and asks him, Where the Person lived that had taken his house. The Landlord replied that he knew him not, for he had never seen him before, whence Diomedes gathered that he was de­ceived.

He gave order to apprehend such a Person, if he should be seen or appear there any more, [Page 178] and that notice should be sent him, and upon that returns for Amsterdam.

Assoon as he was arrived at home and told his Wife the horrible Cheat that was put upon him she flew into a hot Passion, and complemented him on this wi [...]e. Thou Mon­ster of mankind, lying and abominable Varlet, whose drift and sole delight is pure Villany, Cheating and Lies. Unreasonable Man! Abo­minable Rascal and Plague of Women! How sad and fatal was the hour wherein I first saw thee, and the day unlucky which joyned us so near together. Had the unkind starrs which in­fluenced me to this, hurried me a thousand miles into the Earth, or by Lightning consumed me to Ashes, then had I been at rest and free from those horrid and plaguy Vexations which thou dost every day afresh inflict upon me by thy wil­ful, rash and cursed Actions. Inhuman wretch thou art, how can Heaven suffer thy accursed self to breath and live thus Vengeance free. All I have reserved to support me in approaching age (if not prevented with grief) thou throwest away upon thy lusts, and yet criest thou, Have pa­tience, be Content? These and many other raving expressions she sent out, which Dio­medes (although sensible that she had reason enough) could not brook: but opposed her, and told her that it was not a Sham as she took it to be, but if she would either go, or write to Hoorn, she would be satisfied [Page 179] about it. But all he could persuade or do, would not move her so much as to take any notice of his words: insomuch that he was fain to be patient against his will to hear those Thunder-claps; which continued so long that he resolved to take some enterprise or other in hand to put himself yet once more into stock.

He sends an old Woman of his acquain­tance to a Salesman to buy up a Quakers Suit, with a plain hat, having [...] small silk Line about it; &c. provides himself also with a litle Collar-band, with Gloves, Shoes, Stoc­kings and all things else suitable. In this Garb he dresses himself, when Olympia co­ming into the Chamber and sees him in such a habit was ready to cry out, Theeves!

At night he went down to the Passage-boat for Rotterdam, where he met with good company, all looking upon him as a Quaker, or an Anabaptist, and according to his de­meanor simple and upright, he knowing so well how to manage the matter that he was universally taken for what he counterfei­ted. He was very observant in his reasoning to use no barbarous nor superfluous words, but on the contrary reproved those that did. In the next place he plays the Satyrist against modish Habits, being not onely Pride but Idolatry, whereby every one endeavours to outvy another, and that only for honours­sake [Page 180] bringing in many instances of Holy Writ for the same; as particularly that of Herod, who gloried so much in the Pomp and statelines of his Throne in the Eloquence of his Harangue, that he refused not Divine honour, &c.

After he had done with the Vanity of Or­naments and the Mode-sick Rout, he began to reprehend the Covetous Generation, laying out the sad and lamentable effects of Ava­rice, and the many temptations that they were under who were addicted to tha [...] sin, as Deceit, Hatred, Strife, Envy, Theft, War and Murther, from this he proceeds to Humility and Contentment the two con­trary Vertues which he painted in their own Colours; and in sum pursued the matter so fairly, thate very one looked upon him as very strict in his way and Profession, espe­cially a company of old Wives, who flocked about him as Wasps about a honey-pot. Thus rambling from Vertues to Vice, and from Vice to Vertues, he purchased to him­self a good esteem of all the Company: and now understanding that they were not far from Rotterdam he proceeded to the praise and dispraise of several Callings and Fun­ctions according as they were laudable or discommendable in themselves, & at last began to treat about Merchandise, which he preferred above all other Vocations [Page 181] which the Sons of Men use, provided it be carried on and managed with upright and square dealing: and by some by-words signi­fied as much as that it was his proper calling.

A Merchant then in the Boat that sat di­rectly over against him, asked him, In what Commodity he chiefly dealt in, he made answer, In Linnen and in Grain. The Gen­tleman upon that recommended him to a Friend of his at Rotterdam, who had a good quantity of Grain which by reason it was, as times stood then, very doubtfull which way the market would turn, whether rise or fall he might probably meet with a good Bar­gain. This proposal suited well with Diome­des, and being arrived at Rotterdam went with him to the other Merchants house, who had about 80 Last (or 160 Tun) in his Gar­ners, which he set at 170 gild the Last, amounting to about 136000 gild. in all, which Diomedes objected against, saying it was too high, and prayed him to set a lower price with one word, retaining to himself a competent Gain. The Merchant swore he could [...]ot let it go for less. Sus! Sus! (quoth Diomedes) swear not, I will beleeve you the rather by Yea and Nay, than by an Oath: but, added he, since you have declared by Oath that you cannot do it for less, I will rather take it, than that you should violate your Asseverations. In short Diomedes bought the Bargain and [Page 182] went to his Lodging where having stay'd 2 or 3 hours he returns back again to the Mer­chants house, with I know not what excuse, prays him that he would be so kind as to let his Cashier go along with him to Sardam, to receive the Money pretending to live there. The Merchant gives his consent and making himself ready by that time the Grain was shipped, and the Vessel ready to set [...]ail, he received a letter from a Camrade of Dio­medes, who was made privy to the matter, and therefore came a day before Diomedes to Rotterdam. The Contents thereof was after this manner.

Ther Merchant having received this Let­ter [Page 183] shows it to Diomedes who seemed as if he were glad at the news and therefore prayd Arond (for that was the Merchants name) to go with him a litle. Arond, replies that he knew not the Person: How, quoth Diome­des, do you not know him, and he knows you so well? Come, I shall find him very well. Upon this Arond goes with him, both following the Messenger that brought the Letter, where in­stead of going to the Garner, he led them out of the Town to a Tavern, notedly in­famous; for that the Man himself was a notorious Rogue, the Wife a Whore, and the Daughter one that had been several times publickly whipt upon the Scaffold. The Master of the house was before hand bribed to be assistant under some golden promises, and immediatly called out, A Rogue, A Rogue, and with that bolts the Door fast. Immediatly upon this sudden outcry, Dio­medes rushes in, who had all this time held himself so sincere and Pious, taking a rope, ties him hand and foot, and put a Gag be­tween his teeth, which done they drew the door to, and left him upon the floor neither able to cry out nor move. Diomedes in the mean while whispers the Messenger in the Ear, that he should acquaint the Shipmaster how that they intended to go through Land to Sardam, and that he should not neglect to fall down with the Tide, having a very fair [Page 184] wind and good weather, The man runs away and dispatches his errand; Diomedes also follows him accompanied with the Maid or Daughter, who had order from her Father to go down with Diomedes (for they had pro­mised that the host should have a share in the Purchase) Diomedes seeing himself ac­companied with the Wench had no great liking to it; and thereupon pretends to have forgot something in the Town, desires the Maid go on softly and he would overtake her, going in the mean time through another street and was brought aboard the Vessel which had just set sail, and told the Master that he had altered his resolution and left his Affairs to Monsr. Arond to direct in his ab­sence, and that Arond would come over Land. Thus having a brisk Gale they fell down with the Tide and came in a short time to Sardam, where he took out the Grain into Lighters, and so away for Freezland where he reshipt it again for Amsterdam, and there by the help of a Broker met with a speedy market; and received 11293 guld. for the whole purchase, the Goods being very much damnified by Leckage, &c. and the Price mightily fallen.

Olympia seeing Diomedes bring home so much money was in a great perplexity, for she doubted that he had not got it by fair means the more because that when he went [Page 185] from home he had disguised himself, how­ever thinking that he had imployed her Money which she had given him at several times in some secret Merchandise, she took courage, receives the Money into her Cu­stody, and after disposes of a great part of it in Linnen, Silks &c. wherewith she fur­nishes her Shop.

Shortly after this enterprise Olympia fell very sick and died, leaving Diomedes sole heir of all she had in the World. Livia the Mother observing that Diomedes, since the death of his wife took no more notice of her, notwithstanding the great Friendship he seem'd to manifest towards her, during the life of her Daughter, which now she found to be no more than a parasitical trick to cully his wife, and to trust the more to his beni­gnity, if she bequeathed all to him upon her death. She resolves therefore upon a project to make her have more respect from him than with plain dealing she was likely to acquire, well knowing his ingratitude was like that of an Asses foal, when it has sucked so long till it be full, turns about and kicks the Dam.

Every day she caressed Diomedes till she saw him well inclined to continue friendship and for a mean sum makes an agreement with him for her boarding in his house, which being mutually agreed upon on both sides [Page 186] she brought in a great Iron money chest fill'd with stones and other ponderous ma­terials, which he supposed to be Money, and knowing her to be old and decrepit, that she was not likely to live long, and that by making much of her he might be once Master of that Treasure.

So soon as she perceived that Diomedes was blinded with hopes of Inheritance, she made a motion, as if she would leave him and go elsewhere to be boarded, unless Diomedes would renew the Covenant, which should be thus, That he during the time of her life should give her free Lodging, Diet and other necessaries so long as she lived, and after the expiration of her Life to inherit her Estate and Moneys. Diomedes, not willing to let her go now in her old days, thinking that the Term of her Life according to the course of Nature could not be, very long; con­sents to what she proposed, and accordingly a Will was drawn, the Tenure whereof was, That Diomedes should solely inherit all her goods whether moveable, or unmoveable, Gold, Silver, in Coin or Plate, Jewels, Moveables and Utensils, and in short all that upon her Death-bed she could properly vendicate or claim as her own. To which was annexed the before mentioned Condi­tions as that she should during the Term of her Life have all necessaries provided her [Page 187] requisite to the sustenance of human bodies, or upon default of that, or full performance, that then the said Will should be void and of no effect. This Contract being signed Dio­medes on his part neglected not to caress her with what he could possibly imagin would please her, yet l [...] not his old course of Life, to wit, Drinking, Whoring, Gaming and Cheating; which now he could do with more freedom than when the good Olympia was alive.

By some acquaintance or other, he had un­derstood that there was a Convent of French Dames, who had prostituted themselves for Money, where being once introduced by his said acquaintance, he took the occa­sion afterwards to go all alone, and having pitch'd upon 2 which he took most fancy for, he got them into a Room apart, where he treated them with whatsoever they had a mind to.

Within an hour after comes in one Monsr. Melletier a German by birth, and sometime under a Public Character at the Court of Sweden, from a potent Prince of the Em­pire, till by a negligent management of his Masters affairs he was called home, disgra­ced and detruded out of service. This Gen­tleman having two Ladies with him, desired of Diomedes, that he might sit in his Com­pany, to which Diomedes very easily assented. [Page 188] Being thus admitted, they were very merry till night, which when come they conclu­ded to go to bed, 3 and 3 in a Room as they came in together. When Diomedes was got above he presented his service to his Mistres­ses to undress them, but they absolutely refused to do it, saying they could do the turn themselves very well.

When they were all unharnassed and in bed together Diomedes presently found him self in a mistake, for instead of having enter­tained two Ladies, all the day at Table, he found he had treated a couple of beardless Young-men, upon which he was so surpri­zed that he jump'd out of Bed, but one of them held him fast and pray'd him not to be dismay'd since there was no great harm done save that he had misied of his expecta­tion, which he might suppose to be only a dream. In short they fell into Dialogues with him, and expressed themselves so plain, that he presently understood of what gang they were, and at last concluded together to cozen or rob an eminent Mercer, and to consult a mean by the next morning how to circumvent the Party pitch'd upon, and upon that resolution they left off discourse, leaving each other to their repose. M [...]lletier who was in another chamber had a different chance from Diomedes, for both those with whom he bedded were females, who show'd [Page 189] him pastime enough till at last falling asleep, two or three lusty fellows came up stairs and immediately clapt a great ball into his mouth, tied him hand and foot very fast and put him in a great Basket, which they made fast with a Padlock, being naked and so hard pack'd up and bound that he could not move or stir, and his mouth so close, that he could not cry out, or hardly draw his breath, but hearing that he breathed too strong through the nostrils they unlocked the Bas­ket and stitch'd 'em up, which being done and the Basket made fast again, they took his Cloaths, Money, Watch, Rapier, &c. and went their way.

