The shoemakers GLORY: OR, THE Princely History OF THE GENTLE CRAFT: showing What Renowned Princes, Heroes and Worthies, have been of the shoe makers Trade, both in this, and other Kingdoms; likewise why it is called the Gentle-Craft; and that they say a Shooe-maker's Son is a Prince born, &c. The whole adorned with new Cuts suitable to the Subject. Crispin Crispianus woodcut in two panels: Crispin and Crispianus; Ursula and Crispin London, Printed by and for W. O. and are to be sold by C. Bates, in pie-corner. The History of the GENTLE-CRAFT. CHAP. I. How a Renowned British Prince of Powisland, styled Sir Hugh, as being Knighted by the Roman Emperor for his brave Exploits, returning home, fell in Love with Fair Winifred. Daughter to the King of Flintshire; how he was Entertained at her Father's House, and discovered his Mind to her, and the Answer he received from her of her Aversion to Marriage, and giving up herself to a devout way of single Life, and other Matters, &c. woodcut: Sir Hugh before the Roman Emperor; Sir Hugh meets Winifred; Sir Hugh proposes to Winifred in her arbor WHEN this famous iceland of Great Britain was divided into many Kingdoms, Wars raged among the petty Princes, and much Blood-shed ensued; in these days, among the British and Welsh Kings, one Arviragus governed that part called Powisland, very prudently, to the content of his Subjects; and marrying a fair Lady name Genura, Daughter to the King of North Wales, he had by her a goodly Son, name Hugh, whom he brought up tenderly to Learning, and all other things that were requisite to accomplish a Princely Mind; sending him, when he came to Years, beyond the Seas to travail, where he visited the Courts of all the most noble Kings and Emperours, and did many brave Exploits in Arms, and in single Combats against Monsters and giants, so that his famed and Renown spread every where; and coming to the Court of the Roman Emperour, being employed as his General against the saracens that invaded Spain and Italy, he did such Wonders in Valour, by overthrowing and putting them to the rout, that upon his Return he not only triumphed, but was Knighted by the Emperour, and one of his Daughters was proposed to him in Marriage; but he excused it, as not inclining to change his condition, which made the beauteous Princess much grieve, for she had set her Affections very tenderly on him, he being of a comely parsonage, affable Temper, and courteous Behaviour. The Wars abroad ending, he returned home; and in his return, visiting Donvallo King of Flintshire, he had a sight of Winifred his fair Daughter, whose Beauty and Carriage he contemplated and admired so long, till Love began to fix a spark of its celestial Fire in his Bosom; the which, tho' he laboured to extinguish( in purposing to led a warlike Life, and procure to himself a lasting Name for great and glorious Enterprizes) he could not do, till it grew up immediately into a flamme, and he found himself constrained to love this admirable Creature; who was, on the contrary, subject to no passion of Love but that that was the noblest, which is a divine Love to her Creator: Whilst he stayed in her Father's Court, he made many shows and Gestures to render her sensible that her fair Eyes had kindled a Passion in his Breast, that he could not fancy but she well enough perceived them; so at that time he took his leave and road pensive home, where he was received with great Joy by his Parents and Friends, to whom he related his various Adventures, but kept that of his Love secret; so that the violent flamme feeding on his Spirits, among all the merriments made for his Welcome, he found himself rest●ess and uneasy; wherefore he resolved to visit the fair Object of it, and of her entreat a Cure for the wound her pointed Beauties had given him; nor could he long delay putting these resolves in practise. Three days after he went to her Father's house, where he was received according to his Quality; and after dinner, walking in the Garden, he ●uckily, as he wished, found the fair Winifred reading in a solitary arbour in the remote part; and so intent was she on her Devotions, that he approached very near her before she saw him, when immediately, a crimson blushy spreading over her Face, she arose and would have gon; but Sir Hugh, bending on knee to the ground just in the passage, with an humble Submission entreated her not to be disquieted at his approach; but, in tender compassion to his Sufferings, stay a few moments and hear what he should utter from an unfeigned Heart. At this, she commanding him to rise, recollecting her spirits, sat down and bid him say what he would, but as briefly as might be. The noble Lover, taking courage at this free Liberty, after having return'd her many thanks, he thus began, Fairest of Creatures, that ever Nature framed, pardon me if I am constrained to beg Mercy at your Hands, and implore your Pity to cure the Wounds your bright Eyes have made in my Heart; I love dear Winifred, and to that degree, that no words can express a Passion that exceeds all Utterance. He would have proceeded, but she, interrupting him, said, I am sorry, Sir, to hear these expressions from you; yet how ever, if your Love be virtuous, and proceed no farther than that of one Friend to another, or such love as Brothers may yield to Sisters, chast and undefiled, your Condition is not so bad as you fancy it, for then I may yield you some Redress; but if it aim at Marriage, or Fruition of any such Tendency, all that you can say will be in vain and fruitless, for I have vowed a single and chast Life, as being already espoused to the glorious Bridegroom, even him that has wooed and won me with his Love, after I was his by right of Creation, and doubly made so by his Purchasing me with his rich redeeming Blood. Sir Hugh at this fetched a great Sigh, and told her, That he hoped she was not so strictly bound up to her Vow, seeing Religion is no Prohibitor of Marriage, but that it is by those holy Ordinances enjoined: And therefore, said he, I hope you will pity my youthful Years; as for my birth, You know, 'tis Royal as well as yours, and if my Exploits and achievements have hitherto come short of your Worth, I will labour, with double Diligence, to do something that may ease the Pain Love's Darts have made in my bleeding Heart, for which the World, or any thing else, cannot alot any Cure, except I enjoy your lovely Person in the soft Embraces of Marriage Delights. Alas, said She, then I can only pity your Sufferings, but may not cure them. And thereupon she departed leaving Sir Hugh in great Perplexity and Doubtings, and so for that time he could not alter her mind; and so taking leave of her Father, with a seeming merry cheer, he departed, lamenting his hard Fate to love, and not to be beloved again. CHAP. II. How she put him off for three Months, and in that space made her Escape, in Disguise, from her Father's, to led a solitary Life in a Vale, called Sichnaunt, in which stood a pleasant Grove; and how, thirsting for Water, a Well sprung up out of the hard Ground, which to this day is called St. Winifred's Well, working wonderful Cures; how Sir Hugh found her, and being utterly denied, with great Sorrow left her, to travail in strange Lands; with the Adventures he met with, and the Dangers he escaped, &c. woodcut: Sir Hugh and his brother; Winifred dreams of angels; Winifred prays for water; Sir Hugh finds Winifred in the grove SIR Hugh having well considered with himself, and resolving not to take the first denial, fancying time and serious deliberation might alter her mind to be less