THE Birth, Life and Death OF JOHN FRANK,  depiction of a scene from the life of John Frank  depiction of a scene from the life of John Frank  depiction of a scene from the life of John Frank  depiction of a scene from the life of John Frank  depiction of a scene from the life of John Frank  
Printed by I. M. for I. Deacon at the Angel in Guilt-spur-street without Newgate.   

THE Birth, Life and Death OF JOHN FRANK, And of the Pranks and Jests he played, though a mere Natural Fool.  
READERS,  

These pretty Jests you here will read,  
Where from an Innocent indeed:  
Such pretty Pranks were never known,  
As oftentimes jack Frank hath shown.  
Some Men are fools only in show,  
But this (a fool) all men did know:  
Beloved he was of every one,  
And when he died there was great moan.   

Poor jack is dead, but he hath left behind.  
A Character which will be borne in mind.   
Licenced according to Order.  
Prnted by I. M. for I. Deacon at the Angel in Guilt-spur-street without Newgate.   

The Epistle to the READER.  
JOhn Frank, the reputed Son of john Ward, was Born in Much Easton Parish in Essex, within three miles of Dunmow: He had no Friends to take care of him his being a fool was the cause of his well being; for every one was in love with the sport which he made, and the unexpected answers which he would give, did much amaze all people. When he was grown to be of Man's stature, there was a worthy Knight who took him to keep, where he did many pretty and strange pranks, he was a comely person, and had a good Complexion; his Hair of a dark flaxen: He was of a middle stature, and good countenance; if his Tongue had not betrayed his foolery; no one would ever think, but that he had been a Wise man.   

Here follows now some very pleasant Stories of him.  
THE Caterer, or Servant who bought the Provision into the House, went one day to the Market, to buy some choice Fish for his Master's Dinner, and took Jack the Fool with him to bring it home; and having bought it, he put it into a Basket, and gave it to the Fool, saying, Go home, jack, quickly with the fish; Ay, says Jack, I will: so parting with the Fool, he went about some other business: Poor Jack inarched towards home, but by the way he meets with a Bay who had a Magpie upon his Fist, the Boy perceiving by his Habit he was a Fool, asked him what he had in his Basket: Fisth, says Jack? What Bird is that you have not, will you give it to me, saith Jack? It is a Parrot, says the Boy; and if you will give me your Basket with Fish, I will give you my Parrot; The Fool soon agreed to this motion, and took the Magpie, and home very joyfully he went, but not come there till four of the C●ock in the Afternoon, the Cook (who had fretted sufficiently for want of the Fish for his Master's Dinner) met him in the back yard: You Rogue, saith he, where is the fish? O, says jack, I have a fine Parrot here; is not this a fine Parrot: Sirrah, says the Cook, (smilingly) where is the fish? I gave it to the Boy, saith jack, for this Parrot, was not that well done Mr. Cook? The Cook and the rest of the Company could not forbear laughing, and said no more to Him.  

How jack and the Tailor lay together, and how jack one morning was found set on stride a great high beam in the Chamber, and the Tailor found dead in his Bed, with his Neck broke.  
THis Knight where jack lived kept a poor Tailor in the house, with whom they lodged the Fool.  
One morning they wondered that the Tailor nor jack did not come down, one of the Servants went up, and finding the Chamber-door fast, he called to them, but jack only answered him; and not coming to the door the servant ran down stairs again and called others of his fellows to go with him to see what the matter was, who breaking open the door, they found the Tailor dead in his Bed, with his neck broke, and the fool set astride upon a high beam where he could not come without help; they were much surprised, and asked jack how this came to pass? The Devil, says jack, did come up stairs, Clink, Clink, Clink, and opened our Chamber door, and came to my side; and I cry d, good Devil don't take me, take the Tailor, so the Devil went to the Tailor, and broke his Neck, and set me upon the beam. This was strictly examined by several justices, and afterwards by the Bench at Chelmsford, but adding or diminishing; and so continued till his dying day, and was never concerned at his Examination.   