The next morning Lebechea awakens and calls to the two Mock-Ladies tel­ling them a project he had in his head which he thought might be well effected, which was; That they thould first lay out some moneys in Silks at the Mercers shop, and afterwards bring in a chest in which should be a man, who by an artificial lock could open it on the in-side, and yet that it should be firm without, and all under a pretence of some Goods. This li­ked them very well they therefore resolved to do with him as the Tyrant Phalaris did with Perillus, put him in and make him the proof of his own stratagem. Diomedes was very unwilling and loath to take it [Page 190] upon him but was at last perswaded to ride the Trojan Horse, and accordingly was laid upon Cushions for softnes sake, that his long lying there might not prove uneasy.

Vander Dussen and Berné, (for so were the names of the masked parties; went directly to the Mercers, where they looked out several Pieces of Silk, and pretended that they lived at Haarlem. In short they bought to the value of about 730 Gild. in Silks, which they immediately tendered; and packt up the Goods in a chest, just such another as they had put Diomedes in, and against the evening got a Porter to carry it away to their Lodging on a Wheel-barrow, where coming they took out the Goods and sent Diomedes away in the Chest with another Porter, who knew nothing of the former. Vander Dussen goes before and prays the Mercer that he would please to have the Goodnes for to set up the Chest in his house, till the next morning, they having come too late to the Boat. The Mer­cer suspecting no ill, gave them house-room for the said Chest, not willing to deny them so poor a Courtesy, for the money they had already bestowed in his shop, and in hopes of future Custome. The Mercer bids his servant to help the Porter in with the Chest and set it behind the Door, which [Page 191] was done, and Vander Dussen takes his leave of the Mercer and went to his companion Berne, who came with him about 10 a clock at night, at what time Diomedes had promi­sed to come out of the Chest and unbolt the doors, as he did precisely at that hour, they coming also to assist him took all the richest Goods out of the Shop and carried them­away to 2. Boats they had hired; which done they drew to the Door softly and packt up the Goods in one of the Boats which was so full that they could hardly sit all three, and because Vander Dussen and Berné were not well skilled at rowing, they let Diomedes row the Boat, which was laden, and themselves sate in that which was empty. By that time they had got to the Newbridge the Sluces and Waterbarrs were open, so that they got easily out to the stream, this being just by break of Day, and few or none appearing upon the Y, but growing more clear they espied a Boat at a pretty distance which seemed to make towards them, which Diomedes would perswade them was the Schout, and therefore pray'd them to change Oars with him seeing his were not so good as theirs, and his Boat very deep loaden. They reached him theirs but in stead of delivering his, he thrust them into the Goods, and row'd away, leaving them to the favour of the wind and Tide, to drive which way they would; [Page 192] in sum Diomedes got quickly out of sight, and so away for North-Holland where he got a Lighter and out them aboard bringing them up to Amsterdam again, where he soon got a private Customer that took them off his hands: and as for Vander Dussen and Berne he was sure they would not detect him being equally lyable to punishment with him, and under the same circumstances.

On the same day that this work was first put in practise was Meletier, that was packt up in a Basket against his will, sent to Utrecht with the Ordinary Market-boat; superscribed, ‘To be delivered to Madam Catharina d [...] Bois living at Utrecht, &c.’

This Lady was one whom had some tixe before made complaint of Hous-breaking, and therefore is supposed to have this Pre­sent sent her, which opening, and seeing a naked Man, was mainly surprized, and be­gan to shriek out, upon which a Gentleman and near kins man to her ran into the room where the Basket was opened, and seeing the quaint spectacle knew not what to think of the matter, the more by reason the Man gave no answer; but seeing he had a ball in his mouth, did all he could to get it out, untied his hands an feet, and ript up the [Page 192]

[Page] [Page 193] stitches of his nostrils, as a Taylor does the folds of a Petticoat. Which done they took him out of the Basket and set him be­fore the fire, throwing a loose Gown about his shoulders for it was then very cold wea­ther. I [...] the mean-while they lay laughing to­gether not knowing how or from whence this wonderfull Present came, till at last he recovering a litle strength and his speech, began to relate all the whole matter, without any palliation of the Truth, which made them laugh heartily. After he had warmed himsell well, Madam du Bois bad her Maid fetch down a suit of Cloaths which she be­stowed upon him, as also some moneys, with-which he returned for Amsterdam, to see if he could hear any thing of them who had served him so kindly, but all in vain. And so much by the way.

A few weeks after this it happened that Livia, Mother in Law to Diomedes, began to grow sick, which was to him the occasion of some joy, hoping in short to live in grea­ter Gr [...]ndour than before, for he never in the le [...]t suspected but that she had abundance of Gold and Jewels. Every day the old Gen­tle woman grew worse and worse and her vitals spent to the very last: often would she have had a Doctor to come, but he ever with one excuse or another shifflled it off; allowing here no hearty Di [...]t but such as [Page 194] when she had her perfect health she could not eat, insomuch that she ended her days in misery, no sooner was she departed but Diomedes strips her and lays her out; sent also to some of his Creditors, who had threat­ned to be too hasty with him, letting them know that within 3 or 4 days he would pay them their Money in full, and desires them but to have the Patience, till the Corps was buried. He provided also his house of more servants, and considered with himself where he might have a Coach and Horses, as also a Yacht: in short the calculation he made of his Patrimony was very large, and never to be consumed. Impossible it was for him to wait for his Mothers interrment before he must be peeping into the Chest, but could not find the Keys; for those she well secured in her life time, lest at any time her stratagem should prove ineffectual and fail her: however in turning up the Bed-straw they found them between two planks, but so rusty that they were hardly sufficient for the use they were made for.

Lebechea having now got the Keys he made a shift to get the chest open, which he found stow'd with stones and Cannon-bul­lets (for her deceased Husband was the Gunner of a Castle in Flanders) and about 23 Ducatoons in Money with a Paper, the Tenor whereof was thus,

But how our heir startled at this Last Will & Testament I leave to the Reader to judge; sure I am his passion Lorded it so far, that he ran down in all hast [...]o the Corps, threw it out of the Coffin, began to punch it up and down the Floor, and trampled the insen­sible carcase under his feet, wishing now more that she were alive again, than when alive that she were dead, that she might but for one hour feel the effects of his Rage. He cursed her with more Anathems, than the Mass-priest with Bell, Book and Candle light, After he had so misused the Body he made his Maid dragg it out into the street, where hundreds came clustring about it, being an unusual Spectacle, & few knowing what was the meaning of it, till at last the Magistrates came to have notice of it, who immediately sent a messenger for him to appear at the Stadt-house, where making his appearance, they demanded the reason of his Inhumanity; he on the contrary began to relate what a trick she had serv'd him, and how she had been for so many years together maintained by him upon promise [Page 197] of making him heir to a considerable Estate. &c. The Magistrates not willing to hear any more of his Reasons commanded him forth­with to take her in, and interr the Corps after a decent manner, besides, to go the usual time in mourning, upon peril of the effects of their Displeasure. They also gave him a hint of some abuses he had put upon the East-and West India Companies, which they threatned to take into examination if he did not rest pacified with their mercifull Injunction. Diomedes du [...]st not make many words, but was fain to smother his Anger and depart in obedience to their Commands. So soon as he came at home he took in the Corps and after two dayes he buries it decently enough but with no great show, himself following the Bier.

When the Funeral was past, he cashier'd his new-taken-on servants, and razed all the Castles he had built in the Air. But above all it troubled him most, that he should be so forward as to promise his Cre­ditors such speedy Payment, and that with such freedom; he was sensible that it would be badly taken out if they found themselves so mocked, and so con [...]equently all fall upon him at once. He resolves therefore to pack up his Auls and get out of the way, since his last cast was play'd, and the only hope he had of raising his State and Fortune [Page 198] proved no better than a meer Bubble, and to stay there much longer was the nearest way to Prison.

Pursuant to this design he transports all his Effects into the hands of one Van Galen, a person whom he knew to be really true and honest, and therefore reposed in him the more confidence. To another he committed his affairs by way of Procuration, and re­commended to him the sole care of his bu­siness with Instructions to Compound with his Creditors, tho after a shameful rate.

After he was gone the Creditors came in expectation of receiving full payment, but could neither meet with Man nor Money, save only Odiard, to whom he had given Procuration, who gave them but litle hopes of getting their Money upon any likely con­ditions, especially when besides many other apologies on behalf Diomedes, he told them outright that the name of his inheriting a good Estate upon the Decease of his Mother in Law, was but a meer sham of the Old Wo­man, declaring the whole story at large. When they heard of that, some of them were so impatient that they threatned speedy execution: but Odiard let them know, that they would get nothing by foul means, and with one show'd them that he had no Effects, and therefore willed them to agree and com­pound with him whilst it was proffered them.

[Page 199] Some of the Creditors were content to make a composition, but others were as unwilling: however at last they became of one mind, and desired the Party impowe­red to nominate a Place, which he did, ap­pointing them a Tavern, thinking that so when they had got a glass of wine, they would be more flexible and easier to treat withall, than otherwise.

When they were all come together being 83 persons in all Odiard out of the name of Diomedes bad them 5 per cent. At which most of them flew out in a Passion and swore they would rather spend that money to be revenged on him than to receive it for full Payment; so that Odiard had a hard task to pacify them, and make them have pa­tience to listen to what he would propose more. At last he came to 8, and 10 per cent with which the greater part being pretty warm with wine were content, but the rest not, thinking to press yet more out of him, which they seeing that they could not do, assented with the rest, and so came to an agreement, Van Galen being security for the money, upon which they parted, and Diomedes was sent for home, who was con­strained immediatly to sell his House, his Summer-Dwelling, Shop and Moveables, and all litle enough to make eaven with his Creditors at Ten in the Hundred. How­ever [Page 200] he pay of the sum for which he had compounded and hires a house anew, think­ing with the remainder of his Moneys to set up a Shop, which was not above 4000 gild. but just in the nick of time comes those that had been security for his Countrey-house to urge the third and last payment in­somuch that he was fain to part with that Money wherewith he thought to advance his Fortune and rear his State. Having now nothing left but only a parcell of stollen silks which he had reserved unsold as was mentioned pag. 192. which he durst not ex­pose to open Sale because the Robbery was talk'd of all over the Town. he resolves upon a new Practise to put himself in stock again, which was after this manner.

Having 8 costly Diamond Rings which belonged to his wife Olympia, he procures 8 more, every way like those both in big­ness weight and fashion, only these he cau­sed to be made, were of Brass, and false stones, these he put in two several Boxes, the true and false each in a Box apart. He also put himself into an unwonted habit, colouring his Eie-brows and beard artifi­cially and put on a long black Perrywig.

Thus attired like a Iew he directs his Course for Utrecht, taking the said Boxes [...]ng with him. When he was arrived he went forthwith to a Jeweller, where he [Page 201] proffered the Rings to sale. The Jeweller having thoroughly viewed them he prays Diomedes to set a Price which he thinking too high bad him set a Lower and so on till, they made a bargain which was for 4600 gild. When they were come to an agreement the Jeweller payd him the Money which he told himself before, and prays Diomedes [...]o tell the heaps after him, which he did, let­ting in the mean while some pieces fall that the Jeweller out of Courtesy took up, and Diomedes having the Box of false Rings in his handkerchief clandestinly by vertue of Hocus Pocus took up the true and lay the false in the place, which the Jeweller could not so much as once mark.

Having received the Money, he returns immediately for Amsterdam, taking a Wag­gon by the way, for fear the Jeweller should open the box before he lock'd it up; where arriving he immediatly put on his usual habit, thinking to sell those Jewels at Amsterdam altho he came to miscarry in his design, for intending to go to a Jewellers house he met with one Muller, a German, and a famous Rook at Tables, who in his time had play'd many a Game with Diomedes. These two meeting together upon the Dam-rak faluted each other, and began to enter into Dialogues about the old concern, that fi­nally they both resolved to have a touch at [Page 202] Back-gammon together and going into a noted Tavern in the Calver-street, to't they fell, where for 5 or 6 Games at a Ducat each, Diomedes won, but Muller seeing Diomedes very eager would not play for less that 25 gild. which the other, by the encouragement he had already, did not once decline, which at last brought our Diomedes so low that he was fain to depose his Jewels, that he in a trice lost, and was fain to leave his Coat for the Shot; which the next morning he redeemed.

