A WORLD of wonders▪ A MASS of Murders.  
A COVEY of Cosonages.  
Containing many of the most notablest Wonders, horrible Murders and detestable Cosonages that have been within this Land.  
Not imagined ●also to delight vain heads chiese, nor practised trans mare to breed truth cum ambiguitate, but committed even at home re vera, and may be proved cum honestate.  A matter most fit to be known, well weighed and considered of all men. 

Who list of Wonders tell, and strange events to know,  
Or hear of Murders fell: this Book a Mass doth show.  
Who would the wily slights, of Cousnage gladly hear,  
Herein for his delights: a Covey doth appear.  
Muse at the first, fear at the next, the third doth cry beware  
So mayst thou shun a world of woes which herein named ere.   
NON PLUS  
W. B   printer's or publisher's device 
Imprinted at London for William Barley, and are to be sold at his shop in Gracious street near unto Leadenhallgate. 1595.   

To the christian READER. grace, mercy and peace.  
FOrasmuch (gentle and benevolent Reader) as we are now abiding in that same iron world whereof Ovid speaketh in which is small store of good fruits but such as barren soils do buy: Nature yields, to witthistles, brambles & such like, whereof small gain is to be expected, wherewith men's hearts are hardened, charity chased, love lacking truth thrusted out of doors, liberality laid along, compaision coupled in chains and all good and virtuous exercises either seldom used or utterly extinct: as fire smothered up in ashes, and in stead of these carnal and most unnatural murders, detestable perjuries, cankered coutousnes incestuous adultery, hardness of heart, peevish extortion, exactions usury and divers such most horrible and abominable practices yearly, monthly, nay hourly are used and practised. All which and other like to the learned are thought to be most evident and manifest signs, that that final end that conclusion and shutting up of these transitories and vanities of this mortal world are at hand and that Christ is even ready to call us unto judgement: and forasmuch as calling of Preachers, execution of laws and justice and other like worketh but small amendment in us, yet nevertheless because that signs threats, tokens of God's wrath, signs in the air, murders, incest and such like heard of and seen with our corporal eyes although they be not in continual remembrance to terrify by us from committing such abominations, yet do they for the present time that they are seen, heard or done, stir and move us up to prayer to God to amendment of our sinful lives, to the horror of such wicked actions and such like.  
And for this cause I have collected these exampses not from strange languages or from foreign nations which might breed some ambiguity or doubtas touching the truth, but I have taken them out of our own native Country (not without sorrow that such heinous sins & enormities should be so rife amongst us) whereof can no doubt be made for truth of action or exception for process of time or antiquity, being done all for the most parr within these few years within our memory with in our knowledge. All which I say are collected together in a readiness as apretious glass to see the frailty of man, to vein the wickedness of this world, the end of mischiefs, the punishment of such grievous enormities & such like that thereby, other seeing the same may refrain the like, and seek to shun such paths as lead to destruction which grant us so to do he that for sinners shed his precious blood upon the tree. Amen. (.)  
Thine in Christ. T. I.   

AS there is no fruit which hath not first his bud then his flower, thirdly his fruct and afterwards time for his ripeness. Even so there is no villainy or wicked fact that hath not first his motion and intent, next his opportunity, thirdly his execution or committing of that fact and lastly his shame and punishment as may appear by these examples.  

A COVEY of Cosonages.  

WIthin these three year dwelled in Brodstreet within the City of London a Chandler, whose honest life, good conversation, upright dealing and christian zeal is yet manifestly to be knowen of the inhabitants where he dwelled. Unto this youngman in a winter's evening repaired a tall young man of a commendable proportion of body, if inward gifts had accorded therunts:  
This man entering this Chaundelers' shop (where the goodman was busy in his vocation) & demanded if he had any Nutmegs to sell, whereupon after he had seen the Nutmegs, demanded the price, he asked the Chandler if he would buy a good bargain of Nutmegs and other wares? saying he was lately come out of the Carick and had certain commodities to sell which he had kept till than, but now wanting money and coming into arrorages, with his Ghost where he sojourned, was constrained to sell all his merchandise or at least some of them to discharge his lodging: the Chandler ready (as all worldlings are) to get: After certain speeches of bargaining, they grew to a composition and absolute bargain, and thereupon this halter catcher desired the Chamdler to take a bag or two with him, to put in the commodities for the easier carriage, and also to put sixteen shillings in his purse to pay the host if he would not let the wares to pass (for so much he said he was run on the score) The simple and plain meaning Chandler suspecting nothing less than cozenage took to his box and took out from other money twenty and five shillings, and put it into an other purse by itself, and so taking the bags marched all along from Breadstreet to Queen-hive where this tibornesse growing son, entering into a door (fit as it seemeth his parpose) desired the Chandler to stay at the door, till he took the bags and filled them.  
After some short space or time this new gates bird came again to the Chandler sitting at the door and there certifying him that his host and he had been at some speeches and that he would not let him have the Nutmegs vill he had his sixteen shillings, and therefore desired him to let him have sixteen shillings to pay him, and there with delivered him a thing wrapped up in brown paper after the best fashion like to a piece of velvet which he said was ruft taffeta this he left as gage for the money till the Nutmegs came, the Chandler meaning plain simplicity delivered him his purse with the five and twenty shillings saying take the purse you know I put in so much money, pay him out sixteen shillings, and keep the rest till we reckon.  
Now the villain is gone, and the Chandler waiteth for his Gentleman at the door some half bower and more, and pereceiving no likelihood of his coming began to suspect some unacqainted bargain and thereupon untied paper to see what merchandise was therein which being opened he found nought but tailors shreds artificialy placed and bound after the fashion of pieces of taffeta. Imagine now that the Chandler is in his dumps, and there leave him a while meditating upon the profit of his bargain.  
The caterpillar in the mean space making haste you may be assured out of a false back door (whereof there may be to many in London more is the pity) came home to the Chandler's house again, & he that before had viewed each thing for his purpose, and had seen the bor out of which the chandler had taken out the five and twenty shillings before, came to the chandler's boy, and said sirrah you must send your master twelve shillings wanting twopences out of the bore that hath the rag of white cloth in it: the mark of the cloth he saw in the box & at the quantity of the money he guessed.  
The boy gave small trust to his words, and replied that he knew no such box till he had him look for the rag and said his master had sent a porter that was coming with nutmegs, which nutmegs his master charged should be laid out of sight in the back room. Notwithstanding for all this the boy would not deliver him any money, but when he was importunate upon him he desired an other boy of one of the neighbours to come in and take so much money and to go with the man to his master.  
The matter concluded the neighbour's boy had a xi. s. and x .d. and going forth, this notorious cozener leads the boy into Saint Mary-axe to an other door and bids the boy to stay he would call the chandler to him. He went in and stayed a while & came again to the boy saying that the chandler was so busy that he would not come to him but desired that he would send it him in, willing him to stay and carry a bag of nutmegs home with him: the boy simply delivered the money and stayed an hour for the bag of nutmegs but as yet can not they be heard of.  
In the mean time the chandler cometh home but how disposed (God knoweth) where he findeth himself too fold deceived, to his great no doubt, and more in my judgement for the wiccednes of the man then for the loss of the money.  
If this be not as notorious a knavery as ever you heard off I refer it to your own considerations.   

How a woman consained a minister often groats.  
A Minister who yet liveth godly disposed repaired upon a day to Christs-Church in London to hear the Lecture and continued there during the set men. Afterwad departing thence, and coming into the open street, upon the sudden came a woman unto him with open mouth and commanded him to give her her ring. What ring said the Minister? the ring said she you took of my finger in the Church. Avaunt quean said the minister I have nothing of thine and with that the woman made such exclamations in the street, that the passengers gazed upon them in such sort that the Minister ashamed of such an hurly burly demanded what her ring was worth, who answered that it was worth forty pence, and thereupon, he drew his pursy and gave her ten gretes to be rid of the filth.   

An other.  
WIthin these last twelve months even at twilight, an honest man and of good behaviour, came to enter London at Cripplegate, under which gate as he passed, suddenly met him a study fellow who justled him with his shoulder, & at that instant, upon the other side of him, an other knave confederate with the other supposing that he would mind she man that instled him, as indeed any man should do, caught the fellows cloak by the lap, and therewith turned himself round, in such sort that the honest man's cloak was lapped the inside outward upon the coney-catchers back, and having his prey, fled with swift heels: the honest man, notwithstanding their justling, remembered his cloak and thereupon cried stop thief, the other knave that just led him never stirred his feet but hearing the man cry shop thief, drew out his dagger and asked where, where, and by that time people gathered as the usual order, the honest man said that he that had the dagger in his hand was he that justled him but whether he was his associate that ran away with his cloak he would not say. What a villain is this queth the coney-catcher to make such an hurly burly, thou art a dissembling rogue said he & take this for thy labour and therewith struck the poor man upon the head with his dagger, and by this meenes, left he his cloak and was also cruelly heaten.   

