THE Art of juggling or Legerdemain. Wherein is deciphered, all the conveyances of Legerdemain and juggling, how they are effected, & wherein they chiefly consist. Cautions to beware of cheating at Cards and Dice. The detection of the beggarly Art of Alcumistry. &, The foppery of foolish cozening Charms. All tending to mirth and recreation, especially for those that desire to have the insight and private practice thereof. By S. R. Quod nova testa capit, Inueterata sapit. Printed at LONDON for T. B. and are to be sold by Samuel Rand, near Holborne-bridge. 1612. TO THE INGENIOUS GENTLEman, and my loving father, Mr. WILLIAM BUBB. THis short conceit, that I have writ of late, To you kind Father BUBB, I dedicate, Not that I mean hereby (good sir) to teach, For I confess, your skills beyond my reach: But since before with me much time you spent, Good reason then, first fruits I should present: That thankful * The nature of this Bird is: that building her nest under the cover of houses (as the Swallow doth with us) leaus ever behind her for the owner of the house, one young one, in token of her thankfulness: and as I may say, for pawn of her rent. Bird that leaves one young behind, Ensamples me, to bear a thankful mind: Ungrateful he, that thanks can not repay To him, that hath deserved it every way: Accept (kind Sir) my love, that being done, I ask no more, desire other Boon. Your Lo son in all love, SA RID. TO HIS LOVING FRIEND AND adopted Son Mr. Sa Rid. Most worthy son, YOur labour and observance herein, with the gift of your first fruits, is both worthy commendations and acceptance: and to cherish yo● further in this your discovery, I will give an addition to your second treatise. So I leave you to God: and believe you, not a more loving friend then, William Bubb. To the courteous Reader. THere goeth a pretty Fable of the Moon: On a time she earnestly be sought her mother to provide her a garment, comely and fit for her body: how can that be sweet daughter (quoth the mother) sith that your body never keeps itself at one stay, no● at one certain estate, but changeth every day in the month, nay every hour? The application here of needs no interpretation: Fantasy and foolery who can please? and desire who can humour? no Chameleon changeth his colour as affection, nor any thing so variable a Populus Chorus Flwius. I would with all my heart, every Author that had done no better than I have, had done no worse: and it were to be wished that some capriehious Co●●co●bes, with their desperate wits, were not so forward t● disbowell the entrails of their own overweening, singular, infectious, & pestiferous thoughts, as I know some. But I cannot stand all day nosing of Candlesticks; mean time bear with a plain man: whatsoever I have now done, I hope no exception can be taken, it is for your mirth and recreation (and I pray you so take it: 〈◊〉 such as will needs bark at the Moon, yell ●ill 〈◊〉 hearts ache: Gentle and gentlemen's spirits, will take all kindly that is kindly presented. Yours in love S. R. THE Art of juggling or Legerdemain. Heretofore we have run over the two pestiferous carbuncles in the commonwealth, the Egyptians and common Canters: the poor Canters we have canvased meetly well, it now remains to proceed where I left, and to go forward with that before I promised: St. Quintane be my good speed, I know I have run thorough the hands of many, censured of divers, & girded at not of a few: But humanity is ever willinger to love then hate: courtesy much forwarder to commend then dispraise: clemency infinitely proner to absolve then to condemn. Is it not possible to find savoury herbs among nettles, roses among prickles, berries among bushes, marrow among bones, grain among stubble, and a little corn among a great deal of chaff? In the rankest and strongest poisons, pure and sweet balms may be distilled, and some matter or other worthy to be remembered may be embraced, whosoever is Author. There is nothing so exceeding foolish but hath been defended by some wise man, nor any thing so passing wise, but hath been confuted by some fool: Tut, St. Barnard saw not all things, and the best cart may eftsoons overthrow: That curled pate Rufus that goes about with Zoilus to carp and find fault, must bring the Standard of judgement with him, and make wisdom the moderator of his wit, otherwise they may be like to purchase to themselves the worshipful names of Dunces and Dottipoles. So much by the way. These kind of people about an hundred years ago, about the twentieth year of King Henry the eight, began together an head, at the first here about the Southern parts, and this (as I am informed) and as I can gather, was their beginning. Certain Egyptians banished their country (belike not for their good conditions) arrived here in England, who being excellent in acquaint tricks and devices, not known here at that time among us, were esteemed and had in great admiration, for what with ●rangenesse of their attire and garments, together with their sleights and legerdemains, they were spoke of far and near, insomuch that many of our English loiterers joined with them, and in time learned their craft and cozening. The speech which they used was the right Egyptian language, with whom our Englishmen conversing with, at last learned their language. These people continuing about the country in this fashion, practising their co●ening art of fast and loose, and legerdemain, purchased to themselves great credit among the country people, and got much by Palmistry, and telling of fortunes: insomuch they pitifully cozened the poor country girls, both of money, ●●luer 〈◊〉, and the best of their apparel, or any good thing they could make, only to hear their fortunes. This Giles Hather (for so was his name) together with his who●e Kit Calot, in short space had following them a pretty train, he terming himself the King of Egyptians, and she the Queen, riding about the country at their pleasures uncontrolled: at last about forty years after, when their knavery began to be espied, and that their cosonages were apparent to the world, (for they had continued near thirty years after this manner, pilling and polling, and cozening the country) it pleased the Council to look more narrowly into their lives, and in a Parliament made in the first and second years of Philip and Mary, there was a strict Statute made, that whosoever should transport any Egyptians into this Realm, should forfeit forty pounds: Moreover, it was then enacted, that such fellows as took upon them the name of Egyptians, above the age of fourteen, or that shall come over and be transported into England, or any other persons, and shall be seen in the company of vagabonds, calling themselves Egyptians, or counterfeiting, transforming, or disguising themselves by their apparel, speech, or other behaviours like unto Egyptians, and so shall continue, either at one or s●●erall times, by the space of a month, they should be adjudged fellow's, not allowed their book or Clergy. These Acts and statutes now put forth, and come so their hearing, they deni●e their hands and companies into divers parts of the Realm: for you must imagine and know that they had above two hundred rogues and vagabonds in a Regiment: and although they went not altogether, yet would they not be above two or three miles one from the other, and now they dare no more be known by the name of Egyptians, no● take any other name upon them then poor people. But what a number were executed presently upon this statute, you would wonder: yet notwithstanding all would not prevail: but still they wandered, as before up and down, and meeting once in a year at a place appointed: sometimes at the devils arse in peake in Datbishir●, and otherwhiles at ●etbrooke by Blackeheath, or elsewhere, as they agreed first at their meeting. Then it pleased Queen Elizabeth to revive the Statute before mentioned, in the twentieth year of her happy reign, endeavouring by all means possible to root out this pestiferons people, but nothing could be done, you see until this day: they wander up and down in the name of Egyptians, cullouring their faces and fashioning their attire, and garment like unto them, yet if you ask what they are, they dare no otherwise then say, they are Englishmen, and of such a shire, and so are forced to say contrary to that they pretend. But to come a little nearer our purpose, these fellows seeing that no profit comes by wandering, but hazard of their lives, do daily decrease and break off their wont society, and betake themselves many of them, some to be peddlers, some Tinkers, some jugglers, and some to one kind of life or other, insomuch that juggling is now become common, I mean the professors who make an occupation and profession of the same: which I must needs say, that some deserve commendation for the nimbleness and agility of their hands, and might be thought to perform as excellent things by their Legerdemain, as any of your wizards, witches, or magicians whatsoever. For these kind of people do perform that in action, which the other do make show of: and no doubt ●any when they hear of any rare exploit performed which cannot enter into their capacity, and is beyond their reach, strait they attribute it to be done by the Devil, and that they work by some familiar spirit, when indeed it is nothing else but mere illusion, cozening, and legerd 〈◊〉. For you have many