printer's device for John Back 
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John Back, at the Black-Boy, on London-B●idge, Furnisheth any Gentlemen or Chap-M●n with all sorts of BOOKS, BALLADS and all other Stationary-Wares, at Reasonable Rates.   

The HISTORY of the BLIND BEGGAR Of BEDNAL-GREEN.  
 woodcut panel of man with walking stick and dog  woodcut panel of two seated men and a woman  

This may be Printed, R. P.   
Printed for Charles Dennisson, at the Stationers-Arms, within Aldgate, 1686.   

The HISTORY of the Blind Beggar of Bednal-Green, &c.  

CHAP. I.  
How Monford the Beggar of Bednal-Green went, accompanied with his Wife, to the Wars of France, and by what means he came to loose his Sight, and save his Life, and of his Return to England, &c.  
IN Former Days when the Rose of England Eclipsed the lilies of France, and true English valour made that Nation stoop; amongst other Brave Gallants that went over to try their Fortune, Monford was one, a Person well Descended, who being naturally inclined to war, and greedy of famed, neither the entreaty of Friends nor the Marriage he had Contracted with a Kind and beautiful woman, could alter his purpose, but taking his Wife Margaret with him, who by no means would be induced to stay behind, he with many hundreds more crossed the Seas, and with the help of a prosperous wind arriving at calais, Marched to the Royal Standard, accompanied with his Loving Wife, who in Man-like attire became his inseparable Companion in Danger and hazard, and was the cause of saving his Life; for many Skirmishes happening between the English and French, wherein Young Monford behaved himself with wondrous Courage, and in one, following too hotly the pursuit, was, with divers others, entrapped in an Ambush late in the Evening and though he manfully disputed it, making great Slaughter of the Enemy, yet in spite of resistance, he was beaten from his Horse by the forcible stro●k of a Pole-Ax, given him on the Face, and left in the Field for Dead amongst the dead and Dying-Men, where he had undoubtedly perished through loss of Blood and the anguish of his Wound, had not his Tender-hearted Love, upon her hearing what had happened, and his not returning, hasted to the field, where amongst the Slain, she by Moon-Light discovered him stripped and struggling for Life, and by the help of a Servant, brought him to a Shepherds Cottage, where she carefully dressed his Wounds, and administered such Cordials as brought him to himself, to her unspeakable joy, though this joy was somewhat abated when she found by the forcibleness of the Blow he had lost his Sight: But true Love working in her heart the alteration or disfigurement of his Countenance could not alter her affection; but Comforting him in the best she could( though indeed) his natural Courage would not lightly admit of any dejection, she with part of the money she had, procured him a homely svit of Apparel, and brought him( now unfit for Service) back to England, of whose Entertainment and settlement at Bednal-Green in the County of Middlesex, and course of Life, you shall hear in the following Chapter.   

CHAP. II.  
How Monfo●d arrived in England, and of the could Entertainment he found amongst his Relations; how he came to Bednal-Green, and settling himself there, he continued to beg for his Living, &c.  
MOnford escaping a Storm at Sea, in his Return Landed with his virtuous Wife on the cost of Essex, where he had some considerable Relations, to whom in this necessity they applied themselves for succour, but they either not desirous of his ●ompany, who after the death of his Parents had wasted much of his Patrimony, or fearing in that condition he might be chargeable to them, would not know him, and those that were convinced he was the same Monford that went over into France; gave him but could Entertainment, insomuch that scorning to rely upon their Charity, he  told the kind Partner of his joy and sorrow, that he intended early in the morning to hast towards London, and that he would rather trust to Providence then to the ingratitude of those who in his prosperous days had Carressed him in a high manner; and so without taking Leave of any, Early in the morning they departed; and in two days traveling( having spent the little Money they had reserved) necessity that has no Law, so far humbled his hig● Spirit, that he did not think it amiss( especially in places where he was not known) to crave the Charity of the People as he passed through several good Towns, who understanding that he came by his misfortune in Fighting for the Honour of his Country, gave very Liberally, insomuch that he resolved to be of good cheer, and thereupon considering with himself that he was never brought up to Labour, or if he had, the Loss of his Sight had rendered him incapable of business; he reso●ved to embrace what Providence had cast in his way: Which was, to live upon Charity, which he found to flow in upon him faster then he expected: Whereupon arriving at Bednal-Green, a place near London, he with the little Money he had got, hired a small Cottage for his Wife and himself, and daily appearing public to crave Alms, was from thence called the Beggar of Bednal-Green, and in a short time found it a thriveing Trade, insomuch that his Bed of Straw was changed into Down, and his Earthen Platters and other utensils into a better Sort. His Wife whilst he begged abroad not being idle at home, but Laboured at the Wheel and such other matters as in her younger years she had learned.   