Our Gentleman now quite destitute of money studies what practise he should fol­low to get more, and attempting many ways that miscarried, he at last meets with one that was effectual, which was thus.

Walking along the streets he saw a billet newly pasted up upon a Corner-house, which many Gentlemen were a reading, it being for the Public Sale of a Garden about half an hours walking without Amsterdam, and belonged to one Mr. de Bo—an eminent Merchant, the summer before dwelling at Amsterdam, but then removed to Haarlem, partly for that he dreaded a War and conse­quently all the perils that Trading persons are in jeopardy of in such cases (he being sufficiently able to live on his yearly Reve­nues) and partly by reason that his Lady was for 3 years or more very subject to diseases, [Page 203] and advised to leave the Town, and receive the benefits of a more salubrious Air. This Diomedes seeing, he applies himself to the Gentleman disguised with a black Perrywig, Artificial Must a chios and Eie brows; besides a Cloak with the cape richly embroydered, pretending to be a French Baron, and de­sired to treat with him about his Garden. After many words used on both sides it was resolved that they should go and view it, which they did. But Diomedes told the Gen­tleman he was not willing to venture upon the purchase of it, till his Wife arrived who he said was upon the way, and he hoped would be in Town within 2 days, and de­sired him not to sell it till he had given him first notice of it (directing the Gentleman to the house of one of his Accomplices, where he should enquire of him by the name of Monsr. de Rocheville) the Gentleman was content to do so, and after a few comple­ments took their leaves of each other for that time, the Gentleman going to the City­ Dool and Diomedes through the Town to see if he could meet with a Cully.

The next morning about 8 a Clock he sees a Gentleman with his Lady reading the Billet, and closing himself up with them, could hear by their discourse that the Place and Conditions liked them very well. They asked a boy where such a street was (being [Page 204] the place where the Owner lived, as it was specified in the Bill) Diomedes (anticipating the boys answer) asks them if they had a mind to see the Garden; Yes, very gladly, replies the Gentlewoman, if we could find the owners house. Madam, said Diomedes, I shall show you my Garden: The Key is at my Brothers house, here hard by. The Gentle­man and his Lady follow Diomedes to the owners house, where coming he enters in before them, and asks the Maid for her Master, who made answer that he was not a stirring, Pre'thee Sweetheart (quoth he) desire your Master to lend me the Key of his Gar­den, and tell him I shall return it towards night, and come and discourse him about the Bargain, so soon as my wife has seen it. This he said whispering, so that the Gentleman and his Consort could not hear. The Maid goes up to her Master and tells him that the Gentle­man who was there the other day was come with his Lady to see the Garden, and desired to have the Key. Mr. de Bo—bids her give it him, and with one beg his excuse that he could not wait upon them thither, he being at that time not very well disposed, and desired a litle rest.

With that Diomedes goes out, taking the Gentleman and his Lady with him, and brought them to the Garden, which they having thoroughly viewed, and examined [Page 205] all the Con-and In-conveniences about the Premisses, fell to bargaining.

Diomedes considering that it was not safe for him to fell it as the usual manner was, to be paid in 2 or 3 Terms, but rather to see if he could make it to be paid in ready money, and accordingly makes his Condi­tions, That if they would pay in ready money he would allow them 5 per cent. If in 3 moneths, 2 and a half per cent &c. The Gentleman calls his wife aside, and debates the matter with her, who counselled him rather to pay the Money down immediately, since that was a considerable profit. In sum they agreed for 3440 gild. for the Garden Orchard, House, Ponds and all other Appurtenances, and the next day Writings were drawn, and the Money tendered: with which Diomedes trudges away, pro­mising he would go and fetch them the Key, which according to his word he had carryed home before promising to wait upon the Owner the next day in the Afternoon. Long waited the Buyer for his Chapman with the Key, who came not: ever now and then he peeped out to see if he could see him, but all in vain for no Chapman comes. About 2 in the afternoon when they had dined, the Gentlewoman councils her husband to take a walk & see if they could find the house, which by the help of the printed [Page 206] bill they did. When they were come at th [...] house, they pulled the Bell and demande [...] if they had not the Key of the Garden▪ The Owner over-hearing, steps out to th [...] Door, and prays them to come in, telling them that he would wait upon them thithe [...] himself. So soon as he was drest he come [...] down stairs, and away they went together. By the way the Owner asks the Gentle­woman if her husband did not go with them, Yes Sir, quoth she, this is my husband. Nay, said he, but I mean the Gentleman that was with you yesterday, with the Cloak embroyde­red on the Cape and a black Perrywig. Why, replies the Lady, I know not that you have seen me in company with any such Gentleman since I came to Town, unless it be your Brother, of whom we bought the Garden. My Brother! replies the Owner I have neither Brother nor Sister in the whole World, as for the Garden it belongs solely to me. Upon these words the Gentleman and his Wife were so surprised that they had not the power to move one step forward, but standing still they looked one another in the face as pale as Death. suspecting indeed that there might be some Roguery in the case, the rather when they bethought themselves that Diomedes did not appear, since he had received the Money. At last the Gentlewoman who could not any longer contein her self burst forth into these [Page 207] words. Certainly he told us that the Garden [...]as his, and that you were his Brother, we therefore really beleeving (as we still beleeve) [...]e had power to make conveyance of it, have purchased it for the sum of 3440 gild ready money, which we have deposited already and received the Writing▪s Madam, replies the Owner, I will assure you he has no claim to it for I never saw him before, neither can I tell you who he is, any more than that he came to me about 2 or 3 days ago▪ and desired me to show him the Garden, he promising me to treat about the Bargain, so soon as his Lady came to town, &c. Hereupon they began to stare one another in the Face, and so astonished that they knew not whether they dreamed or were awake. In sum after a long dispute and in the heat of Fury they fell to loud, but not angry words, and observing the People to begin to cluster they returned to the Gentlemans Lodgings, where they heard one another at large and brought the Evi­dence with the Notary that signed the In­strument, altho it did not signify much since it was conspicuously evident that the Garden belonged to Mr. de Bo—and that none else had any Title to it, as also that he had no such Brother in the World. Their extreme shift was to send all over the Town to inquire for the Party, that had sold the Premisses, but none such could be found [Page 208] or heard of, for he had quite altered his, habit, and put on a flaxen wig; and the Gentleman fain to be content with the Cheat he had put upon him, and comfort himself with the wit he had bought at so dear a rate.

Diomedes having got such a noble purchase he resolves to set up shop again, and try what he could do that way once more; and in order thereto buys a good quantity of Silks, paying some part in ready moneys, and the rest he took upon Trust, amongst which Goods he also stow'd those which he had Stole (mentioned pag 190) he hired also a maid to keep the shop, to dispatch errands, and the like.

It happened that 2 famous Pick-pockets came out of North-Holland to practise in Amsterdam, both Women, These two being above the degree of your ordinary Filchers, made up a project between them which was thus. They went to a Chirurgeon of known fame for his great ability and skil, whom they accosted after this manner, Sir, we have been happily informed of your great experience in the Mysteries of Chirurgery, after which we have been in some mesure restless, till we have been so fortunate as to speak with you about a Sis­ter of ours, which is at certain times of the Moon troubled with a Lunacy, and by reason it was advised by some of great Judgements to let her blood, we therefore come to give you the [...]ouble of [Page 209] your helpful hand and advice in the matter, her head is sometimes so perplexed with worldly af­fairs, she being indeed by nature, much addic­ted to avarice; and when she suffers under those sad passions talks of nothing else than Money and Goods. The Chirurgeon told them he was well assured that he could do it if it were practicable by human skill and told them that if they pleased to bring her, he would give them his advice. The one of them makes answer, that all the cunning must be in bringing her thither, and when brought for them to get out of her sight, for so long as they were present she was ten times worse than otherwise: To which the Surgeon re­plies he had a very convenient back-door by which if they thought good they might slip out, having first led her into the Parlour. This advice was very acceptable, and they accordingly went out to market, where the first shop they found most likely for their turn was that of Diomedes, where they bought to the value of 460 gild. in flower'd Silks which done they pray'd Diomedes to send his Maid along with them to receive the Money to which he assented, so away they go to­gether, till coming at the Chirurgeons, they went directly into the Parlor, the Maid following, one of the Women carrying the Silks: but when the Maid would have gone quite thro, the Chirurgeon push'd to the [Page 210] Door and would not let her go any further; the Women in the mean time running out at the Back-door, and the Surgeon with the help of his Man took the Maid and made her fast to the stool with a Towel, making also her hands and feet fast, upon which she roars out, crying, What d'ee mean, Sir? pray what do you intend to do? The Chirur­geon takes no notice of her words, but goes on with his work, takes her Arm and binds it fast with a clout, she all the time crying out, I come not here to be let blood, I come for my Money, and Money I will have before I go out, What do you intend to murther me? You rogue! You villain let me go, and give me my money, or else my goods again. Still the Surgeon proceeds on with his work, taking his launce lets her blood in spite of all she could say or do, till at last he perceived her swound away, and then stopt the Vein, binds it carefully up, and takes spirit of Harts-horn and other foe­tid Quintessences which he held under her nose, sprinkling a litle Vinegar upon her face, till she recovered. So soon as she came a lit­tle to her self again, she began with fair means to enquire after the Women that had brought her thither, as also what was become of the Silks. The Surgeon hearing her name the Goods so specially, began then to mistrust somthing of reality might be in the case, and after hearing the thing more amply, and [Page 211] finding that she had her perfect understand­ing, began to repent his rashness, begging a hundred times pardon of the Maid. and tel­ling her how that he was deceived, &c. Up­on which he untied the Bands and set her at liberty. The Maid goes out sadly dismayed and ran all about to enquire after the Wo­men, but to no purpose, so that she was [...]ain to return home without either money or Goods. Her master seeing her so pale, which was occasioned partly by the loss of her blood, and partly at the loss of the Goods, he asked her, what she ail'd; and what had be­fallen her? She made answer, that she was cheated by the two Women, and told him all the whole passage that had happened to her since she went out. He understanding the matter at large for a while raged and stormed at the Women who had play'd him that dirty trick.

After he had kept Shop about a moneth or two, and spent the Stock as well as the Pro­fit, so that the shelves began to grow thin, he went about to see if he could meet with a Whole-sale Cully of whom he might receive Goods upon Credit; but to his sorrow could not meet with one but what would have mo­ney upon Delivery.

In the mean time it happened that the two Gentlemen who had been security for him at Rotterdam for his Countrey house, came to [Page 212] urge the last Payment, which was only 20 [...]0 gild he having paid at one time 1000 gild. and at another time 6000. These seeing that Diomedes had made agreement with others and that they were paid agreeable to the Composition, they resolved to ensnare him since they could find no other way to get their Money: and in order thereto made one privy to the Concern, whom they sent now and then to Diomedes with Buttons, Silk, Ribbons and other pedling trifles which he gave him upon Credit. After he had been there several times with Diomedes, he told him that a certain Merchant in Rotterdam had desired of him to enquire if he could hear of a good Customer for him, who could help him off with some silks, who if he be an honest man, he desired no mony before he shut his books; and with all told Diomede [...] if he could serve him with his Recommen­dation be would be glad to do him any Courtesy that lay in his power. Diomedes was well pleased with this Offer, resolved to make use of it, and thanks the man for his Civility who took his leave of him, promis­ing within a day or two to send him a letter about the business they now discoursed u­pon, as shortly after he did, the tenure whe­reof was thus.

So soon as he had read this Letter he re­solves forthwith to set forward on his Jour­ney, designing also to go on to Antwerp; to see if he could meet with another Enter­prise for his turn there. Arriving at Roterdam he went directly to the house where Morme­rent told him that he lived, where comin [Page 214] he received him with all imaginable Court [...] ­sy, that he should not distrust any thing Presently Mormerent takes him along wit [...] him to a house where de la Ruë must be sup­posed to live, but coming there answer wa [...] made that he was not within, upon whic [...] Mormerent whispers the servant in the Ear [...] who ran immeditaly to Mr. Cornhert and hi [...] Brother in Law, who were the Gentleme [...] that had been security for Diomedes, to le [...] them know that he was there. Diomedes sup­posing that he was gone to call his Maste [...] waits there very diligently till Corn [...]ert an [...] his Brother came with the Schout, who ap­prehended out poor Merchant and carry­ed him to a place where they kept him i [...] custody.

