A notable and pleasant HISTORY OF THE Famous renowned Knights of the Blade, commonly called HECTOR'S Or, St. NICHOLAS CLERKS.  
WHEREIN Is showed how they first came to that Name and Profession, with the manner of their Life and Conversation, and what Laws and Rules they have made to be observed by them.  
Being a good Caution to all Gentlemen, Strangers, and Travellours, to know thereby, a way to discover them, and also to prevent them.  
Very necessary to be published in these times, for a general good to the Commonwealth.  
Printed at London, for Richard Harper, at the Bible and Harp in Smithfield. 1652.   


CHAP. I. Sheweth how the Hectors of the times came to their profession, and how they got that noble Name.  
THere was no sooner an end put to the Wars of England, but a great company of Officers and Soldiers being discarded, they repaired to the famous City of London, in hope that new troubles would arise, to maintain them in the same disordered courses they formerly practised in the Armies, but missing fuel to feed the fire of their desires, they began to study living by their wits; A plausable term the Gallants are pleased to afford their actions: and after several consultations held amongst them, 'twas thought convenient by the better sort to dispose themselves into certain gangs and companies, where, for their better ordering affairs they took to themselves the name of Hector's, otherwise Knights of the Blade: But process of time brought other lose Fellows into their company, who affected with the ranting humours and manner of life, which these Bravadoes led, they embraced to themselves the profession and Name of Hector's; a thing not much to be admired; considering how these odd kind of people do live at as high expense of Diet, Drink, and , as most Gentlemen of estates in this Commonwealth; And to the better clearing of the business, I will very exactly discover unto you, their profession, manner of life, Laws, Articles, Customs, and what not, to the conducing to their ends of living.   

Chap. II. Sheweth their Profession and manner of Life.  
AS for their profession 'tis an art will require both expense and observation, with some pains, ere a man can become a perfect proficient in it: And certainly, the first founder of it was some ingenious man; who scorning to be beholding to a Trade, or other Art to get a living, but such as might carry with it a great sense of pleasure, did out of several humours of several men, study so much, till it brought him to an absolute practice. But to the purpose, Some though they for a while live well, yet, are often so unhappy, as to die ill: 'tis a profession which exposeth them to all sorts of hazards and perils, as to Prisons, Marshalsees, Sessions; and at last to the Metropolitan Sessions of the Old Bailie, where 'tis ten to one, but a reverend Judge, with the help of Evidences, and Jury, doth put an end to their labours. The truth of it is, those that (as commonly, most do) live madly, do die tamely; yet some there are, who having souls like Hector indeed (though employed to worse ends) do go to Tyburn with as much seeming cheerfulness, as another may go to a Tavern; They live all upon the spoil, and very often undo one another, for want of a general acquaintance; for you must know, there are several Gangs or Companies, some meaner, and some higher; but always a provident care is had, that if upon inquiry the business may be discovered, there is to the wronged party a restitution made, but this must be referred to the description of their Laws, & Customs which in the nextch▪ you shall have at full Al that I can say to their manner of life is, that it consists much in cheat and cozenage, gaming, decoying, pimping, whoring, swearing, and drinking, and with the nobler sort, in robbing.   

Chap. III. Sheweth their Laws, Articles and Customs established among them.  
I Come now to treat of their Laws, Articles, and Customs, by which they steer and guide this great Hectorean work of theirs, to the best advantage for themselves. And to begin, First, that no man shall be admitted into their Gangs or Companies, whilst they have any Guelt, or till it be spent upon the Gang or Company into which they are to engage themselves. 2. That no quarrel amongst themselves shall be brought to Duel, but by the consent of that whole Gang; or it must be reconciled by any two or more, no man engaging as a second without the like consent. 3. That they shall without dispute cheat any man, though it were the father of one of them, and the son of such a father, not to be offended at it. 4. That they shall give a true account of what Cloaks, Hats, Swords, Money, Rings, or other purchase shall be gotten upon the adventure, and a proportionable allowance given to the maintenance of the Gang where they be engaged. 5. That they shall not at any band reveal or discover the house or houses of randesvouze, where such moneys or prizes so taken are shared, and commonly spent. 6. That if any one or two or more, shall miscarry by discovery, by apprehension, or surprisal, they shall not though in case of death, discover any other parties of the Gang. 7. That whoever shall be so prodigal in their speech, as in their ranting to produce any discourse of their manner of life, shall have a round forfeit laid on him, which shall be payable out of the share of the next purchase, and be spent amongst the Gang; for it is a point of dishonour in them to take dry money, in such cases, from any brother of the sword, otherwise called Hector's.   