An other.  
ANd seeing I have begun with Clocke-catching, behold an other knack of knavery, which was committed in Smithfeild at noon days. A certain man walking or going in Smithfeild with a new cloak upon his back, there came to him of Pluto's hel-hountes, demanding what he might pay for his cloak: marry sir said the other, it cost me five nobles, truly said the other it is worth that: I pray you where bought you it? at such a place said the other, and there you may have of the very self same piece: at last the frauder desired the honest man that he might see it upon his back, if it were long enough, for him, who meaning nothing but plain dealing, put the cloak upon the others back and incontinent the thief runneth away as fast as he might with the cloak, the true man cried stop thief stop thief, and he that was the thief and ran away, he cried also stop thief, stop thief, the men in the street hearing both of them cry both one note supposed that both they had run after a third body, and could not tell whom to stay, so that in conclusion, the thief passed away stily with the cloak and so far as ever I could learn was ever heard of to this day.   

An other.  
ANd will ye yet hear stranger matters the truth whereof is, and may with small labour be known.  
At the Sun without Alders-gate not long since there supped certain Gentlemen and servingmen: There Chamber prepared and supper ready, they fat down to meat, among whom came in also an other man booted and spurred and fat down with them at the neither end of the Table, a mere Stranger to the rest, yet unsuspected, for that every one thought he had been some friend or acquaintance of some of the other, (as well it might be judged) where many are together one thinking him to be such a man's acquaintance, the other thinking him to be his friend, etc.  
They passed their supper time in mirth and paid the reckoning, among the which, this new found gue & orderly paid his share and having so done they sat talking till it was near to eleven of the clock at night and that all the companies were departed the Tavern, except this uncouth guest watching his time left the company & came to the bar where he found the boy that sat therein nodding a sleep with money to the value of eight or ten shilliings, in his hand unto whom came this prigger and with thievish softly means assays to take the money out of the boy's hand and did faindeed, the boy not fast in sleep awaked, missed his money, search was made, the fellow not far was gone from the bar: and thereupon had in suspicion: he denieth the fact both with words, oaths and gesture: inquiry was made of whose acquaintance he was, of them that supped together and in conclusion he was found a mere stranger to them all, and thereupon did search both his sleeve, bosom and other places where might be any possibility to hide any money but all in vain, it could not be found he stood upon his terms he was a Gentleman, he was honest as the best etc. This made the company muse till at the length one subtler than the rest commanded his boots to be plucked of and in one of them they found the eight shilinges, manifested by tokens and his other to the value of five pounds.   

An other.  
But if you desire to hear a subtler kind of knavery and such a one as if it had not been petty knavery for the small valuation of the thing defrauded, you might say it carried the vel away and it was thus.  
A poor woman there was, (yea she yet liveth) that used to to take kildeckins of beer of a brewer: this woman being a widow and having but few of meany could not well drink the kylderkin whilst it was good, and therefore a neighbour of hers came to her and called her by her name, saying neighbour, you are but few of household and I like a good husband fetch all my drink at the alehouse if you think good I will fetch of you if I may have so much for a penny, as I can have at the alehouse, yes marry shall you said to the widow, why then quoth the other let my folks hare here when they come for it, and when they have fetcher so much as cometh to twelve pence you shall have money: content saith the widow, and hereunto they departed, and the man sent day by day for beer till it came to elevenpence, & then he lift fetching any more, and so it continued: In the end, the poor woman sent to him for money for her drink: money said her good neighbour, why I awe you none, no quoth the widoowe I have deliveret so much as cometh to elevenpence: I confess all that said he, but when is my day to pay? marry saith she, when I demanded it, nay quoth he, my bargain was to pay when it comes to twelvepence and not before. Thus the poor witow was beguiled.   

An other.  
IT may see me needless to write that which as yet is not buried in the bosoms of oblivien that is how a cripple within these few years within four or five miles of London desired a passenger to help him upon his horse, who suposing it a deed of charity to help him, & taking him in his arms the cripple wounded him to death, and rob him and according to law was therefore executed.   

An other.  
AN Usurer sometime there was who lent out much money and never twenty or thirty years made any desperate debt. This usurer had a man a young whely of this tigers kind: apt to learn of his old churl his master what might turn to his profit: Yet notwithstanding, his master kept all his dealings close from his servant, in so much, that the servant seeing his master made no such debts as sometimes he did, demanded of his master how he could keep himself from banckroutes?  
The master kept himself a lose and would not be known of that secret to his servant, till acenclusion was made that the servant should bestow a supper of his master at the tavern to learn the secret. The supper was prepared, the master, servant and other friends supped and were merry: the master told the servant that if he dealt as he used to do, he could make no evil debts, and that was that he should not take any man's bill, bond or word but ever be sure of a good pawn worth double or triple his money in usancce with a good bill of sale in open market. The supper ended, the old signior having well liquored himself & old vessels must needs leak, would needs be gone to make water, nay said the servant than you will leave us: not so said the usurer, if you think so keep my cloak, whereupon he took his cloak & laid it to pawn at the bar for the shot & went his way. thus fraud was deceived with deceit.   

An other.  
NOt three years passed, it chanced that a certain man traveling towards North-hawton meet with an other man in a solitary place whereas was none other but them twain, the one of them commanded the other to stay and to deliver him his purse for he wanted money, the other party seemed willing, & said truly I have but two shillings, but seeing it is so that thou wilt needs have it here it is, and so gave it him & departed. This party who had they purse went forward, and he that lost the purse seemed to go forward an other way, but seeing opportunity crossed over two or three closes or fields till he came and met the other thief again, and then commanding him to stay charged him to deliver his purse for he was a goodfellow wanted money, and lately rob and now must and would have money: the other answered that he should have none, and then after some speeches they fell to grappling together so long till the first thief was contented to redeliver the man his own purse and his two shillings, but the other was not so contented took from him his purse wherein was seven shillings and odd pence.   

An other.  
IT was credibly-reported that not far from the cross in Cheapside in London used a Costermonger's wife to sit with apples, who used for her better enticing of customers to have forty or fistie shillings in the pocket other white Apron, which because it was so directly before her a outpurse took great care how to cousin her of her money (which to an honest man's mind might seem impossible to be brought to pass.) The cutpursses man had made made many assays but could not prevail & therefore the mastercut-purse being moaned, took the matter upon him, and taking a cloak commonly called a spanish-cape (such as Italians daily use) it hath a hood hanging down the back, he put it about him and came to her where actor many speeches he bought a groats worth of pippins of her but not having canuenient carriage requested that she would let some body carry them home with him. The woman making answer that she had no body but herself he then prayed her to put them into the whore or cape of his cleake where upon he stooped down with his head and she putting in the apples he put his hand into her packet and by that means picked out her money a thing thought unpossible.   

An other.  
IN a winter's night (some few years past) a boy about thirteen or fourteen years of age was sent with three or four shirtebands, caffes and handkerchiefs thereto according valued at four pounds or there about, unto a Gentleman lying about old Fish-streat, who passing through some part of Waeling-streat upon a sudden met him a woman demanding his name his mother's name his dwelling and place whereto he was going, the boy fold her truly all these things and so she departed goin unto another companion not far seated from her and told her mate all what so ever the boy had before declared: which done, this other cosoninge quean crossing over the street came and met the boy calling him by his name, ask him whether he went and so forth: the boy wondered how she knew him and said that he knew not her, no said she, I a well heard by thy mother at Bishopfgate and I have been hereby of an ere and and as I came along this street at I spied a good shoulder of mutton in a Cook's shop but I cannot have it under xiiii .d. because he and I fell out, I pray thee take this xii. pence, and go and asue for one Harison a Cook here in: Watling street and see if thou canst buy it, and thou and I will be merry together with it & then go home together. The boy simply took the money & left his bands & other things with the housewife & in the mean while, she went away with the clothes.   

An other.  
SEeing I have spoke of Watling-streat, I mean to put you in mind of an odd jest (if so I may term it) committed in Fryday-strenat near the said place, and thus it was.  
Salter's there as other traders use to set out there wares upon she stalls and such like places that men may see what they have to sell. Amongst the rest one W. C. now living, set out half a firkin of soap under his stale upon a barrel of pitch as the report goes, and so it long continued. One day above the rest, there passed by a man (servingman like) who seeing the said half firkin (without saying by your leave) took the half firkinne under his at me, and away he went. The owner knew nothing thereof, till one of the neighbour's servants seeing the fact told him of it and he intentinent sent his servant after him, who brought him to his master, and being asked why he stole it, defied them saying, he came not into his house for any ware, but he found that half firkin in the queens high way, and therefore he took it up.   

An other:  
AMong petty cozenage this may also be numbered. A Country man came into Fry day-streat before named and demanded which was his way into Fryday-streat a naughty minded fellow bade him turue at the next corner and he should be out of it by and by. The filly suspecting no deceit did as he bade him & so was led amisss. And this petty cozenage is to common now a days more is the pity.   