Cornhert having his Party secure, demand [...] his Money, and threatens him unless h [...] would pay him immediatly, that he would send him away to Prison, where at last h [...] should be constrained to pay it, besides th [...] Expences, Charges and other inconvenien [...] ­ces. To this Diomedes replies, that he had n [...] money nor Credit at Rotterdam, and pray [...] them to quit him and he would pay them up­on his arrival at home. But the security would give no ear to any such Proposal bu [...] told him that if he would he might easily help that defect another way by sending th [...] Keys [...] Amsterdam, and give order to some [Page 215] [...]sty Person to send the money, for upon no [...]her Condition he should come out of their [...]atches. A long time he argued the case [...]ith them, and protested that he meant sin­ [...]rely and that it was more than 3 times the [...]ue of the Debt that they injur'd him &c. [...]t all he could say or inferr was but lost [...]bour, so that after he had stayd there 48 [...]ours he was fain to send the Keys to his [...]aid.

During the time of his being under arrest [...] was noised thro the Town how that one [...] Lebechea of Amsterdam was arrested, [...]ho was one of the most notorious Cheats [...] the 17 Provinces; with an Addition of many enormous and fraudulent practises he [...]ad been guilty of, but chiefly in Mer­ [...]handise, having dealt in most things, and [...]specially in Wines, Grain, Woods, Lin­ [...]en, Silks, &c. all which coming to the [...]r of Mr. Arond, whose loss was so great that he could not be forgetfull of it, Diome­ [...]es having cheated him of 13600 gild. as was mentioned in pag. 183 he therefore be­ [...]es himself speedily to the Golden Lion where the other was held in custody, to view [...] it were not the same person; where co­ [...]ing he discovered in him the very features [...]f him that had deceived him, the same [...]ody and proportion, but in the habit quite different as also in voice, for before he [Page 216] counterfeited a Pharifaical voice, the bet­ter to delude his Merchant. At first Arond was in a doubt what to do, whether that he should tax him with it or no, but when he considered what a report went abroad of him, as that he had play'd many absurd cheats, and that in Grain too, he took cou­rage and expressed himself after this manner. Are not you the very Gentleman who about 3 years ago bought so much Grain to send for North-Holland? naming some particulars more. Diomedes stares him full in the face and with a dejected countenance had already confes­sed it, but considering the consequence of the matter if he should own it; stoutly denies that ever he bought any such bargain at Rot­terdam, insomuch that Arond began to fear that he had been too temerous, and wished he had not moved the matter, w [...]ll kno­wing, that if he had not sufficient proof thereof, the business might have an unwel­com Issue.

The next morning Diomedes receives the 2000 gild. wherewith he paid Cornert, thin­king thereupon to be at liberty but much mistaken, for he had no sooner paid it but in comes Mormerent bringing him a bill of 160 gild▪ or there abouts, for Buttons, Ribbons and other such inconsiderable wares he had sold him. When Diomedes saw that, he was almost out of his sences, swearing that he [Page 217] neither would nor could pay it, and began [...]o rail against his Creditor, to which Mormerent replies, Sir, I pray you do not take it so ill out that I come to demand my own. I [...] sorry ('tis true) to find you in this condition, and cannot devise in all the World how your Partie should so come to meet you here: However I must needs tell you that I expect my Money before you depart hence, and therefore to that [...]nd I continue the Arrest.

With that Diomedes flew into a great Pas­ [...]on and told him that he scorn'd to stand disputing with such a Pick-thak or Trepan, and that he might do his worst. To be brief they fell to high words and Mormerent char­ges the Officer with him, which Diomedes [...]eeing was fain to content himself, and send down the Keys again to the Maids, for another sum, both to pay off Morme­ [...]ent, and defray his Charges, which upon such accounts are generally considerable.

Opportunity often times makes a Thief is the language of a true Proverb. The Maids were upon his first sending the Key under a most heavy Temptation, but now much more when seeing his delay they could no more moderate their Affections to so pleasant a Bait, and to be plain they sent him what money he ordered, converted part of [...]e rest to their own use, and so long as [...]e was absent, treated their Minions, with [Page 218] all that they could desire or think of, no [...] sparing to take of the best Silks they could meet with to put them into a Garb, suitable to such a manner of house-keeping as they then held: So that what he had unjustly got [...] vanished in as easy and unjust a manner

Diomedes so soon as he had Moneys, clea­red his Accompts with Mormerent, and speeds him on his Journey towards Antwer [...] thinking there to do some feat that might countervail the hard measure he had at Rot­terdam. Arriving at Antwerp he met with a Youth, in drift and humour one of the very same stamp he was of himself, to whom he imparts his mind, and made an Over­ture to him, how that if he would joyn with him in some certain enterprises he had in hand, that he would affoard him a com­petent allowance whereon he should live a very splendid Life, discovering to him the whole scope of the project.

The Proposal, liked Zenodor very well (for so he was called) who promised him upon the word of an honest Gasconier, that he would act his part so gentilely, that Diomedes should be well served in his project.

Hereupon Diomedes went to a Mercers shop where he bought several pieces of Silk and as much Plush as would make a Coat, which they got a Tailor to make and fur­nish with trimming suitable. Which done [Page 219] [...]ey left Antwerp and came to Rotterdam. where they bought 6 Money Chests well [...]ound with Irons, and having filled them with bags of Sand and Flint, they went for­ [...]ard for Amsterdam, where Diomedes hired a very stately House and furnished it with Moveables and Utensils, so that none ever had been in the house but they looked upon Zenodor to be a very rich Gentleman, being [...]here a stranger and unknown. Which uni­versal Opinion was confirmed by many no­ [...]able stratagems, as we shall impart to the Reader in their course.

Zenodor new newly settled in his State, nothing aild him but want of money to maintain that Grandour. All the Actions he had learned by heart, and was as practical as his Master, Hypocricy and the art of [...]eigning he had at his fingers ends, all the Tokens of Generosity he could counterfeit, and make show of a magnanimous spirit: the greater sort he knew how to make flexi­ble by Flattery and parasitical expressions, and as for the Vulgar he could cut their throats with a feather. In short he was every way accomplished for a Son of Fortune, which Diomedes observing, fully resolved to make him fit for his turn and not to spare for Money, nor to lose a Lamb, for a far­things worth of Tarr. He goes to his Money chest to take out some Money he had occa­sion [Page 220] for, and finding his bags much lower than he expected he began to make a calcu­lation, and found that there was 800 gild. or upwards taken out upon which he cal­led the Maid to whom he had sent the Key, and taxes her with the Theft, which she nevertheless resolutely denied, saying that it was done in presence of the other Maid, who was also called in, that they might con­front each other. The first denies that she had it, and the other that she took it; yet both spoke the truth, for she that took it gave it over to the other to keep. In short they denied it so stoutly that Diomedes began half to be perswaded that it was his own error, and that he must be mistaken in his calcula­tion, and was fain to put up the matter so, without much controversy, lest the Maids should detect som Villanies he was factious in, and they made privy to.

Thus it was low tide with his Cash, and he forced to make use of his Witts to get so much as might serve his occasions and sup­ply Zenodor to maintain his Grandour, lest he for want of reparation (like an old house that goes to decay) might prove a lost pur­chase, and all the expences in Money, he had already bestowed on the Tool, might be but thrown away. Yet no stratagem he could think upon or undertake that would prove effectual for a speedy Levy, he there­fore [Page 221] carried a parcel of Silks to the Vendu- [...]aster, or Outcrier, to convert into Mo­ney, which having done he furnishes Zeno­dor with 1800 gild. who takes two Maids [...]to his service, and a Footman; the Maids [...]o keep his house, and the Footman to [...]ppear abroad with him.

Besides these Diomedes furnishes him with a thorough-pac'd villain (who had many time [...]ssisted him in this kind of Rascallity) to be [...]n the house with him, and baptized him [...]y the name of a Steward.

These two being excellently well vers'd in the Trade, made the World have a ho­nourable esteem for the Lord of the Stage, by many external appearances, as when they bought a considerable quantity of sheet Leed, about the solidity of Ducatoons, which they cut out as an Apothecary, or Con­fectioner does his Lozenges, into round pieces, and put them into Baggs: which done Zenodor made great acquaintance with some eminent Merchants; these he fre­quently invites to Supper, during which time his Steward continually passes by the door, with bags under his Arm, and makes an [...]ncessant rattling of Money; sometimes coming down to desire his Master to take some other course, or else that Telling of Money would continue all night, where­upon he would make answer, that if time [Page 222] faild them that they should dispatch it with the Ballance. And thus by degrees it passed from hand to hand, that Zenodor was a Gen­tleman of a vast Estate. Besides that one stratagem he was wont to have Letters sen [...] him upon sleeveless affairs, altho the Te­nure thereof importing some great money business, which he would here & there negligently let fall for others to take up, or perhaps having any in presence when he received them, read aloud that they might hear him. Ever now and then he would be bringing of Money-chests upon sledges, which were only filled with baggs of Leed, made as we have said before in the form of Ducatoons; these he would take out in pre­sence of the Neighbours and give his Cashier and Page order to bring them into such and such a Chest above stairs, and so speedily got the name of a Rich Gentleman, for, Mun­dus vult decipi, the World will be deceived.

When Zenodor was now fully known abroad for [...] man of great worth in regard of his vast Estate, Diomedes thought it high time to make use of his Implement, and to receive fruit of a Tree of his own planting, seeing his Condition grew meaner and mea­ner; he therefore went to divers Merchants to buy up Goods, who refused to credit him; he therefore asked them if they were con­tent that he gave them Zenodor's security, [Page 223] [...]one ever refused him, on condition he [...]ould make him his security, but rather [...]ged him to receive more Goods upon that account, by which Diomedes got a great [...]itare, to the value of 140000 gild. in wares, which as fast as he could, he converted into moneys.

The Maid that kept his shop seeing now so many rich opportunities, could no lon­ger contein her self within the limits of ho­ [...]sty, but ever now and then would take an odd piece of Money, whether by bar­gaining too hard with a Customer, beyond the price imposed, or clandestinly con­verting that to her own use, which she thought her Master would never come to know of; this Diomedes did really beleeve, for that he had often missed odd pieces of Silks, and as an evil Doer is an evil Dreamer, so Diomedes measured her Corn by his Bushel. Now it happened upon a time that 3 Men were carried by to Prison, which the Maid running out hastily to look after forgot the Key of her Trunk upon the Compter, which he seeing, went to meet her at the door, and sent her of an errand, which she, not once thinking of her Keys, went to do: in the mean time Diomedes goes up stairs and unlocks her Trunk where he found Seven Hundred Rix-dollars, upon which he cal­led in two Neighbours, and in their presence [Page 224] took them out with some pieces of Silk which he also found there, locks the Trunk and lays the Key in the same posture and place he found it in.

About 2 or 3 days after the Maid having occasion to go abroad resolved to take some Money with her, to buy one knick-knack or other, and finding the nest but the birds flown, comes running down stairs, crying out, she was rob'd, and her Trunk had been broke open. Upon which Diomedes made answer that she was not rob'd, but his Shop and Money-box, with one telling her what he had done, and in what manner, to wit, in presence of 2 Neighbours, and threatned her besides that if she would not make a candid confession of all, he would deliver her over into the Hands of Justice. The Maid swore and cursed her self with many imprecations that she was wrong'd, and that the money was honestly come by: in short they fell out so desperately, and words on both sides grew so loud that Peo­ple began to throng about the Door, and Diomedes thought it his best course to give over, lest she should bolt out some of his Roguery, which she was well acquainted with. For in the middle of their Contro­versy she gave him now and then a back­blow or hint of Rope-merits. So that for that time they left off, but falling into a more [Page 225] serious discourse at night she entred into a new Covenant with him, that for the future he should not tax her with such enormous Crimes as she protested she was never facti­ous of, and with one told him how that every one knew that the Mercer was rob­bed, and that [...]he knew him for the Party that was guilty of the Fact, &c. These and other reasons compelled Diomedes to take all in good part, and put up the matter. Whence we may observe that the wicked practises of some men prove a bridle to hold them in, and arm them with Pa­tience, so that they are fain to smother such abuses as inwardly torment them, and are oftentimes forced to comply with that which they have all their Life time to repent.