CHAP. III.  
How Monford happened to meet with Snap an Old Experienced Beggar, who gave him an insight into the mystery of the canting Tribe, and how he invited him to their general Randesvouze, &c.  
MOnford resolving in this kind of way to spend the remainder of his Days, that he might humble himself for his former offences, having plied it with good success in the place where he lived, by the Road side he was encountered one day by an Old Proficient at that Trade, who seeing him Diligent, became greatly desirous of his acquaintance, and to know what Gang he belonged to, and began to Cant( as is usual amongst such seasoned Sticks of that Profession) of which kind of Speech being known to none but themselves, Monford being ignorant, could make him no direct answer; which the other, whose Name was Snap, perceiving, and thereby knowing him to be a young beginner▪ invited him to their Feasts or rende●vouze in white-chapel, whither he having promised to come, and they between them tipped off four Black Pots of Hum they at that time partend.   

CHAP. IV.  
How Monford went to the Beggars Feast, and of his Entertainment as also of the Present they made him, &c.  
MOnford upon his coming home, declared to his Wife what a merry Companion he had met with, and what discourse they had, as likewise what he had promised, entreating her to get things in a readiness, that she might be at leisure to conduct him thither, where appeared, instead of a ragged Regiment of Lame, Blind, and Dumb, there was a rout of jovial Dancers, as gay as the Spring, and as merry as the Maids; which made them imagine they were either mistaken in the place, or had been imposed upon, and therefore were about to retire, had not Snap who knew Monford at the first blushy, started from his Chair where he sat Supervizor in all his Gallantry, and taking him by the hand, let him know who he was, and afterward presented him to the whole Assembly, who received him as a Brother or Member of their Society, each( by the order of Snap) paying him a compliment: and that for the future he might not want a Guide on all occasion, Snap in the name of the rest presented him with a Dog and a Bell trained to the Business, and had before been the Companion of an Eyeless Beggar deceased; and so having Feasted him and his Spouse in a Spl●ndid manner, they dismissed him, upon his promise that he would not be wanting at that yearly meeting; and being dismissed, he trudged home with his tractable Guide, which ever after proved serviceable to him.   

CHAP. V.  
What success he had in his Begging Trade, and how a Daughter was born to him, and christened by the name of Elizabeth.  
THe Blind Beggar by these Fortunate adventures, being in a manner Master of his Trade, scorned to be confined to his former plying places, but by the help of his Dog trudged often to London; and having the perfect Tone, had for the most part the luck to return with his Pockets well Lined with Chink, and by long practise, his way of begging became so pleasing to him, that he would often profess it the happiest part of his Life, and thus Tune his Pipes upon occasion.  

His SONG.  
A Beggar lives a merry Life,  
he hath both wealth and ease,  
His days are free from care and strife,  
he does what e're he please  
Whilst others Labour sweat& toil,  
his tongue doth get him pelf,  
He travels with his Dog and bell,  
and brings home store of Wealth.   
He being by this time in a warm condition, to add further to his joy, and make him amends for his loss of Sight, his Loving and careful Wife fell in Labour, and brought forth the Loveliest Girl imaginable, whose birth made him quiter forget his former misfortunes, and think himself the happiest man alive; an hundred times he kissed her, and dandled her in his arms, and at her Christening( which was managed with decency and prudence) caused her to be name Elizabeth, from whence she was afterward deservedly called pretty Betty; for as she grew up she exceeded in Beauty to a degree of wonder, and courteous and seemly behaviour no less obliging, so that in her very Childhood some began to dote upon her admirable Perfections, and the better to qualify her, gave her such Learning as was suitable to her Degree, which she improved to the height, so that her Beauty and Wit, her skill in Singing, Dancing, and playing on Instruments of music, procured her the envy of the Virgins thereabout; who supposing themselves much superior in Birth and Fortune, could ill endure to hear her praises every where spoken of, especially by the Young Men, whilst they stood neglected, insomuch that not knowing otherways how to vent their Spleen, they would often take an occasion openly to affront her in the Street, and at Merry-making, calling her Beggars Brat,( and uttering many other unseemly Speeches) which she bore as long as she could endure with a becoming patience, and striven by gentle persuasions and reproofs to win them to a reconcilement, and often with tears in her lovely eyes, she would be apt to say, you should not methinks envy me at this rate, who never injured you, but strive to do you all the good Offices I can. What if my Parents are as you suppose them, mean, and I not so well Descended as yourselves, though in that you may be mistaken; it might have been your Case had Heaven seen fit, and had it been so, tell me which of you would not have been afflicted to have been used as you unkindly use me? These or the like Expressions being uttered in vain, and many ways being contrived by her Ill-willers to discourage those Suitors that sought her Love; she being by this time Fifteen years of Age, wherefore to end the strife, and in hopes to be kindly used amongst Strangers, she resolved to make it her Request to her Parents, that she might take her Lot in search of her Fortune▪ The which she did with tears in her eyes, telling them the cause, but they long time opposed it; using many arguments to persuade her to the contrary: But finding the reasons she urged weighty, and tending to her advantage, they left it to her discretion.   

