How, upon Bateman's hanging himself before her door, she grew
malancholy, fancying she saw him with a ghostly face, putting
her in mind of her broken vows; and how after having been
delivered of a child, a spirit carried her away.
THE
=Miracle of Miracles.=
Being a full and true Account of _Sarah Smith_, Daughter of _John
Symons_ a Farmer, who lately was an Inhabitant of Darken Parish in
Essex, that was brought to Bed of a Strange Monster, the Body of it
like a Fish with Scales thereon: it had no Legs but a pair of great
Claws, Tallons Like a Liands, it had Six Heads on its Neck, one was
like the Face of a Man with Eyes Nose and Mouth to it, the 2d like
the Face of a Cammel, and its Ears Cropt, Two other Faces like Dragons
with spiked Tongues hanging out of their Mouths, another had an Eagles
Head with a Beak instead of a Mouth at the end of it, and the last
seeming to be a Calves head. Which eat and fed for some time, which
Monster has surprised many Thousand people that came there to see
it. Daily, Spectators flock to view it, but it was by Command of the
Magistrates knock'd on the Head, and several Surgeons were there to
dissect it. Also you have a Funeral Sermon on the Woman who brought
it forth, a very wicked Liver, and disobedient to her Parents, and
one that was mightily given to Wishing, Cursing and Swearing. With
a Prayer before and after the said Sermon. It being very fit and
necessary to be had in all Families for a Warning to Disobedient
Children. This strange and unheard of Monster was brought into the
World in May last, and if any doubt the truth thereof, it will be
certify'd by the Minister and Church-Wardens of the said Parish of
Darkins in Essex as aforesaid.
[Illustration]
ENTRED IN THE HALL BOOK ACCORDING TO ORDER.
A wonderful and Strange
_RELATION_
OF A
SAILOR
IN
_St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London_;
WHO
Slept for Five Days and Nights together and then awaking gave an
Account of the Blessedness of those in Heaven, and the woful Estate of
the Damned in Hell. And also of the STATE of two of his Companions who
dy'd whilst he was in his sleep. All which is attested by the Minister
and many who were present and Ear Wittnesses to the Relation.
TO WHICH IS PREFIXED
_The Greatest Light to Sinners_
Occasioned and Explain'd by the late
SLEEPING MAN'S DREAM.
LICENSED AND ENTERED ACCORDING TO ORDER.
THE CHILDREN'S EXAMPLE.
SHEWING
How one Mrs. Johnson's Child of Barnet was tempted by the Devil to
forsake God and follow the Ways of other Wicked Children, who us'd to
Swear, tell Lies, and disobey their Parents; How this pretty innocent
Child resisting Satan, was Comforted by an Angel from Heaven, who
warned her of her approaching Death; Together with her dying Speeches
desiring young Children not to forsake God, lest Satan should gain a
Power over them.
[Illustration]
ENTER'D ACCORDING TO ORDER.
This style of Chap-book, although always a favourite among a certain
section of society, is such rubbish that one extract will suffice:--
"As this Child went to School one Day,
Through the Church Yard she took her Way,
When, lo! the Devil came and said,
Where are you going, pretty Maid?
To School I am going Sir (said she)
Pish, child, don't mind the same, (saith he)
But hast to your Companions dear,
And learn to lie, and curse and swear.
They bravely spend their time in Play,
God they don't value; no, not they;
It is a Fable, Child he cry'd.
At which his Cloven Foot she spy'd.
I'm sure there is a God, said she,
Who from your Power will keep me free;
And if you should this thing deny,
Your Cloven Foot gives you the Lie.
Satan avoid hence out of Hand
In name of JESUS I command!
At which the Devil instantly
In flames of Fire away did fly," etc., etc.
There is another somewhat similar one, presumably of same date "to
the tune of 'The Children's Example,'" entitled "The Pious Virgin; or
Religious Maid. Being a Relation of the Wonderful and Divine Speeches
of Sarah Shrimpton, Daughter to Mrs. Shrimpton, living in Rochester,
who falling into a Trance declared the Wonderful Things she had seen;
desiring Young Children to serve the Lord in the Time of their Youth,
in order to obtain Salvation;" but it is not worth an extract.
Indeed, speculative young ladies of this class do not seem to have
been uncommon, for a Miss Katherine Atkinson of Torven, in the parish
of Ulverstone in the county palatine of Lancaster, also indulged in
the luxury of a trance, which is described as follows:--
=A New Prophesy; or, An=
ACCOUNT
Of a young Girl, not above Eight Years of Age; Who being in a Trance,
or lay as dead for the Space of Forty Eight Hours. With an Account of
the Strange and Wonderful Sight that she see in the other World.
With an Alarm from Heaven to the Inhabitants of the Earth; Giving an
Account how crying Sins of the Day and Time do provoke the Almighty.
With strange and wonderful Things, as a Warning to this last and worst
Age, agreeable to the Holy Scriptures and Divine Revelation. The like
never published; That the Saying of the Almighty may be fulfilled,
That out of the Mouth of Babes and Sucklings God will perfect Praise.
[Illustration]
LICENSED AND ENTERED ACCORDING TO ORDER.
GOD'S JUST JUDGMENT ON
BLASPHEMERS,
_Being a Terrible Warning Piece to repining Murmurers, set forth in a
dreadful Example of the Almighty's Wrath, on one Mr. Thomas Freeburn
a Farmer, near Andover in Wiltshire, who utter'd those horrid and
blasphemous Expressions, That God never did him any good in his Life,
and he believed did not know what he did himself; with other words too
monstrous and devilish to be repeated: Upon which he was immediately
struck Speechless, Motionless and almost without sign of Life, and
fell down as in a dead Sleep; and no strength of Men or Horses, has
been able hitherto to remove him from the ground._
Also an Account of his wicked Life and Actions for 24 Years before
this just Judgment fell upon him, with his coming to his Speech again,
in four Months and twenty Day's time, and the terrible Sights he
saw in the other World, which he has discover'd to some thousands of
Spectators.
LICENSED AND ENTERED ACCORDING TO ORDER.
_A Dreadful Warning_
TO ALL WICKED AND FORSWORN
SINNERS.
Shewing the sad and dreadful Example of Nicholas Newsom and
David Higham, who were drinking in a Public House in Dudley
near Birmingham on Thursday; the 5th day of March 1761. Giving
an Account, how they laid a Wager, whether could swear the
most blasphemous Oaths, and how they were struck Deaf and
Dumb, with their Tongues hanging out of their Mouths.
_To which is added a Sermon, preached on this Occasion, by the Rev.
Dr. Smith from the following Text. Matt. 5. 34. 35. Swear not at all
neither by Heaven for it is Gods Throne; nor by the earth for it is
his Footstool._
[Illustration]
Here is a full and true
_RELATION_
OF ONE
MR. RICH LANGLY, A GLAZIER,
_Living over against the Sign of the Golden Wheat Sheaf in Ratcliff
Highway, London, that lay in a Trance for two Days and one Night. He
also saw the Joys of Heaven and the Terrors of Hell._
You have also an Account when he came out of his Trance, how he
declared to the Minister, that he had but 5 Days to live in this
World, before he should depart. As soon as the Minister was gone out
of the Room, it is said the Devil appearing to him, and asking of him
if he would Sell his Soul and Body to Him, proffering him in the
shape of a Gentleman, a bag of Gold, but he crying out against it, and
saying, Lord Jesus receive my soul.
Having an account how the Devil Vanished away in a Flame of Fire, you
have also in this Book, a Good and Godly Sermon, that was Preached
on him at his Funeral, by that Reverend and Learned Divine, Dr. Pede,
Minister, of the Parish Church of Clakenwell London.
LICENSED ACCORDING TO ORDER.
LONDON: PRINTED FOR T. BLAND NEAR FLEET STREET.
=A Full, True and Particular=
ACCOUNT
_of the Ghost or Apparition of the Late Duke of Buckingham's Father,
which several Times appeared in Armor to one of the Duke's Servants;
and for about half a Year before foretold the Dukes death_.
[Illustration]
PRINTED BY F. C. IN THE OLD BAILEY.
This account of the apparition of Sir George Villiers purports to
be an "Extract a Monsieur d'Ablancour, le Vie le Grand Duc de
Buckingham," but in reality is taken word for word from Clarendon's
"History of the Rebellion," book i. pars. 89 to 93; according to
which, the apparition appeared three times to an officer of the king's
wardrobe, in Windsor Castle, and commanded him to tell the Duke of
Buckingham "that if he did not somewhat to ingratiate himself to the
People, or at least, to abate the Extream Mallice they had against
him, he would be suffer'd to live but a Short Time." He is reported
to have seen the duke, and left him much troubled. Soon afterwards the
duke was murdered by Felton.
There were many strange stories similar to this afloat. Lilly the
conjuror gave a version in his "Observations on the Life and Death
of King Charles," which Dr. Robert Plot contradicted, and gave an
altogether fresh one, in all probability as veracious.
That the duke received warnings of danger to himself is undoubted.
Sir Henry Wotton, in his "Short View of the Life and Death of George
Villiers Duke of Buckingham" (1642), admits it, but he denies any
supernatural warning. He says, "I have spent some enquiry whether
he had any ominous presagement before his end; wherein though both
ancient and modern Stories have been infected with much vanity;
yet oftentimes things fall out of that kind which may bear a sober
constitution, whereof I will glean two or three in the Duke's Case.
"Being to take his leave of my Lords Grace of _Canturbury_ the
only Bishop of _London_, whom he knew well planted in the King's
unchangeable affection, by his own great abilities, after cortesies of
courage had passed between them; My Lord, sayes the Duke, I know your
Lordship hath very worthily good accesses unto the King our Soveraign,
let me pray you to put His Majesty in minde to be good, as I no way
distrust, to my poor wife and children; at which words, or at his
countenance in the delivery, or at both, My Lord Bishop being somewhat
troubled, took the freedom to aske him where [? whether] he had never
any secret abodements in his minde, No (replyed the Duke) but I think
some adventure may kill me as well as another man," etc.
THE
PORTSMOUTH GHOST
OR A
_Full and true Account of a Strange, wonderful, and dreadful Appearing
of the Ghost of Madam Johnson, a beautiful young Lady of Portsmouth_
SHEWING
1. Her falling in Love with Mr. John Hunt, a Captain in one of
the Regiments sent to Spain.
2. Of his promising her Marriage, and leaving her big With
Child.
3. Of her selling herself to the Devil to be revenged on the
Captain.
4. Of her ripping open her own Belly, and the Devil's flying
away with her Body, and leaving the Child in the room.
5. Of the Captain's Fleet being drove back by a Storm to St.
Helen's.
6. Of her appearing to several Sailors, acquainting them who
she was.
7. Of her Carrying him away in the night in a flame of fire.
PRINTED AND SOLD BY CLUER DICEY AND CO. IN ALDERMARY
CHURCH YARD, BOW LANE.
This book is useful, as it shows the early date of the firm of Dicey
in Aldermary Churchyard. It must have been published very early in the
century, for her ghost appeared to him whilst on his voyage to Vigo;
the date of the famous capture of the galleons and the large quantity
of snuff, which augmented, if it did not almost inaugurate, the taste
for snuff-taking in England, being 1702. The catastrophe of the poem
is graphically told.
"The next time that she came again
For to have perish'd on the main,
They all expected for to rue
So violent the storm it grew.
They all at fervent prayers were,
At length this sailor, I declare,
Did speak to her, and thus did say,
What ails thy troubled spirit pray?
The truth she quickly then did tell.
Saying Him I'll have, then all is well
Then with a visage fierce and Grim,
She strait approached unto him,
He went to turn and hide his face,
She cry'd False man it is too late,
She clasp'd him in her arms straitway,
But no man knew his dying day.
In a flash of fire many see
She dragged him into the sea
The storm is soon abated where
They all returned thanks by prayer
Unto the Lord that sav'd their lives
And delivered them from that surprise
Let this a warning be to all
That reads the same both great and small."