How jack was accused by a Wench to be t●e father of her Bastard.  
A Winch being got with Child and not well knowing who was the Father of it, she being had before a justice of Peace and Examined, she said it to John Frank, so poor Jack was sent for, the justice ask him if he was the Father of that Wenches Child? The fool was so innocent that he knew not the meaning thereof, but stood staring and laughing, shaking one or other by the Hand that stood by.  
The justice then said unto him, Are you Guilty or not Guilty Jack? I gelded saith Jack; guilded all the Country over: the justice perceiving the poor Soul did not understand his Examination, said to the Wench, Hosewife, you must seek another father for your Child; So taking order for her punishment, Jack was freed and went laughing away; and also all the Company.   

HOw Jack deceived a sexton, and got into a Church to Preach.  
EVery one was willing to humour this Fool, and one day Jack had a mind, to be fine, and he desired a Servant who had a Suit to spare, to lend him a black Suit and Cloak; the man smiling, said unto him, what would you do with it, Sirrah? I must go and preach says Jack. The servant having a great mind to see what the Fool would do, consented to it: So Jack's Calf skin Suit was plucked off and the black one put on, with Stockings, Shoes, Band, Hat, Cloak and Gloves, all very suitable, his Hands and Face being washed clean, and his Head combed he looked not like a Fool at all: when he was thus accoutred, the Servants asked him what he would do? I will go to Preach, saith he; they not believing that the Fool would attempt such a thing, but that it was some idle fancy, which he had many, gave him leave to go alone into the Park, and would not go with him for fear of spoiling the sport, imagining that they should hear by one or other some pretty jest of him: But Jack was too cunning for them all, and got him indeed to a Village about six miles off, and enquired for the Sexton's House, which when he had found, he knocked at the door, the Sexton himself chancing to come to open the door, and seeing as he thought a Minister, did make him a low reverence: Art thou the Sexton; saith jack? Yes, Sir, saith the Sexton, prithee open the Church door said jack, and toll the Bell, for I must preach here this afternoon; I will, Sir, said the Sexton: so the poor man not perceiving who he was, went presently and opened the Church door (jack following him) the people haring the Bell toll, came to the Sexton to know what the matter was, jack sitting soberly in the Desk, with the great books before him: That Gentleman, said the Sexton, is to preach this afternoon. With that the people made haste to the Church, and when jack saw a good number of them, he plucked, off his Hat, and turned over the Leaves first of one book, and then the other, for a little space, and then gets him up into the Pulpit very devoutly, and knelt down as though he would pray, the people wondering all this while that the Parson did not read nor pray while he was in the Desk, they fixed their eyes upon him, and gave attention to him, what they should hear from the Pulpit. jack as he kneeled, mumbled to himself, and lifted up his eyes, still waiting to hear the Hrayer: jack rises up, & having a Common-prayer-book in his hand, he opens it, and turning over the leads, he speaks thus to them: Beloved, saith he, my Text is in the four and fortieth Chapter of St. john and the hundred Verse: then shutting the book again, he gins to preach, as he called it, speaking such gibberish and nonsense as did amaze the people: some turned over the leaves of their books backward and forward to find the Cext, others listened to hear what he said, some thought that he had spoken Latin & Greek, that they could not understand; thus for a little time they expected, but at length they found themselves deceived, and that it was the Fool, which all had known but for his black . So they went all home much ashamed to see themselves beguiled by a Fool: jack was very proud that he had preached, and went to his Master's House, where every one was joyed, for they wondered what was become of him, but when they heard what he had done, they laughed hearty.   