CHAP. VI.  
How the Blind-Beggars Daughter Left her Fathers House to seek her Fortune, the reason why she did it, and the Entertainment she found.  
THe Day being come that Pretty Betty the Blind Beggars Daughter should depart, being furnished with clothes, Money,& other necessaries, she fell upon her knees and craved her Parents Blessing, which b●ing given, with many Prayers to Heaven for her Prosperity, they took a sad Farewell, and each betook them viz. Monford to his Mumping Trade, his Wife to her Wheel, and the Daughter to seek her Fortune.  
Pretty Betty having left her Fathers House or rather Smoak-Loft, went pensive along the Road towards Stratford, as one not resolved whether to go, but rather trusting Fortune and her good Angel to direct her; and so traveling all night by the Light of the Moon, by Sun-Rise she came to Rumford in Essex, where finding her self Faint, she betook her self to an Inn, and there sitting down, called for somewhat wherewith to refresh her, looking pensive and sad, and often sighing at her hard fortune; which the mistress of the house percieving, as also her neat Guarb and modest Behaviour, began to question her, from whence she was, or whether she was bound? who  told her she was one that had been well educated by Indulgent Parents, but was now contrary to her former expectation, forced to seek her Fortune; and that she was Born near London: Vpon this the good woman being more and more taken with her Carriage, demanded if she would be content to stay with her till she could better provide for her advantage, and that she would use her as a Daughter rather then a Servant; to this after a while having weighed and considered it▪ she consented, and in the performance of what ever she undertook, discharged her self so well that she gained the love and applause of all that observed her, insomuch that her Name for Beauty and Ingenuity began to spread, and abundance of Young men resorted to the House, which created a great Trade, on purpose to see her, who generally took a liking, for Nature had made her so Lovely and Charming that she could not but be admired, insomuch that many of them as they found opportunity began to buzz Love-Stories in her Ears, to which she gave but little heed, till four Suitors of greater worth beat off these little Assailants, and laid a closer Siege, as the following Chapter will appear.   

CHAP. VII.  
How pretty Betty the Blind beggars Daughter Living in an Inn at Rumford, was courted by divers persons of Good Birth and Fortune, &c.  
IT being by this time secretly whispered that pretty Betty must be more then she seemed as to her Parentage, it made her Reputation grow higher, insomuch that the Inn-Keepers Son, a London Merchant, a Gentleman of a Good Estate, and a Rich Knight, Courted her Favour; against whose importunities she urged the meanness of her Birth, and inequality of Fortune; entreating them if they were in ●… est as she could not otherways imagine, to spare the Blushes of an Innocent Maid, or if in earnest, to consider how much whoever of them had her, would impair himself by so unequal a Match, and place his affection else where, least he not meeting in her his expectation, his love after Marriage should decay and turn to Reproach, which she said would break her poor Heart. This modest objection possessed them with further thoughts of her concealing the worth of her Birth and Parentage, and gave more Fuel to their passion; so easy is man to believe the thing he would have, insomuch that they began to renew their protestations of Love ●… ndintire affection, offering her Rings, gloves ●nd jewels, but she would not accept them, ●… east the taking the Gift without the Man might be prejudicial to her famed; for all of ●… hem she well knew she could not have, or whe●… her any of them, when they came to know ●… hat her Father was a Beggar would have her, ●… he could not well believe, though they severally ●… romised to Love her as dear as Life, and maintain her in the hight of Gallantry; whose ●… ddresses her Master and Mistris suffered for ●… he sake of their Profit; yet she growing con●… cious of the injury she might do them by hin●… ring their Fortunes, made a Resolution to discover her Parents, and that way try the sincerity of their affections, and accordingly did it.   