An other.  
AS notorious a cozenage as ever was heard doth follow.  
In Leicester town dwelled sometimes a weaver who being a perfect workman wanted not customers to set him on work and among others one in the town brought him some. thirty or, forty pounds of flaxen yarn to weave, his work ended, he brought home the cloth as the usage is, and the goodwise partly knowing how much might be be made of so much yarn and suspecting that he had stolen some of here yarn, asked if he had brought home all her yarn, yea dame quoth he that I have, but she ●●king as though she did not believe him, he swore as God should judge him he had brought home every ha●●● to 〈…〉 and so he did in very deed, he brought home all and yet 〈◊〉 standing he beguiled her of two or three pounds in his 〈◊〉 breeches, but going away he carried it a way with him back again.  
A wonder it is to see what sleights the devil useth to draw men unto him aswelmay be noted in this, for he thought by this means to save his oath though he never imagined that it was asault to deceive such as put most confidence in him.   

An other.  
IN Melton Mobray dwelled a carrier named K. who when first he used carrying, as he travailed in the hiyh way, heard a woman over the hedge crying and making great moan for help, the man supposing if a good deed to help a woman distressed would have left his companion and have gone to the rescue of the woman: but his fellow travaller would not suffer him, showing him what treachery might he in such dissembling cries, so he stayed a space, but yet hearing the importunate moan he said that he would aid her what he might, and thereupon leapt over the hedge, where presently one caught him by the throat, and had not rescue been he had both been rob and murdered.   

An other.  
IN Colm instreat in London overagainst a Persumers' stall, met three men or as may be suspected came thither of a set purpose and stood in the open street, within two or three yards (or there about) of the stall and talked secretly between themselves, the Perfunter, his wife and servant busy in the shop, even at noon days: yet one of the three having a small long wand in his hand as it should seem having a crooked pin in the end, filched away three or four pair of glooves and went there way untaken, yea not suspected of such filthy actions. This was done within these twelve menethes.   

An other.  
ABout the same time also, a boy aged sixteen or there about, in struct by some miscreant, (for such young years could not produce so mischievous a faction of themselves) got a stick fashioned much like unto those sticks which the boys calls bandyes, and having the samel esmeered with lime, came by a Goldsmith's sop in Foster-lane and under a pretence of knocking the stick upon stalls as be passed along at the last struck his stick upon a goldsmiths board where a gilt spoon and other money, they knew not how much he got upon his limed stick. The spoon being weighty fell into the currant, and they had it again, but what money was lost it is not known.   

An other.  
NOw for because our Countrymen are slandered not to be so upright in conversation nor so true dealers as strangers, and therefore we run thick and three fold to buy what soever commodities we want (of them leaving our own native Countrymen as an oprobris to the world aswell for cunning in acts and trades as also in upright dealing, which sure is lamentable that we should deecleane contrary tonature and reason, even all one to beggar ourselves and enrich others. I will by your patience show you a most cunning piece of knavery this one to serve instead of many examples. Neither is it invented as false, but even now by sufficient proof to be verified at this present & thus it was.  
A Gentlewoman of the country occasioned to buy her a gown of taffeta came into Cheapside in London and sought the mercer's shops up and down and could not find a piece of taffeta so good as she would have had (for women will have the best, if it be for their own backs especially (notwithstanding marking where the best was, came back again and offered money for it, but not so much as the mercer would have, whereupon there was going and sending to and frs but the bargain could not be made.  
Thus they parted, Now in the mean while a Stranger a Dutchwoman as I ween, coming to the mercers, upon some business noted there business, noted there speeches marked the goodness of the taffeta & considered the humour of the Gentle woman and thereupon bought the pecce of taffeta of the mercer and sent it home to her own house, and afterward wandering in Cheapside till she espied the Gentlewoman, went unto her and said Gentlewoman, I understand that you want a piece of very good rich taffeta, if it please you to go with me I will show you such an one as you never saw a better and all London can not match it: the Gentlewoman wonderful glad went with her, saw it and liked it exceeding well, bought it and paid some two or three shillings in a yard dearer than she might have had it before of an englishmen. Well this is our shuttle nature, the parties are yet both pleased. The Gentlewoman passing along Cheapside told the mercer of her good hap and therewithal showed him the taffeta with his own mark and seal at the end thereof, and incontinent he told the Gentlewoman where she bought it and in what place she dwelled, & how it was the same piece that she should have bought of him: whereat the gentlewoman thus deceived was out of measure astonished.  
Many other like cosonages might be here set down as how the Trpe-wire was of late deceived-which now in memory: yea many others, but these may suffice only, I will note two or three add sleights or jests and's sprocéed to a further matter.   

An other.  
SOmetime a company of apprentices had apponted to meet at a Tavern to break their fast together, an hour was set, who so came not at that hour was fined at a gallon of wine besides the loss of his breakfast. One above the rest, wanting excuse to to come abroad to meet his companions, the hour drew on, his master and mistress both in the shop that he could not start, you would wonder what excuse he made: standing at the door looking to his appointed place where his heart was, suddenly he ran out of the doors to his mates, stayed there some hour or more, and coming home to his master, inquired where he had been? and what was the cause of his sudden running out of the shop? sir said he, as I stood at the door I saw H, K. your old debtor that hath aught you money this long time, and I have followed him till now to see him housed, and he is in such a place, & he hath promised to come and agree with you before he will go out of the Towke.   

An other.  
A Like to this is reported, that one Master H. in the Pultrie, having sundry Chapmen, one of them did owe him money a long season, and at last understanding that his Debtor was in the Town be commanded his man to go and demand the debt, and if he make delay for the payment (said the Master) tell him from me that I suppose, he taketh no care to pay in my money.  
The servant went and accomplished in each respect what his master gave him in charge. When the Debtor heard him talk of care to pay his money, he replied, saying, doth thy master think that I take care to pay his money? no, no, he is deceived, tell him I took care & great care how to get the wareof thy master, now let thy master take care how to get his money, for I will take none to pay him.   

An other.  
AN honest man flitting or removing from the house where héeearst dwelled, wanting room was constrained to sell a certain bedstead. Now a young man ready to take a wife, understanding thereof. desired a joiner a friend of his, to go with him to see the bedstead and to have his counsel in it for so much as he himself knew not what such things were worth.  
The joiner went with him, and after the sight, they grew to bargaining, but the joiner would not suffer the other man to give the price by five shillings and so departed.  
Afterward the joiner resorteth again to the house alone and buyeth the bed-slead for his own proper use, defrauding his freiud that put him in trust.  
O most unnatural, devilish and detestable action, whom shall a man repose his confidence in these our most dangerous and troublesome days and times? wherein eniquitie so deceitfully and arrogantly striveth to subject and deceive the simple and well meaning: yea in so much, that the brother seeketh to grieve the brother, and friends deal so unjust that it is hard to repose confidence in any. A thing to the good odious, but abhorred in the sight of God.  
I have thought good, because I have published some actions which are already imprinted to manifest (according to the offender's confession at the Session's house) the report, (in this my collection of false dealings and cosonages (the notorious cozenage used to M. Mascall, which because it is already extant in print. I was the bolder to note it in this collection, to admonish others to beware of the like.   