How jack deceived Mr. Sorrel, a Rich Yeoman of Pudings and Links, which hung up in the Chimney.  
JACK was often upon the ramble, and one day he went to this Yeoman's House, who loved much to make sport with him: the Servants being all busy, some in the Barn, and some abroad among the , there was none but he and the Fool all alone. Mr. Sorrel says Jack, shall us play at Blindmansbuff; ay saith he, with all my heart, Jack, you shall be blinded, says Jack, that I will, Jack, saith he; so pinning a Napkin about his Head and Eyes, now turn about says Jack; but you see Mr. Sorrel, you see no good faith Jack, saith he, I do not see: Jack shuffled up and down the Ritchin also for to catch him, and still cried, you see Mr. Sorrel, you see; but when the Fool perceived indeed that he did not see, he went to the Chimney, and whipped down some of the Puddings into his Pockets, and so he did full as he came to that end of the room, till he had filled both his Pockets and Breeches with them, which was soon done, though they were large, for he was very quick. The doors being open, Jack runs away so fast as he could, leaving the good man blinded, who wondering that he did not hear the Fool, cried out, Jack, Jack, but finding no answer, he pulled off the Napkin, and saw the Fool was gone, & that he had taken many of his Links and Puddings with him, he was so enraged, that he sent his Bloodhound after him, which when jack did perceive that the Dog came after him, he took a Pudding and fling to the Dog: the Dog smelling to the Pudding, jack gained ground the while and still as the Dog followed him he threw a pudding back, and so he did till he had got into a House.  
This was soon spread abroad to the great shame and vexation of the honest man, that he could not endure to hear of it.  
It fortuned long time after that Mr. Sorrel among other Tenants did go to pay his duty and respects to the Lord where jack then lived: jack espying him, went up and told his Lady, that Mr. Sorrel was come: the Lady being afraid that the Fool should offend him by speaking of the Puddings, threatening him saying, Sirrah, if you speak one word of the Pudding, you shall be Whipped: No says jack, I will not.  
But when the Lord and Lady was at Dinner; and Mr. Sorrel and the rest with them, jack goes to Mr. Sorrel, & shakes him by the hand, saying, how do you do Mr. Sorrel, how do you? then whispering as it were to him, but so loud that all the company did hear him; Mr. Sorrel, says Jack, not a word of the Pudding, Mr. Sorrel; at which they all could not forbear laughing, but the good man was so much ashamed, that the company were sorry to see, and never came there no more. Ever since it is a by word to say (not a word of the Pudding.)   

How jack served a Gentleman who had a great Nose.  
THere was a Gentleman who came often to this Lord's Table, who had a very great Nose, which every one took notice of, and in his absence would speak of him: Jack hearing them he would also be talking of the great nose.  
Now fearing lest he should speak of it at any time to the Gentleman, he was sound chidden for prating, so that they thought he would not dare to mention it any more. But one day this Gentleman being there at Dinuer, jack stands by him (and peeping in his face) calls to the Lord and Lady, saying, do you hear my Lord? do you hear Madam? do you see this Gentleman here, he has no nose at all: at which every one laughed hearty, but the Gentleman was much ashamed.   

How jack hired a Servant to dwell with him.  
JACK having borrowed a Scarlet Cloak, a fine laced Band, and a good Hat, he puts them on, throwing his Cloak over one shoulder, so that it quite hid his Calve-skins, and goes into the Park, where many people passed thorough upon sufferance, and there jack walks up and down very proudly. There comes a poor man to him begging (thinking he had been some brave Gentleman) I will give you nothing, says jack, why don't you go to work; so I would, Sir, saith the poor man, if I could get any; why do you not go to Service, saith jack? If it please you, Sir, I cannot tell where to get a Service, what can you do, saith jack? I can do any thing, answered the man, can you pump Water, and carry Wood, and wash Bucks, says jack: Yes, Sir, says the beggar, that's well, says jack, what Wages must I give you? what you please Sir, said the beggar: then said jack, I'll give you three pound a year, I thank your Worship, said he; Come home with me, said the Fool; so jack, comes home to his Lord's house, the Man follows him, and there he sets him down in the Porch, and asks the Man divers Questions; at last comes the Lord's steward, and hearing jack call to the Man, and ordering him his business stands a while to hear, then steps to jack, saying, What now jack, have you hired a servant this Morning? yes, says the Fool, shaking his Ears and laughing; the poor man then perceiving that he was deceived, he did not know which way to look; but however, though he were mistaken in his Master, yet he obtained a bountiful Alms from the Lord, who with the rest of the Family were dery much pleased with the conceit of the Fool.   