Fernelia (for that was the Maids name) was none of the meanest Beauties, but very ill bred, and with all inclinable to strife, whose litigious spirit none ever could en­dure, till she came into his service, which for the aforesaid reasons, sore against his will he was fain to bear. Many times he at­tempted to violate her chastity, but could never obtain his will, for which he took a special liking to her, and at long last fell a courting her in a seeming way, but because she was of very mean Parentage he had no great stomach to adventure himself with her. However she held her self very coy. He [Page 226] therefore to show her more kindness and the respect he had for her gave her a larger liberty, and hired another Maid to be under her, and by the means of Zenodor furnished himself so with Goods that he left of the Retail-trade, and fell to Whole-sale, shut­ting up the Windows and Doors. Fernelia seeing the great respect he had for her, and that the other Maid as well as the Man began to stand in aw of her, she began privately to act her part to inveigle him so much as was possible at an under: and to that end went oftentimes to a Popish Chappel, under a great show of Devotion and Piety, knowing him to be that way inclinable, being the Religion he was educated in. Every night at going to Bed she would mut­ter over a bushel of Ave Maria's, interluding alwayes a Pater noster, and that so as he could very well hear her. One of her Pharisaical prayers which was afterwards found in wri­ting was after this manner:

Diomedes hearing her incessantly at Prayers by night, would sometimes set his Ear to the Key-hole [or perhaps sometime his eie] and hearing her often repeat this and other Prayers, wherein she made great manifesta­tion of honesty and Integrity of Life, he could not but look upon her as a sincere and pious Convertit, since he could never really tax her with any unjust Fact, but as he might sometimes suspect her, which suspicion was now clearly removed by this subtle and Hypocritical conduct, and fur­ther [Page 230] more that he had made proof of her Chastity. With these thoughts he arrives at this conclusion that he would absolutely make her his Wife: and in order there to fell upon a fresh Suit and renewed his Court­ship, to which she would not seem to hear, saying she was too young (and I know not what excuses) but was ever carefull to hold him within reach, still showing him a very friendly countenance, that he might not draw away his affections and fix'em upon another. Her attire she made after the newest mode, and her head she trickt up with Points and Laces, leaving her Breasts not plainly open, but just so as his eie might have the benefit of an acceptable Object, thereby to allure and make him more eager in the pursuit of his scope. Every morning as soon as she rose up, she went and paid her duty to the Looking glass, and set her Locks in order, as the Mercer does his Silks in the shop-windows, washing her Virgins face with perfumed Waters, then setting of all her accoutrements, which during commonly a third part of the day, Diomedes blindly supposed it to be spent in Devotion. Every day he invented new De­lights to caress her with, as inviting her to go abroad in a Chese volante, or else to divert themselves by water in a Yacht and all to purchase her good will. Long dured [Page 231] this Courtship between them, and many Jealousies there were on both sides. Never could she go out, but he dogg'd her, and every one that passed by the Door if they did but cast an eie upon her, he concluded it was som Corrival, and every young spark that pull'd of his hat, he took for a Com­petitor, that oftentimes he could not refrain from asking her, who it was, which she for her own advantage would tell him it was t'one or t'other, tho she had never seen them in her Life before, only to increase his Jealousy; for she observed, how she had the ascendant of his heart: and to add to the matter she contrived several Letters, as if she had a World of Suitors; one where­of was after this manner, as near as I can remember, for I have lost the copy.

This Letter with another she cunningly laid in a French Dictionary, which she had some time before borrowed of her Master, [Page 233] the Letter being written in that Language which she spoke expertly well, and occa­sionally upon her going out a Doors upon a certain Message, she asked Diomedes about some words in French, that she was sure he did not know, but must have recourse to that very place in the Dictionary to resolve her in, and seeing him step into the Parlour, (as she was sure) to fetch the Dictionary, she stept out.

Diomedes turns over the leaves, and finds the Letter, for there the Book opened of it self, and at the first glance saw the words DEAR MADAM, was so surprised, that taking out the Letters, he closed to the Book, and quite forgot the words she asked him about: when he perceived that she was gone he read the Letter, which struck him into a deep Melancholy, wherein he continued till she came home, expecting his last doom with the turning of her eie, she when returned knew the occasion of his sadness and finding the stratagem take well, tormented him so much the more, by coy answers, and averse looks. Long lasted this misunder­standing between them, and yet he never met with a positiv denial, for so doing she feared he might quite renounce her and implant his affections on another, so as that all her subtility could not revoke them. Sel­dom ever went she to Church but he out of [Page 234] Jealousy would follow her and take his place at a convenient distance, where he might see her. One time it happened that in Lent she went to Vespers, being pretty late in the Evening when the Church went out, and coming out of Doors he espied a young Gentlewoman both of Habit, Body, Gesture and all things else like her, whom he follo­wed and indeavoured to close up with her. It happened that Fernelia came out just after him and seeing him go jig by joll with ano­ther, suspected it was some new Darling or other, which because of her own obsti­nacy he courted, thought it high time to accept of his proffer, and to dally no lon­ger with him, and according to that reso­lution, arising from a casual passage gave her assent to what he proposed and within a few days after ratified the matter.

Our Bridegroom invites all his Creditors to a splendid Feast setting Zenodor in the highest place at Table, thinking now for the last time to treat them at their own Char­ges, they being upwards of 170 persons (as the Party imployed to invite them con­fessed) none knowing that he was Debtor to them all.

Diomedes had for this end prepared a great Table which was made on purpose, for the entertainment of so many Guests, placing (as was said) Zenodor at the upper end and [Page 235] his principal Creditor at his Right hand, and next to him one to whom he was in­debted a litle less, and so gradually all his Creditors according to the greatness of their claims. The table was set with all sorts of delicacies that was acceptable for the pallat. After the meal was over they fell to play and pastim, as is there usual upon such occasions, which continued till about 12 a clock at night: when the Bridegroom took his Bride and conducted her to Bed, which was very gorgeously set out.

But before he enjoyed the delights of a nuptial bed fell out a dismal chance; for Cecil the other Maid envying the good For­tune of Fernelia studied how she might deprive her of the Caresses she trusted to receive from her hasty Bridegoom: and well knowing that the Bride was ever more fearfull of Ratts, she went to a Maulsters house that was not very far from thence, and pray'd the Servant that when he took a live Rat in the Trap that he should keep them for her; and the night before this jovial day he chanced to take a couple which he delivered to Cecil. The Rats she took and having brused the feet of the one be­tween two Stones, she put them both under an Earthen Pot in the Bed and covered over with the Bed-cloaths that it could not be discerned, and the Ear of the Pot so faste­ned [Page 236] with the sheet that by turning up the Cloaths the Pot must also turn up. The Bridegroom and his Bride being both un­drest he turns up the Coverlet and sheet, upon which one of the Ratts ran out and the other lay wallowing upon the Bed. The Bride seeing this, shreeked out, imme­diately swounded away, and fell upon the Floor, as insensible as the feigned Nio [...] that was transformed into a stone. No less amazed was he to see his Jewel in such a Condition, he not knowing in the World what to do, for indeavouring to raise her up and if possible to draw on her Morning Gown, found her as heavy as leed, and cold, her Countenance was as pale as a dead Corps. Long strugled he to get her up but all to little purpose insomuch that he was fain to cry out.

Upon this noise all the Guests that were merry at sundry sorts of Pastime came rushing in, where they found her laying upon the Floor, and he covering her as much as was possible with the skirt of his shirt. No means were spared they could devise to recover her again, some burned gums, another comes with the Vinegar Bot­tle, till at last she began to move and reach out her Arms which gave them all hopes that she would recover: in sum they removed her into another chamber, where the bed [Page 236]

[Page] [Page 237] was warmed for her and 2 or 3 Gentlewo­men sate to bear her Company, altho the rest being surprised with this sudden casualty lest off their Diversion and went home, lea­ving the new married Couple to their Re­tirement.

Three days after this Fernelia lay sick, and bedded not with her Bridegroom till the fourth night.

When all those things were past, and the jovial days ended, Diomedes began to make speculation upon his Darling, who for the first 2 Moneths gave him all imaginable contentment, insomuch that all what ever she desired or demanded was granted: so that nothing was seen between them but the real Tokens of Love, and with great assuredness he imparted all to her that he had in his Heart, little distrusting that it would prove so great a trouble to him in after times; for this morning had a foul evening, and this Beggar he had set a Horse-back was quickly upon the Gallop.

When the subtle Fernelia was made privy to his Heart, and was sensible of his Im­perfections, began to act for Empress; and bridled him so in, that he had not the lest word to say for himself, but, like a Bear with a ring in his snout, must go where his Owner leads him, to clear himself it was in vain, for so he might prove himself a Lyar, [Page 238] and to Hector it out was unsafe, for he knew the perils he was under if she out of a rash and insubid humour should, publish his Knavery abroad; thus he still continued in torments and subject to the greatest and worst of Plagues, which is a Womans Tongue. Her Pater-Nosters were now Metamorpho­sed into Oaths and curses, her Ave Maria's into Nicknames and Rehearsals of his Fai­lings, her Hypocritical Prayers were trans­formed into a perpetual scolding and de­spightful language, all which he was for­ced to take in good part. Emilia 'tis true could use her clapper with great Dexterity, but he had the same advantages against her, which this had against him; Olimpia's Tongue was also well hung but she ever had reason on her side, which he with reason could never either blame or oppose, and by both these came his Fortune: but from this it was far more intolerable being by him advanced from the Dunghil, to the spire of Fortune: her tongue was void of all reason and Mode­ration, nay the very Quintessence of all the Shrews tongues in Europe. For knowing well that altho before she was the Maid, and he Lord and Master, yet by her hypocrisy and show of Probity she was mounted as high as he; where he way Cajus she was Caja, was he Leo? she was Leaena: nay altho she would allow him to be the Head, she would be sure [Page 239] to be the Cap: In short their Harmony was such that he could not endure an Equal, nor she a Superior.

The shop was solely managed after her pleasure, and servants taken in, and cashier'd as it best liked her. She hired many young men to keep her shop but either finding, them by assed on her Husbands side or too dull, ever turned them away, till at last she met with two for her turn, both of a stamp: these she frequently admitted where it was illicit for any save her husband. Never went he abroad but they were a junketting toge­ther; and seldom stay'd he at Home, for Home was his Hell: this gave them occasion frequen­tly to carouse together, with a crew of infa­mous Whores and Rogues, and all at the Cost of the Good man of the house, whose ill-got wealth, was spent upon a way as dishonora­ble and light.

Such were now the animosities between them that they seldom lay together, a thing purposely created by her self, the better to entertain her Paramours, who took their Turns; Nor did she spare the shop to serve them in what they desired or demanded. Mo­ney they had always at command, and liber­ty was at any time granted them to go abroad which besides neglecting their business, was a good occasion to spend money in.