Chap. IU. Prosecuteth the story of the Hectors with their designs and Plots.  
NOw you have heard their Laws and ordinances, you must give me leave to acquaint you with their designs and plots, which are commonly very thriving, there must then be a good acquaintance & correspondence with most Taverns of resort, great jans, and Ordinaries, for thither repair the men with fleeces that these gallants intent to shear, and if there chance to be any Gentleman that hath occasion to go abroad in the night, these receive from one of the foresaid places an Alarm, and 'tis a thousand to one but there is a purchase made of Hat, Cloak, and money; then they have certain Decoys, that go finely clad, who enter Ordinaries, and gaming houses, and then draw on young puny Gentlemen to play, and suffer them to win, till delivering them to abler Gamesters of their Gang, they never leave the poor fool till he have never a cross left to bless himself with▪ which is his greatest cross; well, they proceed on with others, and perhaps quarrel, which with eagerness they pursue, and the young Gentlemen to save their skins, commonly come off with twenty pound, a Breakfast, or some other treatment; but one main design they have very considerable, which is, the setting two young Heirs together by the ears, and then the Gang divides, some incline to this party, others to that; well, seconds are propounded, and it must be fought on Horseback, but because the Hectors are not interessed, but upon the young gentlemen's score, they must provide Horses, with convenient furniture; which done, there are not wanting some of the Gang to persuade the young Gentlemen to peace; who at first like brave Gallantoes, and stout men, scorn such motions, but drawn on by good words, and strong persuasions, they refer it to Arbitration, and this draws large rewards to the Umpieres, the business is agreed on, the Gentlemen made friends; but now the seconds storm, saying, They are abused, to be drawn into engagement to no purpose; the Gentlemen to stop their mouths, gives them some handsome gratuity besides their Horses and Arms, and now by this device they are mounted for the High way.   

Chap. V Sheweth how the Hectors employ themselves when in stock, with other flim flams fit to be recounted.  
TO proceed, the Hectors having got themselves in stock, must now for a while solace themselves in pleasure, and they first march to a Bawdy-house, for the recreation of a Wench, where many times they find that service something of the hottest, and return sound clapped, but however these things must be done; after some time spent there, according to their fancies, every man his Wench, they part, going whether their dispositions, or interest in friends lead them; good company without question, for you must take notice every man carries his Wench with him, and they ramble, Coaching it up and down as long as any money lasts, and then these valiant Hectors have the trick (for the conclusion of their mirth) of the pawning the poor Girls for some deep reckoning. But here I cannot forget the Story of one witty Girl, who being taken abroad by one of these Gallants, who was very full of money, she having been formerly acquainted with such active youths; did every night for conclusion make him sound drunk, in which time she would call for the reckoning, which he in that humour would pay, and afterwards she would pick his Pockets of some proportion of moneys, which he would not miss, imagining all went in reckon, at last one way and other all was gone; then he began to tell the Lady of Pleasure the end of his stock, who resolute to put a trick upon him, told him, she had moneys, and now in requital she would treat him, which was accepted; so they continued their mirth, and cheer till the reckoning came to some four pound; so one evening she, as she was accustomed, going down to bespeak what she liked for Supper, seeing the way clear, gave him the adieu, leaving the Gentleman in the lurch, who was feign with the resigning up his rich Cloak to make even the reckoning, and was feign to march with a Plymouth cloak in querpo, till an after purchase gave him a recruit.   

Chap. VI Shows what the Hectors (when all designs fail them) do to recruit.  
WHen they are clear out of stock, and know not what to do by reason of missing their Adventures, they presently consult what course to take, at last one of them hath some slight acquaintance with some Country Gentleman, or some Puny of the Inns of Court, to whom he is resolved to send a Letter for a recruit; wherein he intimates his being a Gentleman, his being driven to a present straight, which he desires he would be pleased to remedy, & he shall be repaid at pleasure; this is sent by some well spoken Gallant of the Gang, who must have a great portion of confidence, and upon denial of the favour take the liberty to tell him, That it is an abuse for the Gentleman to lose his expectation, and himself his labour; this may perhaps works my peaceable man, if not, comes a direct challenge, and that undoubtedly doth it; so for the present there is a recruite of some five, or ten, perhaps twenty pounds, which conveyed to a Tavern, makes them merry with Sack, till they contrive some abler Plots, or have some adventure happen to them, which by and by will without question befall them.   