now adays, and also heretofore many writers have been abused, aswell by untrue reports as by illusion and practices of confederacy, & lege●damaine, etc. Sometimes imputing to words that which resteth in nature, and sometimes to the nature of the thing that which proceedeth of fraud and deception of sight. But when these experiments grow to superstition and impiety, they are either to be forsaken as vain, or denied as false: howbeit, if these things be done for recreation and mirth, and not to the hurt of our neighbour, nor to the profaning and abusing of God's holy name: then sure they are neither impious nor altogether unlawful, though herein or hereby a natural thing be made to seem supernatural. And Gentlemen, if you will give me patience, I will lay open unto you the right Art juggling and Legerdemain, in what point it doth ch●e●y consist: principally being sorry that it thus falls out, to lay open the secrets of this mystery to the hindrance of such poor● men as live thereby, whose doings herein are not only tolerable, but greatly commendable, so they abuse not the name of God, nor make the people to attribute unto them his power, but always acknowledge wherein the Art consisteth. The true Art therefore of juggling, consisteth in Legerdemain: that is, the nimble conveyance and right dexterity of the hand, the which is performed divers ways, especially thres: The first and principal consisteth in hiding & conveying of balls: The second in alteration of money: The third in the shuffling of Cards: and he that is expert in these, may show many seats, and much pleasure. There are divers and rare experiments to be shown by confederacy, either private or public, all which in place convenient, shall be spoken of. And forasmuch as I profess rather to discover then teach these mysteries, it shall suffice to signify unto you, that the endeavour and drift of jugglers, is only to abuse men's eyes and judgements: now than my meaning is in words as 〈◊〉 I can, to rip up some proper tricks of that Art, whereof some are pleasant & delectable, othersome dreadful & desperate, and all but mere delusions, and counterfeit actions, as you shall so●ne see by ●ne observation of every knack●●● one hereafter deciphered: And first in order I will begin with the plays and devices of the ball, which are many: I will touch only but a few, and as in this, so in all the rest I will run over slightly, yet as plain as I can. Notes and observations to be marked of such as desire to practise Legerdemain. REmember that a juggler must set a good face upon that matter he goeth about, for a good grace and carriage is very requisite to make the art more authentical. Your feats and tricks than must be nimbly, cleanly, and swiftly done, and conveyed so as the eyes of the beholders may not discern or perceive the trick●, for if you be a bungler, you both shame yourself, and make the Art you go about to be perceived and known, and so bring it into discredit. Wherefore use and exercise makes a man ready. Vsus promptos facit, and by that mea●es your ●eats being cunningly handled, you shall deceive both the eye, the hand, and the ●are: for often times it will fall out in this art, and devices Deceptio visus, Deceptio tactus, et Deceptio Auditus. No●e also that you must have none of your Trinkets wanting, lest you be put to a non plus: besides if behooneth you to be mindful whereabout you go in every trick, lest you mistake, and so discredit the arts. You must also have your words of Art, certain strange words, that it may not only breed the more admiration to the people, but to leads away the eye from espying the manner of your conveyance, while you may induce the mind, to conceive, and suppose that you deal with Spirits: and such kind of sentences, and 〈◊〉 speeches, are used in divers manners; fitting and correspondent to the action and seat that you go about. As hay Fortuna, furia, nunquam, Credo, pass pass, when come you Sirrah? or this way they jack come aloft for thy master's advantage, pass and be gone● or otherwise: as Ailif, Casil, zaze, Hit, metmeltat, Saturnus, jupiter, Mars, Sol, Venus, Mercury, Luna? or ●hus: Drocti, Micocti, et Senarocti, Velu barocti, Asmarocti, Ronnsee, Faronnsee, hay pass pass: many such observations to this art, are necessary, without which all the rest, are little to the purpose. Feats of Legerdemain used with the Balls, with one or more. COncerning the Ball, the plays and devices thereof are infinite: insomuch, as if you can use them well, you may show an hundred seats, but whether you seem to throw the Ball into the air or into your mouth, or into your left hand, or as you list, it must be kept still in your right hand: if you practise first with the ●eaden bullet, you shall the sooner, and better do it with balls of Cork: the first place at your first learning, where you are to bestow a great ball, is in the palm of your hand, with your ring finger, but a small ball is to be placed with your thumb betwixt your ring finger and middle finger: then are you to practise to do it betwixt your other fingers, then betwixt the for● finger & the 〈◊〉, with the forefinger & middle finger jointly, and therein is the greatest and the strangest conveying showed. Lastly the same small ball is to be practised in the palm of your hand, and so by use, you shall not only seem to put any ball 〈◊〉 you, and yet retain it in your hand, but you shall keep 〈◊〉 or f●ue, as cleanly and certain as one, this being first learned and slight attained unto, you shall work wonderful seats: as for ensample. Note for this seat you must have 〈◊〉 boxes made in the manner of extinguishers that are made to put out candles, but as big again: but for want of them, you may take small candlesticks, or saltseller covers, or some such like. Lay three or sour balls before you, and so many boxes 〈◊〉 small candlesticks etc., then 〈◊〉 seems to put one ball into your left hand, and therewithal seem to hold the same fast. Then take one of the boxes etc. or any other thing (having a hollow foot, and being great) and seem to put the ball which is thought to be in your left hand underneath the same, and so under the other candlesticks, 〈◊〉 etc. seem to bestow the other balls, and all this while the beholders will suppose each ball to be under each box, or candlestick etc. this done, use some charm or form of words (before set down) as hay Fortuna fury nunquam credo, pass pass: then take up the candlestick with one hand and blow, saying that's gone you see: and so likewise look under each candlestick with like grace and words (for you must remember to carry a good grace and face on the matter) and the beholders will wonder where they are become: But if you in lifting up the candlesticks with your right hand leave all those three or ●ower balls under one of them (as by use you may eastly do) having turned themall down into your hand and holding them fast with your little, and ring finger) and take the 〈◊〉 or candlestick &c: with your other fingers and cast the balls up into the hollowness thereof (for so they will not ●owle so soon away) the standers by will be much astonished, but it will seem wonderful strange, if also in showing how there remaineth nothing under an other of the said candlesticks taken up with your left hand you leave behind you a great ball, or any other thing, the miracle will be the greater. For first, they will think you have pulled away all the balls by miracle, then that you have brought them again by like means, and they neither think, or look that any other thing remaineth behind under any of them, and therefore after many other feats done return to your candlesticks, remembering where you left the great ball, and in no wise touch the same, but having another great ball about you, seem to bestow the same in manner and form aforesaid under a candlestick which standeth farthest from that where the ball lieth, and when you shall with words and charms seem to convey the same ball from under the same box or candlestick &c. (and afterward bring it under the box etc. which you touched not) it will (I say) seem wonderful strange. To make a little Ball swell in your hand till it be very great. TAke a very great ball in your left hand, or three indifferent big balls, and showing one or three little balls, seem to put them into your said left hand, concealing (as you may well do) the other balls which were there before: Then use chermes, and words, and make them seem to swell, and open your hand etc. This play is to be varied an hundred ways, for as you find them all under the box or candlestick, so may you go to a s●ander by, and take off his hat or cap and show the balls to be there, by conveying them thereinto as you turn the bottom upward, These things so them that know them are counted ridiculous, but to these that are ignorant they are marvelous. To consume, (or rather convey) one or many Balls into nothing. IF you take a ball or more, and seem to put it into your other hand, and whilst you use charming words, you convey them out of your right hand into your lap, it will seem strange, for when you open your left hand, immediately the sharpest lookers on will say, it is in your other hand, which also then you may open, and when they see nothing there, they are greatly overtaken. An other pretty feat with Balls. TAke four Balls, one of the which keep between your forefinger and your middle, laying