THE
GUILFORD GHOST.
Being an Account of the Strange and Amazing Apparition or Ghost of Mr.
Christopher Slaughterford; with the manner of his Wonderful Appearance
to Joseph Lee his Man, and one Roger Voller, at Guildford in Surrey,
on Sunday and Monday Night last, in a sad and astonishing manner, in
several dreadful and frightful Shapes, with a Rope about his Neck, a
flaming Torch in one hand and a Club in the Other, crying Vengeance,
Vengeance. With other amazing particulars.
[Illustration]
LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. WYAT IN SOUTHWARK, 1709.
There is a contemporary Chap-book with this, printed by A. Hinde in
Fleet Street, 1709: "The Birth, Parentage, and Education, Life and
Conversation of Mr. Christopher Slaughterford, who was Executed at
Guildford in Surrey, on Saturday the 9th July, 1709, for the Barbarous
Murther of Jane Young, his Sweetheart," etc.
There was a peculiarity about this case--for the man protested
his innocence to the last, although the evidence was very strongly
circumstantial against him--and public opinion being exercised
thereon, the necessary "catchpenny" was forthcoming. His ghost seems
to have appeared to several people, and the book winds up: "P.S. Just
now we have an Account from the Marshalsea Prison in Southwark, that
he was seen there by several of the Prisoners on Tuesday Night last,
and that he has been heard to make his Fetters jingle in the Whyte
Lyon, being the place where he was put after his condemnation;
insomuch, that those who have heard the said unaccountable Noise are
afraid to go near the said Place after Day light."
THE
=Wonder of Wonders=
BEING
A Strange and Wonderful Relation of a Mermaid, that was seen and spoke
with, on the Black Rock nigh Liverpool, by John Robinson Mariner, who
was tossed on the Ocean for Six days and Nights; Together with the
Conversation he had with her, and how he was preserved; with the
Manner of his Death five days after his return Home.
[Illustration]
LICENSED AND ENTERED ACCORDING TO ORDER.
On the 29th of April last one Mr. James Dixon Captain and Commander
of the Ship Dolphin in her passage from Amsterdam in Holland, was beat
back by a tempestuous Wind and all the Men perished except a young Man
named John Robinson, who was taken very ill on board the Ship, and was
left to Almighty Providence, and to the Mercy of the Seas and Winds,
and was also in great Fear and dreadful fright on the Main Ocean,
for the said John Robinson dreamt that he was on the top of an high
Mountain, whose top he thought reach'd up to the Heavens, and that
there was a fine Castle, about the Circumference of a Mile, and
furnished with all sorts of Diamonds, and precious Stones, and
likewise on the top of the Mountain was a well, which Water was as
sweet as Honey and as white as Milk, that whomsoever drank of that
Water should never be dry again; with all sorts of Musick very
delightful to hear, so one would think, as one suppos'd seven Years in
that Place, not so long as a Day.
After having view'd the Castle round he observed to his great
Admiration, a beautiful young Lady, who was guarded by Seven Serpents,
very frightful to behold.
Suppose the young Lady was very beautiful, yet he wish'd rather to be
a Thousand Miles off than in the Sight of those Serpents; and looking
round about, he espy'd (to his great Comfort) a green Gate, and a
street pav'd with blue Marble, which open'd at his coming to it, and
so he got away from the Serpents; But coming to the top of the Hill,
he did not know how to get down, it being very high and steep, but he
found a Ladder to his Comfort; it being very slender, was afraid
to venture, but at last was oblig'd to go down it, for one of the
Serpents having taken Notice of him pursued him so very close that he
was in great Danger, and thought he fell and broke his leg, and that
the Serpent fell upon him, which awaked him in great Fright, and
almost made him mad.
By this you may think what a great trouble he was in, awaked alone on
the Main Ocean, when missing all the rest of the Ships Crew, and also
the great Danger he was in.
But to his great Amazement, he espy'd a beautiful young Lady combing
her head, and toss'd on the Billows, cloathed all in green (but by
chance he got the first word with her) then she with a Smile came on
board and asked how he did. The young Man being Something Smart and a
Scholar, reply'd Madam I am the better to see you in good Health, in
great hopes trusting you will be a comfort and assistance to me in
this my low Condition; and so caught hold of her Comb and Green Girdle
that was about her Waist. To which she replied, Sir, you ought not
to rob a young Woman of her Riches, and then expect a favour at her
Hands; but if you will give me my Comb and Girdle again, what lies in
my power, I will do for you.
At which Time he had no Power to keep them from her, but immediately
delivered them up again; she then smiling, thank'd him, and told him,
If he would meet her again next Friday she wou'd set him on shore. He
had no power to deny her, so readily gave his Consent; at which time
she gave him a Compass and desired him to Steer South West; he thank'd
her and told her he wanted some News. She said she would tell him the
next opportunity when he fulfilled his promises; but that he would
find his Father and Mother much grieved about him, and so jumping into
the Sea she departed out of his sight.
At her departure the Tempest ceased and blew a fair Gale to South
West, so he got safe on shore; but when he came to his Father's
House he found every Thing as she had told him. For she told him
also concerning his being left on Ship board, and how all the Seamen
perished, which he found all true what she had told him, according to
the promise made him.
He was still very much troubled in his Mind, concerning his promise,
but yet while he was thus Musing, she appeared to him with a smiling
Countenance and (by his Misfortune) she got the first word of him,
so that he could not speak one Word, but was quite Dumb, yet he took
Notice of the Words she spoke; and she began to Sing. After which she
departed out of the young Mans sight, taking from him the Compass.
She took a Ring from off her Finger, and put it on the young Man's,
and said, she expected to see him once again with more Freedom. But
he never saw her more, upon which he came to himself again, went
home, and was taken ill, and died in five Days after, to the wonderful
Admiration of all People who saw the young Man.
FINIS.
DREAMS AND MOLES
WITH THEIR
_Interpretation and Signification_
Made far more Manifest and Plain than any Published, to the very
meanest Capacities, by the most ancient as well as the most modern
Rules of Philosophy.
_To which is prefixed, A Collection of choice and valuable
Receipts concerning Love and Marriage._
FIRST COMPILED IN GREEK, AND NOW FAITHFULLY
RENDERED INTO ENGLISH BY A FELLOW OF THE ROYAL
SOCIETY, AND A TRUE LOVER OF LEARNING.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD, BOW LANE.
THE
=Old Egyptian Fortune-Teller's
Last Legacy=
CONTAINING
1. The Wheel of Fortune by pricking with a Pin.
2. The Wheel of Fortune by the Dice.
3. The Signification of Moles.
4. The Art of Palmistry.
5. The Interpretation of Dreams.
6. The Art of Physiognomy; with the Signification of Lines in
the Face.
7. Omens of good and bad luck.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD,
BOW LANE, LONDON.
The engravings in this Chap-book are very numerous, but neither they
nor the subject-matter are worth reproducing in their entirety. Two
extracts will suffice to give an idea of the book.
"THE SIGNIFICATION OF MOLES.
[Illustration]
A Mole on the right Shoulder, denotes happiness to man or woman.
A Mole on the left shoulder, denotes a man to be quarrelsome but a
woman to have many husbands.
A Mole on the left cheek, denotes fruitfulness in man or woman.
A Mole on the left ribs denotes a Man very cruel, and a woman to be
vain and proud.
A Mole near the right Shoulder, denotes a Man to be a slave to love,
and shews that a woman will be beloved of great Men.
A Mole under the right loin, signifies an industrious man, and good to
a woman.
A Mole on the buttock denotes honour to a man, and Riches to a woman.
A Mole on the right side the belly, denotes a Man to flow in riches,
and a woman to be happy in Marriage.
One under the right breast, denotes good Fortune.
One on the back denotes Riches and honour.
One on the right hip signifies good fortune in wedlock to man or
woman.
One near the navel signifies many Children.
It is a most certain truth. That if the second toe, near the great
toe, be as long as the great toe, the person will be very rich and
happy.
THE SIGNIFICATION OF DREAMS.
[Illustration]
To dream of musick signifies speedy marriage.
To dream of falling out denotes constancy.
To dream a ring falls from off your finger, signifies the loss of a
friend.
To dream of meeting a coffin, signifies the death of a friend.
To dream of birds singing, signifies joy.
To dream of having teeth drawn, loss of friends.
To fight with and destroy serpents, denotes victory over enemies.
To dream of kisses denotes love from a friend.
To dream of a ring put on your finger, denotes a speedy marriage.
To fly high, signifies praise.
To dream of gathering fruit from trees well loaden, is gain and
profit.
To dream of fire, and not being able to quench it, signifies quarrels.
To dream of being at a wedding, signifies the death of friends.
To dream of vermin, and to be troubled in killing them signifies much
riches.
To see the Sun or Moon greater than ordinary, signifies increase of
honour.
To be at a feast and eat greedily, signifies sickness.
To speak with an Angel that reveals secrets to you denotes preferment.
To dream of losing blood by the nose is of ill consequence.
To find difficulty in passing a river, signifies hard labour.
To dream of falling from a high place without hurt is good.
If you lay a bunch of rosemary under your head, on Easter eve, you
will dream of the party you shall enjoy."
A NEW
_FORTUNE BOOK_.
BEING A NEW ART OF COURTSHIP
Open'd for young Men and Maids, Widows, Widowers and Batchelors,
Instructions for young Men and Maids, how they may know their good or
bad Fortune, shewing the signification of Moles, the Interpretation of
Dreams, the famous Secret and New invented Art of making the true and
false Love Powder; to make the Enchanted Ring that will cause Love.
Also how to cure a Drunken Husband or a Scolding Wife, secondly, how
to cure the Ague, Thirdly how to cure the Tooth Ache.
[Illustration]
SOLD AT CIRENCESTER.
THE
_HISTORY_
OF
=Mother Bunch of the West=
CONTAINING
Many Rarities out of her Golden
Closet of Curiosities.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD AT THE LONDON AND MIDDLESEX PRINTING
OFFICE. NO 81 SHOE LANE, HOLBORN.
THE HISTORY OF
MOTHER BUNCH
Is not particularly interesting, except for its scraps of folk-lore,
and both parts consist principally of receipts for girls to get
husbands. A few examples may be acceptable.
"Take a St. Thomas's onion, pare it, and lay it on a clean
handkerchief under your pillow; put on a clean smock, and as you lie
down, lay your arms abroad, and say these words
Good St. Thomas, do me right
And bring my love to me this night,
That I may view him in the face,
And in my arms may him embrace.
Then lying on thy back, with thy arms abroad, go to sleep as soon as
you can, and in your first sleep you shall dream of him who is to be
your husband, and he will come and offer to kiss you; do not hinder
him, but catch him in thy arms, and strive to hold him, for that is
he.
"Yet I have another pretty way for a maid to know her sweetheart which
is as follows: Take a summer apple, of the best fruit, stick pins
close into the apple, to the head, and as you stick them, take notice
which of them is the middlemost, and give it what name you fancy; put
it into thy left hand glove, and lay it under thy pillow on Saturday
night, after thou gettest into bed, then clap thy hands together, and
say these words.
If thou be he that must have me
To be thy wedded bride,
Make no delay, but come away
This night to my bedside.
And in thy sleep thou shalt see him come in his shirt, and if he offer
thee any abuse, he will be great with another woman; but if he puts
his hand over thee be not afraid, for it is a sign he'll prove a
good husband; and this is a good way for a young man to know his
sweetheart, giving the middlemost pin that name he fancies best,
putting an apple in his right hand glove, and laying it under his
pillow when he is in bed, saying,
If thou be she that must have me
In wedlock for to join,
Make no delay, but come away
Unto this bed of mine.
And that night he may see her, as if she came in her shift and
petticoat she will prove a civil woman--but if she comes with her
shift only, she will prove a ranter, and so better lost than found."