Chap. VII. Sheweth their Tavern humours, with other things pertinent.  
IN this vein of Mirth they continue, when enters the house some two or three Gentlemen, with a disposition to be merry; they are by the Hectors perceived, who now intent a prize, they than first by some occasion or other, cause one of their company to give an affront, the Gentlemen they stomach it, and the Hectors seemingly chide their Companion for his fault, which so much the more whets the Gentlemen on, at last they grow so high that the whole Gang suddenly side with their companion, professing that the others were to blame, not to be content with their chiding him; hereupon gins an universal quarrel, so for the more handsomeness they for the present leave brawling, and betake themselves to one room, where they calmly dispute it; at the upshot, either it is ended by Duel, (if so the Hectors may have an ill adventure of it) or by composition which doth most commonly happen, and then it is to their great advantage, for though most men will stand upon terms of revenge and justification, yet they will not all fight, and the truth of it is, the Hectors for the most part are men composed of much courage and resolution, but unhappy in the want of a better employment; however I will here insert a Story of a Gentleman who was drawn in to be a Hector; he coming to Town, and falling into the company of these Gallants, did behave himself so merrily, and pleasingly, that they much esteemed him, and he by their carriage, and some discourses he had heard of them, suspected them to be what in truth they were; so frolic with wine, he was resolved to put a trick upon them in his company, which were three; he desires them to tell him, how he might get an acquaintance with the Hectors, of whose company he would gladly be one; they discover themselves, and propound the conditions, which are accepted, so the Gentleman spends all his money, and pawns his rich Cloak for six pound more, which was laid down on the table to be spent, and then the aforesaid Laws were read, and an Oath taken, that whatsoever they did to one another should not come within the compass of a quarrel. All agreed, they fall merrily to drinking, but on a sudden the new sworn Hector start● up, puts on his sword, and seizing the money, pockets it, and stepping to a chair takes one of the Hector's Cloaks, full as good as his own, and so offers to go away, the company asks him what he means, he answers to keep his oath, which as well as he could remember was to cheat any, yea, his own father for a need; and that they were bound by oath to be satisfied, but if not, he wore a sword and would justify it, and so departed, leaving my Hector's for the present, but afterwards upon further acquaintance he restored the Cloak, however they were forced to pay the reckoning.   

Chap. VIII. Recounts several flim-flams in relation to the brave redoubled Hector's, but no kin to Trojans.  
ANd thus these people drive on a strange Trade, sometimes have money, sometimes none, but always confident and full of hope; if any hath it, they will be bold to accept part, whether you will be so courteous as to give it or no; but in earnest, what they get they put to a good thrifty use, without which, they could not maintain their credit in houses of so great resort as they commonly come to, and that is drinking, which trade, when all others fail, they closely apply themselves to, and they will at some place or another pump hard but they will procure a credit, which they manage with such discretion that 'tis wonderful to see; this without doubt is one of their deep fetched policies, to make sure some certain place to repair to where they may not want these two great helps to life, Drink and Tobacco; which for the most part especially, at vacation time is the best of their sustenance; & another grand convenience they have, in being certain where to meet, to foment new designs; which though dangerous, these well employed Gentlemen are pleased to call convenient. They have several Scouts upon the by, that give them certain intelligence of Booties and Prizes, which to neglect, would to themselves call their care and valour into question; and another mad thing they receive, that such neglect is huge ill husbandry, though many times they are driven to make their account even at Tyburn. A great many pretty fine tricks they have to persuade themselves into this mischief, into which being once entered they cannot find one to fetch them out, besides that of the halter, which though others esteem base, yet these think an ornament; and when most shall pity such fatal courses, they like great Potentates, want not flatterers to persuade them into it.   