the other three upon the table, then take up one and put it into your left hand, and afterward take up another, and conveying it and the other between your fingers into your left hand, taking up the third and seeming to cast it from you into the air, or into your mouth, or else where you please, using some words or charms as before: the standers by when you ask them how many you have in your hand, will judge there are no more than two, which when you open your hand they shall see how they are deluded. But I will leave to speak of the ball any more, for herein I might hold you all day, and yet shall I not be able to teach you the use of it, nor scarcely to understand what I mean or write, concerning it, unless you have had some, sight thereof heretofore by demonstration: and always remember that the right hand be kept open and strait, only keep the palm from view: and therefore I will end with this miracle. A feat, tending chiefly to laughter and mirth. LAy one ball upon your shoulder, an other on your arm, and the third on the table: which because it is round and will not easily lie upon the point of your knife, you must bid a slander by, lay it thereon, saying, that you mean to cast all these three Balls into your mouth at once: and holding a knife as a pen in your hand, when he is laying upon the point of your knife, you may easily with the haft tap him on the fingers, for the other matter will be hard to do. And thus much of the Balls. To come to the second principal part of Legerdemain, which is conveyance of money, wherein by the way observe that the money must not be of too small nor too great a circumference, lest either, it hinder the conveyance. Of conveyance of money. THe coveying of money is not much inferior to the Ball, but much easier to do: The principal place to keep a piece of money in, is the palm of your hand: The best peace is keep, is a testor, but with exercise all will be alike, except the money be very fiall, and then it must be kept between the fingers, and almost at the finger's end, where as the ball is to be kept, and below near to the palm. To convey money out of one hand into the other, by Legerdemain. FIrst you must hold open your right hand and lay therein a testor or counter, and then lay thereupon the top of your long left finger, and use words etc. and upon the sudden s●ip your right hand from your finger, wherewith you held down the testor, and bending your hand a very little, you shall retain the testor therein, and suddenly (I say) drawing your right hand through your left, you shall seem to have left the testor there, especially when you shut in due time your left hand, which that it may more plainly appear to be truly done, you may take a knife and seem to knock against it, so as it shall make a great sound: but instead of knocking the piece in the left hand (where none is) you shall hold the point of the knife fast with the left hand, and knock against the testor held in the other hand, and it will be thought to hit against the money in the left hand: then use words, and open the hand, and when nothing is seen, it will be wondered at, how the testor was removed. To convert or transubstantiat money into Counters, or Counters into money. AN other way to deceive the lookers on, is to do as before with a testor, and keeping a Counter in the palm of your left hand, secretly to seem to put the testor thereinto, which being retained still in the right hand, when the left hand is opened, the testor will seem to be transubstantiated into a counter. To put one Testor into one hand, and another into an other hand, and with words to bring them together. HE that hath once attained to the facility of retaining one piece of money in his right hand, may show an hundred pleasant conceits by that means, and may reserve two or three aswell as one: and lo, then may you seem to put one piece into your left hand, and retaining it still in your right hand, you may together therewith take up another like piece, and so with words seem to bring both pieces together. To put one testor into a stranger's hand and an other in your own hand, and to convey both into the stranger's hand with words. TAke two testors éevenly set together, and put the same in stead of one testor into a stranger's hand: And then making as though you put one testor into your left hand, with words you shall make it seem that you convey the testor in your hand into the stranger's hand: for when you open your said left hand, there shall be nothing seen: and he opening his hand, shall find two where he thought was but one. By this devise I say an hundred conceits may be showed. To throw a piece of money away, and to find it again where you please. YOu may with the middle and ring-finger of the right hand, convey a testor into the palm of the same hand, and seeming to cast it away, keep it still, which with confederacy will seem strange: to wit, when you find if again, where another hath bestowed the very like piece. But these things without exercise cannot be done, and therefore I will proceed to show things to be brought to pass by money, with less difficulty, and yet as strange as the rest, which being unknown, are marvelously commended, but being unknown, are derided and nothing at all regarded. To make a testor or a groat, leap out of a pot, or run along upon a table with words. YOu shall see a juggler take a testor or great & throw it into a pot, or lay it on the midst of the table, and with enchanting words cause the same to leap out of the pot, or run towards him or from him wards alongst the table, which will seem miraculous, until that you know that it is done with a long black hair of a woman's head, fastened to the brim of a great by means of a little hole driven through the same with a spanish needle: in like sort you may use a knife or any other small thing. But if you would have it to go from you, you must have a confederate by which means all juggling is greased, and amended. This seat is the stranger if it be done by night, a candle placed between the lookers on and the juggler: for by that means the eyesight is hindre● from deserving the conceit. A very pretty trick to make a groat or a testor to sink thorough a table, and to vanish out of a handkerchief very strangely. A juggler sometimes will borrow a great or a testor, and mark it before you, and seem to put the same into a handkerchief, and wind it so that you may the better see and feel it: then will he take you the handkerchief and did you feel whether the great be there or no: And he will also require you to put the same under a candlestick or some such thing: then will he send for a Basin and holding the same under the bo●rd right against the candlestick will use certain word● of enchantments, and in short space you shall here the great fall into a basin: this done, one takes of the candlestick and the juggler taketh the handkerchief by the tassel, and shaketh it: but the money is gone, which seemeth as strange as any feats whatsoever: but being known, the miracle is turned into a babble, for it is nothing but to sow a counter into the corner of a handkerchief finely covered with a piece of linen little bigger than the counter, which corner you must coney in steed of the great delivered unto you, into the middle of your handkerchief, leaving ●he other either in your hand or lap, which afterwards you must seem is pull through the board, letting it fall into a basin. To convey one shilling being in one hand into an other, holding your arms abroad like to a rood. Evermore it is necessary to mingle some merry toys among your grave miracles, as in this case of money: Take a shilling in each hand, and holding your arms abroad, to lay a wager that you will put them both into one hand without bringing them any whit nearer together: the wager being laid, hold your arms abroad like a rood, and turning about with your body, lay the shilling out of one of your hands upon the table, and turning to the other side take it up with the other hand, and so you shall win your wager. Of Cards and Dice, with good cautions how to avoid cozenage therein: special rules to convey and handle the cards, and the manner and order how to accomplish all difficult, & strange tsting wrought with cards. Having bestowed some waste money among you, I will set you to Cards, and Dice: A couple of honest friends that draw both in a yoke together, which have been the overthrow, of many a hundred in this Realm, and these are not the slightest matters whereupon jugglers work upon, and show their feats. By which kind of juggling, a great number have juggled away, not only their money, but also their lands, their health, their time, and their honesty: I dare not (as I could) show the lewd juggling that cheators practise, lest it minister some offence, to the well disposed: to the simple hurt and loss, and to the wicked occasion of evil doing. But by the way I will a little speak of dice, and the use of them, as caveats, rather to let you take heed of their cosening, then to give you light to follow their doings: Non ad imitandum sed ad evitandum. First, you must know a Langret, which is a die that simple men have seldom heard of, but often seen to their cost, and this is a well favoured die, and seemeth good and square, yet is it forged longer, upon the Cater, and Trea, than any other way: And therefore it is called a Langret. Such