"On Midsummer Eve three or four of you must dip your shifts in fair
water, then turn them wrong side outwards, and hang them on chairs
before the fire, and lay some salt on another chair, and speak not a
word. In a short time the likeness of him you are to marry will come
and turn your smocks, and drink to you; but if there be any of you
will never marry, they will hear a bell, but not the rest."
"_Another way quickly tried._
"Take hemp seed, and go into what place you will by yourself, carry
the seed in your apron, and with your right hand throw it over your
shoulder, saying,
Hemp seed I sow, hemp seed I sow,
And he that must be my true love,
Come after me and mow.
And at the ninth time expect to see the figure of him you are to wed,
or else to hear a bell as before."
"_Another way._
"The first change of the New Moon in the New Year, the first time you
see it, hold your hands across, saying this three times.
New Moon, New Moon, I pray thee,
Tell me this night who my true love will be.
Then go to bed without speaking a word, and you will certainly dream
of the person you shall marry."
[Illustration: A GENTLEMAN GOING TO CONSULT WITH MOTHER BUNCH.]
[Illustration: MOTHER BUNCH'S FUNERAL.
Thus all her Art at length could not her save,
From death's dire stroke, and mould'ring in the Grave.
]
THE
HISTORY
OF
MOTHER SHIPTON.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD, LONDON.
THE HISTORY OF
MOTHER SHIPTON.
All tradition agrees with the Chap-book version, that Mother Shipton
was born at Knaresborough, in Yorkshire. According to this Chap-book,
her father was the devil, and she was born in 1488, in a violent
storm of thunder and lightning. "The strange physiognomy of the infant
frighted the gossips; its body was long, and very big boned, great
goggling, sharp and fiery eyes, and unproportionable nose, full of
crooks, turnings and red pimples, which gave such light that needed
not a candle to dress her by; as it was likewise observed that as
soon as she was born, she fell a grinning and laughing after a jeering
manner; and immediately the tempest ceased." This interesting child
was christened by the Abbot of Beverley by the name of Ursula, and she
took the surname of Sontibles, after her mother, who, when her child
was two years old, repented of her evil ways, and retired to the
convent of St. Bridget, near Nottingham. At the age of twenty-four,
Ursula married Toby Shipton, a carpenter, and it is related they lived
comfortably together, but never had any children. The wonders she
worked are all jocular, and some rather broad in their humour, but
it is by her prophecies that she is more generally known. Many are
attributed to her, which she probably never uttered, and those in the
Chap-book are mainly local. She prophesied that Cardinal Wolsey should
never see York; and "at divers other times when persons of quality
came to visit her she delivered these prophecies.
"FIRST PROPHECY.
"Before Oose bridge and Trinity Church meet, they shall build by day
and it shall fall by night; until they get the uppermost stone of
Trinity Church to be the lowest stone of Oose Bridge.
"_Explanation._
"This came to pass, for Trinity steeple in York was blown down by a
tempest and Oose Bridge broke down by a rapid flood, and what they
repaired by day fell down by night, until they laid the highest stone
of the steeple as a foundation of the Bridge.
"SECOND PROPHECY.
"A time shall come when a ship will come sailing up the Thames till it
is opposite London, and the master of the ship asks the Captain of the
ship why he weeps, since he has made so good a voyage; and he shall
say, Ah! what a grand city was this? none in all the world comparable
to it, and now there is scarce a house left.
"_Explanation._
"These words were verified after the dreadful Fire of London in 1666,
not one house being left on the Thames side from the Tower to the
Temple," etc., etc.
There are more, but these are a fair sample, and two illustrations are
also given, showing the then popular idea of a _Walpurgisnacht_.
Mother Shipton is said to have died in 1561, but her life and
prophecies were not published till 1641, in a small quarto tract,
"The Prophesie of Mother Shipton in the raigne of Henry the eighth.
Foretelling the death of Cardinal Wolsey, the lord Percy, and others,
as also what should happen in insuing times. London: Printed for
Richard Lownds at his shop adjoyning to Ludgate. 1641."
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
NIXON'S
CHESHIRE PROPHECY
_AT LARGE_
Published from Lady Cowpers correct
Copy in the reign of Queen Ann.
WITH
HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL REMARKS;
AND
_Several Instances wherein it has been
Fullfilled_
ALSO HIS LIFE
Nixon unfolds the dark decrees of fate
Foretells our Second George shall make him great;
That Gallia's Politicks are all a Trance,
For Brunswick's Arms shall conquer wily France.
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD, BOW LANE,
LONDON.
[Illustration: ROBERT NIXON.]
Judging from Mother Shipton, and this portrait of Nixon, our native
prophets are not remarkable for their good looks. The latter,
especially, seems to have owed very little to nature, for he is
described as being "a short squab fellow, had a great head and goggle
eyes, that he used to drivel as he spoke, which was very seldom, and
was extremely surly.
"Against Children he particularly had a spite, especially if they made
any sport of him, and would run after them and beat them. At first he
was a plough boy to Farmer Crowton of Swanton, and so stubborn, they
could make him do nothing without beating. They could seldom get any
thing out of him but Yes and No, unless he was pinched with hunger;
for he had a very good stomach, and could eat up a shoulder of mutton
at one meal, with a good hunch of bread and cheese after it."
The spirit of prophecy seems to have come suddenly upon him, and his
recorded vaticinations are purely local.
His end was sad. "The noise of Nixon's predictions coming to the ears
of the King [presumably James I.] he would needs see this fool; he
cried, and made much ado that he might not go to court, and the reason
he gave was that he should be starved. The King being informed of
Nixon's refusing to come, said He would take particular care that he
should not be starved; and ordered him to be brought up. Nixon cried
out he was sent for again--and soon after the messenger arrived, who
brought him up from Cheshire. How or whether he prophesied to his
Majesty no body can tell but he is not the first fool that has made
a good court prophet.--That Nixon might be well provided for, it was
ordered he should be kept in the kitchen; but he grew so troublesome
in licking and picking the meat, that the cooks locked him up in a
hole, and the King going on a sudden from Hampton Court to London,
they forgot Nixon in the hurry, and he was starved to death." The
first printed book relating to him is "The Cheshire Prophesy; with
Historical and Political Remarks. (By John Oldmixon) London printed
and sold by A. Baldwin, in Warwick Lane, price 3_d._" (1714).
REYNARD THE FOX.
Of the antiquity of this story there is no doubt; the only difficulty
is to say how old it is. A poem in Flemish, called "der Reinaert," was
known in the eleventh century; and in two _serventes_, or verses of
the Troubadours, attributed to our Richard I., the names of Isegrim
the Wolf and Reinhart are found. It was, however, reserved to England
to have first printed it, as Caxton did in 1481. This rare book is in
the British Museum, and winds up "Prayeng alle them that shal see this
lytyl treatis to correcte and amende Where they shal fynde faute / For
I haue not added ne mynusshed but haue folowed as nyghe as I can my
Copye whiche was in dutche / and by me Willm Caxton translated in to
this rude and symple englyssh in thabbey of Westmestre + fynysshed the
vj daye of Juyn the yere of our lord mcccclxxxj and the xxj yere of
the regne of Kynge Edward the iiijth /." Roscoe[3] says the earliest
printed German copy would appear to be 1498, written in the dialect
of Lower Saxony; though there was a Dutch romance in prose bearing
the same title, "Historie van Reynaert de Vos," published at Delft in
1485. Goethe ennobled the subject by his poem in 1794.
This Chap-book version is somewhat condensed, but it gives a very good
account of the romance, and, as it is not very well known, it is given
_in extenso_.
[Footnote 3: "German Novelists," vol. i.]
THE HISTORY
OF
REYNARD THE FOX
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD
BOW LANE. LONDON
1780.
CHAP. 1.
A GREAT FEAST PROCLAIMED BY THE LION, AT WHICH THE WOLF, HIS
WIFE AND THE HOUND COMPLAIN AGAINST REYNARD THE FOX.
[Illustration]
It was when the woods was cloathed with green attire, and the meadows
adorned with fragrant flowers; when birds chaunted forth their
harmonious songs, the Lion made a great feast at his palace at Sanden;
and issued a proclamation for all the beasts and birds to come thereto
without delay, on pain of his contempt.
Now being assembled before the King, there were some beasts found
there that made great complaints against the Fox (who was absent)
particularly Isegrim the Wolf who thus began:
Dread Sovereign,
I beseech thee to take pity on me and my wife, for the injuries we
have sustained by that false creature Reynard the Fox; who came into
my house by violence and befouled my children in such a rank manner
that they became instantly blind; for which I expect from him amends,
and from your Majesty Justice.
When the Wolf had ended, up starts Curtis the Hound, and complaining
against Reynard, said, That in the cold season of the Winter, when
he was kept from all manner of prey, and half-starved, having but one
poor pudding left, the said Reynard had taken it from him.
Tibert the Cat, upon this got up, and falling before the King, said,
My Lord, I must confess that Reynard the Fox is much complained
against, yet each of these will find enough for his clearing; for
concerning the offence against the Hound it was committed long since;
the puding was mine, though I complained not, for I got it out of the
Mill by night when the miller lay asleep.
Here the Panther interrupted the Cat, saying, It was just and good
to complain against Reynard, for all the world knows he is a thief,
murderer, and ravisher; and false to every creature: I will tell you
what I saw him do yesterday to Kayward the Hare, who is now standing
in the King's presence. He promised to teach him his Credo, and make
him a good chaplain; but had I not come by he had killed him, for he
had got poor Kayward between his legs, and was squeezing his throat:
therefore, O my Lord if you suffer him to go unpunished that hath
broken the peace, your Children hereafter will bear the shadow of this
evil--Certainly Panther, said Isegrim, what you say is true.
CHAP. 2.
GRIMBARD THE BROCK'S SPEECH IN BEHALF OF REYNARD.
Grimbard the Brock who was Reynard's Sister's Son, being moved with
anger, said, Isegrim, you are malicious and as the proverb is, Malice
never speaks well of any one: I wish you would agree that he who hath
done the most injury of either my Cousin Reynard or you, should die
the death; was he here at Court, and in favour as you are, he would
make you ask forgiveness, for have you not bitten and torn him with
your venemous teeth? have you forgot how you cheated him of his
plaice, of which you left him nothing but the bones; also of the
flitch of bacon; the taste of which was so good, that you eat it up
from him alone, though he got it at the danger of his own life; I
must confess that my kinsman lay with his wife, but it was seven years
before Isgrim married her; so what credit gets he by slandering his
wife, when she is troubled at it.
Now comes Kayward the Hare with his complaint, which is but a trifle;
for if he would not learn his lesson, can you blame his schoolmaster
Reynard for giving due correction; and lastly, for Curtise had he not
stole the pudding himself? and who can blame Reynard for taking away
stolen goods from a thief; my uncle is a gentleman, a true man, and
cannot endure falsehood; he does nothing but by the Council of a
priest; and since the King hath made peace, he hath hurt no body; he
eats but once a day, wears a hair shirt, and hath eat no meat for this
year past; he hath forsaken his Castle, a poor hermitage retains him;
he hath distributed all his wealth, and lives upon alms, and doth
infinite penance for his Sins.
[Illustration]
CHAP. 3.
THE COCK'S COMPLAINT AGAINST REYNARD; AND THE KING'S ANSWER.