The most notorious cozenage that ever was heard of, how M. Mascall the Tripe-wife was deceived.  
Written as it was spoken by the offender before the Honourable at the Sessions-house.  
MAscales wife supposed to be left rich at her husband's disease as it seemeth she was, had sundry & many suitors amongst the which there was one Peeters a gentleman at the least (for all be gentlemen now a days) who oft and many times resorted to her house boying at the last to obtain her good will but the widow careful enough for her own good could not by any ways be won. Whereupon Peter perceiving that drift as touching marriage to be in vain determined to get some of her money by other means and therefore frequenting her house as before he studied to know the fashions of her house the disposition of her mind the umber and names of her acquaintance friends and so much and so many of her secrets as possibly he might and therewith one Vaughen he went to a woman lying with out Bishop's gate fitly instructed for such purposes and there ask for her they met with her husband and between them three was great talk, & at the last they went to the taveren where after further speech there was a pint of wine sent unto the woman that should do this feat: Not long after they either sent for her to the Tavern or else they came home to her (I know not whether) but truth it is, they told her what their meaning & determination was, & how that they had heard that she was the only woman for their purpose: but she made them answer that in so much as she had been divers times before my Lord A. for such tricks as this was, she durst not be seen in London: for if my Lord should see me (said she) he will hang me Then they encouraged her saying that she should go in a Country woman's gown whereby she should not be suspected and she should say she came from a very friend of Mistress Mascalls dwelling in Essex and in that letter should be commendations of her and so forth.  
When this woman had granted her consent: Peter began to certify her of all that he had learned that was, how Mistress Mascall had many suitors and how she loved a parchment seller in Parer noster row better than any of them, also he told her that she had aring with five precious stones in it, which ring one dwelling upon London bridge did wear upon. Christmas day last passed.  
He told her also that there used to be séene strange light or fire in the night in her house: as also how that the last time he kissed her, her hat fell into the souce-tubbe and many other.  
Now she having all these ad unguem (like an old beaten soldier) would not go till she was also well instructed of the man from whom the letter should be supposed to come and therefore made the two Gentlemen to go see what favour, what hair, what stature and condition the man of Essex was of, lest she should be entrapped.  
All things like an apt scholars tale learned by heart. Vaughen makes the letter in effect thus.  
Mistress Mascall after commendations etc. I pray you show the bearer hereof (my special friend) what favour, friendship and courtesy you may for my sake, and so much the rather because she hath done me great pleasure it many things touching the art she professeth, and I doubt not but she will pleasure you the like if you have any occasion: you may trust her as yourself, wherefore I pray you do for her, as you would do for me if I were with you. I mean to be at London between this and Easteruppon urgent business that I have, and then I mean to see you etc.  
This letter after the foresaid form being framed and sealed up, the woman in her counerey like gown taketh and goeth into S Nicholas-shambles, knocketh for M. Mascall and delivereth the letter: M. Mascall calleth for a cup of beer for the messenger and in the mean time opening the letters and having read the contents taketh the woman by the hand and leadeth her up into her house, and according to the folly of all simple women showeth her one room, after an other, with all the braveries thereof, and afterward to victualling and gossipping they go by the fire, and there sit merely some season.  
You may be well assured all this pleased the messenger right well, and now having grown into some familiarity or acquaintance the effects of the letter were rehearsed: as touching the favour she had done to M. Friend in matters of her art, and so forth: whereupon the trusty Roger (this messenger I mean) began now to work her fact and desired M. Mascall to show her her hand, which she forthwith did, and when she had looked in every place of her hand, she told her soon matters touching her husband deceased, and moreover that she had many suitors, whereof some were good, and other that were nought, from which she dissuaded her and gave her counsel to take heed of them.  
You may have many (said she) but yet you love a parchment seller in Pater noster row above the rest, and there is a Gentleman that is a suitor unto you take heed of him said she for he will deceive you: what is he said M. Mas. mary quoth the other it is the Gentleman that the last time he kissed you, he kissed you in such a place by the same token your hat fell into the souce-tubbe.  
When M. Mascall heard that she (as most women light of belief) thought that she then knew all things, and thereupon falling into further talk this cunuing woman asked if there was not some unacoustomed or some strange sights seen in the right time her house: Yes marry said mistress Mas. but do you know the reason thereof said the other, no said mistèris Mas. except there be some money hid in my house. There is money hid in very truth said this cunning woman and that good store: can you help me to it said mistress Mars. yea said the other and if you will swear to me that you will not make any christian body acquainted with it, then mistress Mas, as the woman confessed went to a bible that lay up on the table and swore by the contents of it never to open it unto any. You must understand that the cunning Cozener liked the falling out of these matters wundrous well for her purpose, and having now brought them even to the very issue, proceeded in or the like order.  
Mistress Mascall if so be, you desire to have this money that is hid in your house it behoveth you to have both gold and silver and jewels to present unto the King of the fairies: I have said the other, and therewith led her up to her Chesis, and showed her both gold, silver, golde-ringes and a chain of gold.  
Now when she had seen these, among the rest she espied one ring which had five stones in it, this ring said the Cozener one upon London-bridge did wear upon Christmas day last, which was true indeed, and therefore M. Mascall hearing her say so, gave the more credit unto her words, supposing that she knew all secrets.  
Well these jewels, gold and silver were brought down and M. Mascall must put these into the Cozeners lap, with her right hand and there they must rest awhile.  
Then she must put them into M. Mascalls lap with the like ceremony, and then M. Mascall taking the foresaid things must go into every rheum and every corner thereof must kneel down and say certain prayers: which finished, she must come and put the gold etc. into the cunning woman's lap again with her left hand and she receiving the same must in like order as the other had done, go and say prayers in every place as before.  
All this brought to ripeness there must be a capon and a turkey bought to feast the king of Feries, but this must be done some two days after, in the mean time this cunning woman must have the custody and keeping of the money and rings till two days be ended and in the means time she delivered to M. Mas. a cloth with two things in it, into which cloth m. Mascall might not dare to look into during two days, and thus the cunning woman departed with the ring, money & chain leaving nought else but two little stones leapt in a cloth for the same.  
Now if covetousness had not overmastered her she had never been taken but understanding what plate that M. Mascall had she hanged thereafter and therefore caused the forenamed Capon and turkey to be cut and mangled, the head, feet and heart &c. to be cut off and every corner of the table one to be laid. a candle burning, to be set also upon the table, and all the plate set there upon as a present for the king of Feryes, than should they go to the Tavern with some of the cunning woman's companions, and m, Mascall with them, and the cozener should get some sure token from m. Mascall to come home for some thing and the Messeger by that token should bring away the plate, but this effecting not and suspicion of cozening arising, this cunning woman was apprehended and laid in Newgate and being examined before the bench at Session's house confessed these words or the like in effect.   

How she cozened an other woman, confessed by herself at the Session's house the fourteen of February. 1595.  
AFter she had made an end of her former discourse as she termed it one of the judges asked her if she knew a woman that stood thereby, she made answer yes my Lord and an other woman to, wheresoever she be, whereupon it was asked how she knew her, and she made answer that about a twelve months past, she came to the place where this woman dwelled and inquired of some of her neighbours what Cunterywoman she was as also what manner of man her husband was, how many children, how many boys, how many Wenches and many such like fitting her determined purpose, which known, immediately she went to the honest woman's house, desiring as it should seem some refreshing for her and her Children.  
The woman inquisitive of her state inquired what country woman she was, (who knowing the other to be of the same shire) said she was a Lancashire woman and how that for conjuring she was cast in prison and had remained long there. The other woman asked what she consured for, who answered for money hide, and how for those matters she was very expert, and there telling her how many children she had had, how many boys and how many wenches, how many of them alive and how many dead and many such like before learned questions they grew to a composition that this cunning woman should help her to a pot of money no less than three hundred pounds, which she promised with speed to persourme, and thereupon the poor woman not having so much money as she desired, went to one of her neighbours and borrowed more, so that this coning woman conjured five and fifty shillings out of the poor woman's purse. So much she herself confessed at the Session's house, but the party dece●affirmeth that it was three pounds or more.  
The foresaid party deceived also a rich & greedy Churl in such sort that she saddled him and road upon him as upon an horse and deceived many others, but because it is a thing extant in print, I purposely omit them, ending with an odd jest done of late at Islington.   

An other:  
A Young man and a maid there was dwelling at Islington near London who in some continuance of time loved mutually even almost to the perfection of marriage so that nought remained to stay their intent but the good will of Parents without whose consent the maid scrupuously would not be obtained.  
Many suits and entreaties being made but to small effect, the young man absented himself from his love some space of time and after the wooing manner courted an other maid in the town, in such sort that the common brute went he should marry with the latter. whereupon meeting his former love in Islington church yard after some greeting between them the maid had God give him joy for she heard say that he should be asked in the Church the next Sunday. True it is said he, and I fear nothing but that you will forbid the banes, with that he took an oath forthwith, rashly you may be bold to say, as commonly in such causes women are, to prove that of her faith and troth she would not forbid the banes.  
They departed each from other, the man strait ways to the Clerk of the Church, to give him notice of his own name, and and this maid his former love her name also, and caused them two to be asked banes together, the maid and her father & mother that Sunday being at the Church not knowing of it, till other neighbours & their servants told that sure it was she that was asked. The matter examined, he told the father of the maid, what promise his daughter had made, that if he were asked in the Church, she would not forbid the banes, therefore he thought good to be asked to her whom so long he had wooed and loved.  
Now the Parents seeing the matter had gone so far, gave their consents and so at this present live honestly together.  
I might here note down many other cosonages & shifts, more than the aforesaid, but for brevities sake I will will here surcease, with this caveat, that people beware of many youths & others, who having got copper rings, and other such like when they meet such whom they think they may beguile, they will go is them and say they have found a gold or silver ring, and offer to sell it for a small price.  
The buyer thinking it to be gold, gives him for it thrice the worth and thinks that he hath a great penny worth till truth try the contrary. Therefore let every one beware let not fair words make fools feign, had I witted comes ever to late, shred surnes to soon, and repentance by leisure.  
Ignaviam necssitas acuit, et sepe desperatio spei causa est.    