he also called hard Cater trea●, because 〈◊〉, the longer end will of his own ●way draw downward, and turn up to the 〈◊〉, sinks, Deure or Ace. The principal use of them is at Nowm, for so long a pair of Bard cater treas be walking on the board, so long can ye not cast five, nor 〈◊〉, unless it be by great chance, that the toughness of the table, or 〈◊〉 other stop force them to stay, and run against their kind: or without 〈…〉 know that 〈◊〉 or nine can never come. But you will say by this reason, he that hath the first dice, is like always to strip. and 〈◊〉 all the table about. To help this, there must before that purpose, an odd Die, called a flat Catertrea ready at hand, and no other number, for granting the trea and Cater be always upon the one Die, then is there no chance upon the other Die, but may serve to make five or 〈…〉 forth, & lose all. But now to show you what shifts they have to bring the flat die in and out, which is a jolly cunning property of juggling, with them called foisting: the which is nothing else but a slight, to carry easily within the hand, as often as the ●oister lift: so that when either he or his partner shall cast the dice, the flat comes not abroad, till he hath made a great hand and won as much as him lifteth: otherwise the flat is ever one, unless at few times upon purpose he suffer the silly souls to cast in a hand or two, to give them courage to continue the play, and live in hope of winning. These things I know seem very strange to the simple, and as yet cannot sink into their brain, how a man may carry so many dice in one hand, and chop and change them so often, and never be espied: so as before I told you, jugglers conveyance seemest, to exceed the compass of reason till you know the feat: but what is it that use and labour overcometh not. To f●yst finely and readily and with the same hand to tell money to and fro, is a thing hardly learned, and asketh a bold spirit and long experience, though it be one of the first the Cheater learneth. What should I speak any more of false dice, of fullons, high-men, lowe-men, swords, and bristled dice, graviers, demies, and contraries, all which have his sundry uses: but it is not my meaning to stand on this subject: I would rather use my pen, and spend my time, to dissuade and persuade all gamesters, to beware not only with what dice, but with what company and where they exercise gaming: and be well assured Gentlemen that all the friendly entertainment you shall find amongst them is for no other end, but to persuade you to play, and thereby to breed your great loss, if not altogether your undoing. Therefore utterly forbear so hazard any thing at dice, and live in doubt and suspicion of cheating, wheresoever you play (unless you know your company very well) for the contagion of cheating, is now grown so vni●ersall, that they swarm in every quarter: and therefore ye cannot be in safety, unless you shun the company of such altogether. To leave Dice and return to Cards, wherein is as much falsehood and cozening as in Dice: I will therefore disclose as much in one as in the other, for I would not give a point to choose, which of them is the better, or rather the worse, for there is such a flight in shuffling and sorting of the Cards, that play at what game you will all is lost before hand, but if there be a confederate: either of the players or standers ●ie, the mischief can not be avoided. Beware therefore when you play among strangers of him that seems simple or drun●●●, for under their habit the most special cozeners are presented, and while you think by their simplicity and imperfections to beguile them, (and thereof perchance are persuaded by their confederates) your very friends as you think, you yourself will be most of all overtaken. Beware also of ●etters by, and lookers on: and namely on them that be on your side: for whilst they look on your game without suspicion, they discover it by signs to your adversaries, with whom they bet, and yet are they confederates, whereof me thinks this one above the rest proceedeth from a fine invention. A trick by confederacy at Cards. A Gamester, after he had been often times bitten by Cheators, and after much loss, grew very suspicious in his play, so that he would not suffer any of the fitters by to be privy to his game, for this the Cheators devised a new shift, that a woman should sit close by him, and by the swift and slow drawing of her needle, give a token to the Cheater what was the Cousin's game. Other helps there be, as to set the cozen upon the bench, with a great Looking glass behind him on the wall, wherein the Cheater may always see what Cards he hath in his hand, So that a few ensamples in stead of many that might be rehearsed, this one conclusion may be gathered, that whosoever is given to play, and once sitteth amongst them, it is great odds but that he shall rise a loser. But many there be that live so continently, that nothing can persuade them to put a penny in adventure, and some again are so unskilful that lack of cunning forceth them to forbear play: but yet hard it is for any man to fall into their company, but they will make him stoop at one game or other: and for this purpose, their first drift and intent is to seek, by all means possible to understand his nature, and whereunto he is most inclined: if they find that he taketh pleasure in the company of women, them seek they to strike him, at the Sacking law: (as they term it) and take this always for a rule, that all the Bawds in the country be of the Cheaters familiar acquaintance. Therefore it is not very hard for them at all times to provide for their amorous cozen, a lewd lecherous Lady to keep him loving company: then fall they to banqueting, and carousing and hunting of Taverns, and much is the cost that this silly cozen shall be at in jewels and apparel, otherwise he shall not once get a grant to have a kiss of his 〈◊〉 lips: and ever in middle of their conference she layeth in this reason, for her sake to put in twenty or thirty crowns in adventure at Cards or Dice: you know not (quoth she) what may be a woman's luck: if he refuse it, Lord how unkindly she takes the matter, and cannot be reconciled with less than a gown or a kirtle of silk. But now if these Cheaters perceive that he esteemeth no bruised ware, but is enamoured with virginity, they have a●● ne cast within an hours warning, to make jone Siluerpin as good a maid as if she had never come to the stews: but to let these things pass, for offending of chast●ares, whose displeasure I would not incur, for all the cheats these gamesters get in a whole year. But to our purpose. There are two sorts of using the Cards, the one is in playing (with one or more) games, as Primero, Trump, Saunte, Decoye, etc. The other use of Cards is to show feats of Legerdemain. Concerning the first, if it be used for recreation and not to the profaning of God's holy name, nor hurt of our brethren and neighbours, they are to be tolerated: but now (more is the pity) they are not used in that fashion as they should be, but much hurt oft times ariseth thereof. Primero now as it is in great use, so is there much deceit in it, some play upon the prick, some pinch the cards privily with their nails, some turn up the corners, same mark them with fine spots of juck, seem there be that travel into Spain and into Italy to learn fine tricks and acquaint conveyances, at cards and return home, and win much money with them here in England, but yet at the last they are still overreached by some fine wits that devise new sleights here at home. At Trump, Saunte, and such other like games, cutting at the nick, is a great advantage, so is cutting by Bumcarde, finely under or over: stealing the stock or the discarded Cards. At Decoye they draw twenty hands together and play all upon assurance when to win or lose, other helps there be as I have before set down, with a looking glass and confederacy: all which and such like, tend to cozening and hurt of our brother: But we will proceed with the other use of Cards, which tendeth to mirth and recreation of mind and which in themselves simply is no hurt, unless they are abused. In showing fea●s & juggling with cards the principal point consisteth in shuffling them nimbly, and always keeping one certain card either in the bottom or in some known place of the stock, four or five cards from it, hereby you shall seem to work wonders, for it will be easy for you to see or espy one, which though you be perceived to do, it will not be suspected, if you shuffle them well afterwards, and this note I must give you, That in reserving the bottom card you must always (whilst you sh●●●le) keep him a little before, or a little behind, all the cards lying underneath him, bestowing him (I say) either a little beyond his fellows before right over the fore finger, or else behind the rest, so as the little finger of the left hand may meet with it, which is the ester and the readier, and the better way: in the beginning of your shuffleing, shuffle as thick as you can, and in the end throw upon the stock the neither card, (with so many more at the least as you would have preserved for any purpose) a little before or behind the rest; provided always that your fore finger if the pack be laid before, or the little finger if the pack lye behind, creep up to meet with the bottom card, and not lie betwixt the cards, and when you