Chap. IX Sheweth other passages and courses that the Hectors take, but for all that they may come to be hanged  
IT is a common saying and a true, as you live so you die; and much verified by these gallants, only a little altered, as they live madly, they die sadly: but much good may it do them, 'tis their own seeking. They must to the high and mighty houses, where the Ladies of Pleasure do abide, and your meaner sort of Hector's to the pitiful poor pimping-places of Sodom and Gomorah, names bad enough to turn a squeamish stomach. I could name some persons and places of quality but I forbear, only to let the world know there is such a Tribe in the world, which I cannot imagine did ever belong to those of Israel, but let that pass, the devil must have his due, and shall, or else these blades will want of their will, for they are so serious in their business, that they will play at small game rather than sit out: believe it they are pretty fellows, if you will not you may choose, for they will do themselves that courtesy as to believe it, and that is more than they do in God; but stay, forbear, not too much of that neither, lest they take pet and grow angry, then roar sir Roger, Gunpowder Treason would not have given the Kingdom such a clap, as the Hectors would you, if you stir their spleen too much; but no matter, nothing venture nothing have; then i'll proceed, for since I have shown you some of their tricks, which be more than are good, I'll out with all, and then if you will not thank me you may choose. They have a certain rule amongst them, to share as precizely in their Wenching, as in their Purchase, which they call knocking level coin, though oftentimes they receive harsh clap, for more easy knockings; And here, and at the Gallows they are most truly met withal; their lechery impairs their health, and the Hectorean purchasing, prising and robbing concludes their lives, and did their misery conclude there, 'twould be a great encouragement for others to venture.   

Chap. X. Prosecuteth the story of the Hectors, with several Ran-Dan●.  
BUt now room for the new Trojans, the valiant Hector's, the Champions of the times, and Creams of Valour, the never enough renowned Gallanto's. For behold they are entered as drunk as David's Sow, and now they begin their less hurtful pranks, they first distaste the wine,) and then they lend the pot to the Drawer's head; who with a ceremonious leg takes it up, gives thanks for the favour, and down stairs he whips as light as a Tumbler; in his absence they scan the abuse, revile the house and all the family, protesting against it; and drinking there any more; but whilst they are in this fret and fume, behold the case is altered, and the Drawer returned with fresh wine; they taste it, and with charity to the honest good people of the house they believe it to be very good wine, when before God 'tis three times worse than the former, however, since it pleaseth let it pass, and honest Drawer serve them so still. Well, they drink, and then adve Tavern, to the complete Madams they go, Ladies that are lodged and bred (and prettily too) in the most famous vaulting Schools, where they exercise knocking, and that in variety: But at that time, and so pitifully drunk, they had as good the devil had made a visit to them, for at first dash upon the left distaste they quarrel with their black-patches, and so rudely handle them that they put the poor wretches bodies (generally indisposed to such usage) to as great torment as ever Enchanter did any Knight Errand: They proceed so far in their disorder, that the reverend Matrom of the house is forced to require a Constable, upon whose approach with assistance, the Gang is apprehended, but perhaps not without resistance, and are carried before the next Justice, who loath to breed much trouble to himself for the present it being late, order them to a certain place called the Round house, and this is the conclusion of that night's work; where, after all their bravery and ranting, they are glad to take a bad night's lodging, where we leave them till the morning.   

Chap. XI. Relates the freedom of the Hectors from imprisonment.  
THe devil is always good to his children, though in the end they pay for it, as appeareth by the story of the Hectors, for the morning coming, they are brought before worshipful Mr. Justice, and there examined, but O the good stars that guide them! The Matrom, otherwise, Mistress Bawd, with the Ladies, alias Whores, after departure from the Justice, consulting what were best to be done, they conclude, (that considering, the bringing these gallants to the prison might perhaps cause some others who suspected them for worse actions to fall foul on them, and perhaps bring them to a prison, whence they seldom departed without a Nosegay and a prayer book: besides, cwould occasion a great loss of trade to them, and put others upon revenge, (which Whores fear worse than the devil) that no one would stir in the prosecution of them: the Justice seeing no accusers, and they so wise as not to confess any thing of themselves, is content to let them go upon security they will appear before him when called; and the Constable who is very well acquainted with such businesses becomes security to the Justice, thus they are dismissed. But this happens not so well at all times, for often the bold Whores, who as they fear, so they love revenge, do prosecute them eagerly, with different successes, but such things at one time or other do never want a revenge.   