A WORLD OF Wonders.  
IT is recorded in ancient monuments that what time Rinaldo ruled this land it raiyned blood three days, and after that followed a tempest of venomous beasts which slew many people.  
All this was a forewarning of great punishment to light upon the Inhabitants in this land that lived not penitently as ensued the next year: when so great a mortality happened that this land was almost in desolation. Whatsoever therefore (gentle Reader) thou findest in this book assure thyself that it is written as a memorial or daybook for all and every of us daily and hourly to look into for the better and speedier amendment of our sinful lives.  
Bladud sometime governed this land who cunning in Necromancy and trusting thereto decked himself with feathers and presuming to fly over the town of bath broke his neck by falling upon the Temple which he there had built. A fit reward for all such as as use Necromancy or any such unlawful acts.  
At what time Norindus ruled this land a wonderful monster came out off the irish seas & devoured much people against which the King himself Neides fought, and was of the same monster clean devoured. Beware of fools hardness.  
Archigallo was twice king of this land and Elidurus his brother twice disposed, so that he was thrice ruler hereof.  
Catillus who ruled this land ten years, caused all Extortioners and oppressors of the poor to be hanged, to give examples to other. I would to God they were so used now a days: I suppose there would be a great number of usurers, brokers & sergiaunts.  
About threescore years after the birth of Christ, it is supposed that Christianity came into this land: but divers writ diversly, for some as Necephorus and Dowthemus say that Simon Zelotes first preached Christ here. Some say Philip the Apostle: Some say joseph of Armathia that buried our Lord.  
King Arthur conquered thirty kingtomes such as were in those days wherein he lived.  
In the reign of Careticus and Ethelfridus was such civil and deadly wars that the most part of this land was buried & destroyed, and the people that were left feign to fly into Wales, the faithful of Christ was then almost extinguished, the Britain's indispaire and in subversion to the Saxons.  
But what is the cause or this provoking of God's anger? even covetousness, whoredom and extortion: Look up England, look up and repent: those sins were then but even in the bud, now behold and repent, for now are they in the fullness of their flower, and stay but for the fruit. Woe are we whose doyes are so dangerous: But Lord awake in mercy and take pity on us.  
Then coverend Beda wrote 78. books and in his time renowned throughout the whole world.  
When Bytiricus ruled this land it reigned blood yea that fell on people's clothes appeared like crosses.  
When this land was stored with Wooules, the Princes of Wales paid 300. Wooules every year to the King of England for at that time might scarce two be found until the year 994. neither fever nor flux nor murrain of Cattle were known in this land.  
In the time of king William the Conqueror was scarcity and dearth that men did eat horses, cats, dogs yea and man's flesh.  
Anno 1093, was such a famine that thereof sprang such and so great a mortality that the quick were scant able the dead.  
Also in the year 1099. we read that blood sprang out of the earth at Finchamstead in Berkshire.  
Much about this time the water of the river of Trent at Nottingham was dried up from one of the clock till three.  
The like defection of water did the Themes at Londen bridge suffer about four years after.  
The 24. of February at Tewxbury being then their Fair, such number of flies and kyttles dammed Seuern that for the length of a Butts shot were in men's judgement esteemed above a hundred quarters.  
A wonder of wonders befell in England throughout 1133. for there was great darkness throughout all the land and the Sun appeared no otherwise then as the Moon when she is in her last quarter.  
Giraldus Cambrencis in his book of the description of Wales telleth that in the Country Kemanies', yea in his time a young man named Setfillus borne in those parts, was so tormented with toads as though all the toads in the Country had been gathered together to vex him, and when as innumerable numbers of them were killed by those that kept him, & by others of his friends and kinsmen, yet came they still increasing in greater numbers than before, insomuch that when his acquaintance perceived no help, after many assays they loped all the boughs and leaves of a very high tree and closed him in a coffin made for the purpose so hoist up into the said high tree, but notwithstanding poor Seisillies was still molested with them. for they creeping up wonderful heaps left him not till they had eaten him vy to bare bones and so died.  
About Orford in Suffolk certain fishers took in their nets a fish in all points shaped like a man, which fish was half a year kept in Orford Castle for a wonder. He would eat all manner meat but most greedily raw fish, he was showed in no kind of worship. Aftermen had wundred at him, he was little esteemed of and so not being looked unto stole away and was never heard of. 1188.  
In the year 1230. a sudden darkness chanced in Poules-Church even at service time so one could scantly see an other: Also 'bout three or four year afterward, five suns to be seen in the air as also two great dragons flyingand fight together during a whole day, the one day chased the other to the deep sea.  
After all these followed great wars and troubles in England Wales. etc.  
Behold all Cornehourders a wonderful example not feigned but by sufficient testimonies to be approved done even at home.  
In the year 1234 was a dearth in England as true histories record (even as now also there is) so that many died for want of victuals. The richmen as now a days were dwelled with covetousness, so that they would not relieve them that were in necessity Amongst whom (a thing worthy noting) was one Walter Grace Archbishop of York, whose corn being five years old, doubted that the vermin would destroy it, and therefore commanded to deliver it to husband men, that dwelled in his manors upon condition as much new corn after the next harvest, and would distribute none of it to the poor for God's sake.  
Now it fortuned that when the men came to a great stack of corn that stood near to the town of Rippon belonging to the said Archbishop and had opened the corn, there appeared in the sheaves the heads of worms and of toads, and horrible serpents, yea and a voice was heard out of the mow saying lay no hands one that corn for the Archbishop and all that he hath is the devils.  
This being heard, the left it, and the bailiffs of the Town were feign to build an high wall round about the corn, and then to set it one fire lest the venomous venom should have gone out to have poisoned the corn in other places.  
Behold this true example and repent thou covetous richman and do good while time is offered thee, and God will bless thee the better,  
A sea-bull was taken passing the thames as far as Mortlake to the 25. year of the reign of King Richard the 3.  
It is most approved that in the said Kings reign there dwelled in the Diocese of Lincoln a woman of noble birth, both well favoured and beautiful who being married to a rich man in that curtry bear to her husband many children and yet not with standing (wonderful to tell) the said woman got another gentle with child and begat of her three sons one after an other or ever the matter came to light the woman were named Havissia and Lucia.  
In King Edward the 2 reign flesh of beasts was so corrupted that men durst not eat thereof, such murrain of beasts and cattle was then that men and women stole Cats and did eat their own children, some fat dogs, horses & such like. Prisoners, plucked in pieces such as came newly to them as prisoners & eat them haule a live so grievous a mortality of people folloged that uneath the quick were able to bury the dead. Lord deliver us from the like.  
About Chippyngnorton in Oxfordshire in the year 1344, was found a monstruous serpent, having two heads and two faces like women one face attired of the new fashion of attires then sprung up, and the other face attired after the old civil fashion and like a bat or flindermous.  
And shall we not say those were tokens of God's wrath sent to move us to repentance and leaving of our new devised pride of apparel.  
But what then may be said of the strange birds or fowls taken by Richard Waller, and Richard Preston, within the Parish of Crowell in Lincoln shire, even even the other day in our memories in the year 1586 which birds w●●ed enter●●●t colours having feathers upon then heads or fronts growing & standing out very like the frizzled and curled hair of most men and women in these days, yea having also great feathers/ about their necks growing and standing very high, very even and in the very form of our greatest set of ruffs, being diversly coullored held up with 〈◊〉 quills resembling the wires commonly called supporters, which word (in my judgement) right fitteth the matter for that in very truth they are the supporters of sin and of many iniquities.  
If we further consider how these fowls being taken would walk three and three together in most stately form, and afterwards turning bill to bill stood as it were consulting, it might be imagined they did but resemble the most proud, stately, and scornful footsteps of women in these our days as also their gossips talks and inventions of newfond tails and behaviour.  
But gentlewomen consider what you are and whereto you must turn: A apainted wall is but a deceit to the buyer, and a painted body is but a deceiving of the soul.  
Consider that a simple soul surpasseth thousands of the most gorgeous attired bodies of this world: Leave off the pride of the Peacock and take the humility of the Doeve, for when age draweth upon you you yourselves will repent your former pride, and acknowledge it mere vanity.  
Upon Christmas day in the the 25. year of the reign of L. Richard the second a Dolphin came out of the sea evento London bridge showing himself playing but after there followed great tempests.  
The postern gate of London near the Tower in King Henry the sixth days sunk more than seven foot into the earth at the same season.  
Wonderful and strange it is to tell how in the 1594, the body of one Alce Hackney which had been buried in the Church of Saint Mary-hill in London by the space of one hundred three score and fifteen years was taken out of the ground by a grave maker, both whole of skin and also her joints pliable, not diminished.  
This body being also so taken up, is reported that after so long time lying in the earth to lie four days above ground to the vein of all comers, not smelling nor annoying of any, and then buried again,  
This (as it seemeth to me) verifieth the saying of reveend Bede our Cuntreyman, who affirmeth that there be three days in a year wherein whosoever is borne the bodies shall not consume until the day of judgement.  
In the year 1552 at Middleton eleven miles from Oxford, a woman brought forth a Child with two bodies from the navel in such sort that when they lay at length the one body & head lay as it were eastward, and the other head and body lay west westward, the legs for the bodies grew out at the midst whereas the bodies joined and they had but one issue for both the bodies.  
These were women children and lived eighteen days,  
About that time when the Gray-scyers was made an hospital, ten great Dolphins were taken and brought to London the least whereof, was bigger than a horse.  
Strange it is to consider how God sundry times in most miraculous sort provideth for the poor, as may be read in the days of Queen Mary.  
The twenty six of November 1575. a Poulters wise in Christ Church parish within Newgate was delivered and brought to bed of four daugghters all alive.  
A place by the seaside all of hardstone and pebbles commonly called a shelf, lying between Oxford and Alborough in Suffolk, whereas never was known to be either grass or earth, but always bare and barren, suddenly by God's appointment sprang out of the fame without labour or till age such great abundance of peason that the poor Inhabitants there gathered (as it was then judged) above one hundred, quarters and yet notwithstanding there still remained pease some ripe some green and some in the blossom, even in as a great a quantity as they were before they were gathered.  
About the same time also a great fish was taken threescore feet in length very sweet and pleasant to be eaten.  
In the year 1557. before harvest was such a dearth, that wheat was sold for four marks the quarter, malt for forty four shillings, pease at forty six shillings the quarter, but it pleased God to send such a harvest, to ensue presently upon that dearth that wheat was sold for five shillings a quarter, malt for an noble, Rye for ten groats, and all this so sold at London, in the country it was better cheap.  
Let us repent us of our wickedness and begin to love one an other as we ought, and doubt we not but God will even now do the like for us in this our dearth although in man's judgement it presumptuous may be made to the contrary.  
More monstruous births befell in the year 1562 then in many years before.  
A Mare brought forth a foal with one body and two heads and a thing like a tail growing sut between the heads.  
Also a Sow farrowed a pig with four legs like to thearmes of a man child, with hands and figers.  
Also there was an other Sow which farrowed a pig with two bodies, eight feet and but one head.  
divers children and beasts were brought into the world in monstruous forms but most to be noted, is how many had resemblances of ruffs growing about their necks and this without fable.  
The xvij, of February 1570. at a place called Kinnaston near Marclech hill in Herefordshire, a strange thing was seen that was the ground to open. and the ground with certain rocks to remove, and went forward for the space of four or three days to wit saturday, sunday and monday, and in five and twenty hour it removed forty paces every pace five foot carrying both trees and shéepecoates yea sheep and all in them, some trees falling into the chinks others remaining firm as before others that tofore stood east stand now west: et sic econtra.  
Kinaston chapel was overthrown with it, and two high ways laned with hedges and trees are removed trees and all an hundred yards from their acccustomed places, where tillage ground was, there it was pasture left in place thereof, and whereas pasture ground lay there tillage ground hath gone upon it, the ground as it was moved drove the earth before it, and at the lower part ever whelmed the ground so that it is now great hill highted above twelve fathom: it broke out at first in depth thirty foot, the breadth of the earth being eightscore yards, and the ground in all being twenty six Acres.  
The like also happened within these two years, being a wonderful example and worthy the marking.  
The 9 of july 1274, in the isle of Tinet a monstruous whale was taken, who wanting water died with such roaring that he was heard a mile off. His length was two and twenty yards one of his eyes being taken out was more than six horses could draw in a cart, a man might stand upright in the place, whereout his eye was taken: between his eyes was twelve foot in length, three men might stand upright in his mouth: his ribs being sixteen foot long, his liver was two cart load, and any man might creep into his nostrils, which was wonderful.  
A wonderful and a notable Example for such as use swearing and forswearing themselves.  
Anne avery coming into the house of one Williamson in Woodstreat in London to buy six pounds of Tow or hardesse, having had the tow and being demanded money after many vain speeches and filthy oaths desired of God that she might sink where she steed if she did not pay for it. God who is just, sent his just judgement upon her so as forthwith she sunk down unto the ground, not able to stand, the use of that her blasphemous tongue being taken away, and she remaining speechless cast up at her mouth (that vessel of sin) the filth and ordure of her body in great quantity and with horrible shucking, which by nature's course should have been voided downward, and in it is sort continued which was not long till she died.  
I might here also put you in mind of the like perjured called father Lea, dwelling about Foster lane, but to the wise this may be a warning: as for such as are commonly called knights of the I can in conscience think no otherwise but that they are even reprobates hated of God and beloved of the devil. God for his Christ's sake give them grace to repent and amend.  
Even as before is said as concerning perjury, so in a manner may be said of other enormities, as of whoredom, hardness of heart to the poor, unmercifulness of brethren and such like, in which extremity, God never leaveth such as trust in him, as may well be seen by the peason growing in the rock before mentioned as also by one William Lumley a poor man dwelling in Elmeton in the county of Worcester who being cast into prison & there continuing. within three days after his imprisonment had a mare which foalded unto him a mare foal, which immediately after had such an udder of milk that she gave for a long time together every day three pints of milk to the great comfort of his poor wise and children. A wonderful providence of God and worthy to be noted especially of such as having superfluity yet even for the smallest debts care not to what trouble and hard imprisonment they put their poor brethren that God suffers to want for their further judgement and condemnation I fear except they repent and be merciful as Christ himself is and hath commanded us to be so likewise.  
Mark here an notable example of such as practise any unlawful arts.  
The 17 of january, 1577, Simon Pembroke dwelling in Saint George's Parish in Southwarck suspected for a conjuror, and therefore summoned to appear before the Ordinary, at S, saviours Church, standing by his proctor, when even as the judge came in he fell down rattling in the throat, and never spoke word but died presently: in whose clothes were found five devilish books of conjuration and a picture of a man made of tin, having three dice in his hand with this writing: chance dice fortunately. A fit reward for such vile varlets as make lawful arts ill spoken of, and detested by their ungodly uses and practice of devilish devices.  
But sith I am now rehearsing of wonders and wondrous shapes, I will here declare as strange a matter as ever was heard of.  
In the year 1588., was a widow named Margaret Owen, aged threescore years who had an horn four inches long most miraculously growing out of her forehead down to her nose, and there crooked towards her right eye, and was then growing so fast that she was feign to cut it, lest it should blemish her sight.  
The woman was to be seen aswell in London as in other places of this Realm, neither can any natural cause be known thereof, but a wonder that God hath sent.  
Many are the reports, but whether they be true or no I leave to your judgements: for some affirm that in her youth she was not so loyal to her husband as duty ought, and that divers times there hath been speeches tending to that purpose between her husband and her, whereupon he suspscting flying fame to be true, that she was light of behaviour. & charging her with it in these terms, that she had given him the horn, it is said, that she not only denied it, but wished of God that if she had given her husband the horn, that she might have one horn growing out of her own forehead as a witness against her to the wonder of the world: (God only knoweth whether it were so or not) if it were, I counsel all other aswell men as women to look to themselves and not to commit sin upon sin: first, in committing such an horrible offence and adultery: and secondly to cloak the same, to call vengeance on their heads. Remember the woman that forswore herself for a small sum of money: the old saying is: It may be spoke in such an hour, as God may say Amen.  
This woman inhabited in Wales in the Tawneand parish of Llhau Gaduaine in the County of Moungomrye and at the root of this horn began, an other hard knot even as the other began which she used to cut of least it should prove also an otherhorne.  
The merciful and loving kindness of god unto sinful people hath and is so great that he long time suffereth us before he punisheth nay he seldom punisheth except he use some marvelous operation before hand to move to repetance to forewarn us of the anger depending our heads, as fatherly admonitions, as may well be perceived, by this that followeth.  
About the year 1579 or there about, in Aberwick in the parish of Agglingham in the county of Northumberland, dwelled one john Urine a piper, unto whom it pleased God to send by his wife Elinor a daughter, and by report a goodly child.  
The wife being delivered and each thing (as in such causes requireth) ordered the midwife glad of the woman's safety. called the said john Urine to his wife, and told him that it had pleased God to send him a goodly daughter.  
A daughter quoth he with a stern and angry countenance, if it be a daughter the devil take my part for me, for it is none of mine: and so departed murmuring, without any thanksgiving to God for her safr deliverance but rather tempting God, as most of us do, God be merciful unto us, but mark the sequel.  
A year or two after about the year 1580 which is not long since that it may be forgotten, or feigned as a lie, it pleased God to send his wife to be with child again, and to be delivered of a monster, a male according to his desire, having the shape of two Children, from the shoulders upward it had two heads, having natural proportions, saving that the one ear of each head was shapened like an horse ear, and the other like a swine. The body greater than usual, having two feet, and two arms, proportionable, and was borne dead.  
Lo here God his judgement sent upon him that murmured against his creator, what would he have said if it had pleased God to have sent him this, when he sent him the daughter? But he seeing this wonderful work, as it is reported, accknowledged his offence, and cried to god for mercy: which God grant unto us all, he that shed his blood upon the tree for us. Anon  