feel it, you may there hold it until you have shuffled over the car●es again, still leaving your kept card below being perfect herein, you may do almost what you list with the cards: By this means what pack soever you make, though it consist of eight, twelve, or twenty cards, you may keep them still together unsevered next to the neither card, and yet shuffle them often to satisfy the curious beholders, as for ensample, and for brevities sake, to show you divers seats under one. How to deliver out four Aceses, and to convert them into four Knaves. MAke a pack of eight cards, to wit four Knaves and four Aceses, and although all the eight cards m●st lie immediately together, yet must each Knave and Ace be openly scavered, and the same eight cards must lie also in the lowest place of the bunch, then shuffle them so, as always at the second shuffling, or at least wise at the end of your shuffling the said pack, and of the pack one ace may lie nethermost, or so as you may know where he goeth and lieth, and always I say let your for said pack, with three or four cards more, lie unseperablely together, immediately upon and with that ace, then using some speech or other devise, and putting your hand 〈◊〉 the cards to the edge of the table, to hide the account, let out primly a piece of the second card, which is one of the knaves holding forth the stock in both your hands, and showing to the standers by the neither Card (which is the ace or kept Card) covering also the head or piece of the knave (which c is your next card, with your four fingers: draw out the same knave laying it down an the Table: then shuffle again keeping your pack whole, and so have you two aces lying together in the botteme: & therefore to reform that disordered Card, as also for a grace and countenance to that action, take off the uppermost Card of the bunch, and thrust it in●o the midst of the Cards, and then take away the nethermost Card, which is one of your aces, and bestow him likewise: then may you begin as before, showing an other ace, and in stead thereof lay down another knave, and so forth, until instead of your four aces you have laid down four knaves. The beholders all this while thinking that there lie four aces on the table, are greatly abused, and will marvel at the transformation. How to tell one what Card he seeth in the bottom, when the same Card is shuffled into the stock. WHen you have seen a Card privily, or as though you marked it not, lay the same undermost, and shuffle the Cards as before you were taught, till your Cardly again below in the bottom: then show the same to the beholders, willing them to remember it, then shuffle the Cards or let any shuffle them, for you know the Cards already, and therefore may at any time tell them what Card they saw, which nevertheless would be done with great circumstance and show of difficulty. A strange & excellent trick to hold four Kings in the hand, and by words to transform them into four Aceses, and after to make them all blank Cards, one after another. YOu shall see a juggler take four Kings and no more in his hand, and apparently show you them, then after some words and charms, he will throw them down before you upon the table, taking one of the Kings away and adding but one other Card: then taking them up a-againe and blowing upon them, will show you them transformed into blank Cards, white on both sides: after using charms again, throwing them down as before. (with the faces downward) will take them up again and show you four Aceses, blowing still upon them, that it may breed the more wonder, which trick in my mind is nothing inferior to the rest: and being not known, will seem wonderful strange so the spectators, y●t after you know it, you can not but say the trick is p●●●ty. Now therefore to accomplish this feat, you must have Cards made for the purpose, (half Cards ye may call them) that is the one half kings the other part aces, so that laying the aces, one over the other, nothing but the kings will be seen, and then turning the kings downward, the four aces will be seen: provided you must have two whole, one whole king to cover one of the aces, or else it will be perceived, and the other an ace to lay over the kings, when you mean to show the aces: then when you will make them all blank, lay the Cards a little lower, and hide the aces and they will appear all white. The like you may make of the four knaves, putting upon them the four five, and so of the rest of the Cards: But this can not be well showed you without demonstration. Hitherto I have entreated of the three principal kinds of juggling, now it remaineth in order to speak of juggling by confederacy, which is either private or public. Private conspiracy is, when one (by a special plot said by himself, without any compact made with others) persuadeth the beholders, that he will suddenly and in their presence, do some miraculous feat, which he hath already accomplished privately: as for ensample, he will show you a card or any other like thing, and will say further unto you, behold and see what a mark it hath, and then burneth it, and nevertheless fetcheth another like Card, so marked out of some body's pocket, or out of some corner, where he himself before had placed it, to the wonder and astonishment of simple beholders, which conceive not that kind of illusion, but expect miracles and str●●ge works. I have read of a notable exploit done before a King by a juggler, who painted on a wall the picture of a dove and seeing a pigeon sitting upon the top of an house, said to the King, lo now your grace shall see what a juggler can do, if he be his crafts master, & then pricked the picture with a knife, so hard and so often, and with so effectual words, as the pigeon fell down from the top of the house stark dead, you may imagine how the matter was taken, what wondering was thereat, how he was prohibited to use that feat any further, lest he should employ it in any other kind of murder. This story is held yet of divers as canonical, but when you are taught the feat or flight, you will think it a mockery and a simple illusion. To unfold you the mystery hereof, so it is that the poor pigeon was before in the hands of the juggler, into whom he had thrust a dram of Nux vomica, or some other such poison, which to the nature of the Bird was so extreme a poison, as after the receipt thereof, it could not live above the space of half an hour, and being let loose after the medicine ministered, the always resorteth to the top of the next house, which she will the rather do, if there be any pigeons already sitting there, and after a short space falleth down, either stark dead, or greatly astonished: but in the mean time, the juggler useth words of art, partly to protract time, and partly to gain credit, and admiration of the beholders. As with Cards you may show feats by private confederacy, so of the other two, that is to wit, with the balls and the money, as to mark a shilling or any other thing, and throw the same into a river or deep pond, & having hid the shilling before, with like marks, in some other secret place, bi● some go presently and fetch it, making them believe that it is the very same which you threw into the river the beholders will marvel much at it: and of such feats there may be many done, but more by public confederacy, whereby one may tell another how much money he hath in his purse and an hundred like toys. Of public confederacy and whereof it consisteth. Public confederacy is, when there is before hand a compact made brtwixt divers persons: the one to be principal, the other to be assistant in working of miracles, or rather in cozening and abusing the beholders, as when I tell you in the presence of a multitude, what you have thought or done, or shall do or think, when you and I were thereupon agreed before: and if this be cunningly and closely handled, it will induce great admiration to the beholders, especially when they are before amazed and abused, by some erper●ment of ar●, magic or legerdemain. I will in brief set you down some pretty conclusions, and so I will procéene with other feats in other kinds. To tell you how to know whether one cast Cross or Pile● by the ringing LAy a wager with your confederate (who must seem simple or obstinate opposed against you) that standing behind a door, you will (by the sounding or ringing of the money) tell him whether he cast cross or pile, see as when you are gone, and he hath phillepped the money before the witnesses who are to be cozened, he must say What is it if it be cross, or What is't if it be pile, or some other such sign, as you are agreed upon, and so you need not fail to guess rightly. By this means if you have any invention, you may seem to do an hundred miracles, & to discover a man's thought, or words spoken a far off. How to tell where a stolen horse is become. BY means of confederacy Cuthbert Conycatcher, and one Swart Rutter, two that have taken degrees in Whittington College, abused notably the country people: for Cuthbert would hide away his neighbour's horses, kine, colts, &c: and send them to Swart Rutter, (whom he before had told where they were) promising to send the parties unto him, whom he described, and made known by divers signs: so as this Swart would tell them at their first entrance unto the door, wherefore they came, and would say that their horses kine etc. were stolen, but