Thus while Grimbard stood preaching was brought upon a bier by
Canticleer the Cock, a dead Hen, whose head Reynard had bitten off:
On each side stood two sorrowful Hens, sisters to the deceased, each
bearing a burning torch, and crying out, Alack-and-a-well-a-day for
the loss of our sister Copple: and being come before the King, they
kneeled down, and said
Most mighty King,
Vouchsafe to redress the great injuries that Reynard the Fox hath done
me and my children, now weeping before you. In April last, in fair
weather, and I in the midst of my pride, having seven fair daughters,
was envied by Reynard, who made many attempts to get at us by scaling
the wall, but was repulsed, and had his skin tore by the dogs: but
at last he came like a hermit with a letter to read, signed with your
Majesty's seal, in which I found you had made peace throughout your
whole realm, and that no beast nor fowl should hurt one another; and
as for him he was become a Monk, did penance for his sins, shewed me
his books and beads, the hair shirt next his skin, and vowed to eat no
more flesh; and saying his Credo, laid himself down under a bench.--I
was glad to hear this, and took no heed, but clucked my children
together; but false Reynard crept between us and the gate, seized
on, bore away, and destroyed fifteen of them; and yesterday Copple my
daughter, now on the bier, was rescued from him by a kennel of Hounds:
so for all this, I beg of your Majesty, Justice.
The King then turning to Grimbard, said, Your Uncle hath prayed
and fasted well, hath he not? I vow he shall suffer for this--Mr.
Canticleer I have heard your complaint and will grant your request;
give your daughter solemn burial, and I will consult with my Lords to
give you right against the murderer.--This the King immediately did,
and it was agreed to send Bruin the Bear to summon Reynard to appear
before the King to answer to the heavy crimes laid to his charge.
CHAP. 4.
BRUIN THE BEAR UNFORTUNATE IN HIS MESSAGE TO REYNARD THE FOX.
The next morning went Bruin to Malepardus, a high mountain where
Reynard had a castle, and knocked at the gate, he cried aloud, Sir
Reynard, are you at home? I am Bruin your kinsman, come to summons you
to Court, to answer to several complaints laid against you; and if
you appear not to your summons, the King vows you shall answer it with
your life.--Reynard hearing this, ran into one of his holes, where he
plotted how he might bring the Bear to disgrace, whom he knew loved
him not. At last he came out of his holes saying, Dear uncle you are
welcome, I was busy when you spoke, in saying my evening devotion. I
am sorry you have taken this long journey, for I intended to have been
at court to-morrow; indeed I wish we were there now, since I have left
off eating meat, my body is swelled and distempered with eating
so many honey combs through wantonness, that I fear its
consequence.--How! quoth Bruin do you make so light of honey combs,
which is meat for the Emperor? Nephew help me to some and I will be
your friend for ever--Quoth the Fox, well I will bring you to a place
where you shall have as much of it as you can eat: at this the Bear
laughed till he could hardly stand. Well, thought Reynard, you will
soon laugh on the other side of the mouth. So he brought him to a
Carpenter's Yard where in stood a great oak tree with two great wedges
in it and the clift open. Dear Uncle, said the Fox, be careful, for
within this tree is much honey; pray eat moderate, for a surfeit is
dangerous.--Never fear you that, said Bruin; so he entered the tree
with eagerness, and thrust his head into the cleft quite over his
ears; which the Fox perceiving, pulled out the wedges, and the Bear
was locked fast in, and roared out hedieously; while the Fox at a
distance said, Is the honey good, Uncle? do you like it? pray do not
surfeit yourself with it: then left him and went to his Castle. The
Bears noise brought out the Carpenter and his neighbours with great
sticks and staves; and the Bear seeing so many enemies, at last
wrenched his head out of the tree, leaving behind him his skin and
ears; upon this the people fell on him and beat him most woefully;
however at last he got from them, bitterly cursing the Fox, who had
brought him to this misery. In great pain and grief he at length
arrived at the King's Court, where he cried out, Behold, dread
Sovereign, for doing your Royal will and pleasure I am come to this
disgrace. Then said the King, How durst he do this? I swear by my
crown I will take such revenge as shall make him tremble.
Upon this was summoned another council, when it was agreed to send
Tibert the Cat.
[Illustration]
CHAP. 5.
TIBERT THE CAT'S AMBASSY TO REYNARD, WITH THE BAD SUCCESS OF IT.
[Illustration]
Tibert was loath to go on this message, but at length, fearing the
King's displeasure, undertook it; and arriving at Malepardus, he
found the Fox standing at his Castle gate, to whom he thus addressed
himself. Health to my Cousin Reynard: the King by me summonses you to
the Court, on sure pain of death for the refusal--Welcome Cousin, I
obey the command, and wish my sovereign all happiness; only let me
desire you to stay all night, and early in the morning I will go
with you--I am content to stay, says Tibert, you speak like a
gentleman--Truly says the Fox, I have but one honeycomb left, what
think you of it for supper? I had rather have a mouse, replied
Tibert--A Mouse dear Cousin! here is a parson hard by that hath a barn
full of mice. Dear Reynard, lead me thither, and I will be your friend
for ever--Now the Fox had the night before got into the parson's barn
and stole a fat hen, which so exasperated the priest, that he sat a
snare to catch him, of which the Fox being apprized, had escaped: To
this hole brings the Cat, saying Go in here, and you will soon get
your bellyfull. I will wait for you till you come out.
But may I go in safety said the Cat, for Priests are very subtle.
Cousin, said the Fox, I never knew you a Coward before. Puss being
ashamed at this reproof, sprung in, and was quickly caught by the
Neck; which as soon as the Cat felt, he leaped back again, so that
the snare closed faster and had like to have strangled him, so that he
exclaimed bitterly against Reynard, who scornfully said, Tibert, dost
thou love mice? but the Cat mewed sadly. The priest rising out of his
bed called up his servant, saying, We have caught the Fox that stole
our Hens; and coming to Tibert, smote him with a great Staff, and
struck out one of his eyes. The Cat thinking his death near, leaped
between the Priests legs and fastened his Claws into them; which when
his wife saw, swore she would rather lose the whole offering of seven
years, than see him so abused--This threw the priest into a swoon, so
they all left the Cat, and the Fox returned to his Castle, thinking
Tibert past recovery; but he, seeing his foes busy about the priest
gnawed the Cord asunder, and made her escape out of the hole, going
roaring to court with the loss of one eye, and a bruised body; so that
when the King beheld him he was angry and took Council once more how
to be revenged on the Fox.
CHAP. 6.
THE BROCK'S EMBASSY TO REYNARD, THE FOX'S CONFESSION AND THEIR ARRIVAL
AT COURT.
Then said the King, Go you Sir Grimbard, but take heed, Reynard is
very subtle. Brock thanked his Majesty, and taking his leave, went to
Malepardus, and found Reynard and his wife sporting with their young
ones--Having saluted them, he said, Take heed uncle, that absence from
the Court doth not do you more harm than you think for; the complaints
against you are many and great; this is the third summons, and if you
delay coming, you and yours will find no mercy, for in three days your
Castle will be demolished, all your kindred made slaves, and you a
publick example; unless you can make your innocence appear; and
the which I doubt not you have discretion to do.--Very true nephew,
replied Reynard, I will go with you, not only to clear myself, but
to the shame of my enemies; many of which I have at court: so taking
leave of his family he and Grimbard set out for Sandem the King's
Palace--On their way Reynard made the following confession unto his
nephew Grimbard; Blame me not dear cousin, if my life be full of Care;
for I strive to blot out my sins by repentance, that my soul may be at
quiet: I have grievously offended against Canticleer the Cock and his
Children; my uncle Bruin the Bear and Tibert the Cat; nay I've abused
and slandered the King and Queen; I have betrayed Isegrim the Wolf by
calling him Uncle, when he is no kin to me; I made him bind his foot
to the bell rope to teach him to ring, but the peal had like to have
cost him his life; I taught him to catch fish, by which he was sorely
banged; I led him to the parson's house to steal bacon; I stole a fine
fat hen set before the priest for his dinner, in doing which he espied
and pursued me, when I was obliged to let the hen go and creep into
a hole; but the priest espying Isegrim, cried this is he, strike!
strike! So my enemies fell upon the Wolf and almost killed him--But
for all this I ask forgiveness.
Here on their way they met a Pullen, at which the Fox glanced his
eye (for the ill that was bred in the bone stuck) which Brock taking
notice of, said, Fie, dissembling Cousin why wander your eyes after
the Pullin?--You wrong me, nephew, said the Fox, my eyes wandered not;
I was just saying a Pater Noster for the Souls of the Pullens I have
formerly slain; in which devotion you hindered me.
By this time they were come to the palace, and Reynard quaked for
fear, on account of the many and great crimes he had to answer for.
CHAP. 7.
REYNARD'S EXCUSE BEFORE THE KING HIS TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION.
At the news of Reynard's arrival, all sorts of the King's Subjects
from the highest to the lowest, prepared themselves to accuse
him--Though Reynard's heart trembled, yet he kept his countenance, and
went as proudly and unconcerned through the streets, as though he were
the King's Son, and entirely innocent of any offence--When he came
before the King, he said, Heaven preserve your Majesty, there never
came before you a more loyal subject than myself, and so will die;
I know there are several in your court that seek my life; but I am
persuaded your Majesty hates slanderers.--Peace, traiterous Reynard,
replied the King, thinkest thou to deceive me also; Know that the
peace which I commanded, you have broken; therefore, thou Devil among
the good, with what face can you pretend to love me? when all these
before me can testify against thee?--Said the Fox, my Liege, if
Bruin's crown be bloody with stealing honey; and Tibert loses her eye
by getting into the Priest's barn to steal mice; when they should have
been diligent in your majesty's embassy, can I help that? O my dread
Sovereign, I am as innocent as the Child unborn; however, use me as
you please. Upon this, Bruin the Bear, Bellin the Ram, Kaward the
Hare, Isegrim the Wolf, Bruel the Goose, Boulden the Ass, Borell the
Bull, and Canticleer the Cock, with their Children, all with one voice
cried out against the Fox; all which caused the King to order his
trial to be immediately brought on.
A parliament was summoned, and after a long trial, in the course of
which the Fox answered every thing with much craft, he was condemned;
whereupon Grimbard, and the rest of his kindred left the Court, as not
enduring to see him executed. The King seeing so many depart, said,
Though Reynard had some faults, yet he had many friends. This musing
of the King made the Cat, the Bear, and the Wolf jealous lest the King
should retract Reynard's sentence, and was angry at the delay of his
execution; to forward which Tibert produced the Cord in which he was
hanged in the priests house, and they put it round Reynard's neck, who
said, I do not fear death; I saw my father die, and he soon vanished;
death is familiar to me: but I beseech your Majesties (who were both
seated to see the execution) to grant me but one request before I die;
that is that I may unload my Conscience, and beg the assistance of
your prayers, that I may be made happy hereafter.
[Illustration]
CHAP. 8.
REYNARD'S CONFESSION AND PARDON.
Now every one began to pity Reynard, and prevailed with the King to
grant his request; which being done he thus began; Help me ye powers
above, for I can see none but whom I have offended; in my youth I used
to be much with the lambs, delighting in their bleating, till at last
biting one of them, I tasted the Sweetness of their blood, and could
not forbear ever since. This drew me into the woods among the goats,
where I slew and eat some young Kids; this made me more hardy, so I
fell to killing Hens, Geese, and other Pullin; for all was fish that
came to net. Afterwards I fell into bad company, as Isegrim, who
pretended to be my kinsman; we grew at last so intimate, that he stole
the great things and I the small; he murdered the Nobles, and I the
meaner subjects; I speak thus plainly, he had plate and jewels more
than ten carts could carry.--Ah! said the King, where is all this
treasure? It was stolen, my Liege, said the Fox, but had it not been
stolen as it was, it might have cost your Majesty's life--Discover
the matter immediately, said the Queen.--I am willing to discharge my
Conscience before I die: it is true the King was to have been killed
by his own subjects, I must confess by some of my nearest kindred; it
was thus, My father digging in the ground found the King's treasure,
whereupon he was so proud, that he scorned the rest of the beasts of
the wilderness; at last he caused Tibert the Cat to go to Bruin the
Bear in the forest of Arden, to do him homage, and promised to set the
crown upon Bruin's head; then he sent for his wife, Isegrim the Wolf,
and Tibert the Cat, amongst whom it was agreed to murder your Majesty,
and make Bruin king; but it happened that my nephew Grimbard being got
drunk, discovered it to Sluggard his wife, who in great secrecy told
it my wife and she discovered it to me. It grieved me to think a
ravenous Bear should depose you; but being desirous to find out this
treasure which my father had hid, I at last by constant watching did,
and I and my wife removed it. The plot being thus carried on with
secrecy, when my father went to the cave and found his treasure all
taken away, he for madness hanged himself--All this is true, I am now
ready to die, my conscience being eased.