Chap. XII. Recounteth a great many Flim-Flams, happening to the Hectors upon the Ran-Dan.  
ANd now they go to it had-nab, for they being freed, gives them occasion to report their danger and safety to their other acquaintance, which serves as a Decoy to draw their liquor down, which is taken so lustily that they become as drunk as ever; and in this vein they remember the infinite goodness of the Wenches, that forbore prosecuting them: Well, 'twere beneath Gentlemen to let favours of such an extraordinary quality go un-required. I am of opinion these people are better than half mad, to exercise such civilities to a company of damned bitch Whores, thither they go, where after certain compliments they become friends, and then gins the sport which would make a horse burst his halter, for there is such singing, dancing, (and without question the noble exercise of vaulting on a bed so much spoken of, is not left unpractised,) and drinking of healths strained through the girl's smocks, stripping off , leaping over stools, drinking healths under thighs, women and all, with Coats and Smocks turned up, heigh for Anthony; with such other pretty seat whimsies, which administers such a delight to the old Band (who for seven years past had left to be a woman, and can now do nothing but mump) that 'tis her only jocund recreation; the Devil is in them all I think, here's a stir, God Dam—, cries one (in a rapture) here's a health to Liberty, and the Devil take the Justice; O Brother, quoth a second, have a care, Hedges have ears; Plam— on thee cries a third, what Hedges? here be no Hedges quoth a fourth, but the Wenches Commodities, and they are Ditches too; grey mercy quoth another, I never heard they had ears before, but faith i'll try to confirm it; and then gins the frolic sir, Tantara rara, she trots, she trots; Heyday, here's a coil, at which the old Bawd sits and mumps, full sorry those days are passed with her, but what cannot be cured must be endured; at last comes night, the company breaks up, and to their lodgings till morning.   

Chap. XIII. Sheweth their continual practice.  
WEll, the morning is come, and the Gang met at a tipling-schoole, perhaps no money, or but a very little, how ever thither they come, as having some credit there; their first query is, where to dine; and their second is, how to pay for it; 'tis not long in dispute, but put to a venture, they resolve on a Cook's shop known by any one of the Gang, where they drop in two by two; he that is acquainted with the Cook bespeaks the Dinner, which when ready is brought up, and eaten; if there be so much money left among them, one calls the Boy privately, and bids him fetch a Bottle of Wine, which when brought, the first Hector seeing it storms, and chaces, calling up the man of the house, and tells it him in a great deal of rage, the boy is chidden, and perhaps gets a cuff on the ear, but however the meat is eaten, and the drink is drunk, after Dinner comes a Pipe of Tobacco, and then discourse, so the first Hector that bespoke the Dinner, makes the Cook sit down, and then tells the Gentlemen what an honest Cook he is, with a great deal of circumstance, desiring his friends so long as they stay in Town to frequent his house, which they most ceremoniously promise; this works hugely on the Cook, who thinks himself much indebted to this Gentleman's care; to be short, he calls the Cook aside, bids him score the Dinner for him, for meeting the Gentlemen being but new come to Town, he was unprovided of moneys, only a little to go to the Tavern after Dinner; but he would send it as soon as he got to his Lodging; the Cook thanks him, and up comes a bottle of Wine, the Coxcomb had sent for out of his new hopes, which is gratefully accepted by the Gentlemen, and drunk accordingly, so in conclusion having plentifully dined, and taken order for the reckoning, they depart in quest of new adventures, which Gallants of this stamp can seldom miss.   

Chap. XIIII. Releteth new adventures happening to the Hectors.  
VEry well armed against Hunger they take the streets, not all together, that were too notable, but two and two, and on several sides, so they walk directly along, and it often happens that some or other of them justles some Gentleman, whom by attendance, or garb, they imagine of quality and estate; the Gentleman scorning affronts, resents it, and will not yield the wall; and the other, for so the Plot must be, desires forbearance in the street, and they shall give and take satisfaction in another place, concluded, they go to a Tavern, where they dispute the businesle, which at the upshot comes to this; The Gentleman who was affronted considers his Wife, Children, and estate, weighs not so much the hazard of fight, as inconveniencies which will arise to those near relations, and suspecting the truth of the business, propounds some reward to excuse fight, which though at first slighted, yet at last comes off for a matter of twenty Pieces, which is counted a pretty good adventure; and for all my jesting, let me tell you one thing of their honesty, they return and pay the Cook, bespeak a Supper, whereby they erect a credit, and if you do not hear they leave him in the lurch at last, than it is a Miracle, and so fare they may be reputed honest.   