In ommitting many Instances of her [Page 240] disloyal behaviour and light deportment towards her husband one I cannot pass by, which fell out upon his going out of town, upon which Journey the whole Gang had notice and an Invitation to a merry Ban­quet; and not only those of her own crew, but also all the Rascallity in Amsterdam they were acquainted with, were summoned to the Rendezvous, and accordingly at the time appointed made their Appearance, where they were all splendidly treated with a sumptuous Table, furnished with all kinds of Delicacies, as are customary upon such solemn Occasions. When supper was ended, they fell to Singing, Dancing and Playing upon different Instruments; others fell to Gaming and play; and others recreated themselves with other Divertise­ments. In sum they spent the fore part of the night in variety of Pastime; till the most part grew a litle light-headed, upon which no­thing would serve them, but that each should go to bed with his Darling, others there were so sensual and shameless among them, that they ran up and down the house naked to the shift: and threw their Cloaths all on a heap together. This Frolick lasted till about 3 in the Morning, at what time Diomedes comes unexpectedly home, and knocking at the Door was unadvisedly let in by a Youngman and a stranger in the [Page 241] house took it to be some of the Com­pany that were newly gone out. Diomedes seeing a strange face wist not what to say, and the Youth much less: but hearing a great noise and rattling above, he steals softly up stairs into another Room, where he waited to see what all this would turn to at last. Now was he in a thousand doubts what to do, not daring to go in for fear they seeing no other shift to escape might fall upon his bones, or otherwise that his Wife, who when inraged would out run the com­pass of reason, and so teach him to climb the Ladder, for with one word speaking he was a man of Death. But seeing all the Candles put out he went foftly into the Room where their Cloaths lay on a heap, and took away their Breeches, Shoes and Perry wigs which he lock'd up in a Room apart and went out, walking the streets till he saw light in a Tavern whither he went and calling for a Manchet and a Pint of Sack, he looked over all the Papers that he had found in their Pockets, having also plun­dered them of their Watches, Gold and what else he could come by. Amongst those Papers he found divers Bills of Exchange and Letters of Importance which gave him light enough to know that several Merchants Ser­vants were in the Rout: and having in­formed himself who they were and where [Page 242] their Masters lived, as also others among them who were married men, he dispatched Letters to such Merchants as he understood those Youngmen served, including the Bills and Letters which he found in their Pockets, these he sent away with a Porter, who he thought did not know him. He sent also letters to those honest Gentlemens Wives, who had their Rendezvous at his house, and told them where they should find their husbands.

The next morning when they all awaked some so besotted with Liquor that they hardly wist where they were, but had quite forgot the mad Frolicks they had acted the night before, others who had sitten up late at play could hardly be awakened by their Companions: in sum it was high light day before any of them stirred; but hearing some people at the Door, who had knocked 3 or 4 times before they within knew. Fer­nelia hearing that some body knockt at Door and saw it light day, was in a lamentable consternation, not knowing what to do: fearing first that it was her husband who might be returned sooner than was expected; and secondly how to get the Company out without being taken notice of. Still they continued knocking at the Door, and thun­dred as if they would knock the house down: Fernelia, calls her man Tom, who [Page 243] lay behind her, for he was her chief Mi­nion, & the only person for whose sake the had made this splendid Treat: Tom begins to rub his eies, and gruntles, loath to rise, still she thumps him and told him there was some body at Door, by degrees, tho with much ado she gets Tom to creep out of his nest, they all the while knocking at Door. But now comes the mischief! Tom hears'em knock and would slip on his cloaths to let'em in, but could find no Breeches; long hunted he up and down the Room, but all labour in vain, no Breeches were to be found. Fernelia seeing him so slow to go to the Door bawls out, You Lub­ber what d'ee intend to do? will you open the Door, or not? Tom replies he could not find his Breeches, and without his Breeches he would not go: while Tom and his Mistress stood jarring together the rest awakened, and seeing it was day began to look for their cloaths, but none could make a complete suit, some wanted a stocking, another wanted a shoe, a third wants his Perrywig and Coat, in short they were all in a great trouble, not knowing in the World what to do; the People at Door still continuing knocking so that abundance were gathered together before the house, one not kno­wing anothers business. At last Fernelia prevailed with her Paramour Tom to go down [Page 244] breechless, and return one answer or other. Who so soon as he enquired who there was, heard a diversity of voices and that of Women as well as Men, was at a stand whe­ther he should open the Door or no; for not withstanding his excuses, as that his Mistress was not a stirring and the like, they still insisted to come in. They above hearing who were at Door, by their Voices which they knew, strictly forbid Tom to open the Door, and held a Consultation among themselves what was best to be done in this case. Some were for running out at the Back-door, but it being high light day, and people all abroad it was not held for good, for that the Men wanted their Bree­ches, & the Women either their Gowns or Petticoats. At length it was concluded by mature deliberation that Fernelia should go to the Window and demand what they would have. But looking out she espied the Schout coming with half a dozen Women, who were the Wives of those Men that were with­in; upon which she ran up and gave them warning, and pray'd them as they tendered their wellfar, to run out at the Back-door, with such cloaths as they had; upon which some ran out as they were, others supplied themselves with Diomedes his cloaths, in short they ran all out like so many mice at the appearance of a Cat, leaving Fernelia alone [Page 245] with her two Men and Maids. By that time they were all got out came the Officer to the Door, who upon his knocking was let in with an infinite train of People, as well those that were concerned, as others, who in spite of all they could do rushed in. The Schout seeing the Back-door open, ran out that way, where he was informed by the Neighbourhood what way his Game lay, which he pursued, taking only a Merchants Book-keeper 2 Vintners and a Shoema­kers Wife, who, to make their escape went aboard a small vessel, but the Master not daring to conceal them when he saw, the Schout come to demand'em, surrenders them all into his hand; upon which they were carried half naked thro the streets to the great amazement of all the Town, and so committed to safe Custody, where after 16 days they had a Hearing where the Schout made a heavy demaund, either a corporal Penalty and Banishment, or an Equivalent sum of Money, and such as neither of the Vintners was able to pay without Ruin of their Families: so that their Wives who were the Parties aggrieved wrought all they could that they might be banished; which sentence was passed upon them. The Book-keeper was for this and other Crimes, which he was found guilty of, condemned to be publicly whipt upon the Scaffold, and set in [Page 246] the Rasp-house for 13 years; and as for the Shoemakers Wife she saved them that labour having that Morning her Sentence was read strangled her self in the Dungeon with her Garters.

The rest who escaped the hands of Justice for that time, either fled, or reconciled themselves at Home, the Servants to their Masters, and the Men to their Wives, who knew well that what the Schout demanded would tend to their own Ruin, whether Money or Banishment, for which reason they rather chused to brook such enormities, than seek revenge which would cost them­selves so dear.

Diomedes either out of Fear or Shame ab­sented himself so long, till Fernelia had made sale of all they had in the House and Shop, which she converted into Gold, in­tending to run away with her Paramour (as not long after she did) But Diomedes coming home prevented her Journey for that time. So soon as he entred in he saw all the Goods taken down and the shelves empty, as also all the Furniture that was in the whole house, at first concluded, that he had made a Cudgel for his own pate, and that the Schout had made a seizin of all they had for this Delinquency, for as yet he had no certain information how things went, and she for her part palliated the business so long [Page 247] as she could. All the Arguments he used were but lost labour; for she scolded as hard as ever, and threatned to publish his Roguery to the World, which he knew was the High way to be hang'd. He there­fore resolves with himself not to make any stirr till he had got as much as he could by Zenodor, his Implement of Credit, and afterwards revenge himself of her and leave the Town.

With this Resolution he went to an English Merchant with whom he made a bargain for some Kerseys and Leed, amounting to 4300 gild. but treating upon the Conditions of Payment, Diomedes would have him to deliver the Goods upon Credit, which the Merchant would in no wise yield to; Dio­medes therefore offers him the security of Zenodor: the Merchant replies that he knew him not, but within a day or 2 he would give him an Answer upon the Exchange. Dio­medes for that time goes his way, and the Merchant subtilly went to enquire after Ze­nodor, sending first one to offer him a Pur­chase for a small sum pretending that he was a little necessitated for Money at that time, which was the only reason of his so doing, and that he should not suppose that it was a defective or endamaged Commodity but worth a 3d more if sold upon Credit. Ze­nodor makes his excuse and said he was out [Page 248] of Cash. Besides this he sent another Emissa­rie or Explorator, who asked him if he would sell him either Rent briefs, Lands, or Houses, saying that he was to take a Journey for Italy where he was to stay some years, and was willing therefore to see his Money well bestow'd before he took his Journey thither, adding thereby, that he would not stick out for a small matter if he saw any Pur­chase that liked him well. This Zenodor also waved, saying he had none of all these to convey at that time. When the Merchant understood this, he gathered that Zenodor having neither Money to lay out upon an advantagious bargain, professing Merchan­dise; nor yet any Estate to alienate, that he was no sufficient Person. Diomedes, not daring to appear upon the Exchange, went the day appointed very early to the Mer­chants house, and desires to know if he was satisfied with his Man. The Merchant would not make him any direct reply as to the person, but desired him to excuse him, for that he was not minded to part with his Goods but for ready Money, with which Answer Diomedes was fain to march, sadly troubled that his Machine fail'd him, in a time so constringent and urging.

When he saw that the angry Starres, had made this Enterprise unlucky, and that his attempt had such a poor Event, as [Page 249] in comparing it with the success of his for­mer undertakings he reckoned this. He fell upon another Project which was the last and worst he ever met with, if all circumstances be considered.

He applies himself to a Merchant who had a Bargain of Elephants Teeth, Indico and Rice. Of these three Commodities he bought to the value of 7500 gild. but, a Child once burn'd dreads the Fire. Or as the Latin Adage, Ictus piscator sapit, So the Mer­chant who had but newly had a mistake in giving Credit so lightly, would not part with his Goods without either ready Money or very good security. Diomedes not able to make up such a sum complete, promised him that he would give him the security of Zenodor. But this Merchant as well as the former refused to deliver any parcel of the Wares till he had spoke with Zenodor: but told him because he would not detain him in suspence, that he would go with him after Exchange time and see if he liked him, seeing Zenodor was a Gentleman he had no knowledge of, neither personally, nor by fame. Upon this they took their leaves of each other. Diomedes immediatly repairs to his Tool Zenodor and tells him of the bu­siness, praying him to humor the matter well, which Zenodor promised to do; and in order thereto sends his Cashier and Foot-man [Page 250] out with Baggs of Counters and Lea­den Plates, instructing them how they should demean themselves, and be ready at such an Hour. Diomedes at the time ap­pointed went to dance attendance, and brings his Merchant with him: where co­ming Zenodor sat at Table, but ordered them to step into the Parlour, promising to wait upon them immediatly. The Merchant seeing that Zenodor had a great house and rich furniture (at lest in the Room where he then sat) seemed to be well satisfied with the Partie, but the more when he saw so many bags brought in one after another: but by that time Zenodor was come down to know their pleasure one of the men infortunately let one of the Bags fall, which being very ponderous burst up the seem, and thereupon let all the leaden pieces tumble about the Floor, which the Merchant seeing, began to smell a Cheat and distrust his Partie. Dio­medes and Zenodor were so suddenly surpri­zed, that they could not invent any speedy excuse to palliate the Roguery. The Mer­chant seeing them so look one upon another and both blush, concluded that it was a stra­tagem and consequently without any open offence let them know that if Diomedes would have the Goods and pay down ready Money, he would not dispose of them within a certain of Days, or otherwise he [Page 251] desired to be rid of his bargain: so that Diomedes found there was no hopes of taking the Cully that bout. When the Merchant was gone they began to chide the man who let it fall, altho durst not much provoke him, well knowing in what posture affairs stood with them.

Monsr. de Kleyn (for that was the Mer­chants name) was well satisfied with the accident, being delivered (as he had reason to beleeve) from the snare, yet could not but tell it abroad how narrowly he had scap'd a scouring; which was presently noised through the Town, & brought so long from hand to hand, that the Creditors of Diomedes came to have notice of it: Of which Diomedes himself being sensible fore­saw into what state he was like to fall, espe­cially when all had him in the eie for a Cheat.

And besides all this the continual storming of Fernelia, who was now grown past shame, and so impudent that she began to be a Town-talk was the occasion of some fear on the other hand, for he was sure that in case Justice should demand him, Fernelia would be the first that should betray him, as indeed hearing of this mischance she in­deavoured to do, having sent Letters abroad to several places where she knew he had offended, as also to every one of his Credi­tors [Page 252] respectively, though with that secrecy that none knew from whence, inclosing in each of them a Pasquil in Rhyme which she caused also to be printed, and cried about streets by the Hawkers, to the great detri­ment of our decay'd Merchant.

The same night that she had dispersed those in famous Libels against her husband, she held a consult with her Paramour to run away and having changed all she had into Gold and Jewels, the next morning be­times she set forth, leaving her husband, house and the remainder of the Goods.