severe to him and herself; but upon his second Address he found her as resolved against Marriage as before, entreating him not to persecute her with a discourse of that-kind, which was no welcomer to her than a storm to a mariner, or water into a sinking Ship; but finding he grew importunate in his svit, pressing her, with Tears in his Eyes, and many Entreaties, to grant him Love, she proposed to take time to rid herself of him, and told him he was too hasty in so weighty a Business, and therefore ought to be better advised, in taking himself, and giving her, time to consider of it: A Month, at least, said she, is but indifferent; and then( continued she) you may know more, perhaps, than you are ware of. Ah, said he, a Month, my Dear; nay, three Months, or any thing that might please thee, tho' I suffer never so many torments the mean while, so thy Love may at the end of that tedious time be my recompense. Nay, said she, I make no certain Promise, but take you at your word; and therefore let me not see you again( on pain of losing my good Opinion for ever) till the end of the time you have mentioned, and in the mean while I will consider what may be for both our Advantages. Sir Hugh at this was grieved, but knew not how to go back; whereupon, he departed with a doubtful heart, thinking time ran too slow, often sighing, and calling on the Name of his lovely Mistress, looking in the morning, as soon it was day, towards her dwelling; whither he as yet might not go, and contemplating on her Beauties, and likewise often frequenting solitary Walks and ralking to the trees; which being one day over-heard by his Brother Griffith, he laboured to persuade him from such foolish disturbances, to take to him his manly Courage, and not to be conquered by the glances of a Virgin's eyes; urging, how fading Beauty was, and what ill Consequences attended such Passions; entreating him to recreate himself with Hunting and other Delights: But this little availed, for he followed his solitary Life. During this time, the fair Winifred, who, with her Parents having received the Christian Religion, the Kingdom then being mostly over-run with Pagans; and she labouring to convert them by her Words and pious Actions, but finding them obstinate and untractable, grew weary of their Society, and putting herself in a disguise of plain and modest Attire, she made her escape in the evening, and betook herself to a pleasant grove, in the delightful Valley of Shicnaunt, in Flintshire, being about twenty miles from her Father's Palace of Pant-varre; and being weary she sat down to rest, and fa●ling a sleep, saw Visions of Angels, and many other things, that so delighted her, that she took that place for the gate of Heaven, resolving to led a contemplative Life, spend her days in religious Worship, and trust to Providence for her subsistence, living upon berries and wild fruits; but it being in the heat of Summer, and her thirst great, she went to the side of the Grove to seek in the valley for some water; but finding none, she fell on her knees and prayed to God to supply her necessities, as he had done those of the Children of Israel in the Wilderness; which she had no sooner done but the Earth opened, and out gushed a Spring of clear Water, pleasant for sight and taste. This Well remains in Flintshire to this day, bearing her Name, and by some called Holy-well; and all about it, where this Virgin used to walk, grows a fragrant Moss, very soft and pleasant, always continuing g●een winter and summer: This water likewise is held to be of that Virtue, that it often has cured diseased Persons, so that great numbers of them have usually flocked to it. But leaving the fair Virgin in her resolved Solitude, let us return to Sir Hugh: The Sun by this time had made his Progress through three Signs of the zodiac, and the three tedious months expired Sir Hugh was enjoined absence from his dear Love; then he hasted, with great Joy, thinking to find her at her Father's Palace; but there, on the contrary, he found them all sad and in tears for her departure, not knowing what was become of her; whereupon Sir Hugh, tho' very sorrowful himself, suppressed it in the best manner to comfort her aged Parents, making a Vow to search the whole World for her, if in a less compass she was not to be found, and never to give over till he had seen her. Hereupon the good old Prince tenderly embraced him, and so mounting his stately stead, with his trusty Sword by his side, he road all about the Mountains and deserts, till at last coming to the Valley of Shicnaunt, he heard, under a little tufft of trees, on the side of a very pleasant Grove, such heavenly music as ravished his Senses; when going to see from what sweet Mouth it proceeded, he espied his fair Winifred sitting on mossy tuffts, singing her evening Song of Anthems and Praises; when, leaping from his horse, he presented himself in a most humble and obliging manner before her at whose sight she started, being not a little surprised; but he, entreating her not to fear, sat down by her, telling her, now the long time of his penance being expired, he was come again to renew his svit, in hopes of a favourable Answer; but met with the contrary, for she plainly told him, she did renounce the World, and all its Pleasures, and would never give that Love to any mortal Creature, which she had entirely placed on her immortal Spouse; and tho' he urged all he could, yet he could not find her any way flexible, either to grant him her Love, or to remove from that place: This made him sorrow very grievously, so that his eyes could not refrain from tears: After this he made her Parents acquainted with the solitary place of her residence, and also with the love he bore to her; in hopes they might remove her thence, and further his svit; but finding they could not prevail, tho' they laboured much in it, he took his leave of her with heavy sighs, resolving to find out a Country to spend the remainder of his days, wherein no Woman ever inhabited, whose fair faces promises so much goodness, and yet their hearts cruel, and as hard as rocks; and so, falling into a rage, and exclaiming against the whole Sex, he road to the Sea-side, took shipping, and passed over to France, where he saw many fair Women, with wanton eyes; and so in a great many others Countries, who entertained him with Songs, and invited him to wanton Embraces; so that despairing to find a Country haunted by none of these Land-syrens, and dreaming that he was a gain in fair Winifred's company and that she received him with kinder eyes, and being weary with long travail, he was resolved to return home again, hoping the best of his Royal Lady and Love. CHAP. III. How Sir Hugh, in his return to England, was cast away on the cost of Sicily, and the dangerous Fight they had with divers One eyed Giants; how he escaped the monstrous Beasts, when driven into a forest for shelter; how, getting shipping, and coming to England, he fell in with a Company of merry shoemakers at Harwich, who prevailed with him to work at their Trade; how they came to be called the Gentle-craft; how he was imprisoned with fair Winifred, and suffered Death with her for the Christian Religion; lea●ing his Bones as a Legacy to the shoemakers, and others matters, &c. Woodcut: Sir Hugh shipwrecked; Sir Hugh meets the shoemakers; bringing food to the jail; Sir Hugh and Winifred executed; the shoemakers steal Sir Hugh's body from the gibbet SIR Hugh taking shipping at Venice, in order to return to England, after a day's sail the ship was caught by a tempest which driven it on the rocks