How jack complained of Mary Dover, she would not make him clean, when having taken Physic, he had bewrayed himself.  
THere was also in this Lord's House a Woman Fool, whose name was Mary Dover, and she was employed by every one to do all the meanest Offices. Jack had always a delinght to take all or any kind of Physic he could get; one of the Family had one day given him a Purge to take, his Wife (as he did call her) being the Laundry Maid, called him to his usual work to beat the buck, poor Jack pulled off his Doublet, as at other times, and stood beating the Linen till he bewrayed himself, so that it ran down to his Heels: the Fool finding his breeches ad stacking in such a case, fell a crying aloud, and stamping for Mary Dover, to make him clean, but she refusing to do it, he comes crying into the Parlour, in this shitten condition, where his Lady sat at Supper, complaining to her, that he had taken Physic, and Mary Dover would not make him clean; the Lady with the rest of the company could not sit at the Table for the stink, yet could not forbear laughing to see him so furprized, and crying so grievously, but his presence at that time not to be endured, she commanded one of the Servants to le●d him forth the room, and to cause Mary Dover to do that office, for none else would clean him; and then he came in again and made very good sport. The poor Fool being very hungry after his physic, every one gave him some meat, which he d d eat so greedily as though he would choke himself: they ever and anon would ask him questions, and his mouth was so full he could not speak, and his Chaps so greasy, as if they had been in a dripping pan: When he had eaten pretty well, he wanted so●e drink, which was given him, good Ale; and t●en Jack's tongue began to run freely, making many pr●tty jests by chance, for he could not do it otherwise.   

How jack in his rambles went into an Inn at Witsford-Bridge, and ●ow he served the people of the House.  
JAck having rambled about till he was very hungry, went into an Inn at Witsford-Bridge, and asked his host what he should have for his Supper? the Hust knew that he was such a Lords Fool, thought he had money, offered him a good. Breast of Mutton, which was then ready roasted, of which Jack was very glad, for he loved fat meat very well, so a Napkin being laid, and bread and drink brought, he sat down soverly, to cat and drink. And when he had eaten all, he asked what was to pay: they told him two and twenty pence for meat bread and drink: well, said he (pulling out two b●ass farthings) here, saith he, pay yourself, & give me th● rest again, they laughing ask him for more money, but he told them he had no more; nor indeed he had not, nor did he know brass from gold or silver, so they let him go quietly.   

How jack served a Justice of Peace that jested with him.  
A justice of Peace being one day at this Lord's Table, who loved to jest with every one; Jack being in the room to make sport and having then a new Calf's skin suit on, red and white spotted, & a young puppy in his arms, much of the same colour of his suit, said to the justice, jogging him; is not this puppy like me; the justice turns him aside to Jack, saying, Jack, it is very li●e thee; now there is, puppies Jack, ha', ha', ha', saith Jack, and so he goes with his puppy diwn stairs, for he could not eat while that was under his arm; presently after he came again inbto the dining room, and knocking the justice on the back with his fist, the justice turning him about to Jack, looked a little angry? how is it justice, says Jack, are you angry? shake hands and be friends, the justice gave him his hand, which Jack shaked with both his hands, saying aloud and laughing. now thee is two fools, justice two fools, two fools, at which they all laughed hearty, to fee this great wit affronted by a fool, especially one Gentleman of quality, who but a few minutes before this justice had abused by Jesting; for he was of that temper that he would jest, but never take none.  
It is not good to play with edged tools,  
Neither is it good to jest too much with fools   