CHAP. VIII.  
How pretty Betty being Wooed by her Masters Son, a Merchant, a Gentleman, and a Knight, upon her declaring her Parentage, was Slighted by all but the Kt. and of the agreement she made.  
our Beautiful Virgin being hardly pressed for Love and enjoyment, found her self obliged to take a course that might rid her of her Lovers, or allot one of them to her share; wherefore she  told them she was not really at her own disposal her Parents being alive, therefore if they Loved her as they said, and seeing but one could enjoy her, she was contented her Father should choose for her, of whose choice she would approve.  
This set them in a manner at Daggers-Drawing who should get thither first, but whither to go they knew not: Therefore desired to be informed, every ones heart being filled with joy, not doubting to carry the prise; when thus she began.  
My Parents Worthy Sirs, Live on Bednal-Green, my Father is the Beggar that is led with a Dog and a Bell, Living upon the charity of good people; and my Mother a poor Woman that Spins for bread, yet these are my Parents, therefore I will not be induced by any means, to mary without their Consent.  
This struck our Gallants for a while as mute as a Mouse in a Cheese, after which they made some difficulty to believe it, saying, it could not be, that such home-spun Creatures could be the Parents of so Beautiful a Maid; but she insisting on it, and giving them an account of the Leaving them, and the reason, they began to scratch their Noddles, and stamp on the ground, drawing in their Horns faster then they had put them out, the Merchant, the Gentleman, and the Inn-Keepers Son, swearing if so, it was no Wife for them, for they would not be Nosed with one of a Beggars degree, and so they troopt off. But the Young Knight who was inflamed with Love, and having a great Estate, stood not upon interest so much as pleasing his Fancy; after he had paused a while, took the Blushing Maid by the hand, and said, you see my dearest, how those that Courted you in hopes you were a great Fortune, are vanished now they find their mistake: Say, will you yield to one more constant, who truly loves you for your beauty and good Parts, and you shall be without delay, sole Mistris of him, and all that is his.  
To which she answered with a Sigh, alas, Sir, I dare not expect so great a happiness, or if I durst, I would not dispose of myself even to you, who( though blushing) I must confess I ever esteemed above the rest, without consent of my Parents, for though they are poor, they are my Parents still.  
This modesty kindled his passion more and more, wherefore after much discourse, and many vows of Constancy, it was agreed that he should be ready with a Horse and Servants the next Morning early, and that she would come to him, that they might Ride to Bednal-green to require the Old Man's consent; yet this was not carried so secretly, but Spies being abroad ●●●covered it, not onely to the Knights Vncl● who managed his Estate, to most of the Young-Men of Rumford, who ●●●e her admirers.   