of Sicily, and broken it in pieces, yet where the Men saved, but crawling on shore, they where assaulted by a barbarous sort of People, called Poliphemes, with but one eye each, which stood in the middle of their foreheads, these Giants with mighty clubs, killing divers of the Men, and afterward eat them; tho Sir Hugh having done wonders with his sword, finding his Company over-powered, escaped by retreating into a wood, and hiding himself in the branches of a high three, being all night terrified with the noise and cries of wild Beasts; there he saw an Elephant and a Dragon fight, till the Elephant fell, the Dragon having poisoned him so that he burst asunder; but the next morning, by the friendly Guidance of another Elephant, he found the way to a Seaport-town, and there getting shipping, came to England, in poor condition, having lost all he had in the storm, u●less an old svit and a very 〈…〉 on board an English Ship, and came safe to H●rwich; where going to a house of entertainment to refresh himself, he met with a company of merry Journey-men shoemakers, whose pleasant tales and merry songs so delighted him, that he desired to be admitted into their company, thinking here to divert his melancholy. The boon Companions could not refuse this ci●il request, so in a little while they grew better acquainted; and then, having discoursed of one anothers travels, he making his poor condition known, they desired him to stay with them, and they would not only provide for him, but teach him their Craft; which he( hearing that Winefred followed her solitary way of living, and would not be won from it) consented to, and grew very expert in it; and so this princely shoemaker continued working a whole year, being for his courteous Behaviour greatly beloved of all. During this time, Dioclesian, the cruel persecuting Emperor, coming over, and finding the Christian Religion began to flourish, he put great numbers of them to death by divers sorts of torments, commanding others to worship his Idols, and sent Winifred to prison for refusing it, and speaking against their heathenish Worship and Idolatries. Sir Hugh no sooner heard of his Mistress's unjust confinem●nt, but he went often to the Prison, but was denied the seeing of her; yet he procured all manner of Dainties, and sent them privately by a Keeper who he bribed for that purpose; for which, and for speaking in the praise of the Christian Religion, and vindicating her in what she had said or done, he was by the Tyrant's order, clapped up in the same Prison with her. This greatly rejoiced his heart, that she might see how courageous and constant he was to his Religion and Love; and here the Journey-men shoemakers sent him relief daily, and were so kind to him, that he styled them, Gentlemen of the Gentle-Craft; and that style has ever since continued to them: He also wrote a curious Encomium in praise of the Craft, how gentle-and comfortable they lived, how friendly to strangers, and loving to one another, concluding in these Lines; Of all the Crafts the Gentle-craft is best, Their pleasant Songs makes Labour seem like Rest; In Mirth and Comfort all the Year they live. And unto Strangers oft Relief they give; They merry are when Cares makes Princes grieve: Nay, more than this may of their Craft be said, For many Princes have been of their Trade. Long this princely shoemaker had not been in Confinement with his fair Winifred( who now looked on him with pleasant eyes, not of carnal, but of soul-ravishing Constancy, in expectation he would adorn the Christian Religion with her, by laying down his life, that their chast Souls might meet in endless Bliss, never to be separated) but an order came that they should be tried as Contemners of the the Gods, and for drawing away the People from the ancient worship of their Fathers; at which trial they behaved themselves with great constancy and courage, affirming their Gods to be no Gods, but the workmanship of Mens hands, foolish Idols, unable to help themselves, much more they that trusted in them; also preached to them Christianity in its purity and excellency, warming them to fly from the wrath to come: This so enraged the Tyrant, that ordering a scaffold to be erected, he commanded they should be immediately put to death; to which they went hand in hand joyfully, the fair Winifred giving him many words of comfort, with full assurance that he should always have her company, among the Blessed in Heaven, and there be united in endless love, which exceeded all earthly Felicity, The Tyrant upon this, understanding Sir Hugh had run his misfortune for the love of Winifred, would have persuaded him to recant; but he with disdain refusing, he caused her to be bled to death, and her blood to be mixed with strong poison, and given him to drink; which he took and drunk with much patience, and so ended his life, falling on the body of his beloved, having taken before a parting kiss from her could lips. And having nothing to leave his Friends, the shoemakers, as a legacy, bequeathed his bones to them; that as it was ordered by the Tyrant he should be hanged upon the gibbet, after he was dead, for the fowls of the air to eat his flesh, they may take down his bones and keep them in remembrance of him: And indeed, not long after, a company of merry Journey-men shoemakers, meeting at a little tippling-house near to the place where Sir Hugh's now bare bones hung, and remembering his legacy; after some consult held among them, they agreed to take them by stealth; and that they might the better have him in remembrance, they concluded to make hafts for their tools with them, which was put in practise; and from this the usual saying comes, that when we see a shoemaker with his tools at his back, we cry, There goes Sir Hugh's Bones; and thus these two famous Persons ended their Lives. Upon whose Memory the Craft made the following Lines: Behold the mathless Love of good Sir Hugh, For when he found no Arguments would do, But that sweet Winifred, that Lady fair, Had driven him to the Point of sad Despair; And that he could no Ease or Comfort find, For the refreshing of his grieved Mind, On Board he went, and crossed the raging Main; Yet at the length he back returns again, Through dismal Dangers, to his Native Land; Where, to his grief, he came to understand, She was imprisoned for Religion sake; straight unto her he did his Journey make, Defending of the Truth to his last Breath, Meeting together in the Arms of Death: In Love they lived, in Love they likewise died; Whose spotless Souls, we hope are glorified. CHAP. IV. How Crispianus and crispin, Sons to the King of Logria, or Kent, after their Father's Death, were sent by their Mother to seek their Fortunes, and by that means escape the Cruelty of the Emperor Maximinus, who sought their lives: how at Feversham, they bound themselves Prentices to ● shoemaker; how their Mother was Imprisoned for sending them away; how crispin going to the Court with shoes, fair Ursula, the Emperor's Daughter, fell in love with him, and discovering her mind, they were privately married. woodcut: Crispianus and Crispin leave their mother; Crispin brings Ursula her new shoes; Crispin and Ursula wed in secret IT so happened that not many years after the decease of cruel Dioclesian, who had so inhumanly put Sir Hugh and his beloved Winifred to death, who were both for their piety canonised for Saints, Maximinus, another, no less cruel, arose in his stead, and because some insurrections, to cast off this yoke, had been raised by the British Princes, he banished many of them, took the Children of others