A memorial of certain most notorious witches, and of their dealings  
THere dwelled not so long since, but shalt of some it may be remembered. In Barking in Essex seven miles distraunt from London a Witch named mother white-coate alias mother Aruold alias mother Glassenbury who committed many execrable facts, as may appear.  
There was dwelling in Barking one Thomas Clark a fisher who having angered this witch, went forth in mackerel time to catch flounder, and he and two boys sailing down almost as far as Lée where they cast out his nets, in the same place was such an neddy that he could by no means work, neither his nets come in order, as they should do, but upon a sudden this Clerk cried out and said that he saw mother arnold the witch walking in the water, and withal cried the spirit entered into him and moved him to kill himself so that he took a hatchet, a hook and a knife and threw them overbourd and after tied he himself about the middle with a rope and so fell mad, so that the boys cried unto other fishermen, who seeking to help him, there was a whirlpool that had almost cast them away so that none durst come near them, atlength a boat of Green which perceiving the whirl pool threw a rope unto them and so plucked him into his boat and so brought him home to Barking where he remained mad, and lying still bound cried out of mother Arnold, and in the end died thus tormented.  
The said mother Arnold going in precession with other her neighbours in gangwéek and William Daulbie seeing her very lively came unawares behind her and struck up her heels giving her a fall, and after thrust himself into the press of the people to the intent she might not know who did it, but she arising came immediately to him taking him by the hand thanked him for her fall, and said she would be even with him.  
They went to one Malles house a mile and a half from Barking where she complained of the young man and after some victuals given her by the good wise went homeward again.  
Malles wise and Daulbie going to Barking together a good pace but could set no eye of her, till they came by Barking, where she sat a praying under a tree, and so passed by her, and so went home, where being not a quarter of an hour, but Daulbie was so miserably vexed, that he sought to kill himself, thrust his head into the swilling tub full of swine's meat, where he had smothered himself if help had not prevented it.  
Then would he have run into an hot oven to the burning fire brands with his teeth that he burned his mouth and lips very sore: when night came his friends had him to bed, but his vexation growing wursie and worse and he feeling his bowels burn within him (as a pot seething on the fire) could not endure the bed but lay for the most part all the night out of a window which he so byted with his teeth that it may be perceived still, so long as the window endureth, and in these miserable cases continued. At last helped by an other witch, was at the Asssses bound to appear at Burnt wood where he gave evidence against mother Arnold in the hearing of her own daughter, who after came to him and said you have given shrewd evidence against my mother but you will be little better for it. And the next night following, rising to make water was strooken in the neck that he fell sick and was feign to be brought from Burnt wood to Rainford in a Cart, and so from thence home, being piteously vexed till he gave up the ghost.  
WHen Master Clement Cicely Esquire had examined this witch and told her she should go to prsson the wiech desired that she might not go to prison, for the spirit would be revenged as it happened when he took paper in his hand to make his warrant suddenly both his feet were taken from him by reason whereof, he fell on a plain pavement of free stone in his own house at Tastburyhall and struck out the huckle bone of his thigh out of the joint, so that for three weeks space he could not go, nor stand along time after her execution but used styles for necessities sake.  
But before he committed her to the jaiole, he caused her to be searched by honest wives who between her kercheif and her hat found wrapped in a linen clothe swine's dung, the herb cherwell dill, red fennel and saint john's wort, the right hand or forefoote of a Moulewarp, which upon the opening so stanck that no person could abide it.  
After the finding of this she kneeled down upon her knees, desiring them if she might not have the whole, yet to let her have some part thereof, but the same by the commandment of the justice was burned.  
IF I should write at full the manifold mischiefs of this most detestable practitioner, they would fill a great volume, as how she lamed Newman of Stratforde a tanner, how she stole an handchercher from his wife and after five days keeping it sent it back again by one of her neighbours▪ who delivering it, fair, and white, to newman's maid, presently there fell three drops of blood upon it one after another, and the maid amazed giving it to her mistress it became all over red as blood most wonderful.  
Also how she vexed one Harison being a Dutch man meeting him at Mile-end and stroke him so lame that he was feign to hire a horse, to carry him home, and bewitched him dumb, that he could not speak: and made his horse to shake, and dance, for the space of one whole year.  
Also how she threatened George Male at the Grayhound at Barking that for so much as he thrust her and her daughter out of his doors and would give them nothing, this witch threatened that she would set a be in his tail the next time. Yea and that a stinger said the daughter. So not long after he determining to ride, put on a new pair of hose with a double rug in them prized forty shillings, the first day of his riding he was so tickled in the buttock, that he scratched through all, both hose and linings and such a hole in his flesh, that it was not whole a month after.  
Many other mischiefs might be here numbered, but I mean not to stand long upon these detestable actions only this to be noted, that being often examined, when she was to answer suddenly there rose in her throat a swelling as big as a man's fist, black as pitch, and then she seemed to have the hitchcough, as though she would speak but could not, and in this case the examiners would strike her on the breast but she required them not to do so: And when she was executed such a stinking vapour issued forth of her mouth that the beholders were scantly able to endure it. All which is most wonderful.  
I might here note the cruel devices of mother Bumby the witch of Rochester: the tyranny of the witches of Warboys. and many other, but for brevities sake I omit them, putting them in memory of one the most strange of all other, committed in March 1592. near Harrow on the bill.  
One Master Edling having a barn at the towns end, his servant Richard Bucte going thither with a mastiff dog after him, suddenly espied an hair to fiart before him and set his dog at her, but the mastiff refusing the chase ran round about the fellow whining pittiefully, but the fellow left not till he saw the hare take in at one mother Atkins house, known to be a notorious witch.  
The fellow perceiving this, blessed himself and bad avaunt witch, which turned to his woe for a month after or there about he going to his master's barn again met this mother Atkins and bad her good morrow, but the witch would not answer.  
The next day he went to the barn again and carried with him his dinner and going to his victuals about noon he saw a monstruous black cat, among the straw shaking it, whereat Richard rising up from whence he sat, heard avoice commanding him to come away.  
Come away thought he whether shall I come? the voice said again come away and leave thy victuals behind thee and thy knife also: the fellow amazed went with his victuals in his hand to the barn door and there was hoist up suddenly into the air and carried over many fields by the way espying his master's plough ploughing but not able to call to them from thence he was hoistedover to Harrow over that side of the hill, whereon there is a great pond of water through which was drawn most piteously that there he lost his hat and then was violently rapt up the hill, and over the tops of the trees by Harrow church but being haled further, he was taken into a place which was all fire wherein was such lamentable crying and howling as all the damned souls had been there, such stuicks, such darkness, such noise and such heat that it made him so thirsty that he knew not what to do: where upon he having but one penny in his purse remembered it, and looked round about for an alehouse where he might spend it. But perceiving no such matters but hearing variety of voices supposing some had spoken unto him he replied saying, here is no work for me to do, it was reanswered again, coast away with him with this proviso, that thou be seceret when then comest home: whereupon Richard said my master will ask me where I have been and with that his tongue was doubled in his mouth that he could not speak, his legs burned, his arms and hands scorched, his coat pinched of his back and throne into the fire and immediately was again coasted over hedges and ditches severed in mire and dirt scratched with thorns and briars and finally to beddawbed, singed and disfigured that it was most lamentable to behold him.  
Thus being brought again to his wouted place or dwelling he went to a ditch to drink and after to a friend of his being now absent four days & as then able to speak, his master not knowing him at the first, but afterwards with much a do his tongue being unfolded he told all the story as you have heard & would not be quieted till he had drawn blood of mother Atkins since which time he is amended.  
Thús have you heard the mostnotorious fact that ever witchcraft hatched, omitting many other, from all which our good God deliver us. Amen.    