Diomedes and Zenodor also having a hint of what was noised abroad, were sensible that an incumbent danger threatned them, they gathered together as much Moneys as they could on a sudden and set forward for Paris.

Brutus the Mercer whose Shop Diomedes had pillaged, and the injured Parties at Rotterdam coming now by these Libels to hear who it was that had been the Agressor, went privately to the Schout with Intention to apprehend him: but coming to his house found nothing but a Child of 3 years old crying in bed, and a few pieces of Silk, which it seems Fernelia thought not vendi­ble. They therefore dispatched Letters abroad describing Zenodor and Diomedes, that they might be apprehended.

[Page 253] The Debtors also came and seized upon what was left, and by an Order from Court exposed all to public sale, of which when they had made a Dividend could not make One per cent. The Child was immediatly sent away to the Hospital to be educated, among the Orphans.

When Diomedes and Zenodor were arrived at Paris, and Zenodor no more able to be any way instrumental to his Patron, Dio­medes demands the Goods which the other had in possession. And advised him to seek for a new Imployment; but Zenodor fore­seeing approaching poverty and himself de­stitute of further means to live with that splendor which he had of late done, would in no wise yield to the delivery of what he had, alledging that he ought to have an equal share in them, since his help was the greatest Instrument in the acquisition of all Diomedes of late enjoyed. In brief the dispute continued so long between them, that they drew upon the Place and pushed several times at each other. Till Diomedes receiving a stab under the right Pap fell down to the Earth. Zenodor seeing him so disabled had notwithstanding his Fury compassion of his Antagonist, and instead of dispatching him holp him up upon his Feet, brought him to a Chirurgeon and used all possible means he could, to bring him to a recovery: beg­ging [Page 254] forgiveness a hundred times, and pray'd him notwithstanding this fatal diffe­rence to continue friendship, with many solemn promises never to forsake him. Dio­medes knowing what occasion he had for his help, did freely pardon him, altho, mente mansit alta repôstum. he in wardly con­tinued the old Grudge, and fully resolved to revenge himself upon him.

When our Patient was restored to his former health, he prayed Zenodor to take a Journey with him to Rotterdam where he would fetch 8000 gild. in Gold that he had hid in the Ground.

Zenodor not in the lest distrusting any thing show'd himself very free and willing to go with him, and the next day they both left Paris: but after 2 days Journey Diomedes fei­gned himself very sick and prayed Zenodor that he would be so kind as to fetch a Doctor, which he did.

The Doctor came and feeling his Pulse could not find any great matter of alteration; yet unwilling to declare that his opinion was so, lest he should miss of such a benefit, he orders him some gentle Medicines with a cordial Julep, and for that time leaves him to the care of Zenodor, withall telling him he must keep warm and use all means he could to get a litle sweat.

The next day Diomedes, appears still worse [Page 255] than before, and therefore willed Zenodor to take the Journey himself, describing him to a hair the place where he should delve for the Treasure, which Zenodor taking for a great mark of Friendship and Fidelity made himself ready for the Journey. On the fourth day that they had stayed there, Zenodor setts forward betimes in the morning, with Instructions from Diomedes that if he could not find the place that he should give him further directions afterwards by writing, and therefore appointed him a place where he should take up his lodgings when there. So soon as he was set out, Diomedes dispatches several Letters by Post to his Creditors at Amsterdam, to whom Zenodor was ingaged for him in great Sums, as also to some others whom Zenodor had helped him to rob, in­forming them that at such a time and place they should find Zenodor, who had by him a considerable Sum of Money.

So soon as those of Amsterdam received those Letters, they strove who should be there first, without giving notice to one another, for that they supposed he had so much Money about him: and coming there nearly about one time they apprehended and transported him to Amsterdam, where he was very fairly committed to Prison, there to abide and expect his Trial. Zenodor was hereat mainly surprized, but more [Page 256] vexed at the treacherous dealings of Dio­medes, for the Letters he had written were shown him.

After 21 days was a Goal-delivery, and Zenodors Case laid open before the Schepens, where not only a long Indictment was brought against him, of many enormous Cheats, but also house-breaking and De­linquencies of a higher nature, which being so clear and hainous were adjudged worthy of Death: whereof he received Sentence and was executed upon the Scaffold, where the Executioner lay his head before his Feet.

However we must mind you that before the Sentence was pronounced they urged him to a candid Confession of all he had done, and willed him to detect his Accomplices: which he (in hopes that the Bench would show him some mercy) did: and amongst the rest de la Grange, who during his noble house-keeping acted for Steward. The same de la Grange, as he told them was frequen­tly at the House of one Ioffr. P—a notable Bawd near the Lutheran Church, upon the Cingle, which was a Rendezvous for a Gang of Rascallity; that lived meerly upon Chea­ting, Theft and other Villany. Upon these directions the Substitute Schout was sent the next morning by 3 of the Clock, where he by an order from the full Benche broke open [Page 257] the Doors and found de la Grange and 5 Iews, each in bed with a Whore. The Iews who are in such cases according to a special Ordi­nance, to that end provided are carried to Goal and left to the Rigour of the Law. The Mock Steward was also served the like, and about 2 Moneths after received his Sen­tence, which was to be whipt upon the Scaffold, cauterised with a hot Iron in the shoulder and put into the Rasp-house, there to remain 8 years, altho not long after he broke out, but for a Murther committed upon a Hamburger, was brought to Goal and shortly after beheaded with the Sword.

Diomedes who staid no longer at that place than that night he sent away the Letters for Holland, ran away under a colour of going to take the air, without paying his Host; betaking himself directly for Paris.

Being arrived here he was at a great strait, what course to take in hand to sup­ply himself with money, seeing himself now for want of that brought to the ex­treme point. All that ever he could invent or think upon was to litle purpose, for he could not see any mean honest, or disho­nest, to redress his decaying state. He rumi­nated all his Pockets to see if there were any of those Golden Reliques left, may the very lining of his Breeches. In this desolate Condition he wandred up and down the [Page 258] streets ready to starve for want of relief, that finally he was fain to sell his Cloaths and purchase an old patched Suit, in which he could with more confidence ask an Alms.

It happened upon a time that coming to a House where they sold very rich Point­work and seeing none in the shop, made bold to enter in, thinking that if any chanced in the mean while to come forth to beg relief, but when he saw that none came down, he assumed the free­dom to lift a very rich Cravat, of Point di Veneza which he cunningly drew up his sleeve and so marched off with his purchase that he had bought without bargaining, and paid for without Money: which he soon found a Chapman for, selling it for 90. Livers, which was not half the value.

Having received the Money he went to a Salesman to buy him a new Suit, and by the way met with a great croud of People, who were looking upon a Fist-duel between two fellows in Pesants habit, which when over, he speeds him away to Market where coming, to a shop he looked him out a Suit amounting to the value of 60 gl. which having drawn on, and found it fitted him to a hair he began to look for Money in his old Breeches; but much mistaken for some of the Horn-thumb Gang had done [Page 259] that Office for him. Our decayd Merchant feeling no bottom in his Pocket was in a main conster [...]ation, and turning to the Salesman told him how his Money was gone; at which the Man in a fit of Anger unharnesses his Worship, where in hopes of handsell, gets a handsom breed of Lice. Diomedes on the Contrary in hopes of new Rigging, was fain to draw on his old Robes again and depart, and glad that he made his escape so.

With a sorrowfull and desperate heart he betook himself without the Town, where sitting down humbly upon the Grass, by the way side he fell to his old Trade again.

After he had fitten here 2 or 3 days, came a poor Woman, who seeing a Per­sonage of her Calibre, stept towards him, entring into discours together, she desired him to inform her of the Guise of begging about Paris. Diomedes thus unexpectedly meeting with a Female of his own trade, with a rayment of divers colours, stockings turn'd over the shoes, hair loose about her head, her face scorched with the sun, never a shift to her back, and in short all foul and nasty, yet well proportioned of Body, he stood staring, thinking he had else where seen her, for both by her Voyce and Countenance, aswell as her Language, [Page 260] being something guilty of the Nether dutch Idiom and Prosodie, he was certain that she was an Amsterdammer, and after a serious view descried the very features of his dear Fernelia; on whom not withstanding, her unworthiness in times past, he had hearty Compassion, seeing her in such a low condition. Longer could he not conceal himself, but as a fire that burns inwardly seeks a Vent and to burst out, so the eager affections of that close, tho unhappy union, would not endure to be smothered. Howe­ver he kept himself som what strange, altered his voice, and made her such wary answers as she could not perceive who he was, till such times as himself listed to detect it. He inquired further after her Life, Parentage, State and Fortune, which she punctually re­plied to, yet with that obscurity and men­tal reservation that had he not known the matter before hand, should have gathered very litle from the rehearsal she made of her Course of Life: but in the mids of this Discourse, she observed tears run down his cheeks and his ejes full, called to mind his Physnomy and upon her challenging him he altered his voice again being no longer able to restrain himself, which confirmed the matter.

Upon this they embraced each other, and she acknowledged him for her husband: [Page 261] as he also owned her for his wife, resolving for the future to be partakers of one For­tune and be sharers in what Providence should allott them. Diomedes began to enquire of her, how she came into that calamitous condition, which we shall impart to the Reader in a few words, and show how that Vertue promotes a Save to the Dignity of a Lord, when on the contrary Vice reduces those that are advanced to the high est pitch of Fortune to the lowest degree, and vilest condition fatal to Men.

‘After I had been, quoth she, raised to such a Condition and to that Estate by your means I verily beleeved it impossible for me ever to fall to the State wherein I now am; and as those who by Money could command all that their Heart lusted, so I who was not bark-bound for that, was loath to deny my self of any thing that might indulge my senses, and not only contented herewith I sought further to pamper my self with what was not law­ful, and by consequence violated my mar­riage-bed (as is not unknwn to you) but seeing how that it was not safe for me to make any delay at Amsterdam, for fear of being taken notice of by Justice, and how that I was manifestly going to decay, I resolved to make Sale of all I could in your absence and run away with my Pa­ramour. [Page 262] But being come into Flanders some words happened to rise between, us which (as I beleeved) were by him created on purpose, for being upon the way & far from any Village he tied me to a tree, stript me naked and took the re­mainder of the Gold I had with him, & leaving me there to shift for my self since which time I could never hear of him. After I had lay here more than 50 hours not knowing whether Hunger or Cold should be the greatest cause to bring me to my end, I happened to hear some people in the Woods by night, and calling out they came and released me, but not without forcing me to their wills. Being thus set at Liberty I wandred many days through the deserts not daring by reason of my nakedness appear at any house, or speak to any body that I saw: my Lodging was among Cattel upon the cold ground, and my Diet what I could find upon Trees, but being now in despair of ever coming to my former health, or recovering my strength again, I lay down with an intent to dy and to endeavor no longer to keep my soul and body toge­ther. Lying in this condition more likely to feed Wolves than Worms, came a brace of Hounds in pursuit of a Hare, which having lost and finding me they began to [Page 263] howl out, and would not leave me till the Huntsman himself came, who seeing a naked Woman was strangely altered at the matter, and having compassion on me began to enquire how I came there in that deplorable condition, but through faintness I could hardly make him any answer, only I desired him to trouble me no more, but suffer me to take my leave of the World which had ever been a burthen to me: but he not willing to see me perish went to some Cottage not far from thence where he fetched me a few old cloaths which he threw about my body, but when he would have raised me, found I could not stand upright upon my leggs, but was fain to set me upon his horse and hold me up, bringing me in that manner to his own house, where he set me by the Fire, and gave me warm Diet till I began to recover my strength. Nor did the kindness of that true Christian stop here and appear only in that, but being himself a man of mean condition and slender Fortune, he went to his Lord and other Gentlemen round about in the Countrey, who sent me both Money and Habit, besides many daily Visits that they made and comforted me. When I was well recovered and a litle hearty, I took my leave of them all respectively, going [Page 264] to their houses and thanking them for their great Bounty and Charity, but more especially the Honest Huntsman. One of the Gentlewomen who had been the most liberal of the rest at my departure gave me 2 Pieces of Gold with a Letter to a Person of Quality at Paris, desiring them to admitt of me into their houshold: but such was my unhappiness that going over a Bridge I was met with a small com­pany of Soldiery, which I took for Deser­ters, these after they had miserably plun­dered ravished me by turns. The greatest favour they were pleased to show me was restoring me the Letter which I was to bring to Paris, for that they knew it was not serviceable to them: altho when I was arrived at Paris that for the honor of the Lady in the Countrey I durst not de­liver it, since I was so meanly apparreled, so that in conclusion I was forced to take this trade of begging upon me, in which condition I have continued ever since, but find, alas! Charity is faint and cool, and envy as vigorous and hot among those of our Fortunes and profession,’

More she would have said, but sorrow pressing too hard upon her heart put a stop to her proceeding in that Narrativ: and Dio­medes on the contrary desiring her to relate no more, for that it wounded him to the [Page 265] Heart. The Tears that ran trickling down her Cheeks he wiped with a lap of his shat­tered weed, and asked her if she would be partaker of what he had to eat, which was a crust of mouldy Bread and a cruse of Spring-Water, that she thankfully accepted, and sat down by him.