Hostages for their good abearing, the Male of which he caused to be gelded, or privately made away, that he might assure this noble Kingdom with the less disturbance to his Successors, and among others, the two Sons of the noble King of Logria, being sent for, and refused by Queen El●leda, their Mother, their Father having some time before been sent into banishment, and there died; and she hearing that he was coming to take them by force, called them to her, and with tears in her eyes, tenderly kissed them, and said, Ah! my dear Children, your lives are sought for, as well as others, who have been cruelly destroyed; the Tyrant is coming to seize you, as a vulter seizes a harmless lamb in his gripping talents; therefore you must be Strangers to me for a time, and, in these disguises, seek your fortunes as Providence shall led you. The eldest of these, whose name was Crispianus and the younger crispin▪ greatly marveled at this discourse of their Mother's, as being new and surprising to them; yet ●he urging it as exceeding necessary, and, like the Mother of Moses, not being longer able to keep them secret, they took the homely raiment she had provided, and some little money in 〈…〉 i 〈…〉 kets, the better to avoid suspicion, and so, with many tears and embraces, the Queen gave them her blessing, and dismissed them; and it was in a happy hour, for they were not gone many miles, but the Tyrant came to search for them; and tho', upon being missed, pursuit was everywhere made, and the Pursuers saw them, yet, thro their disguise, and meanness of attire, they escaped examination. The young Princes straying from Canterbury, where the ancient 〈…〉 Kings of Kent was seated, traveled all that day, and at night reached Feversham, where they walked up and down the streets, destitute of lodging, till coming to the corner of a street they were some-what comforted by a merry song they heard a Journey-man-Shooe-maker singing at his work, by peeping thro the key-hole: This made them wish their condition was the same rather than what it was, then should they be freed from many cares and fears that now oppressed them: Well Brother, said crispin, I think it would not be amiss, since you like the Fellow's merriment so well, if that, for a time, we seek to be entertained in this house, Which the other liking well, they gently knocked at the door: Who's there? says the Journey-man. What would you have at this time of night? Some saucy Knave or other, I'll warrant it; and with that, taking up his staff, he opened the door, resolving to have a brush if there was occasion but seeing them comely Youths, and speaking in a submissive manner, he began to pity them, demanded what they would have: They told him, being friendless, as having lost their Father in the wars, and nothing left them to subsist on, they were turned out to a desperate fortune, and would willingly undertake any business they could be capable of, for an honest livelihood: These words spoken with an innocent countenance, moved the Journey-man to a good liking of them; whereupon, bidding them stay, he called down his Dame, and she looking earnestly upon them, and demanding, whether they would be shoemakers; and they applying in the affirmative that they would; she called her Husband, and so dealt with him, that they where entertained in the house, and soon became very expert at their business, contenting and very well pleasing the whole Family; and tho search was made after them in that Town, yet in the station they were in none took notice of them; so that not being to be found, the Tyrant Maximinus, very much enraged, sent the Queen, their Mother, to prison, that by a hard confinement she might be constrained to discover; but she would by no means be induced to it by threats or fair promises, though she had notice from them where they were. And to this shoemaker, whose name was Robands, they were bound apprentice for seven years, in which time he grew rich, having all the trade of the Nobility and Gentry in those parts; and so famed he was for the best work, that he was introduced to the Court, and at last became the Emperor's shoemaker, by which means his Servants frequently went thither. During these transactions, the Persians invading France, and Maximinus sending British Forces to a●sist that King, Crispianus desirous to try his fortune in the field, went over with them, leaving his Brother sorrowful for his departure; who being one day sent to Court with shoes, the fair Princess Ursula cast her eyes upon him, and seeing him a comely Person of an extraordinary obliging behaviour could not but fancy with herself, that he must be more by birth than he appeared and tho she was the Emperor's Darling, her Mother being dead, and leaving behind her no more Children, and he designing to mary her with some mighty Prince, yet she was so taken with this shoemaker, that she shewed him such Civi●ity, that he wondered at it, thinking at first she might know him, and to settle the Kingdom more firmly on herself she designed to get from him, by fair promises, his birth and quality, thereby to ensnare his life, which made him resolve to be cautious in it; so that she well perceiving he regarded not her amorous glances, kind words, or the other favours, she cast in her mind how to come nearer to her purpose, for every time she saw him, her love increased, and grew ●ged the greater flamme, insomuch, that one day when he came to Co 〈…〉 him of the ill make of her shoe, she ordered him to take measure of her, and bring her a pair more suitable to her hunour: At this, bowing low, he promised to make them, and set every stitch with his own hands, so that he doubted not but they would please her Highness; and so having taken measure of her delicate foot, and having order to deliver them into her own hands, he departed. When he was gone, she began to meditate with herself what she was about to do, which caused blushes in her fair face; yet, thought she, were this Youth in Princely attire, he would even disgrace other Princes in his comely Behaviour and Person; and therefore, concluding he was something more than he seemed to be, she resolved, at a venture, to declare her mind to him, taking little rest for his absence; at length he had completed that which completed his Fortune in the highest degree, and carrying them, had, by her order, admittance into her chamber, where he fitted them, and so well pleased her with his work, that she gave him an ange; whereupon, bowing low, he was about to depart; but she ordering the Ladies out of the room, took him gently by the hand, saying, I prithee, crispin, tell me, art thou not in love, that you so spruce up yourself of late ● Truly, Madam, said he, if I should be out of love, I should be out of charity, all Creatures are subject to it. Ay, but, said she, one question more, Tell me who this pretty Lass is that has got thy heart? In good troth, Lady, says he, all the love I profess, is, first to my Maker, who has done such great things for me; next to my good Master and Dame, then to all in charity: But as for any particular love to Woman, as yet, my heart is free from it, my tender years, and bashful nature have not admitted me to rove so far. I have heard of the many misfortunes that have befell poor Lovers, and therefore dare not venture lest the case should be my own, and I grow miserable thereby. Ay, said the Princess, that is where crosses and discontented marriage happens to perplex them; but in true love, there are abundance of sweet contents, a virtuous loving Wife is a treasure; therefore if I should prefer you to such