A MASS OF Murders.  
IT is read that sometime Bithricus ruled in this land of England and was poisoned by his own wife.  
A widow dwelling without Aldgate in London in the days of King Henry the sixth was murdered for her goods: the murdepassing by the place where he had committed the fact, was killed with stones, sheeps horns, kennel dung and such like by the women of that parish that threw them at him: and this was the reward of murder.  
In the reign of King Henry the eight a stranger was hanged in chains for staying his master one Capon in a garden for his harlot. Lo here the profit and good of harlots.  
Much about that time was Margaret Davie a maid servant boiled in Smithfeeld for poisoning of three several householders with whom she had dwelled.  
In the 5 year of King Edward the sixth, Master Arden of Feversham in Kent, was murdered by the consent of his own wise for which fact she was burned at Canterbury.  
In the year 1554 a spaniard was hanged at Charing-cross for killing of an englishmen.  
In the year 1571. Rebecca Chambers, was burnt for killing of her husband.  
A most shameful murder was committed about the twenty four of May the same year by one Martin Bullock in this sort, Bullock had procured a Merchant named Arthur Hall to come to the parsonage house of Saint martin's in Thrednéedle street, in London, to buy plate of him: whereupon this Hall veiving the mark of the plate, said, this plate is none of yours master Bullock for it hath Doctor Gardeners mark upon it, and I know it to be his: that is true said Bullock, but he hath appointed me to sell it for him. Now Bullock suspecting this robbery thus to be detected, ran into a further condemnation both to God & man: for whilst Arthur Hall was weighing the plate, Bullock goes into the kitchen and fetcheth a heavy washing beetle wherewith he coming behind Hall, struck him on the head that he field him with the first stroke, and then stoooke him again. and after took Halls own dagger and sticked him. with his knife cut his throat, and after would have trussed him in a ●ans● chest, but the same was to short: whereupon he turned him down a pair of stars thinking to bury him in the cellar but he being stiff and the cellar stars narrow and winding he could not draw him down, wherefore took an hatchet and cut off his legs and trussed him up with straw in a dry-fat saying it was his apparel and books and caused it to be carried to the water side and carried to Rye.  
The year 1573 was one hanged in chains in Saint Georges field near London for murdering the jailor of Horsham on the said field.  
The 25 of March 1573 George Saunders a merchant was murdered most shameefully by George Browne by the instigation of his own wife and other her complices.  
A youngman was hanged in chains at Miles end near London the seventeen of February for murdering a man in a Garden.  
In White Chaple parish near London in the year 1584. dwelled one Cornelius an enteandishmen a shoemaker, who had his wife lying sick some certain time, this woman had a Daughter married to one Arnold a Cobbler, who retained into his service a Dutch maid being his near kinswoman, and Arnolds' wife had a son also being a youth of reasonable years, who whilst the maid was in the house, would often be familiar with her, yet nothing suspected for any lewd dealings betwixt them, till Cornelius his wife died, and the maid went to dwell with Cornelius, whereupon: his youth get the maid with child, and was partly seen doing the deed by a little boy the Cunstabies son of that precinct, which told it to his fellow servants: who nothing regarding his words said not any thing thereof, so that the maid being tall and of a reasonable proportion went so long with child till the time of her labour unsuspected, which time of travel happened even the self same day that her mistress should be buried, at what time the household busied in winding the dead corpse, this maid departing from the women, went to aback chamber in the further part of the house and after seem small time, was delivered none being near the place, but the forenamed boy who wrought in the room underneath.  
When she was delivered, she endeavoured to strangle it, by laying her hand upon the mouth of it, but the Child being strong cried so that the boy in the neither room heardit, whereupon she took a knife and laying the child upon the fiares cut the throat of it so deep, that a man might have laid seure fingers in the wound, and having thus ended her most unnatural fact, cast it into the privy, and went about her business, without any sign or suspicion of any such filthiness.  
But the boy partly perceiving that it was the maids child, went privily to one of the chief servants and told him what he had heard, and that party told it afterwards to one of the neighbours, whereupon the cry of the Child came in question. & she to examination and search, where she confessed the matter, and thereupon the child was taken up and bade the law, and she committed to prison, had judgement according to her defert and was executed at Tibourne.  
But this one thing is to be noted that being demanded of the wives who gave her that vunaturall mind & mischievous help, so to kill the Child, answered that the devil was with her and helped her to dispatch it in that manner. Thus much have I thought good to note at large, forasmuch as it is more usual than any other and is the more odious, inasmuch as it is engendered of two most horrible actions: First, of whoredom or adultery which is worse: secondly, of murder. Let this then be a looking glass to all maids wherein to view the reward of silthines lest they incur the like danger and penalty.  
I Flosse of wealth affray thy mind,  
If sickness dire oppress thy heart:  
If loss of friends allied by kind,  
If all or more torment with smart,  
Yet help in time only secure these,  
Before cold death doth claim his fees.  
But if that mae den head be wracked:  
Then may dens name and fame are crack.  
And cannot be restored again:  
But doth her stock with blemish stain.  
No health, no wealth, no foe, ne friend,  
Can breach of maidenhead amend.  
Beware then may des I you exhort,  
jove, live and die in honest sort.  