So soon as Table was over, they fell into a Study what practise to follow to get into a fashionable way of living again; not for­getting to rip up their former splendor, which was a greater grief to think upon, than their present calamity and despair. In short they did not approv of this course of Life, for calling to mind their former suc­cess and Fortune, they resolved to attempt higher things, and since Paris was a City well peopled, and consequently the best place for their turn, they betook themselves thither, where being arrived watched for their prey like the greedy Vultures, but finding nothing that they could lift in 3 or 4 days time, Diomedes bethinks himself of a new Machine, and calling Fernelia asks her if she had not the Letter which was given her by the Lady in the Countrey with her; she answered, Yea. Diomedes therefore willed her to dress her self in the best wise she could and apply her self thither not knowing what Providence may allot them, since they were now put to their last shift. [Page 266] Fernelia was very unwilling to do it, since she was in such mean apparrel, and might rather be looked upon as a Cheat, especially the Letter being of an old date, and if it were either transcribed or altered that the matter would smell the worse, the more if the Lady who delivered her the Letter should since have been at Paris. As to the first thing (re­plies Diomedes) you scruple at, there will be no great difficulty in it, the rather for that you have a just excuse consistent with Truth, which will rather be an advantage than a let to your purpose: but if in case the Lady has bin in Town since the date of this Letter, without Doubt, she will have discoursed the matter, and, as it were, broke the Ice before you, and given her an account of your former misfortune, which will the more induce them to beleeve what has since verily befallen you.

These reasons moved her to hazard the matter and dressing her self in the best wise she could, waits her opportunity to deliver the Letters but was not suffered Admittance till she told one of the Pages that she had a Letter for his Lady, which she desired him to deliver. The Page receives the Letter and forthwith reached it over to a Gentle­man-Usher who gave it the Lady. So soon as Madame de Oquendo had read the Letter (for so was her name) she sent for Fernelia and for an hour or two discoursed and exa­mined [Page 267] her about circumstances, fearing whether that it was the real hand-writing of the Lady, her Cousin. In short she or­dered her to come after 8 days and she would her self in the mean time consider how to dispose of her, and with that left her and went into the Hall.

Fernelia finding here such good encou­ragement watched her opportunity, and after 8 days went to wait upon the Lady, who by that time had received a Letter from the Countrey, which happily confirm'd the other Fernelia delivered. Madame d'Oquendo, whose husband was a Spaniard, and she now and then a litle possessed with Jealou­sie, was hardly willing to take her into the house, for that, as we have already mentio­ned, Fernelia was a Woman of a singular form. She nevertheless ordered her to stay there so long till she should hear of some other place.

Fernelia thus admitted into the houshold, got into good apparel and fed at a plentifull Table, began to look as lofty as ever, often wishing that she might but be rid of her Husband who came now and then to speak with her.

About 14 days after came another Letter from the Lady in the Countrey, which further confirmed that there was such a Letter sent by an indigent Person, and in all things agreeable [Page 268] to what the other specified, so that the Pari­sian Lady being now out of suspence as to the verity of the matter, used Fernelia very civilly and promoted her from the common rank of Servants, to the Quality of a Wai­ting Gentlewoman, and at last committed to her care all the House and Family.

Being thus on a sudden advanced, and of such repute in the sight of all the whole house, the Lady seldom ever troubled her self with the disposal of any thing, but left the management of the Market to Fernelia, who ever now and then imbezled something for her Darling, which she privatly sent him with a charge never to come anigh the house, for fear of suspicion.

Diomedes willingly absents himself, ha­ving all his heart desired, but very impa­tient to play so long at small Games urges her often times by writing to make a shor­ter dispatch, which she nevertheless would in no case assent to, till forced to it by his frequent importunity, and personal visits which at last he presumed to make, which hatched a terrible mischief, and, that Pit­cher that had gone so often to the Well, came home broke at last.

It was about the preparation against Lent, at what time some Noblemen of the Romish Faith, among other superstitious Rites, do usually hang their Private Chappels and [Page 269] Altars with Purple, covering all the Cru­cifixes and Images with the same, so that Fernelia professing skill in those things, was ordered to buy so much as they should have occasion for in the Chappel.

Which when done, all was hung and dis­posed of, save only two Windows; but coming too short, the Lady was not willing to buy any more, but taxed the Man that hung the Altar for being too profuse, and not observing that what they had bought should serve their turn. The man when thus chidden made answer that he had but made use of so many ells, and would have meted it in her presence: so that he clearly mani­fested that the fault lay not in him, upon which the Lady in person went to the Mer­cer to inquire whether they had any more of the same: The Mercer replyed, that they had no more, nor that none in Paris had any such in 10 years: In short the Lady came to understand that Fernelia had bought so many Ells more than the man had used, so that the fault must needs ly in one of them three; either Fernelia, the Mercer, or the Upholsterer. However the Lady put all up in quietness and made no more talk of it, till Diomedes came according to his usual custome to pay his dear Fernelia a visit, ha­ving a new suit with a Vest and Lining of the very same Purple, whence she began [Page 270] to suspect that Fernelia had embezled the Goods, and therefore imparted the matter to her sister at that time in the house with her. Fernelia hearing them often whisper, and by some other circumstances gathered that they had her in suspicion, resolved before 2 days were at an end to march off, and therefore gave Diomedes notice of it, who the next evening came to give atten­dance.

Fernelia packs up as much Plate and Jewels as she could very well come at, altho the latter she could not so easily come by, it being Lent, and a time when the Parisians appear with less splendour abroad than at other times. With this she steals clande­stinly out at a back-door where she meets with Diomedes, who eased her of her bur­then, both marching on a good pace till they thought that they were out of harms way.

A great Ingratitude! but afterwards as well rewarded by the severity of Justice, as you shall shortly hear.

The Plate they converted into Money as soon as they could, till fearing that the Goldsmiths might have Tickets to appre­hend them: so that what remained Diomedes melted, intending to sell it afterward when they had occasion for Money.

So long as this Money lasted they made [Page 271] good cheer, not sparing for any thing that might add to their delight but drawing towards the last mite, they bethought themselves of some other course to take in hand, whilest they had some Moneys at command.

It happened that pretty early in the mor­ning he came to a Watchmaker, not far from the Louvre, who was very busy in hanging out his watches, having lay them in con­fused order. He prays that Watch-maker to read him a Letter, pretending that he could not make any sence of it, which the Watch-maker did not once refuse, but read and expounded it to him on the best wise he could. Fernelia in the mean while drew back her Arm and took up two Gold Wat­ches [...]very clandestinly, Diomedes also seeing one very richly enammeled made a shift to lift it without being taken notice of by the Watch-maker. But it seemed that a youth who sat behind at work seeing that, so soon as they were gone told his Master of it. The Watchmaker in all hast follows and siezes them, Diomedes would have stoutly denied the matter, but Fernelia was so al­tered that he confessed the crime, restored him the Watches and begged forgiveness of him. It is true, the Watchmaker would have done it, but having made a great con­currency of People together, he feared to [Page 272] be called in question for it, said, he could not answer it if he did. While they disputed the case came an Officer of Justice who after a litle enquity what there was to do, took Diomedes and Fernelia, and hurried them both to prison, where they were to remain till the next Goal-Delivery.

The Remainder of their Money was now speedily brought to a Catastroph, and being unacquainted with the Laws of the Coun­trey, they were in great distress, fearing that they should at that time take their leave of the World, but,

The Day for the Sessions appointed being come they were brought to Trial and since there was no evident token that they had before been convict of any other crime, the Bench was not so rigorous. The Sentence was to be whipt and seared in the shoulder with a hot Iron, and afterward Banished.

In this condition they were ledout at the Gates of Paris, and set their course to wards Biscay, where finding charity very cold by the way they resolved to hazard another risque. For passing by a fair house in the Countrey, they applied themselves to the Master, desiring to have a nights Lodging in the Barn or Stable, which was granted them. About midnight, they rose up when they supposed all to be secure and asleep, and lighting a Candle which they had in a [Page 263] dark Lanthom, took out the Casement and so got into the house, where they found a Cabinet in which was six Silver plates, and 3 dozen of Spoons, besides a Saltseller and 2 Porrengers, all of the same mettal, which they tooke away and marched out softly, tending towards Bilboa.

So soon as they were arrived there, they converted all into Money, thinking to im­barque themselves for England, and there to spend the rest of their Days, but as the Proverb saith, When Knaves fall out, Honest men get their own. Diomedes and Fernelia, fell into a hot contest, about I know not what trifile, so that words between them grew exceeding high, and Fernelia was so vexed that she resolved to send him to the Gallows, and make her self mistress of the Money; pursuant to which intent she went to one whom she intreated to assist her under the promise of a great reward. The Ruffian, who was a Person ever ready to do such a Turn, promised her that he would not fail to do his endeavour.

That night they consulted to leave Dio­medes asleep, and having first taken all the Money, they paid the Hostess, and sent a Letter privately to the Praetor of theCity who immediately went to apprehend him.

When Diomedes found how cases stood, that Fernelia had betray'd him, and was [Page 274] march'd off with the Money, he gave notice of it to the Pretor, who thereupon dis­patched some Persons with a Pouvoir to take her and bring her back to Bilbao. The Ships were also visited, and the high ways traced; till at last she was found in the house of a poor Pesant, not far from the City, where she had stay'd 2 nights, was brought to Bilbao, and there committed to safe Cu­stody.

During the time of his Imprisonment came Mordechai the Jew to Bilbao, whom he had cheated of a considerable Sum of Money, as was mentioned pag. 72. who hearing that a Hollander was committed to prison, out of pure compassion went to visit him; but seeing that it was Diomedes instead of giving him comfort, aggravated the matter, and threatned to bring in his Action against him.

Lebechea seeing the Jew in earnest, ac­quainted his keeper, when he was gone, that such an one, and a Jew was there in the City, requiring him to acquaint the Gentlemen of the Inquisition with it, which the Kee­per not daring to conceal, immediatly went and detected him, upon which he was appre­hended, examined, convicted of Judaism, and burn'd at the stake.

When Diomedes had been about 5 weeks n [...] Prison he came to a Trial, and the Pe­sant [Page 275] was sent for where he had stole the Plate, in order to prosEcute him.

Diomedes and Fernelia were brought be­fore the Seat of Justice, where the Judge first with an austere countenance threatned to put them to the Rack, but afterwards with more blandiloquence willed them to make a hearty Confession, which without many Arguments they did, and so received Sen­tence, Diomedes to be hang'd and Fernelia whipt. At the day appointed Diomedes was brought forth, and made a signal appea­rance of Repentance, altho not doubting of a Pardon till the last hour but much mi­staken, for the Executioner without any delay perform'd his charge and duty. Fer­nelia altho by reason she was of the weaker sex, was more gently dealt with, yet what by the stripes she received, and what thro an inward smart and horror of Conscience she fell sick and died in the field. So, Cour­teous Reader, you have seen the Condign Punishment and Requital of an impious Life, and the Reward of Villany in him who had so unjustly rewarded others, whose wic­ked Projects had never respect to the best of Friends, nor ever spared his nearest Al­lies so long as his Will was seconded with his Power, and till FUNIS became his