Here follows many pretty Say and Jests of jack, which are very witty and worth observing.  
JAck's Lord and Lady going forth one day in the Coach, Jack had obtained the favour to run by the Coach side, and upon the way they met another Lord's Coach, whose Gentleman riding by the Coach, and seeing Jack, puts off his Hat in derision, and bows himself, saying, I pray whose Fool are you? The Fool-presently pulls off his Calve-skin Cap, and shakes his Ears, saying, I am my Lord M's Fool: pray whose Fool are you: The Gentleman being thus answered was much ashamed, and road away, and Jack went his way.  
Jack standing by one time where some Gentlemen were talking, and hearing 'em talk of Roundheads, Roundheads said Jack to himself, ay, Jack, said one of them, what is a round-head? (now this Gentleman who asked him was a round-head, bat would not be thought one) what's a round-head, says Jack a round-head is one that has not with at all; give me your hand, Sir, says Jack; the Gentleman did so, ha', ha', ha', and shaked it, saying, there I mumped you: the rest laughed, he laughed, though he were vexed.  
One Night his Lady being at Supper, Jack came into the room, bawling aloud, that he could not get the Coachman to buy him a Chamber-pot: Madam, saith he, the Coachman want buy me a pot, and I am tain to rise in the night, to make water in the yard, In my shirt, and I have got a Cough must I not have some Sugar-Candy Madam: the Lady laughed to think how seasonable he was in his request, but gave order to the Coachman to buy him what he wanted.  
In the time of the Lady's Lying-Inn, jack found that he carried up more wood than at other times to the Chamber door, he having his Arms full of wood, throws it down, making a great noise therewith, saying to himself aloud, Pox take my Lady, I think she burns more wood than her body is worth.  
One time jack coming late to dinner in the Hall, and seein there was no room for him at the table, he runs forth, and comes presently in again, saying, do you hear sirs, the King is come into the back yard, with his Coach and six Horses, and a great many men; they not knowing what to think, ran all out to see; in the mean time jack sets him down and carves for himself, they coming into the yard could see no body there, but laughed to think how the Fool had out-witted them.  
He being asked one day what would become of him when he was dead, I shall lie in the ground, saith he, till God's Trumpet sounds, and then shall I rise again and go into Heaven. I, but what will you say said one to him, when God's Trumpet sounds to call you before him? he answered, God will not require more than he hath given me: which words so unexpected, did much ameze all that heard him.  
He was duly morning and evening at prayers in the Chapel, though he had no understanding, and every night in his Chamber, he would pray thus by himself.  
Lord, said he, thou knawest I can do nothing of myself, Lord thou knowest I can do nothing; Lord have mercy upon me, and help me.  
He lived till about foursco●e years, and died in a Knights' house in E●field-Parish swhere he was handsomely buried, and that knew him being very sorry for his death (poor innocent soul) who did no evil, than by evil examples.  
There might be more said of him, but that may serve for a second part 〈◊〉 these Stories I hope will be the more pleaing, because they are true.    

The Contents.  

1. How jack went to market with his Master's Caterer, and how he sold a Basket of Fish for a Magpie.  
2. How jack and the Tailor lay together and how jack one morning was found set on stride a great high beam in the Chamber, and the Tailor found dead in his bead, with his neck broke.  
3. How jack was accused by a Wench t● be the father of her Child.  
4. How jack deceived a Sexton, and got into a Church to preach.  
5. How jack deceived Mr. Sorrel a rich Yeoman, of Puddings and Links which hung up in his Chimney.  
6. How jack served a Gentleman who had a great Nose.  
7. How jack hired a Servant to dwell wit● him.  
8. How jack complained of Mary Dover she would not make him clean, wh●n he had bewrayed himself.  
9 How jack in his rembles went to Witsford-Bridge, and how he served the people of the House.  
10. How jack served a justice of the Pea●● who jested with him.   
FINIS.