the thief should be forced to bring them back again, and leave them within one mile (south and by west, etc.) of his house: even as the plot was laid, and the pack made before by Cuthbert & him. This Cuthbert is esteemed of some, & thought to be a witch of others, he is accounted a conjuror, but commonly called a wise man, and are able of themselves, to tell you where any thing that is stolen is, as to build Paul's steeple up again. To make one dance naked. IT hath been reported of such fellows, and such, that they can do rare feats, as to make one dance naked. To the effecting of this, make a poor boy confederate with you: so as after charms and words spoken by you, he unclothe himself and stand naked: seeming (whilst he undresseth him) to shake, stamp, and cry, still hastening to be unclothed, till he be stark naked: or if you can procure none to go so farr●, let him only begin to stamp and shake etc. and to unclothe him, and then you may (for reverence of the company) seem to release him. To make a pot or any such thing standing fast on a cupboard, to fall down thence by virtue of words. Let your cupboard be so placed, as your confederate may hold a black Thread without in the courete, behind some window of that room, and at a certain loud word spoken by you, he may pull the same thread, being wound about the pot. And this was the feat of Eleazar the jew, which josephus reporteth to be such a miracle. Now that we have spoken of the three principle acts of Legerdemain and of confederacy, I will go forward, and touch some few ordinary feats, which are pretty, yet not altogether to be compared with the rest; I mean for conceit and nimbleves of the hand, yet such as to the ignorant, and those that know not the carriage, will seem strange and wonderful. Of Boxes to alter one grain into another, or to consume the grain or corn to nothing. THere be divers juggling boxes with false b●●●mes, wherein many false feats are wrought. First they have a box covered or rather footed alike at each end, though bottom of the one end being no deeper than as it may contain one lane of corn or pepper, glued there upon: Then use they to put into the hollow end thereof some other kind of grain, ground or unground: then do they cover it, and put it under a hat or candlestick, and either in putting it thereinto, or pulling it thence, they turn the boar, and open the contrary end, wherein is showed a contrary grain, or else they show the glued end first, (which end they suddenly thrust into a bag of such grains as is glued already there upon, and secondly the empty box. How to convey (with words and charms) the corn contained in one Box, into another. THere is another box fashioned like a bell, whereinto they put so much and such corn as the foresaid hollow box can contain: then they stop and cover the same with a piece of leather as broad as a tester, which being thrust up hard to the middle part or waste of the said bell, will stick fast and bear up the corn, and if the edge of the same leather be we●, it will hold the better: then take they the other box, dipped (as is aforesaid) in corn, and set down the same upon the Table, the empty end upward, saying, that they will convey the grain therein, into the other box or bell, which being set down somewhat hard upon the table, the leather & corn therein will fall down, so as the said bell being taken up from the table: you shall see the corn lying thereon, & the stopple willbe hidden therewith, & covered, & when you uncover the other box nothing shall remain therein, but presently the corn must be swept down with one hand, into the other, or into your lap or hat: many seats may be done with this box, as to put therein a toad, affirming the same to be so turned from corn, and then many beholders will suppose the same to be the jugglers devil, whereby his feats and miracles are wrought. How to pull laces innumerable out of your mouth; of what colour or length you list, and never any thing seen to be therein. AS for pulling of laces forth of the mouth it is now somewhat stale, whereby jugglers get much money among maids, selling lace by the yard, putting into their mouths one round bottom, as fast as they pull out another, & at the just end of every yard they tie a knot, so as the same resteth upon their teeth, then cut they off the same, and so the beholders are double and treble deceived, seeing so much lace as will be contained in a hat, and the same of what colour you list to name, to be drawn by so even yards out of his mouth, and yet the juggler to talk as though there were nothing at all in his mouth. There are divers juggling tricks which I am loath to describe for some reasons before alleged, whereof some are common some rarer and some desperate: I will therefore show a few desperate and dangerous juggling knacks, wherein the simple are made to think, that a silly juggler with words can hurt and help, kill and revive any creature at his pleasure: and first to kill any kind of pullen and make them revive. To kill a Hen, chicken, or Capon and give it life again. TAke a hen etc. and thrust a awl, or a fine sharp pointed knife through the midst of the head thereof, the edge toward the bill, so as it may seem impossible for her to escape death. Then use words or incantations, and pulling out the knife, lay oats before her, and she will eat and live, The natural cause why a Hen thrust through the head with a Bodkin doth live notwithstanding. being nothing at all grieved or hurt with the wound, because the brain lieth so far behind in the head as it is not touched, though you thrust your knife between the comb and it: And after you have done this, you may convert your speech and actions, to the grievous wounding, and recovering of your own self. To eat a Knife, and to fetch it forth of another place. TAke a knife, and convey the same between your two hands, so as no part be seen thereof, but a little of the point, which you must so bite at the first as noise may be made therewith: then seem to put a great part thereof into your mouth, and letting your hand slip down, there will appear to have been more in your mouth, then is possible to be contained therein: then send for drink, or use some other delay until you have let the said knife slip into your lap, holding both your fists close together as before, and then raise them so from the edge of the table where you sit (for from thence the knife may most privily slip down into your lap) and in steed of biting the knife, This is pretty if it be cleanly done. knab a little upon your nasle, and then seem to thrust the knife into your mouth, opening the hand next unto it, and thrust up the other, so as it may appear to the standers by, that you have delivered your hands thereof, and thrust it into your mouth: then call for drink, after countenance made of pricking, and danger etc. lastly, put your hand into your lap, and taking that knife into your hand, you may seem to bring it out from behind you, or from whence you list: but if you have another like knife, and a confederate, you may do twenty notable wonders hereby: as to send a slander by into some garden or Orchard, describing to him some tree or herb under which it sticketh: or else some stranger's sheath or pocket etc. To thrust a bodkin through you head, without any hurt. TAke a Bodkin so made, as the hast being hollow, the blade thereof may slip thereinto: as soon as you hold the point downward, and set the same to your forehead, and seem to thrust it into your head: and so (with a little sponge in your hand) you may wring out blood or wine, making the beholders think the blood or wine (whereof you may say you have drunk very much) runneth out of your forehead: Then after countenance of pain and grief, pull away your hand suddenly, holding the point downward, and it will fall so out, as it will seem never to have been thrusted into the haste: But immediately thrust that bodkin into your lap or pocket, and pull out another plain bodkin like the same, saving in that conceit. To cut half your nose in sunder, and to heal it again presently without any salve. TAke a knife, This is easily done, howbeit being nimbly done it will deccave the sight of the beholders. having a round hollow gap in the middle, and lay it upon your nose, and so shall you seem to have cut your nose in sunder: provided always that in all these, you have another like knife without a gap to be showed upon pulling out of the same, and words of enchantments to speak: Blood also to bewray the wound, and nimble conveyance. To put a Ring through your cheek. THere is pretty Knack, which seemeth dangerous to the cheeks: for the accomplishment whereof, you must have two rings of like colour and quantity, the the one filled asunder, so as you may thrust it upon your cheek: the other must be whole and conveyed upon a sticks, holding your hand thereupon in the middle of the stick, delivering each end of the same sticks to be holden fast by a slander by, then pulling the ring out of your cheek, cleanly strike it against same part of the stick, keeping it still in your hand, then pull your other hand from the stick, and pulling it away, whirl about the ring, and so it will be thought that you have put thereon the Ring which was in your cheek. Many other pretty feats of this nature might be here set down, as to cut of ones head and to lay it in a platter● which jugglers