a one, could you refuse her? Truly, replied he, I should be unmannerly and ill-natured, if I should slight your Highness's Goodwill towards me, Well, said she, then know you shall have a stock of Virtue with her, and as for her beauty, I think it will be well enough to content an honest man. Ay, Madam, said he, but a stock of Virtue will not pay the Tanner, nor buy me sole-leather; if I could carry her to market with me, as times go, they are not current coin. Well, said she, to be short, look on me, she is as like me as can be; for her portion, I will be responsible beyond your wish; and for her wisdom, time will show it. If she be like your Highness, said he, she is well worthy of all l●ve; yet if my presumption reach not too high, I had rather it were yourself, than your likeness; and if I were well known, I might be thought worthy of a Queen. Well, shoemaker, said she, I see thy courage; but suppose it were myself, darest thou venture to die for a Lady's love? No, Madam, said he; if I could keep your love and live. Then live, said she, and know I love you, and will mary you, and screen you from my Father's wrath, which is the only thing that you can dread; and thereupon gave him a kiss. After he had found her true affection to him, he greatly reioyced, and told her all the secrets of his heart, and what his birth was, and what caused him to be a shoemaker, which pleased her mightily; and so that evening they appointed to meet in the Park under the great oak, to consummate their marriage privately: The Princess delayed not to be there before him; and 〈…〉 brought a Priest with him, who, not knowing her in her disguise, for a 〈…〉 married them; then dismissing the Priest, and retiring to a pleasant bower, they enjoyed the first fruits of their love, to both their hearts content; and after they had dallianced in their amorous sport a while, she retired privately to the Palace, the most pleased of Womankine; and he, the happiest of Men, to his Master's House. After this, they often met and enjoyed each others sweet company; and crispin at his work usually sung and discoursed in the praise of Marriage, showing himself so joyful that all the Journey-men wondered at it; where we will leave him a while, and return to Crispianus. CHAP. V. How Crispianus went to serve in the War, against the Persians that invaded France, and the brave Exploits he performed in Rescuing the King, and Overthrowing the Persian General Iphicrates, who was a Shooe-maker's Son; how a Peace was concluded thereupon, and Crispianus with Letters of Recommendation from the King of France, to the Emperor Maximinus, returned into England; how Ursula, proving with Child, crispin made the matter known to his Dame and Master, and how she Lay-in secretly at their House; and how they were Reconciled to the Emperor, &c. woodcut: pregnant Ursula escapes to the shoemaker's home; Crispianus returns to court with Crispin, Ursula and their child CRispianus being beyond the Sea, in arms against Iphicrates, the renowned Persian General, who was himself a Shooe-maker's Son, and by his many warlike exploits had rise to command a mighty Army, conquer Kingdoms, and reduced almost all France to his obedience, he sent a bold Challenge of defiance to the French King, in the name of himself and the Persian Army; whereupon on a great plain, the battle was appointed; and a bloody fight ensued; the Persian General, like lightning, breaking in among the French Squadrons, and seconded by his best Troops, bore all down before him, in revenge that they had reproached him for being the Son of a shoemaker, his courage redoubled, and pressing on; he came to the Royal Standard, where the King was, and beating it down, after a bloody encounter, wherein thousands were lost, took the King Prisoner from the midst of his Guards, and was carrying him to his tent; all this while Crispianus had done wonders, so that he was noted above all the Commanders, and having pursued and slain a great Party of the Persians, and returning, and perceiving the the King Prisoner, broken into that Troop, overthrew the Persian General after a bloody onset, set the King at liberty, and did such wonders that the Enemy sounded a retreat, leaving the victory ro the French; the sole praise of which was given to Crispianus; and when they knew he was but a shoemaker, they extolled his courage and bravery the more, wishing all the Army urged the trade, and then they would be invincible; his Praise sounded loud everywhere so that the Persian General hearing of it, for the sake of their trade, and honour of the Gentle-craft, he concluded a Peace, and retired out of the Country, to the great joy of the Inhabitants, and ●mmortal Renown of Crispianus, to whose Worth and Valour they attributed their safety; so that they held great feasting for many days. Now all being in peace, Crispianus, with the British Forces, departed home; the King sent Letters of high Commendation by him to Maximi●us reporting the wonders he had done, recommending him to his special favour, as most worthy of it. Whilst Crispianus was upon his return, the Princess Ursula grew big with Child, informing crispin of it, entreating him not to leave her for fear of her Father's anger, for that she would accompany him any where, thinking a homely Cottage with him, above all the delicacies of a Palace without him, and that his absence would certainly break her heart. At this he tenderly kissed her ruby lips, wiped away the pearly tears that trickled form her fair eyes, and said unto her, I will undergo all the hazards of death and torture, before I will leave you. Then they began to contrive where she might Ly in secretly; which Crispin entreated her to leave to his care, and when he had provided such a place, he would privately sand her word; so at this time they partend. crispin thought this business could not be in safer hands than his Dame's, who had shewed him much love all this time, and was not a little amorous of him, endeavouring many ways to let him see it; but tho' he well noted it, he dissembled that knowledge; and so finding her in private, he told her, I have a secret of great importance to reveal to you. Which she thinking to be an answer of her desires in the return of Love, the sooner gave audience; but, when, contrary to her expectation, he told her the business, she fell into an extravagant pa●sion, wringing her hands, and crying out, O crispin, thou hast undone thyself; thou wast a goodly Fellow, and mightest have lived happily; but now( having got a Wench with Child) thou hast broken thy Indentures, and art utterly ruined: What will you do for milk, pap, biggins, clouts, and a hundred other necessaries; Well, I believe she tempted thee to this folly; and, I fackings, I'll have her by the nose for it. Whilst the old Wise used these speeches, crispin knew not what to think of it; but, whilst he was about to explain the business, the Master, hearing the noise, came in to know what the matter was; and having understood that his Man had married the Emperor's Daughter, he stood astonished, and could not be induced to believe it; or that, as he said, himself was a Prince born: However, at last they agreed she should ly-in secretly there; and soon after, upon the signal given, which was the firing a three, which made others on the cost fire their becons, and a false rumour to be spread, That the Enemy was landed, in the hurry and confusion the Princess made her escape in disguise, and was delivered at the Shooe-maker's of a fair Son, to the great joy of the Parents, who might now truly say, A Shooe-maker's Son is a