Chap. XV. Sheweth other quirks and quillets of the Hectors.  
I'll now tell you a story convenient for this History, in relation to the business formerly related, and 'tis thus; A certain Gentleman of good quality walking in the Street encountreth a Hector, who very fine, thought to have taken the Wall, and so clapped close to it; the Gentleman suspecting nothing, seeing him clap so close to the wall, asked, what he meant, the Hector replies, I will not give the wall to any fool in England; but I will, replied the Gentleman, and so departed, leaving both wall and fool to Mr. Hector, but certainly these Redamontadoes, these greatly brave fellows, when they consider the unhappy lives they lead, cannot choose but highly resent it, in my judgement they should, for to have a continual care upon their hands of providing themselves food and raiment, with such extraordinary danger attending it, the danger making it not at all in this case honourable, but happy be luckey, they are resolved for it, and to that purpose they resolve upon a whole beny of Mistresses, which they get up and down the Town as their stars direct them; and 'tis usual with these Gallants to fleece them, till they leave them as bare as an Hen's arse, and then they get others who must run the like career of Fortunes, for having once given but possession of the main to these ill minded Gallants, they shall not be left as long as Money, Jewels, Watches, Rings, or any other things of value, yea their , nay their very Smocks and all do last, and these poor fools are so besotted, that they cannot any way endeavour to evade these dangers, which those giddyheaded Gallants lead them into; my heavy curse light upon them that thus corrupt good natures, putting them a wrong bias; but for the Sodomitical Whores and Bawds, with the Sisters of Gomorrah, let them light upon all the misfortunes imaginable.   

Chap. XVI. Proceeds in the stories of the Hectors, with some flim flams.  
THese be the Gallants, Gentlemen that enjoy a great portion of the earth, and though they live not by the sweat of their brows, yet assuredly they make their brains ache; these be the Blades, Brothers of the Sword, the noble Hector's, Champions of the time, men whose backs are steel, who can afford you more Oaths and Lies then other discourse; O the Devil, that such men were ever part of the Creation, whose broken fortunes must be upheld by others ruins, they are like infection, fly up and down the Town without control, crying, have at all my boys; these noble souls, with a morion to them, must have their rich Wine and Sauces, with variety, and Hab nab they will have it, when God knows some innocent Gentleman, that dreams of nothing but the good of his Country, and family, is, to avoid a quarrel in effect, made a Purse-bearer to these Goliah-like Champion Hector's, I would the State would banish them all into the barren Mountains of Scotland, there to converse with hunger and cold, hard Lodging, and Lice, to the taming their pride and prodigality, for I have little hope of their conversion, except they chance to come to Tyburn, and I think them most happy that go that way, for there they take some little time to repent; whereas by other deaths they take none at all, for either they die by Duel, and then they study too much honour to repent, or by sickness, and then they will not believe their deaths; or by some sudden rancounter, or design, and then 'tis so sudden, and in the act of wickedness, that 'tis impossible they should ever repent there, and thus these lose fellows do in a trice bring themselves to destruction and ruin, for a little time of pleasure, which if they did consider with what a price they yearn it, they would never embrace it with such delight.   

CHAP. XVII. Conclusion, with a Christian advice to the Hectors.  
ANd now for shame give over, seeing all your plots and devices are found out, and discovered; I have named none of you, because I hope you will amend without public disgrace; leave off your robbing, stealing, filching, nimming of rings, hatbands, bodkins, and such other stuff; leave your wboring, cheating, lying, drinking, dicing, swearing, quarrelling, fight, making of quarrels, all these sins you know yourselves guilty of, in an extraordinary rate of living; go no more to Baudy-houses, or to Churches with Chimnics in them; frequent no Gaming-houses, if you will fight go to the Wars, where i'll be bound you shall have enough of that sport, and there you will gain more honour and credit then by your throwing pots at Drawers heads. To conclude, I desire you take this advice, but if you will not choose, i'll give you otker shall rid you from all ill living. Go to Tyburn and be hanged.   
FINIS.