The King and Queen hearing this, hoping to get from Reynard this
treasure, released him from the gibbet, desiring him to discover where
it lay.--Rather you than my enemies, said the Fox--Fear not Reynard,
said the Queen, the King shall spare thy life--Madam, replied the
King, will you believe, the Fox? know you not his quality is to
lie and steal? In these circumstances, my Lord, you may believe
him.--Well, Madam, for this time I will be ruled by you, and pardon
him, all his offences, with this promise, That if ever he offends
again, he and all his posterity shall be destroyed.
CHAP. 9.
REYNARD RESTORED TO FAVOUR AND PREFERRED.
Then said the King, Reynard, you shall do us homage; and for your
discoveries I will make you one of the Lords of my Council; discharge
your trust, and govern by truth and equity; henceforth I will be ruled
by your wisdom, and under me you shall be chief governor.
Reynard's friends thanked the King, and returned with the Fox, who
was glad he had sped so well, having caused Bruin and Tibert to be
destroyed, who sought his life.
Arriving at Malepardus there was great feasting and rejoicing at the
Fox's good fortune; after which Reynard thanked them for the love and
honour done him, protesting to be their friend and servant for ever;
and so shaking hands, they departed.
FINIS.
VALENTINE AND ORSON.
This romance is undoubtedly of French origin, and an edition of it
was printed at Lyons by Jac. Maillet in 1489, whilst one, probably
as early, was printed by Wynkyn de Worde, of which only a fragment
of four leaves is in existence. This is in the Duke of Devonshire's
library, and was found in the binding of an oak-covered volume in
his library at Bolton Abbey. William Coplande also printed two
editions--one "The Hystorye of the two Valyaunte Brethren Valentyne
and Orson, s[=on]es vn to the Emperour of Grece. Imprented at London
ouer agaynst S. Margaretes Church in Lothbery be William Coplande,"
quarto, black letter; and the other, "The Hystorye of the two
Valyaunte Brethren Valentyne and Orson Sonnes vnto the Emperour of
Greece (translated out of French by Henry Watson) Lond. by Wylliam
Coplande at the sygne of the Rose Garland," quarto--whilst in the
British Museum there are illustrations of the romance in a manuscript,
"10 E. IV. Royal," pp. 120, etc., and several beautifully printed
early French versions, notably those of Lyons, 1539, and Paris, 1540.
The idea of children being nursed by wild beasts is very common and
stories of such are told in quite modern times.
THE
HISTORY OF
=Valentine and Orson.=
Reader; you'll find this little Book contains
Enough to answer thy Expence and Pains;
And if with Caution you will read it thro'
'Twill both Instruct thee and Delight thee too.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD
BOW LANE, LONDON.
CHAP. 1.
THE BANISHMENT OF THE LADY BELLISANT WHO IS DELIVERED OF VALENTINE AND
ORSON AT ONE BIRTH IN A WOOD.
It is recorded, That PEPIN King of France had a fair sister named
Bellisant, who was married to Alexander, the Emperor of Greece, and
by him carried to his capital at Constantinople; from whence, after
having lived with great virtue, she was banished, through the means of
a false accuser, whom she had severely checked for his impudence; and
though at that time she was big with child, yet she was compelled
to leave her husband's empire, to the great regret of the people,
attended only with a Squire named Blandiman.
[Illustration]
After great fatigue and travel she arrived in the forest of Orleans,
where finding her pains come thick upon her, she dismissed her
attendant for a midwife, but before his return was delivered of two
lovely children, one of which was conveyed away by a she bear, but
she, willing to save it pursued on her hands and knees, leaving the
other behind. But before her return, King Pepin being a hunting in the
forest, came to the tree where she left the other babe, and causing it
to be taken up, sent it to nurse, and when it grew up called its name
Valentine--Blandiman at length came back, and instead of finding his
mistress found her brother Pepin, at the tree, to whom he declared all
that had happened, and how his sister had been banished through the
false suggestions of the arch priest; which when King Pepin heard
he was greatly enraged against the Lady Bellisant, saying, that the
Emperor ought to have put her to death; so leaving Blandiman, he
returned with his Nobles to Paris.
The Lady Bellisant having followed the Bear to no purpose, returned to
the place where she had left the other babe, but great was her sorrow
when Blandiman said, He had seen her brother Pepin, but could tell
nothing of the child, and having comforted her for the loss of it,
they went to the sea side, took shipping, and arrived at the castle of
the Giant Feragus, in Portugal.
All this while the Bear nourished the infant among her young ones,
until at length it grew up a wild hairy man, doing great mischief to
all that passed through the forest; in which we will leave him,
and return to the arch Priest, who did great mischief, till he was
impeached by a merchant, of having wrongfully accused the Empress,
upon which they fought, and the merchant conquering, made the Priest
confess all his treasons, when the Emperor acquainting the King of
France of it, he was hanged.
CHAP. 2.
VALENTINE CONQUERS HIS BROTHER ORSON IN THE FOREST OF ORLEANS.
Now was Valentine grown a lusty young man, and by the King as greatly
beloved as if he had been his own child; commanding him to be taught
the use of Arms, in which he soon became so expert, that few in the
Court dare to encounter him; which made Hufray and Henry, the King's
bastard sons exceedingly envy him--At this juncture great complaints
were made against the Wild Man, from whom no Knight had escaped with
his life, that had encountered him; which made the King promise a
thousand marks to any that should bring him dead or alive, which offer
none dare accept; but Hufray and Henry desired King Pepin to send
Valentine, with a view of getting rid of so powerful a rival in the
King's favour, but his Majesty seeing their malice was very angry,
telling them he had rather lose the best Baron in the land.
However Valentine desired leave of his Majesty to go to the forest,
resolving either to conquer the wild man or die in the attempt.
Accordingly having furnished himself with a good horse and arms, he
set forward on his journey, and after two days travelling he arrived
in the forest. In the evening he tied his horse to a large spreading
oak; and got up into a tree himself for his security, where he rested
that night.
Next Morning he beheld the Wild man traversing the forest in search
of his prey, and at length he came to the tree where Valentine's horse
stood from whom he pulled many hairs, upon which the horse kicked him.
The Wild man feeling the pain was going to tear him to pieces, which
Valentine seeing, made signs as if he would fight him, and accordingly
he stepped down and gave him a blow; but the Wild Man caught him by
the arm and threw him to the ground. Then taking up Valentines shield,
he beheld it with amaze, with respect to the divers colours thereon
emblazoned.
[Illustration]
Valentine being much bruised, got up, and came towards his brother in
great anger; but Orson ran to a tree and then they engaged; but both
being terribly wounded, gave out by consent; after which Valentine
signified to Orson, That if he would yield to him, he would order
matters so, as he should become a rational creature.
Orson thinking that he meant him no harm, stretched forth his hand
to him. Upon which he bound him, and then led him to Paris, where he
presented him to King Pepin, who had the Wild Man baptized by the name
of Orson, from his being taken in a wood. Orson's actions during their
stay there, very much amused the whole court, that at length the Duke
of Acquitain sent letters importing, That whoever should overthrow
the Green Knight, a Pagan Champion, should have his daughter Fazon in
marriage. Upon which proposition Valentine set out for that province,
attended by his brother Orson, by which means he came to the knowledge
of his parents, as we shall find hereafter.
CHAP. 3.
THE FIGHT BETWEEN ORSON AND THE GREEN KNIGHT.
After a long journey, Valentine and Orson arrived at Duke Savary's
palace in Acquitain; and making known the reason that they came there,
was presented to Fazon, to whom Valentine thus addressed himself.
"Sweet creature, King Pepin has sent me hither with the bravest Knight
in all his realm to fight the Green Knight, who, though he is dumb
and naked, is endued with such valour, that no Knight under the sun is
able to cope with him."
During this speech she viewed Orson narrowly and he her; but Supper
coming in, interrupted them, and they sat down to eat.
Whilst they were in the midst of all their feasting, the Green Knight
entered, saying Duke Acquitain, hast thou any more Knights to cope
with me for thy daughter--Yes, replied the Duke, I have seventeen, and
then shewed them to him--The Green Knight then said to them Eat your
fill, for to-morrow will be your last--Orson hearing what he said, was
much incensed against him and suddenly rising from the table, threw
the Green Knight with such force against the wall, as laid him dead
for some time; which very much pleased the whole company.
Next day many Knights went to fight the Green Knight, but he overcame
and slew them all; till at last, Orson being armed in Valentine's
armour, came to the Green Knight's pavilion, and defying him they
began the most desperate combat as was ever heard of, and the Green
Knight made so great a stroke at him, as to cut off the top of the
helmet, and half his shield, wounded him very much. But this served
only to enrage the valiant Orson, who coming up to him on foot took
hold of him, and pulling him from his horse, got astride him, and was
just going to kill him, but was prevented by the sudden arrival of
Valentine, who interceded with Orson to spare his life on condition of
his turning Christian, and acquainted King Pepin how he was conquered.
[Illustration]
The Green Knight having promised to perform all that was desired, they
led him prisoner to the city of Acquitain; and the Duke received them
with great joy, and offered the Lady Fazon to Orson; but he would
not marry her till his brother had won the Green Knight's sister Lady
Clerimond, nor till they had talked with the Enchanted Head of Brass
to know his Parents, and get the proper use of his tongue; which when
the lady knew she was very sorrowful, because she loved Orson, and was
resolved to marry none but him, who had so nobly conquered the Green
Knight.
CHAP. 4.
VALENTINE AND ORSON GO IN SEARCH OF LADY CLERIMOND, WHO HAD THE BRAZEN
HEAD IN HER POSSESSION.
Valentine and Orson having taken their leave of the Duke of Acquitain,
and his daughter Fazon, proceeded upon their journey, in search of the
Lady Clerimond, and at last came to a tower of burnished brass; which
upon enquiry, they discovered to be kept by Clerimond, sister to
Feragus and the defeated Green Knight, and having demanded entrance,
was refused it by the centinal who guarded the gate; which provoked
Valentine to that degree, that he ran against him with such fury, that
the centinell fell down dead immediately.
The Lady Clerimond beheld all this dispute, and seeing them brave
knights received them courteously--Valentine having presented tokens
from the Green Knight, told her, he came there for the love of her,
and to discourse with the All knowing Head, concerning their parents.
After dinner, the Lady took them by the hand, and led them to the
chamber of Rantus, where the head was placed between four pillars of
pure jasper; when as they entered, it made the following speeching to
Valentine.
[Illustration]
"Thou famous Knight of Royal extract, art called Valentine the
Valiant, who of right ought to marry the Lady Clerimond. Thou art Son
to the Emperor of Greece and the Empress Bellisant, who is now in the
Castle of Feragus in Portugal, where she has resided for twenty years,
King Pepin is thine uncle, and the Wild man thy brother; the Empress
Bellisant brought ye two forth in the forest of Orleans; he was taken
away by a ravenous Bear, and thou wast taken up by thine Uncle Pepin,
who brought thee up to man's estate--Moreover, I likewise tell thee
that thy brother shall never speak till thou cuttest the thread that
grows under his tongue."
The Brazen head having ended his speech, Valentine embraced Orson, and
cut the thread which grew under his tongue; and he directly related
many surprising things. After which Valentine married Lady Clerimond,
but not before she had turned Christian.