CHAP. IX.  
How pretty Betty road behind the Knight to her Fathers House, and what befell by the way, as also when she arrived there, how her Father dropped Angels with the Knights Uncle that opposed the Match.  
our Beautiful Virgin meeting her courteous Knight at the time and place appointed, relying upon his Fidelity, made no scruple to use his Servants help in setting her behind him; but scarcely were they out of the Town, but the Knights uncle coming to the Inn and finding neither of them there, suspected what had been  told him to be true, and thereupon he followed to prevent the March, as also did divers Young-men who were deeply in love with her, to rescue her from the Knight, whom they supposed had carried her away by force.  
So that great was the hurry and confusion, and the Towns-Men taking the nearer way, got before him e're he arrived at Bednal-green, and fell upon him without giving ●im leave to spe●k for himself, or suffering hi● mistress to excuse it; so that there began a sh●●●●●onflict, till such ti●●●as divers persons that ●●●e travel 〈…〉 Road came in and partend them, where●y they came to a right understanding; which made those that had mis●sed him bee his Pardon, which he granted, and dismissing them, kept on his way, till coming to the Old Man's Door they alighted; which made h●m upon the hearing of Horses trample,( being a thing very unusual) start from the Fire, and put ●is head out of his Window, and not understanding the meaning of it, e're the Knights uncle came puffing and blowing at a strange rate; Crying why how now Nephew, what's this I hear of you, are you mad to disgrace your family by marrying a Beggars-Brat, for shane, for shane, consider better then to make yourself a Laughing-stock to the World, by such an unseemly Match: Pray how came this about you Baggage you? But however, I say Nephew, leave her, and I will provide you a Fortune, Rich, and Suittable to your Condition.  
To this the Young Knight would have replied, but the beggar growing Chosterick to hear his Daughter so used, interrupted him.  
I cannot says the Old man, see you at all, but Sir,( what ever you are) I hear you too much, and more then becomes a Civil Gentleman; nor do I count my Girl so mean, to suffer her to be Railed on at my own Door; therefore pray Sir hold your pra●ing, or I shall feel for you, with my Staff: I have known the day, when a Taller Fellow then you, durst not have put me in a passion; If your Kins-man does not think my Child a fit Match for him, let her alone, and welcome: But I think in Beauty, and good Breeding she is not wanting. And as for Money, be it known to you, her Father is ready to drop Angels with you for his Girl, if you have any of your own; d'ye mark me there?  
This smart speech, put the Gentlemen to a Non-pluss for a while; but coming to milder terms, the dropping business was concluded on.  
And the Gentleman immediately sending his Servants, to fetch what Gold he had, whilst the Beggar from under a heap of rags, and Old-Shooes, pulled out a Cats-kin or two stuffed with Gold, whereby it appeared his Trade had been very advantageous; and each party being ready, they rained a golden shower so plentifully, that the Gentleman's Stock failed him, and the beggar not hearing it Chink, fell into a Laughter, and said, how now Sir, is your Money done so soon? I thought at first you had more words then Money; pray for your Credits sake, try your friends; for I have three or four Cats-kins with Golden Puddings in their Bellys yet: Indeed, said the Gentleman, I am content to own you have out-done me; and think you have the Philosophers-Stone, or keep a Familiar, to bring it you from the Golden-Mountains; But seeing the World goes so well with you. I shall no further go about to persuade my Nephew from being your Son-in-Law; but beg pardon for what I have done: O do you so, said the beggar; then things may be better perhaps then you expect; when turning to the Knight, gather up said he, the loose Corns I have scattered, and here's a Cat-skin to make that up three Thousand Pounds, besides a hundred more to buy her a Gown. Take this as her present Portion, and as you behave yourself, expect more hereafter: Remember I give her you, and with her my Blessing; go to Church, and be Married, a Gods Name: Vpon which the Kt. and his fair mistress falling on their Knees, gave him twenty thanks, and departed, whilst those that had been Suitors, hearing what had happened, were ready to Hang themselves for madness.   

CHAP. X.  
How pretty Betty was Married to the Kt.& her true Pedigree discovreed, together, with the Festival and Joy that ensued.  
THings being come to this pass, great preperations were made for the Wedding; to which resorted many worthy personages, no cost being spared, either in ri●h Apparel or sumptuous fare, whilst the lovely Bride was lead to Church by her worthy Bridegroom, feasting the Eyes of the b●holders with her Beau●y; and when the sacred bands were tied, they return'd with the like splendour to the place of Festival, Excellently becoming and gracing what they wore, as if Nature had made her the most exact pattern of Beauty; being arrived and the Tables sp●ead, the Bride now of a beggars Daughter made a Lady took her place, out-shining other Beautys that were there as far as the Moon is out shone by the Sun: and now nothing but the old Beggar and his Wife wanting, when they soon came richly dressed in silk and Velvet embroidered with Gold, so that all things went on in Ioy and Merriment, and great was the satisfaction the company received in their repast, but more in the Musik, Dancing, Masquerading, and the like; while the old Man had prepared to celebrate the happy Nuptials, and in the end, craving attention, he Sung this SONG, 

You Gallants all that here are come,  
to make this day more happy prove,  
Know, though i'm blind I am not Dumb,  
but wish you happiness and Love:  
The Bride, though her Birth seem but mean  
descended of a worthy Race;  
Her Ancestors they great have been,  
if you her Pedigree do Trace.   

Know, she is Monfords Daughter fair,  
who lost his sight i'th Wars of France;  
Who ever since in begging here  
did take his happy thriving chance:  
Consider Bridegroom, then her Birth,  
whom some do think but mean and low  
As much of Honour can bring forth  
as you have power to show.    
The Name of Monford which had been held so famous for virtue and Valour in those days, did not a little cause wonder in the hearers, who desiring him to explain himself, he p●ainly  told them his adventures in France and England, and how he took up the trade of Begging and the like, which c●used a general joy, since all that had formerly known him by that name, supposed him to be dead; and the Bridegroom was pronounced now more happy then ever. So his ●ovely Bride, whose birth and fortune equal●ed his in all degrees; and so old Monford promising, for the credit of his Daughter, to leave of the Beging trade, and live upon what he had got. The day was concluded, to the Ioy and satisfaction of all Partys.   
FINIS.