Prince born. During these transactions, Crispianus came from the War, laden with Renown, and was much joyed to find his Brother so happilymarried; and, going to Court, with his Letters of Recommendation, be was nobly entertained by Maximinus, who bid him ask any thing within his power, and he would freely give it him for the Honour he had done his Country. Then he boldly told him who he was; and desired his Mother might be set at liberty; which was immediately done. The Emperor telling him, That had he 〈…〉 ily lost his Daughter, he would have matched him to her. At which time, as it was contrived, crispin and the Princess came in with their Child, which much suprized the Emperor; but at length, being given to understand the shoemaker she had married was Crispianus's Brother, and all the circumstances that attended their loves, he took them into Favour; and they lived happily all their lives afterward. Young crispin going to the Court, he won a Lady gay, And as the truth we may report, she was conveyed away From thence, she being great with Child, a season to remain; At length her Friends was reconciled when she return'd again. For Crispianus came from France with Honour and Renown, The Lovers came just then by chance, and as they kneeled down, They asked her Father Blessing there, his Anger to expel; Who pardoned them, and did declare, he liked the Marriage well. CHAP. VI. How one Simon Eyre, a poor Boy, coming from Rippon, in Yorkshire, was taken in by a shoemaker in St. Martins; how he married, set up, and grew wonderful Rich; was chosen Sheriff, and of his Table that he valued at a thousand Pound; how, three Years after, he was Elected Lord Mayor, and also Knighted; how, according to his Promise, he Feasted all the Apprentices on Shrove-Tuesday; with the reason why the little Bell is called the Pancake-bell; how he built Leaden-hall, and many other worthy Deeds; and also how his Man Nicholas deceived John the French Man, and hance the Dutch Man, and married pretty Florence the Cook-maid, &c. Woodcut: Simon's three Journeymen; Simon's wife serves dinner on her lap; Mayor Simon feasts the Apprentices FOr the honour of the Gentle craft, we yet proceed to another remarkable consideration, which we find recorded in our Chronicles, of one Simon Eyre, who being took a poor Boy to the shoemakers trade, by his industry, got great riches, was chosen first Sheriff, and then Lord-mayor of London, and was a good Benefactor to the City, and much beloved and honoured of all Men: This Youth was born at Rippon in Yorkshire, and sent up with the Carriers, from his 〈◇〉 Re●ations, to seek his Fortune in London, and happily met with a shoemaker in St. Martins-le-Grand, who took a liking to him, as he was gazing about in his passage along; and having entertained him a while in his house, upon liking, he behaved himself so well that he bound him Apprentice, and charged the Journey-men to show him the best of the trade▪ so that in 〈…〉 very expert, getting a great insight into it. He omitted to do nothing of houshold-work that was convenient for him, which made him get the Goodwin of his Mistress, who gave him many a penny for his diligence; the which( when he went to fetch water in tankards, with other 'Prentices, as was the custom in those times,) served for pudding-pies, and such like things: but it happened, one Shrove-tuesday, in the morning, that his pocket failed, when he was breakfasting with the rest, whereupon he stood up and made his excuse, desiring them to pay for him that time, and if ever he came to be Lord-mayor of London, he would give a breakfast to all the 'Prentices in the City. This free offer, tho' they little then expected what happened, made them agree to it, saying, Honest Simon, we will take thee at thy word; therefore we pray thee, don't forget it: He promised he would not; so they partend. Simon having rubbed over his seven years, and being made a Freeman of the City, gained the Goodwill of Andery, his Master's Daughter, with whom he had forty marks as a portion; with that, and the little money he had saved in his ' prenticeship, he took him a shop in Cheap-side, kept hard at work, and lived frugally, his Wife spinning shop-thread, and doing other necessaries about the trade, so that they made a pretty shift in the World, and had 'Prentices and Journey-men at work; and amongst others, he entertained one John Denevale a Frenchman, who gained him a great deal of money, by working upon new fashioned square-toed shoes, they being made long with pick-toes, and picked-heels; but this was not all the kindness he did him, for, one day, going home with a pair of be●poke shoes, he met with a Merchant-stranger, who, with his ship called, The black Swan of Candia, richly laden with cambric, lawns, and other commodities that were then very scarce, was put into the river of Thames, this Merchant in the Greek-tongue, demanded of him where he might have a ●odging, or be well entertained; but he not well understanding that language, answered him in French, which was not unknown to the Merchant, so, being glad, he had got one he could talk with, they went and drank together, and the Merchant told him what goods he had brought, what dangers he had escaped at Sea; and th 〈…〉 desired him to help him to an honest Chapman to buy them off his hands. The Frenchman hereupon told him, that he himself was but a stranger in the City, and unacquainted of any Merchants, but that he worked with a very honest Man, whom, if he moved about it, he doubted not, but he would help him all he could: which the Merchant entreated to do; and so, having helped him to a lodging, they partend: John the Frenchman, fraught with this news, and a bill of lading, containing the cargo, hasted home, and told honest Simon all that he knew of the matter, showing the bill of parcels, marked with the prizes, which was an exceeding cheap rate, considering the scarcity of the commodity at that time; which made him easily perceive that the Merchant understood not his market; so that musing upon the matter, he left his shop and went up into his chamber, walking about and cudgeling his brains, how he might get this advantage, that his thoughts were so entirely taken up in it, tho' the Maid often called him to supper, he either heard not, or minded not her call; and scarce could his Wife, with tugging and hauling put him out of this brown study; but at last, being earnest to know what had so much altered him on a sudden, he told her all, with the great prospect he had by so great a gain, to make her a Lady, had he but the money to buy the purchase, but that being wanting, all his hopes were dashed; that he had the ball at his foot, and must let another kick it away. But in this, his Wife, who was naturally covetous and very ambitious, heartened him up, persuading him, in apparel, and all other matters, to go to the Merchant like an Alderman, and personating one to buy the bargain of him; then, before it should be discovered, to sell off so much of the commodity for ready money, as would pay the whole, and keep the rest to a better market. And indeed this, and her other contrivances, so wrought with him, that putting them in practise, they proved successful, and he got at that one clap three thousand pounds clear. This made every one give him the title of Mr. Eyre, and call him the rich shoemaker; and this being noised abroad, the Lord-mayor invited him and his Wife to dinner, where they were set in the best seats, highly feasted and complemented; which made the good Woman fancy herself already a Lady; her ears were open to take in all that