In this Castle lived a dwarf, named Pacolet, who was an Enchanter, and
by his art had contrived a horse of wood, and in the forehead a fixed
pin, by turning of which he could convey himself to the farthest part
of the world.
This enchanter flies to Portugal and informs Ferragus of his sister's
nuptials, and of her turning Christian; which so enraged him that he
swore by Mahomet he would make her rue it; and thereupon got ready
his fleet, and sailed towards the Castle of Clerimond, where when he
arrived, he concealed his malice from his sister, and also the two
Knights, telling them that he came to fetch them into Portugal, the
better to solemnize their Marriage, and he would turn Christian at
their arrival at his castle; all which they believed, and soon after
embarked with him--When he had got them on board, he ordered them to
be put in irons, which so grieved his sister Clerimond, that she would
have thrown herself into the sea, had she not been stopped.
CHAP. 5.
PACOLET COMFORTS THE LADIES AND DELIVERS VALENTINE AND ORSON OUT OF
PRISON.
When they were come to Portugal, he put Valentine and Orson in
a dungeon, fed them with bread and water, but allowed his sister
Clerimond to meet the Empress Bellisant, who had been confined twenty
years in the Castle of Feragus. She, seeing her so full of grief,
comforts her, enquiring the reason, which she told her. The Empress
was mightily grieved, but Pacolet comforted them, telling them he
would release them all that evening, the which he accordingly did in
the following manner:
[Illustration]
In the dead of the night he goes to the dungeon, where lay Valentine
and Orson, bound in chains, and touching the doors with his magical
wand, they flew open; and coming to the Knights, he released them and
conducted them to the apartment where Bellisant and Clerimond was,
who were exceedingly transported; but Pacolet hindered them from
discoursing long, by telling them they must depart before the guards
of Ferrajus awaked, which would put a stop to his proceedings. So
Pacolet led them to the gates of the Castle, and having prepared a
ship, he conveyed them to Lady Fazon, at the city of Acquitain. Next
morning when Ferragus heard of their escape, he was enraged to the
last degree.
The Knights and Ladies being out of danger, soon arrived at Acquitain,
to the great joy of Lady Fazon, who was soon after married to Orson
with great solemnity; upon which tilts and tournaments were performed
for many days; but Valentine carried the prize, overthrowing at least
an hundred brave Knights.
CHAP. 6.
FERRAGUS RAISES A MIGHTY ARMY, AND LAYS SIEGE TO THE CITY OF
ACQUITAIN.
Ferragus, to be revenged on them assembled an Army, and laid close
siege to it with a vast army of Saracens, which when Duke Savary
perceived, he resolved to give them battle the very next morning, and
accordingly he sallied forth with all his forces, but venturing too
far, he was taken by the Saracens and carried to Ferragus's tent.
Now Orson was resolved to set him free, or lose his life; so putting
on the arms of a dead Saracen, he called Pacolet and went through the
enemy without being molested, until they arrived at the tent where the
Duke was confined; which done they gave him a horse, and rode to the
Christian army: on their return a general shout was made by all the
army, Long live the Duke of Acquitain; which so dismayed the Saracens,
that they fled away in confusion, and the Christians pursued them till
the night obliged them to give over.
[Illustration]
Soon after this victory Valentine, Orson, the Ladies Bellisant,
Clerimond and Fazon, set out for Constantinople, to see the Emperor
their father, after they had taken leave of Duke Savary and his
Nobles, and was received with great joy.
At length the Emperor set out from Constantinople after taking leave
of his family, to visit a strong Castle he had in Spain.--While he was
absent, Brandiser brother to Feragus invaded the Empire with a very
great army, and at length besieged Constantinople, where lay Valentine
and Orson, the Green Knight and all the Ladies.
Valentine seeing the condition they all were in, resolved to give
Brandiser battle, and thereupon divided his army into ten battalions,
commanded by ten Knights, and sallying out of the City, began to fight
with the Saracens, who were drawn up in readiness to receive them.
In the mean time the Emperor was at sea, returning homeward, and in
his way he met a fleet going to the assistance of Brandiser, which
bore upon him with full sails: whereupon exhorting his companions to
behave like men, they made ready to receive them; and after a most
bloody and obstinate battle, the Emperor got the victory, having slain
many of the Pagans, and dispersed all their ships.
After this victory the Emperor commanded his men to put on the Arms of
the Vanquished, as he did himself, thinking thereby the better to fall
upon the beseigers, his enemies; but the Stratagem proved most fatal
to him, as we shall hereafter find.
All this while the Christians and Valentine bravely encountered
Brandiser and his men before the Walls of Constantinople, sometimes
getting, and sometimes losing ground; but at length Valentine came to
the standard of Brandiser, where an Indian King run against him with
great force, but Valentine avoided him, struck him with such fury
as cleft him down the Middle. On the other hand Orson and the Green
Knight were not idle, but with their brandished swords cut themselves
a passage quite through the Pagan army, destroying all that opposed
them.
Soon after news came that a mighty fleet of Saracens were entering the
harbour; whereupon Valentine judged it necessary to go thither, and
oppose their landing, but it proved fatal; for in his fleet was the
Emperor his father, who being clad in Saracen armour, Valentine by
mistake ran him quite through the body with his spear; which when he
knew, he was going to kill himself, had not his brother and the Green
Knight prevented him; but getting an horse with an intent to lose
his life, he rushed into the midst of the enemy, overthrew all that
opposed him, till he came to the Giant Brandiser, who when he saw
Valentine, encountered him so fiercely, that both fell to the ground;
but Valentine recovering, gave him a stab which sent him to hell, to
see his false prophet Mahomet--
[Illustration]
The Pagans seeing their King dead, threw down their arms and run,
and the Christians pursued them with a mighty slaughter--At last
the pursuit being over, they returned to Constantinople and Orson
acquainted the Empress of the death of his father, but concealed by
whom it was done.
[Illustration]
Upon which it was concluded, That Valentine and Orson should govern
the Empire by turns, with their wives the ladies Fazon and Clerimond,
whose brother the Green Knight was crowned King of the Green Mountain;
the people of which were much delighted to have so brave a warrior for
their King.
CHAP. 7.
VALENTINE DIES AND ORSON TURNS HERMIT.
[Illustration]
Now Valentine being greatly vexed in mind for the death of his father,
whom he had killed out of a mistake, resolved to make a pilgrimage to
the Holy Sepulchre; and therefore taking leave of his wife Clerimond,
and giving the government of the Empire unto his brother, he departed
to the great sorrow of all, particularly his brother, Bellisant, and
the fair Clerimond.
Valentine after seven years absence returned, dressed like a poor
palmer begging victuals at the gate of his own palace; and at length,
being sick, and about to die, he called for Clerimond, and made
himself known unto her, at which she was ready to give up the ghost.
At last having recommended the care of her to his brother, and the
Empress his dear mother, and blessing them he turned on one side, and
breathed out his noble soul from his illustrious body to the great
grief of all the valiant Knights of Christendom to whom he had been a
noble example, and a generous reliever of. But Clerimond never could
espouse any one, but betook her to a single life, always lamenting the
loss of her beloved husband.
[Illustration]
After his death, Orson governed the Empire with great wisdom and
justice for Seven Years, till at length seeing the fragile state of
human affairs, he gave the charge of his Empire, Wife and Children, to
the Green Knight, and then turning hermit, he became a resident in the
forests and woods, where after living to a great age, this magnanimous
and invincible hero surrendered up his body unto never sparing death,
and his soul to the immortal deities of whose attributes it had a true
resemblance.
Thus Reader you may see that none withstand
Tho' great in valour, or in vast command
The mighty force of Death's all conquering hand.
FINIS.
FORTUNATUS.
The first notice of this romance I can find, is "Fortunatus, Augsp. zu
trucken verordnet durch J. Heybler 1509," quarto, and it seems to have
been popular, for there was a French edition, "Histoire des aventures
de Fortunatus, _trad. de l'Espagn._ Rouen 1656," 12mo. The earliest
English edition with an absolute date, seems to be that of Thomas
Churchyarde (1676), but it is not perfect, and consists only
of ninety-five leaves. In the British Museum is "The History of
Fortunatus (Translated from the Dutch)," black letter, quarto; but
it is catalogued as doubtful whether it was printed in London, and
whether the supposed date of 1650 is correct. It is also imperfect.
The edition of 1682 is, however, perfect, and is very curious. It
is entitled, "The right, pleasant and variable trachical history of
Fortunatus, whereby a young man may learn how to behave himself in all
worldly affairs and casual chances. First penned in the Dutch tongue;
there hence abstracted and now published in English by T. C." The
Chap-book very fairly follows the romance, but of course is much
condensed.
THE
HISTORY OF FORTUNATUS
CONTAINING
_Various Surprising Adventures_.
AMONG WHICH HE ACQUIRED A PURSE THAT
COULD NOT BE EMPTIED.
And a Hat that carried him wherever he
wished to be.
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH YARD. BOW LANE.
LONDON.
CHAP. 1.
OF THE BIRTH OF FORTUNATUS.
In the famous Isle of Cyprus there is a stately city called Famagosta,
in which lived a wealthy citizen named Theodorus. He, being left young
by his parents, addicted himself to all manner of pleasures, often
frequenting the Courts of princes, where he soon wasted great part
of his wealth in riotous living, to the grief of his friends, who
thinking to make him leave his idle courses, got him married to a rich
citizen's daughter named Gratiana with whom he lived virtuously for
some time.
[Illustration]
In one year after his Marriage, Gratiana was brought to bed of a son,
who was named Fortunatus--Theodorus in a short time began to follow
his old bad courses, insomuch that he began to sell and mortgage
all his estate, so that he fell into extreme poverty; Gratiana being
forced to dress her meat and wash her clothes herself, not being able
now to keep one single servant, or hire the meanest assistance.
Theodorus and his wife sitting one day at a poor dinner, he could
hardly refrain weeping, which his son, (who was now about eighteen
years old, and experienced in hunting, hawking, and playing the lute,)
perceiving, he said Father, what aileth you? for I observe, when
you look upon me, you seem sad; Sir, I fear I have some way offended
you--Theodorus answered, My dear Son, thou art not the cause of my
grief, but my self has been the sole cause of the pinching poverty
we all feel. When I call to mind the wealth and honour I so lately
enjoyed, and when I consider how unable I am now to succour my child,
it is that which vexeth me.--To this his son replied--Beloved father,
do not take immoderate care for me, for I am young and strong. I have
not been so brought up but I can shift for myself; I will go abroad
and try my fortune; I fear not but I shall find employment and
preferment.
[Illustration]
Soon after without the least ceremony, Fortunatus set out with a hawk
in his hand, and travelled towards the sea side where he espied a
galley of Venice lying at anchor. He inquired what ship she was and
where bound, hoping he might here find employment. He was told the
Earl of Flanders was on board, and had lost two of his men. Fortunatus
wishing that he could be entertained as one of his servants, and so
get away from his native place, where his poverty was so well known,
steps up to the Earl, and making a low bow, says, I understand, noble
Lord, you have lost two of your men, so, if you please, I desire to be
received into your service. What wages do you ask? says the Earl. No
wages, replied Fortunatus, but to be rewarded according to my deserts.
This answer pleased the Earl, so they agreed and sailed to Venice.
CHAP. 2.
OF FORTUNATUS'S SAILING WITH THE EARL OF FLANDERS, WITHOUT THE
KNOWLEDGE OF HIS PARENTS.
The Earl was now returned back and joyfully received by his subjects,
and welcomed by his neighbours; for he was a very affable and just
Prince.
[Illustration]
Soon after his return, he married the Duke of Cleve's daughter, who
was a very beautiful lady; Fortunatus went to the wedding, to which
came several Lords and Gentlemen, and were present at a tilt and
tournament held there before the Ladies; and though there was so
many gentlemen, yet none behaved so well as Fortunatus--After all the
Nobles had finished their triumphs and delightful games, the Duke
and the bride and bridegroom agreed to let their servants try their
manhood at several pastimes for two Jewels, each to be esteemed worth
an hundred crowns, and he that obtained the said prize should have it,
which made all the servants glad, every one striving to do his best.