call the decollation of S. john the Baptist, also to thrust a dagger or bodkin through your guts very strangely, and to recover immediately: after another way then with the bodkin before rehearsed, also to draw a cord through your nose, mouth or hand so sensibly, as is wonderful to see, all which with many more, I here forbear for brevities sake. There is a very pretty trick to make wine or beer, to come out of your brow, or ear, with a funnel after you have drunk the same, the which I am loath to discover, as not willing to have all the poor jugglers tricks made known at once: there is a way to make fire to come out of your mouth by burning of tow, all which for reasons before alleged, I will here 〈◊〉 to discover, But will high me to another sort of jugglers, or rather cozeners, calling themselves by the name of alchimistes professing themselves learned men, and to have the Philosopher's stone, these professors of the misty or smoky science, study and cast about how to overreach and cozen the simple, and such as are given to covetousness or greedy desire after gain, with such they insmuate themselves by little and little, professing a show of honesty and plainness, until they are acquainted with their desires, and found the length of their foot: telling them that they can do wonders, make silver of copper, and gold of silver. Such a one a while ago was in Battersey, who coming poor to town, made some of the town believe he had the Philosopher's stone: whereupon, one of the rest believing him, desired to be better acquinted with him: insomuch, that he requested him to take a poor bed at his house, and offered him great kindness, hoping in time to get some skill of him towards the attaining of the Philosopher's stone: upon a day as this Smith (for so imagine him to be) and beggarly Artist were together, desired him of all loves to impart to him some of his learning, assuring him, if it lay in his power to do him a pleasure, he should not fail, protesting that both his purse and himself were both at his command: Hereupon, to be short, my Gentleman at the first was somewhat scrupulous, yet at the earnest request of his new friend, did at last condescend, charging him to be secret in what he should disclose unto him. The Smith swore to be silent: then my cozening copesmate instructs him ●s followeth. In the month of july, search for the seed of Fearne, which must be first and principal matter of working this, and effecting this hidden secret, and qd. he. if you had but an ounce of this fearneséede, thou shalt be made for ever, for it is very hard to find: here upon he gets up the next morning (for it was about the same time of the year which he prescribd him to search for this inestimable seed) and looks very diligently about the heath, (where store of fern grows: but having) spent most part of the day in searching and looking, his back ready to crack with stooping, and his throat furred with dust, for want of small beer, so that the poor Smith was ready ●o faint for want of food: by chance one of the town came by, add seeing him search so diligently up & down, and could not guess for what, asked him what he sought for so bustly? O quoth the Smith, for a thing that if I could find, I should be made for ever: why quoth the fellow what I prithee ist? Ono quoth the Smith I may not tell you: not tell me quoth the fellow, why what ist? I prithee tell me: at last, at the earnest entreaty of the fellow, the smith told he looked for fern seed: with that the fellow laughed a good, and asked him who willed him to look for that? that did M. Etseb quoth the smith, and if I can but find one ounce of it, it would be of much worth: worth quoth the fellow, he that set thee to look for that was a fool and thou art an Ass, for there was never any fern seed as yet seen: therefore get thee home to thy forge, for he makes but a fool of thee: at this the smith was blank, and got him home to his anvil: but how the smith and the Alcumister, agreed upon the reckoning for his cosenting him, I mean not here to deliver: but this I bring in by the way, to show that their art is nothing but deceit, and themselves cozeners, which by two pretty tales I will declare unto you, How an Alcumister cozened a priest. CHaucer in one of his Canterbury tales, rehearseth this jest of a cozening Alchemist: espying on a day a covetous priest, whose purse he knew to be well lined: assaulted him with flattery and kind speech, two principal points belonging to this art: at length he borrowed money of this priest, which is the third part of this art, without the which the professors can do no good, nor endure in good estate: then he at his day repaid the money, which is the most difficult point in this art, and a rare experiment: finally to requite the priest's courtesy, he promised unto him such iustructions, as thereby within short time he should become infinitely rich, and all through this art of multiplication: and this is the most common point in this science, for herein they must be skilful before they be famous or attatns to any credit: the Priest disliked not his proffer, especially because it tended to his profit, and embraced his courtesy: then the fo●le-taker had him send forthwith for three ounces of quicksilver. which he said he would transubstantiate (by his art) into perfect silver: the Priest thought nothing of deceit, but with great joy accomplished his request. And now forsooth goeth this jolly Alchemist about his business, and work of multiplication, and causeth the Priest to make a fire of coals, in the bottom whereof he placeth a croslet, and pretending only to help the Priest to lay the coals handsomely, he ioysteth into the middle ward or lane oscoles, a beechen coal, within which was conveyed an iugot of perfect silver, (which when the cols was consumed flipt down into the croslet, that was I say directly under it. The Priest perceane● not the stand, but received the iugot of filner, and was not a litcle joyful to see such certain success proceed from his own handy work, wherein could be no sraud (as he surely conceived) and therefore very diligently gave the kuane forty pounds, for the receipt of this experiment, who for that sum of many, taught him a lesson in Alcumistry, but he never returned to hear repetitions, or to see how hes prostied. A merry tale how a cozening Alchemist deceived a country Gentleman. A Gentleman in Kent of good worth, not long since was overtaken by a cozening knave, who professed Alcumistry, juggling, Witch craft, and conjuration, and by means of his companions and confederates, found the simplicity and ability of the said Gentleman, & learned his estate and humours to be convenient for his purpose, and at last came a wooing to his daughter, to whom he made love cunningly in words, though his purpose tended to another end: and among other illusions and tales, concerning his own commendations, for wealth, parentage, inheritance, alliancs, learning and cunning, he boasted of the knowledge and experience in Alcumistry, making the simple Gentleman beleene that he could multiply, and of one Angel make two or three, which seemed strange to the Gentleman: insomuch as he became willing enough to see that conclusion: whereby the Alcumister had more hope and comfort to attain his desire, then if his daughter had yielded to have married him: to be short, he in the presence of the said Gentleman, did include within a little ball of virgin's wars a couple of Angels, & after certain ceremonies and conjuring words, he seemed to deliver the fame unto him, but in truth, through Legerdemains, he conusyed into the Gentleman's hand, another ball of the fame scantling, wherein were enclosed many more Angelis then were in the ball which he thought he had received, Now (forsooth) the Alcumister had him lay up the same ball of wax, and also use certain ceremonies, (which I thought good here to omit) and after certain dates, hours, and minutes, they returned together according to the appointment, and found great gains by multiplication of the angels, insomuch that he being a plain man, was hereby persuaded that he should not only have a rare and notable good son in law, but a companion that might help to add unto his wealth much treasure, and to his estate great fortune and felicity: and to increase this opinion in him, as also to win his further favour: but especially to bring his cunning Alcumistry, or rather his lend purpose to pass, he told him that it were folly to multiply a pound of gold, when as easily they might multiply a million, and therefore counseled him to produce all the money he had, or could borrow of his neighbours, and friends, and did put him out of doubt, that he would multiply the same, & reduble it exceedingly, even as he saw by experience how be dealt with the small somme before his face: this Gent. in hope of gains and preferment, consented to his sweet motion, & brought out and laid before his feet, not the one half of his goods, but all that he had, or could make or borrow any manner of way: then this juggling Alchimister having obtained his purpose, folded the same in a ball in quantity far bigger than the other. And conveying the same unto his bosom or pocket, delivered another Ball (as before) in the like quantity, to be reserved, and safely kept in his chest, whereof (because the matter was of importance) either of them must have a keys, and a