A most notorious mnrther committed by an innkeepers wife in Lincolneshyre upon a travailer, a matter worthy to be known of all Travellers.  
AN honest man travailing upon business into Lincolneshyre, not being able to reach so far as he purposed the day waxing toward an end, he himself wearied, and having some charge of money, riding through Carthrope not far distant from Newort upon Trent understanding of lodging in the Town, at the house of one Tompson a man of honest reputation, went together, requesting the good wife of the house that he might have lodging, and in secret sort opened to her what store of money he had, and requested a chamber where his charge might be safe, the wife very willing granted and seemed so careful that she would that night lodge none that might be suspected persons: Supper prepared and ended this travailer going to bed laid, his money under his bed's head, having locked the door and the key sticking in the inside.  
The hostess and the rest of her Family gone to bed, for the goodman of the house was ridden from home about certain business, and knew nothing of this, the hostess incensed by the devil could not rest for casting in her mind how to get the travellers money wherefore when she thought every one was in their dead sleep, she went to the Chamber door where the travaller lodged, and having a sleight to open the lock by a little hole in the door she went in and found the man's knife, (see here the subtlety of sathan) to direct her to his knife as the instrument, which she took out of the sheath, and laying her hand upon his mouth that he might not cry out cut his throat with his own knife, and being thus mortally wounded, he began to struggle with her but all in vain for she soon bereaved him of his best joy in this world and took away the money.  
Now to cover this her abominable act she fastened the man's hand to the knife, which she left sticking in his throat, and so the. Her smock bloodded in the action (other clothes she had not upon her when she committed the fact) she put off and put on a clean one, hiding the other, least by that means she might come in suspicion by her servants: for none of them were made privy what money the travaller had.  
The morning coming, she with her household arose, and nothing was said till the day drawing well on, she said to her maids that she marveled that the travailer lay so long, having a journey to go, and thereupon, bad one of her maids go up to see if he were stirring, who knocking at the door and hearing no answer, at last thrust open the door by force and went in, finding this most lamentable spectacle. The maid amazed ran down, and told her mistress, who after a most vile fashion counterfeited swooning, but was comforted by neighbours.  
A guest is paneled, verdict given, that he himself was guilty of his own death and thereupon to persecute the maimed corpse yeis further if it might be he was buried out of christian man's burial and so was it for three or four months hushed up.  
But what is it that God in his secret judgement will not disclose though it seem never so impossible? about three or fours months after, this innkeepers wife carried out her blooded smock to a poor woman in the town desiring her towash it saying that she had sticked a pig and her maids had no leisure to wash it, the woman took it: behold a wonder, murder cannot be hid the more the woman we shed it thee more fresher began the blood to look and the cloth the more blacker, which so amazed the poor woman and troubled her in mind so that she could not be quiet till she had told the counsel, who imagining what after proved truth, took other of his neighbours and went to the innkeepers wife who after some examinations confessed the matter, and had the law at Lincoln and was executed for the same.  
A wonderful example it is and worthy to be noted and remembered aswell of innkeepers to keep sure lecks without counterfeit keys, as also to take heed what servants they keep to be of honest reputation.  
Not far from Lincoln at a town called Bourne were three brethren whereof one was a country mercer who had married a very honest woman who had of hec own a pretty piece of land, so dispose as she thought good during her life, and after to come to her husband if he survived.  
Her husband this mercer being an unthrift would have had his wife to have soiled this land, which no ways she would consent unto, being surely persuaded that being gone, to have nought left to help herself withal. This her husband not prevailing, broke his mind to his other two brethren, whereof one was a butcher who counselled him t deal extremely, with her who not prevailing, they met all three at the mercer's house and their conconcluded to murder her, threatening the maid of the house is kill her also if she bewrayed them whereupon they forced her to hold the candle while they did the deed, for the butcher after his butcher like trade quickly dispatched her of her life. But the maid going abroad revealed the matter whereupon they were apprehended, and had the law accordingly.  
Wonder it is to see to what fond affections and most wicked and abominable practices we are lead to for want of grace: some to murder for wealth as in this example, and also the example upon Tower hill where the sealer killed the widow for her goods, Nottingham also can testify it where one kiled his own mother for her lands, and many other, some upon harbrannes' as Glover who killed Seirgeant Grace, the Cook in Saint john's street, that killed his wife and infinite others.  
I might here set before your eyes what mischiefs have followlowed to masters by over hard usages of their apprentices & servants a matter to be looked unto for some are brought up to idle to proudly, to wantouly with to much excess both of meat and apparel which brings them to lewdness, to dying, to rioting, to whoredom to imbeasling of their master's goods and suck like, others on the contrary part want both apparel and sustenance & beside and moste unreasonable set to tasks to working upon Sundays and holy days forbidden, beaten and corrected out of measure and most unchristan like used, whereby they are forced for want of further rememdie to run away or to filth & steal to buy victuals or else to run to a further mischief amongst which I might remember the Powderers' servant that sometime dwelled in Finchlane. Also George Collins sometimes Apprentice with Richard Haiton tailor in Fanchurch who being badly used his master sought to kill him which he performed being unable to do such a fact, and was for the same executed, but because the seand many others and yet fresher in memory and writing than that they may yet be forgotten.  
It shall be needless to report unto you the most heinous murder committed upon the Chaundlar near broken Wharff in London the matter being so fresh in memory, the male actor still hanging as a notable example to our eyes, a grief to the godly a terror to the wicked and reprobate: which God grant for our Lord jesus sake.  
AMEN    
FINIS.