The Duke of Burgundy's servants won one, and Fortunatus the other,
which displeased the other servants. Upon which they desired the
Duke's Servants to challenge Fortunatus to fight him before the
ladies, which should have them both; which challenge he accepted.
Coming to the tilt yard, they encountered each other very briskly, and
at last Fortunatus hoisted the Duke's servant quite off his horse at
spears length. Whereupon he obtained the victory, and got the Jewels,
which encreased the envy of the other servants, but much rejoiced the
Earl.
Among the Earl's servants was a crafty old fellow who consulted with
the rest of the servants, and agreed for ten crowns to make Fortunatus
quit his master's service of his own accord. To accomplish the affair,
he pretended great friendship to Fortunatus, treating him and praising
him much for his great courage. At last he told him he had a secret to
reveal to him, which was, That the Lord having conceived a Jealousy
of his two Chamberlains, of whom Fortunatus was one, he had a design
secretly to kill them. This much amazed Fortunatus, who desired his
fellow servant to inform him how to convey himself away; for said he
I had rather wander as a vagabond than stay here and be slain. Says
Robert, I am sorry I told thee any thing since I shall now lose thy
company. Being resolved to go off, he desired Robert to conceal his
departure.
[Illustration]
When Fortunatus had rode ten Miles, he bought another horse, and
returned the Earl's, that he might not pursue him; but when the Earl
found he was gone, without his leave, not knowing the cause, he was
offended, and demanded of the servants if they knew the occasion?
which they all denied; and he went to the ladies and gentlemen, and
enquired of them if they knew any thing of his departure? and they
answered No. Then said the Earl, Though the cause of his departure
is concealed from me, yet I am perswaded he is not gone without some
cause, which I will find out if it be possible.
When Robert found his Lord was so vexed for the loss of Fortunatus, he
went and hanged himself, for fear of being discovered.
CHAP. 3.
OF THE TRAVELS OF FORTUNATUS AFTER HE LEFT HIS MASTER.
Fortunatus having sent home his master's horse, travelled with
all speed to Calais, where he took shipping and arrived safe in
England--Coming to London, he met with some young Cyprus Merchants,
his countrymen, who riotously spent his money in gaming and wenching;
so that in about half a years time their cash was quite spent.
Fortunatus having least his was soonest exhausted. Being moneyless, he
went to some of his Landladies to borrow three Crowns, telling them
he wanted to go to Flanders, to fetch four hundred crowns that were in
his uncle's hands; but he was denied, and none they would lend him. He
then desired to be trusted a quart of wine, but they refused, and bid
the servants fetch him a pint of small beer.
[Illustration]
He then took shipping, and soon arrived at Piccardy in France.
Travelling through a wood, and being benighted, he made up to an old
house, where he hoped to find some relief, but there was no creature
in it; Then hearing a noise among the Bears, he got up into a tree
where one of them had climbed. Fortunatus being surprised, drew his
sword, and stuck the bear, that he fell from the tree.
The rest of the beasts being gone, Fortunatus came down from the tree,
and laying his mouth to the wound, he sucked out some of the blood,
with which he was refreshed; and then slept until the Morning.
CHAP. 4.
LADY FORTUNE BESTOWS UPON FORTUNATUS A FAMOUS PURSE; SO THAT
AFTERWARDS HE NEVER WANTED MONEY.
As soon as Fortunatus awoke, he saw standing before him a fair Lady
with her eyes muffled--I beseech thee said he, sweet virgin, for the
love of God to assist me, that I may get out of this wood, for I have
travelled a great way without food. She asked what country he was
of? he replied Of Cyprus, and I am constrained by poverty to seek my
fortune--Fear not, Fortunatus, said she, I am the Goddess of Fortune,
and by permission of heaven have the power of Six gifts, one of
which I will bestow on thee, so chuse for yourself: they are, Wisdom,
Strength, Riches, Health, Beauty, and Long Life--Said Fortunatus, I
desire to have Riches, as long as I live. With that she gave him a
purse, saying, As often as you put your hand into this purse, you
shall find ten pounds of the coin of any nation thou shalt happen to
be in.
Fortunatus returned many thanks to the Goddess. Then she bid him
follow her out of the wood, and so vanished. He then put his hands in
his purse, and drew out the first fruits of the Goddess's bounty, with
which he went to an inn and refreshed himself. After which he paid his
host, and instantly departed, as doubting the reality of his money,
notwithstanding the evidence of his hands and eyes.
CHAP. 5.
FORTUNATUS BUYS SOME HORSES OUT OF AN EARLS HANDS; FOR WHICH HE IS
TAKEN UP AND EXAMINED ABOUT HIS PURSE.
Two miles from this wood was a little town and castle, where dwelt an
Earl, who owned the wood.--Fortunatus here took up his lodgings at
the best inn, and asked the host if he could help him to some good
horses--The host told him there was a dealer, who had several fine
ones, of which the Earl had chosen three, but was refused though he
offered three hundred crowns for them. Fortunatus went to his Chamber
and took out of his purse six hundred crowns, and bid the host to send
for the dealer with his horses--The host at first supposed he had been
in Jest, seeing him so meanly apparelled; but on being convinced
by the sight of the money, the dealer and horses were sent for, and
Fortunatus with a few words bargained for two of those the Earl had
cheapened, and gave three hundred crowns for them. He bought also
costly saddles and furniture, and desired his host to get him two
servants.
[Illustration]
The Earl hearing that the two horses had been bought out of his hands,
grew angry, and sent to the innkeeper to be informed who he was--The
Earl being told he was a stranger, commanded him to be apprehended,
imagining he had committed some robbery, and being examined who he
was, answered, He was born in Cyprus, and was the son of a decayed
gentleman. The Earl asked him how he got so much money? He told him he
came by it honestly--Then the Earl swore in a violent passion, that
if he would not discover, he would put him to the rack.--Fortunatus
proposed to die rather than reveal it.--Upon this he was put upon
the rack, and being again asked how he got so many crowns, he said he
found them in a wood adjoining.--Thou villain, said the Earl the money
found is mine, and thy body and goods are forfeited. O, my gracious
Lord, said he, I knew not it was in your jurisdiction--But said the
Earl, this shall not excuse you, for to day I will take thy goods, and
tomorrow thy life.
Then did Fortunatus wish he had chose Wisdom before Riches.
Then Fortunatus earnestly begged his life of the Earl, who at the
entreaty of some of his nobles spared his life and restored him
the crowns and the purse, and charged him never to come into his
jurisdiction--Fortunatus rejoiced that he had so well escaped, and had
not lost his Purse.
After that he had travelled towards his own country, having got horses
and servants to attend him, he arrived at Famagosta, where it was
told him that his father and mother were dead. He then purchased his
fathers house, and pulled it down, and built a stately palace. He also
built a fine Church, and had three tombs made, one for his father and
mother, the other for the wife which he intended to marry, and the
last for his heirs and himself.
CHAP. 6.
OF FORTUNATUS'S MARRIAGE WITH LORD NEMAINS YOUNGEST DAUGHTER.
Not far from Famagosta lived a Lord who had three daughters; one of
which the King of Cyprus intended to bestow on Fortunatus: but gave
him leave to take his choice. When Fortunatus had asked them some
questions, he chose the youngest, to the great grief of the other
two sisters; but the Countess and Earl approved the match. Fortunatus
presented the Countess her mother, and her two sisters, with several
rich jewels.
Then did the King proffer to keep the wedding at his court, but
Fortunatus desired to keep it at his own palace, desiring the King and
Queen's Company--Then said the King, I'll come with my Queen and all
my relations--After four days the King and all his Company went to
Fortunatus's house where they were entertained in a grand manner.
His house was adorned with costly furniture, glorious to behold.
This feasting lasted forty days. Then the king returned to his Court,
vastly well satisfied with the entertainment.--After this, Fortunatus
made another feast for the citizens, their wives and daughters.
[Illustration]
CHAP. 7.
OF FORTUNATUS HAVING TWO SONS BY HIS WIFE.
Fortunatus and his Wife Cassandra lived long in a happy state, and
found no want of any thing but Children; and he knew the virtues of
his purse would fail at his death, if he had no lawfully begotten
heirs; therefore he made it constantly the petition in his prayers to
God, that he would be pleased to send him an heir; and at length,
in due time his lady brought forth a son, and he named him Ampedo.
Shortly after she had another son, for whom he provided the best of
tutors to take care they had an education suitable to their fortunes.
Fortunatus having been married twelve years, took it into his head to
travel once more, which his wife much opposed, desiring him, by all
the love he bore to her and to her dear children, not to leave
them, but he was resolved, and soon after took leave of his wife
and Children, promising to return again in a short space. A few days
after, he took shipping for Alexandria, where having stayed some time,
and got acquainted with the Soldan, he gained such favour of him, as
to receive letters to carry him safe through his dominions.
CHAP. 8.
FORTUNATUS ARTFULLY GETS POSSESSION OF A WISHING HAT.
Fortunatus after supper, opened his Purse, and gave to all the
Soldan's servants very liberally. The Soldan being highly pleased,
told Fortunatus he would shew him such curiosities as he had never
seen. Then he took him to a strong marble tower, in the first room
were several very rich vessels and jewels; in the second he shewed
several vessels of gold coin; with a fine wardrobe of garments, and
golden candlesticks, which shined all over the room, and mightily
pleased Fortunatus.--Then the Soldan shewed him his bed chamber, which
was finely adorned, and likewise a small felt Hat, simple to behold,
saying I set more value on this Hat, than all my jewels, as such
another is not to be had; for it lets a person be wherever he doth
wish. Fortunatus imagined his Hat would agree very well with his
Purse, and thereupon put it on his head saying. He should be very glad
of a Hat that had such virtues. So the Soldan immediately gave it him;
With that he suddenly wished himself in his ship, it being then under
Sail, that he might return to his own country. The Soldan looking out
at his window, and seeing the Ship under sail, was very angry, and
commanded his men to fetch him back; declaring, if they took him, he
should immediately be put to death. But Fortunatus was too quick for
them, and arriving safe at Famagosta, very richly laden, was joyfully
received by his wife, his two sons and the Citizens.--He now began
to tender the advancement of his children; he maintained a princely
court, providing masters to instruct his children in all manner of
chivalry, whereof the youngest was most inclined to behave manfully,
which caused Fortunatus to bestow many Jewels for his exploits. When
he had many years employed all earthly pleasures, Cassandra died,
which so grieved Fortunatus, that he prepared himself for death also.
[Illustration]
CHAP. 9.
FORTUNATUS DECLARES THE VIRTUES OF HIS HAT AND PURSE TO HIS SON.
Fortunatus perceiving his death to approach, said to his two sons,
God has taken away your mother, which so tenderly nourished you; and I
perceiving death at hand, will shew you how ye may continue in honour
unto your dying day.--Then he declared to them the virtues of his
Purse, and that it would last no longer than their lives. He also told
them the virtues of his Wishing Hat, and commanding them not to part
with those Jewels, but to keep them in common, and live friendly
together, and not to make any person privy to their virtues; for, said
he I have concealed them forty years, and never revealed them to any
but you.--Having said this, he ceased to speak, and immediately gave
up the ghost.--His sons buried him in the magnificent church before
mentioned.
[Illustration]
FINIS.
GUY, EARL OF WARWICK.