was said in her and her Husband's commendation, which she repeating to him very movingly when they came home, omitting nothing, praising her own invention that had brought it about, and highly praising her policy and courage, and took such delight in talking of it, that she would have been prating about it to this day had she lived: However, her Husband could not but applaud her, since her encouragement and cunning had so highly advanced him. But he, notwithstanding his Shooe-making trade, followed merchandise, since he had so well sped in the first undertaking, and growing noted, and being every where talked of when election-day for Sheriffs came, the Commons assembled in Guild-hall, choose him one of them for the City, in his absence; whereupon the Lord-mayor sent for him, and welcomed him: But he, on the other hand, laboured as much to excuse himself, saying, People are mistaken in my wealth, for I am not able to hold so chargeable an office. Whereupon a Citizen started up, and said, My Lord, I wonder Mr. Eyre will go about to lessen himself, in saying he is not able to hold this place, when I myself, and many others, have heard him say, he has, at home, a table he eats his breakfast on, that he will not take a thousand pound for; and if he can bestow so much on a dead commodity, I see no reason but he should hold this office. This he excused saying, I for my fancy value it at that rate, yet perhaps no body else would give me the tenth part for it. Nay, said the Lord-mayor, I'll supply you with wine, during your Shrevalty, at a venture for it. Contented, said he, my Lord, on that condition I hold. Well, said the Lord-mayor, though I make no bargains with you, hold it you must. And so the Court rising, he was confirmed Sheriff, which caused a great shout, every one crying, Mr. Eyre is Sheriff; which news coming to his Wife's care, greatly rejoiced her, as having made this first step towards a Lady, which was that she passionately longed to be; and when he came home, attended by a worthy Citizen or two, she welcomed him very kindly, and wished him much joy of his office. Then he ordered her to spread the little table, For now, said he, Gentlemen, I'll show you the table that was spoken of. Whereupon going into the parlour, and placing herself in a chair, she spread a table cloth on her lap, furnished with choice victuals, told him all was ready; when entering the room, he said, Lo you there is my thousand pound table; how blank think you my Lord-mayor would have looked when he had seen it, if he had stood to his bargain? Whereat they laughed heartily, sat down, eat, drunk and were merry. In his Shrevalty he behaved himself courteously and nobly, so that three years after increasing in wealth, and the love of the People, he was by them elected Lord-mayor of the honourable City of London, and governed it with great Prudence. No sooner was Shrove-tuesday come, in the Year of his Mayoralty, but having remembered his promise, he sent to the Aldermen and Deputies of every Ward, to give the Masters notice, that they would highly oblige him, if they would let their 'Prentices come to his house to breakfast, and to play the remainder of that day, sending them the reason he had to desire it; so that by appointment the smallest bell in every Parish rung at ten in the morning, and immediately thereupon the 'Prentices shut up their shops, and came marching in good order; this Bell, from that day, being ever since called the Pancake-bell and the custom has continued, and 'tis generally half holiday, especially among the Shooemakers: He left the management of this Feast to his prudent Wife, who filled the garden, court-yard, and house with forms, tables, chairs, &c. and covered them with such plenty of Fritters, Pancakes, Pudding-pies, Ale and Wine, and other things suitable and in season, that they never saw such great store together in all their lives. The Lord-mayor walked from place to place to see every thing put in order, and that there should be nothing lacking, encouraging 'em to eat, and admonishing 'em to be good Boys, and serve their Masters faithfully, that GOD might sand them as good luck as He had sent him: Whereat they threw up their caps, and gave a great shout for joy; and then, being entertained some time with delicate music, they with much thankfulness departed in good order. Soon after this, finding the ill conveniencey the Shooemakers had, because there was no public Market for the sale of Leather, he bought a large piece of ground at the corner of Graoe-church-street, and built on it Leaden-Hall, getting the Grant for a public Market to be kept there for leather every Monday; and did many other worthy things, that stands now Monuments of his Remembrance, to the Honor of the Gentle-craft. Now he kept, besides John the French Man, one hance a Dutch Man, and Nicholas an English Man, to work at the trade, whose labour brought him in much gain; and amongst other female servants he had one Florence, a pretty witty Wench, insomuch, that all their chaps watered after her: John, the French Man, being Fore-man of the shop, and highest in his Master's favour, got leave for her to go to Islington, that there he might give her a Treat; which she consented to take and he went before to provide it: But the Dutch Man over-hearing it, waited for her in the fields, telling her, John the French Man, was gon quiter another way, and had drilled her out only to make an April-fool of her. This so enraged the Wench, that she cried for anger, and so away she went home; then went he to French John, and told him how she had slighted him, and never intended to come at him; which made him fret as fast, by reason of the great charge he had been at in tarts, pudding-pies, tansies, music, and I know not what all: But this being found, at last, to be a trick of the Dutch-man's, Nicholas and the other agreed to put one upon him; for he having provided a Collation for his Mistress in the garden, while they were all busy a talking, one of them knocked at the door, as if he had been their Master, disturbing them very much; whilst the other, in the hurry, creeping from behind a bush, changed their bottles of Wine for Water; which trick she fancied the Dutch-man had done on purpose, as being run away for fear; she took such pet against him, that she would not admit him to have a smack at her fair lips for many weeks; but at last, coming a little more too, the Marriage was resolved on, and to be celebrated in the dark, for the better secrecy; but ●at evening they got hance in, and made him so drunk, that he slept twenty four hours; the mean time Nicholas going in his stead, whilst John the French-man's wife, who was newly come over, had catched him napping, and hindered his being there, the matter he ordered so, that by counterfeiting the Dutch-man's voice, he married her, and having done her over lustily that night, she was so well pleased with him, as not to repent her Bargain the next morning; which the Alderman hearing of, gave her a good Portion, and dealt liberally with all his other Servants. The Dutch-man, and the French-man too, did think to get the day, But Nicholas, the English-man, did wed young Florence gay. A brief Account of the strange Prodigies, and other wonderful things that happened during the Mayoralty of Sr. Simon Eyre. IN the beginning of his Year such violent Storms happened, as made the Sea break in, and drowned many hundred Acres of Land, much Cattle, and ruined divers Villages, the Breach being made near Bright-Hempstead. Two small Earthquakes happened, one on the twenty ninth of August, and