several lock, that no interruption might be made to the ceremany, or abuse by either of them in defrawding each other. Now for soothe the circumstancis, and ceremonies being ended & the Alchimisters' purpose thereby performed● he told the Gent that until a certain day and hour limited to return, either of them might employ themselves about their business, and necessary affairs, the Gent to his business, and he to the city of London. And in the means time the gold should multiply, But the Alchimister (belike) having other matters of more importance, came not just at the hour appointed nor yet at the day, nor with in the year, so as although it were som what, against the Gent. conscience to violate his promise or break the league yet partly by the longing he had to see, & partly the desire he had to enjoy the fruit of the excellent experiment, having for his own security (& the others Satisfaction, some testimony at the opening thereof, to witness his sincere dealing, he broke up the coster, & lo, he soon espied the Ball of wax which he himself had laid up there with his own hands, so as he thought, if the hardest should fall, he should find his principal, and why not as good incrase now, as of the other before? But alas, when the wax was broken and the mettle discovered, the gold was much abased and became perfect lead. Hitherto have I spoken somewhat of the knavery of Alcumistry, now I will conclude with a pretty dialogue that Petrarke a man of great wisdom and learning, and of no less experience, hath written who as in his time, saw the frandulent fetches of this compassing craft, so hath there bin no age, since the same hath been broached, but that some wise men have smelled out the evil meaning of these shifting merchants, and bewraped them to the world. Francis Petrarke, (I say) treating of the same matter, in form of a dialogue, introduceth a deciple of his, who fancied the foresaid profession and practice, speaking on this manner. Decip. I hope for a prosperous success in Alcamistrie. Pet. It is a wonder from whence that hope should spring, sith the fruit thereof did never yet fall to thy lotie: nor yet at any time chance to another, as the report commonly goeth, that many rich men, by this vanity and madness, have been brought to beggary, whilst they have weatied themselves therewith, weakened their bodies, and wasted their wealth, in trying of couclusions: to make gold engender gold. Decip. I hope for gold according to the workman's promise. Petra. He that promised the gold, will run away with thy gold, and thou never the wiser. Decip. He promiseth me great good. Petr. He will first serve his own turn, and relieve his private poverty, for Alcumisters are a beggarly kind of people, who though they confess themselves bare, and needy: yet will they make other rich, and wealthy, as though others poverty did molest, and grieve them more than their own, so far the words of petrarke. Albert in his book of minerals, reporteth that Avicen treating of Alcumistry: saith, Let the dealers of Alcumistry understand, that the very nature of things, can not be changed: but rather made by art, to resemble the same in show, and likeness: so that they are not the very thing indeed, but seem so to be in appearance: As Castles and Towers do seem to be built in the air, whereas the representations there showed, are nothing else, but the resemblance of certain objects below, caused in some bright, and clear cloud: when the air is void of thickness, and grossness, a sufficient proof hereof may be the looking-glass: and we see (saith he) the yellow orringe colour laid upon red, seemeth to be gold. Thus much for the fond, and vain art of Alcumistry, I will now draw to an end, leaving to speak of the innumerable charms of coniurouts, bad Physicians, lewd Surgeons, melancholy Witches, and cozeners, especially for such: as had Physicians and Surgeons, know not how to cure: as against the falling evil, the b●ting of mad dogs, the stinging of a Scorpion, the toothache, for a woman in travel, for the kings evil: to get a thorn out of any member, or a bone out of one's throat: for sore eyes, to open locks, against spirits: for the botts in a horse, for sour wines, and divers others. There are also diverse books imprinted, as it should appear by the authority of the Church of Rome, wherein are contained many medecinall prayers, not only against all diseases of horses, but also for every impediment, and fault in a horse, in so much as if a shoot fall in the midst of his journey; there is a prayer to warrant your horse's hoof so as it shall not broke, how far soever he be from the smiths forge: But these of all the rest are the fondest toys, that ever were devised, therefore we will pass them over, and yet how many in these days are addicted to the belief of these charms it is incredible, I will give you a taste of two or three, because you shall see the foolery of the rest. A Charm to be said each morning by a Witch fasting, or at least before she go abroad. THe fire bites, the fire bites, the fire bites: hogs turd over it, hogs turd over it, hogs turd over it. The Father with thee, the Son with me, the holy Ghost between us both to be, thrice, then spit over one shoulder, and then over the other, and then three times right forward. An old woman's Charm wherewith she did much good in the country and grew famous thereby. AN old woman that healed all diseases of cattle (for the which she never took any reward but a penny and a lose) being seriously examined, by what words she brought these things to pass, confessed that after she had touched the sick creature, she always departed immediately saying. My loaf in my lap, My penny in my purse: Thou art never the better, And I am never the worse. A slovenly Charm for sore eiet. The Devil pull out both thine eyes, spell this word backward and you shall see what a slovenly charm this is etish. And etish in the holes likewise. A Miller that had his eels stolen by night, made moan to the priest of the parish, who indeed was the principal of the thieves that stole the eels, Sir john willed him to be quiet, for said he I will so curse the thieves, and their adherents with bell, book, and candle, that they shall have small joy of their fish, and therefore the next sunday Sir john got him up to the pulpit with high surplis on his back, and his Goal about his neck, and pronounced these words following, in the audience of the people. All ye that have stolen the myllers' Eels Laudate Dominum in coelis: And all they that have consented thereunto Benedicamus Domino. By this little you may plainly perceive the foppery of the Church of Rome, who hold such toys as authentical, and also there knavery to make the people believe, lies for truth, and falsehood for honesty, Bearing them in hand, as in this, so in all the rest, with blindness, and ignorance but hereof enough. And now to conclude, let us back again with one pretty knack, which is held to be marvelous and wonderful. And that is to make a horse tell you how much money you have in your purse: and I read of a pretty story of an ass at Memphis in Egypt, that could do rare feats, among other juggling knacks, there and then used: there was one that took pains which an ass, that he had taught him, all these qualities following, and for game he caused a stage to be made, and an assembly of people to meet, which being down in the manner of a play, he came in with his ass, and said: The Sultan hath great needs of asses, to help to carry stones, and other stuff towards his great building which he hath in hand●: the ass immediately fell down to the ground, and by all signs showed himself to be sick, and at length to give up the ghost, so as the juggler begged of the assembly money towards his ass, and having gotten all that he could, he said, now my masters you shall see mine ass is yet alive, and doth but counterfeit, because he would have some to live my years: but happy the father that begot thee, and thrice happy the Nurse that ●●●tred such a toward younker as thyself: I know thy virtues aswell as thyself, thou hast a superficial twang of a little something: an Italian ribald can not vomit out the infections of the world, but thou my pretty Iuuinall, an English Horrelllorrell, must lick it up for restorative, a putrefy thy gentle brother over against thee, with the wild impostumes at thy lewd corruptions: God bless good minds from the black enemy say 9: I know you have been prying like the Devil from East to West, to hear what news: I will acquaint thee with some. & that a secret Distivation before thou goest. He that drinketh oil of pricks, shall have much a do to awoyd s●rrope of roses: and he that eateth nettles for provender, hath a privilege to piss upon lilies for litter. I prithee sweet nature's darling, insult not overmuch upon quiet men: a worm that is trodden upon will turn again, and patience loves not to be made a cart of Croyden. I do begin with thee new, but if I see thee not mend thy conditions, I'll tell you another tale shortly: thou shalt see that I can do ●t, I could bring in my Author to tell thee to thy fare, that he hath found a knave in gross, of thee: but I can say, I have found thee a fool in retail: thou seest simplicity can not double, nor plain dealing cannot dissemble, I could wish thee to amend thy life, and take heed of the Beadle. Vale qui rediculose haec legeris. FINIS.