the other on the eighth of September. A terrible comet appeared, forerunning the War that happened between England and Scotland; but more particularly, the lamentable civil War that happened between the Houses of York and Lancaster, which occasioned the Loss of France, and the Lives of a hundred and sixty thousand Englishmen. In that Summer there was much terrible Thundering and Lightning, which sttuck many Cattle dead in the lanes and fields. A great Whale of thirty nine Foot in length, and twenty four in Circumference, was taken in the Mouth of the Humber. In this Year the fatal Battle of Barnet-field was fought, in which ten thousand Men were slain. In June, two hours after Sun-set, appeared in the Air, to the Southward, a Pillar of Fire, which continued to do so three nights; afterward the Weather was so sultry that many died of Heat. A Sow at Rippon in York-shire, brought forth Pigs with faces like Children, and feet like Monkeys; for which she was burnt. The Conduit in Fleet-street then run Blood for half an hour: Many terrible sights were seen in the Air, of Armies fighting, and strange Voices heard; it rained Wheat near Lancaster, and after that, small Peble-stones. At Royston a Woman was brought-to-bed of a Child with a Head like a Calf, bleating instead of crying. A Song in Praise of the Gentle-Craft, showing how Royal Princes, Sons of Kings, Lords, and great Commanders, have been shoemakers of old to, the Honour of this Ancient Trade, To the Tune of, The Evening Ramble, &c Written by Richard Righby, a Brother of the Craft. I Sing in the Praise of the shoemakers, whose Honour no Person can slain, In every Age they dare to engage, and Victory still they did gain; No Craft in the World can compare with Shooe-making, for I'declare, Who reads but the Story, will set forth their Glory, commending them everywhere, As Persons of Honoured famed and Renown; Then let not their Glory be trampled down. Sir Hugh was a Prince and a Lover, yet learned the Shooe-making Trade, Which yielded Relief, when Sorrow and Grief, in travail, had made him dismayed; When be of his Love was denied, he crossed the Ocean so wide, Returning soon after, then with a King's Daughter, a glorified Martyr he died. Thus shoemakers have been true Men of Renown, Then let not their Glory for ever go down. There's crispin, and brave Crispianus, both Brothers, and Sons to a King, In sorrow and woe, from Court they did go, when under a Shooe-maker's Wing, Protection and Safety they found, for 'Prentices strait they were bound; Disguised like Strangers, from perilous Dangers, this Harbour of Safety they found: Thus Princes of Honoured famed and Renown, Hath shoemakers been, that was Heirs to a Crown. Young crispin he won the fair Daughtar of Great Maximinus, for who Admitted could be, but verily be, to draw on fair Ursula's shoe, That honoured Lady of famed, for when to the Palace he came, He soon was admitted, the shoes being fitted, this Royal Young Beautiful Dame Besought him for Marriage, though Heir to the Crown; Thus shoemakers have been brave Lords of Renown. His Brother went forth as a soldier, well armed, to the Gallican Shore, Where thousands he killed; they never beholded. such conquering Courage before: The Work being speedily done, and the Enemy forced to run; Their General Gallant, courageous and Valiant, was likewise a Shooe-maker's Son: Thus loaded with honoured famed and Renown, Then let not brave shoemakers Glory go down. Sir Simon Lord-Mayor of fair London, he was a Sbooe-maker by Trade, Who, while he was Mayor, the Truth to declare, a Dinner of Fritters he made, Inviting the 'Prentices all, who readily came at his Call; That Day they were merry, with Bowls of Canary, for he from his word would not fall: Thus good Simon Eyre, of famed and Renown, He was a shoemaker, and Lord of the Town. Thus Valiant and Noble shoemakers, the City and Court did Adorn, For Deeds they have done; a Shooe-maker's Son, I tell you he is a Prince Born; There's no other Trade in the Land, had ever such Royal Command, For Honour and Glory; then red but the Story, then, then you will soon understand, That shoemakers they have been famed for Renown, Then let not their Triumph and Honour go down. The Shooemakers Delight: Or, a brief Account of their manly Acts, and warlike Performances: To the Tune of The Low-country soldier. Written by Richard Rigby, a Brother of the Craft. YOU Gentle-Crafts, both far and near, Unto this pleasant Song give ear. The which, in Honour of your Trade, Is now for lasting Glory made; For never was it known, Any Trade but yours alone, Related to the royal Throne: Brave Shooemakers, of old, Were valiant, stout and bold, Right warlike, noble Hearts of Gold. They live in rolls of lasting famed, The first of which I here shall name, Was good Sr. Hugh, a worthy Knight, Who for a Lady's Beauty bright, Did across the raging Main; And when return'd again, This Trade alone did him maintain: Brave Shooemakers of old, Were valiant, stout and bold, Right warlike, noble Hearts of Gold. Nay, farther still their famed shall ring, Two Brothers, Sons unto a King, crispin and Crispianus who, For fear of Death, in private flew From their Father's royal Court, As famed does still report, To Shooe-making they did resort, And learned this Trade of old, As we are truly told, And proved right valiant Hearts of Gold. To Feversham they came with care, And bound themselves both apprentice there; Tho' Princes of a royal Birth, They learned this Trade, and lived in Mirth, Crispianus took his way, To see a bloody Fray; But crispin he at home did stay: Brave Shooemakers of old, Were valiant, stout and bold, Right warlike, noble Hearts of Gold. While Crispianus gained Renown, By hewing warlike Champions down, Young crispin he at home remained, Where he a Lady's favour gained; Her Love had taken root, Therefore, without dispute, There's none but he could fit her foot: Thus Shooemakers of old, As Chronicles have told, Were brave heroic Hearts of Gold. Nay, farther yet I will declare. Renowned London's brave Lord-mayor, Sir Simon Eyre called by Name, Was a brave shoemaker of famed. What Trade, I pray, beside, Was e'er so glorified As Shooemakers, who has been tried By Feats of Arms of old, Both valiant, stout and bold, heroic, warlike Hearts of Gold? A shoemaker has been the Head Of a vast Army, which he lead Like a renowned General: Wherefore this Trade we must extal Evermore, from Age to Age, For they'll mount the warlike Stage, And never fearful to engage: Thus Shooemakers of old, Were valiant, stout and bold, Renowned, warlike Hearts of Gold. For Quarter-staff, nay, Sword and Spear, There's few or none could e'er come near Renowned Shooemakers, for they Did at those Weapons often play And they were so active grown, They would turn their Backs to none: Thus famous Shooemakers alone, Were the valiant Men of old, Most courageous, stout and bold, heroic, warlike Hearts of Gold. FINIS. A Catalogue of several Pleasant and Delightful Books, which are to be Sold by the Booksellers of pie-corner and London-Bridge. THe famous and pleasant History of Parismus, the Valiant and Renowned Prince of Bohemia: In III. Parts. I. Containing his Triumphant Battles fought against the Persians, his Love to the Beautiful Laurania, the great Dangers he passed in the iceland of Rocks; and his strange Adventures in the Desolate iceland. II. Containing the Adventurous Travels, and Noble Chivalry of Parismenos, the Knight of famed, with his Love to the Fair Princess Angelica, the Lady of the Golden Tower. III. 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