The earliest known printed edition of this romance is French, "Cy
commence Guy de Waruich, chevalier d'Angleterre, qui en son temps fit
plusieurs prouesses et conquestes en Angleterre, en Allemaigne,
Ytalie et Dannemarche, et aussi sur les infidelles ennemys de la
chrestieneté. Par Fr. Regnault, 7 Mars 1525," small folio, Gothic
letter; and Ebert mentions an earlier undated edition. Hazlitt says
the Bodleian library possesses a fragment of one leaf, containing
thirty lines on a page, and printed with the types of Wynkyn de
Worde's "Memorare Novissima." In _Notes and Queries_, 2nd Series, vol.
x. p. 46, E. F. B. writes: "On recently examining a copy of the Sarum
Ordinale edited by Master Clerke, Chantor of King's Coll. Cambridge,
and printed by Pynson in 1501, I found three fly leaves of a book of
earlier date, respecting which I should be glad to be informed; and
therefore I subjoin a passage by which it may or may not be identified
with the romance of Sir Guy. The type is of the Gothic character.
"Wyth that the lumbardis fledde away
Guy Guy and heraude and terrey pfay
Chased after theym gode wone,
They slowe and toke many one,
The Lumbardis made sory crye.
For they were on the worse partye,
Of this toke duke otton gode hede,
And fledde to an hylle gode spede;
That none sued of theym echone,
But syr heraude of arderne alone,
Heraude hym sued as an egyr lyon
And euer he cryed on duke otton,
Heraude had of hym no doubte,
Nor he sawe no man ferre aboute,
But only theymselfe two."
The earliest copy in the British Museum is 1560?, "The Booke of the
most victoryous Prince Guy of Warwicke," and it was "Imprynted at
London in Lothbury, ouer agaynst saynt Margarits Church, by Wylliam
Copland," quarto, imperfect. This is in verse, beginning--
"Sithen the tyme that God was borne
And Chrisendom was set and sworne
Many aduentures haue befall
The which that men knew not all."
There is a fine fourteenth-century illumination in the royal
manuscripts in the British Museum (20 A. ii. fo. 4_b_) of Guy as a
hermit.
The mute witnesses of Guy's wonderful deeds, preserved in Warwick
Castle, have been proved apocryphal in these investigating and
matter-of-fact days. His breastplate, or helmet, is the "croupe" of a
suit of horse armour; another breastplate is a "poitrel." His famous
porridge-pot or punch-bowl is a garrison crock of the sixteenth
century, and his fork a military fork, _temp._ Henry VIII.
THE
HISTORY
OF
=Guy. Earl of Warwick=
[Illustration]
PRINTED AND SOLD IN ALDERMARY CHURCH
YARD, LONDON.
CHAP. 1.
GUY'S PRAISE. HE FALLS IN LOVE WITH THE FAIR PHILLIS.
[Illustration]
In the blessed time when Athelstone wore the crown of the English
nation, Sir Guy, Warwick's Mirror, and all the world's wonder, was
the chief hero of the age; whose prowess so surpassed all his
predecessors, that the trump of fame so loudly sounded Warwick's
praise, that Jews, Turks, and Infidels became acquainted with his
name.
But as Mars the God of Battle was inspired with the beauty of Venus,
so our Guy, by no means conquered, was conquered by love; for Phillis
the fair, whose beauty and virtue was inestimable, shining with such
heavenly lustre that Guy's poor heart was ravished in adoration of
this heavenly Phillis, whose beauty was so excellent, that Helen the
pride of all Greece, might seem as a Black, a Moor to her.
Guy resolving not to stand doating at a distance, went to Warwick
Castle, where Phillis dwelt, being daughter and heiress to the Earl of
Warwick; the Earl, her father hearing of Guy's coming, entertained him
with great joy; after some time the Earl invited Guy to go a hunting
with him; but finding himself unable to partake of the diversion,
feigned himself sick. The Earl troubled for his friend Guy, sent his
own Physician to him. The Doctor told Guy his disease was dangerous,
and without letting blood there was no remedy. Guy replied, I know
my body is distempered; but you want skill to cure the inward
inflammation of my heart; Galen's herbal cannot quote the flower I
like for my remedy. I know my own disease, Doctor, and I am obliged to
you.
The Doctor departed, and left Guy to cast his eyes on the heavenly
face of his Phillis, as she was walking in a garden full of roses and
other flowers.
CHAP. 2.
GUY COURTS THE FAIR PHILLIS, SHE AT FIRST DENIES, BUT AFTER GRANTS HIS
SUIT ON CONDITIONS WHICH HE ACCEPTS.
Guy immediately advanced to fair Phillis, who was reposing herself in
an arbour, and saluted her with bended knees, All hail, fair Phillis,
flower of beauty, and jewel of virtue, I know great princes seek to
win thy love, whose exquisite perfections might grace the mightiest
monarch in the world; yet may they come short of Guy's real affection,
in whom love is pictured with naked truth and honesty, disdain me not
for being a steward's son, one of thy father's servants.
[Illustration]
Phillis interrupted him saying, Cease, bold youth, leave off this
passionate address:--You are but young and meanly born, and unfit for
my degree; I would not that my father should know this.
Guy, thus discomfited, lived like one distracted, wringing his hands,
resolving to travel through the world to gain the love of Phillis,
or death to end his misery. Long may dame Fortune frown, but when
her course is run she sends a smile to cure the hearts that have been
wounded by her frowns; so Cupid sent a powerful dart, representing
to her a worthy Knight of Chivalry, saying, This Knight shall be
so famous in the world, that his actions shall crown everlasting
posterity. When Phillis found herself wounded, she cried, O pity me
gentle Cupid, sollicit for me to my Mother, and I will offer myself up
at thy shrine.
Guy, little dreaming of this so sudden a thaw, and wanting the balm
of love to apply to his sores, resolves to make a second encounter.
So coming again to his Phillis, said, fair Lady, I have been arraigned
long ago, and now am come to receive my just sentence from the
Tribunal of Love; It is life or death, fair Phillis, I look for, let
me not languish in despair, give Judgment, O ye fair, give Judgment,
that I may know my doom; a word from thy sacred lips can cure a
bleeding heart, or a frown can doom me to the pit of misery. Gentle
Guy, said she, I am not at my own disposal, you know my father's name
is great in the nation, and I dare not match without his consent.
[Illustration]
Sweet Lady, said Guy, I make no doubt, but quickly to obtain his love
and favour; let me have thy love first, fair Phillis, and there is no
fear of thy father's wrath preventing us. It is an old saying, Get the
good will of the daughter, and that of the parent will soon follow.
Sir Guy, quoth Phillis, make thy bold achievements and noble actions
shine abroad, glorious as the sun, that all opposers may tremble at
thy high applauded name and then thy suit cannot be denied.
Fair Phillis, said Guy, I ask no more.--Never did the hound mind
more his game, than I do this my new enterprize. Phillis, take thy
farewell, and accept of this kiss as the signal of my heart.
CHAP. 3.
GUY WINS THE EMPEROR'S DAUGHTER FROM SEVERAL PRINCES, HE IS SET UPON
BY SIXTEEN ASSASSINS, WHOM HE OVERCOMES.
Thus noble Guy at last disengaged from Love's cruelty, he now arms
himself like a Knight of Chivalry, and crossing the raging ocean,
he quickly arrived at the Court of Thrace, where he heard that the
Emperor of Almain's fair daughter Blanch, was to be made a prize for
him that won her in the field, upon which account the worthies of the
world assembled to try their fortunes--The golden trumpets sounded
with great joy and triumph, and the stately pampered steeds prance
over the ground, and each He there thought himself a Cæsar, that none
could equal;--Kings and Princes being there to behold who should be
the conqueror, everyone thinking that fair Blanch should be his.
After desperate charging with horse and man, much blood was shed,
and Princes no more valued than common persons; but our noble Guy
appearing laid about him like a lion, among the princes; here lay one
headless, another without a leg or an arm, and there a horse. Guy,
still like Hercules, charged desperately and killed a German Prince
and his horse under him. Duke Otto vowing revenge upon our English
Champion, gave Guy a fresh assault, but his courage soon cooled. Then
Duke Poyner would engage our favourite knight; but with as little
success as the rest, so that no man could encounter Guy any more;
by which valor he won the Lady in the field as a prize, being thus
approved Conqueror.
[Illustration]
The Emperor being himself a spectator, he sent a messenger for our
English Knight.--Guy immediately came into the Emperor's presence, and
made his obeysance, when the Emperor as a token of his affection, gave
him his hand to kiss and withal resigned him his daughter, the falcon
and the hound--Guy thanked his Majesty for his gracious favour, but
for fair Phillis's sake left fair Blanch to her father's tuition,
and departed from that graceful court only with the other tokens of
victory.
[Illustration]
Now Guy beginning to meditate upon his long absence from his fair
Phillis, and doubting of her prosperity, or that she might too much
forget him, because the proverb says, Out of Sight out of Mind!
prepared for England, and at last arrived at the long wished for haven
of his love; and with this sort of salutation greeted his beloved
mistress; Fair foe, said he, I am now come to challenge your promise,
the which was, upon my making my name famous by martial deeds, I
should be the master of my beloved mistress,--Behold, fair Phillis,
part of the prize I have won in the field before kings and princes.
Worthy Knight, quoth Phillis, I have heard of thy winning the Lady
Blanch from Royal Dukes and Princes, and I am glad to find that Guy is
so victorious. But, indeed Guy thou must seek more adventures.
Guy, discomfited at this answer, taking leave of his fair Phillis,
clad himself again in Belona's livery, and travelled towards Sedgwin,
Duke of Nouvain, against whom the Emperor of Almain had then laid
siege. But as Guy was going his intended journey, Duke Otto, whom Guy
had disgraced in battle, hired sixteen base traytors to slay him. Guy
being set upon by these rogues, drew his sword, and fought till he had
slain them all; and leaving their carcasses to the fowls of the air,
he pursued his Journey to Louvain, which he found close besieged, and
little resistance could the Duke make against the Emperor's power--Guy
caused the Levinians to sally forth, and made a most bloody slaughter
among the Almains; but the Emperor gathering more forces renewed the
siege, thinking to starve them out; but Guy in another sally defeated
the Almains, slaying in these two battles about thirteen thousand men.
[Illustration]
After this Guy made a perfect league between the Emperor and the Duke,
gaining more praise thereby than by his former victories.
CHAP. 4.
GUY HAVING PERFORMED GREAT WONDERS ABROAD, RETURNS TO ENGLAND, AND IS
MARRIED TO PHILIS.
[Illustration]
After a tedious journey Guy sat down by a spring to refresh himself,
and he soon heard a hedious noice, and presently espied a Lion and a
Dragon fighting, biting, and tearing each other; but Guy perceiving
the Lion ready to faint, encountered the Dragon, and soon brought
the ugly Cerberes roaring and yelling to the ground.--The Lion in
gratitude to Guy, run by his horse's side like a true-born spaniel,
till lack of food made him retire to his wonted abode.
Soon after Guy met with the Earl of Terry, whose father was confined
in his castle by Duke Otto; but he and the Lord posted thither, and
freed the castle immediately; and Guy in an open field slew Duke Otto
hand to hand; but his dying words of repentance moved Guy to pity and
remorse.
But as Guy returned through a desart he met a furious boar that
had slain many Christians. Guy manfully drew his sword and the
boar gaping, intending with his dreadful tusks to devour our noble
champion; but Guy run it down his throat, and slew the greatest boar
that ever Man beheld.
[Illustration]
At Guy's arrival in England, he immediately repaired to King
Athelstone at York, where the King told Guy of a mighty Dragon in
Northumberland, that destroyed men, women, and children.--Guy desired
a guide, and went immediately to the dragon's cave, when out came the
monster, with eyes like a flaming fire: Guy charged him courageously,
but the monster bit the lance in two like a reed; then Guy drew his
sword, and cut such gashes in the dragon's sides that the blood and
life poured out of his venemous carecase. Then Guy cut off the head of
the monster, and presented it to the King, who in the memory of Guy's
service caused the picture of the Dragon, being thirty feet in length
to be worked in a cloth of arras, and hung up in Warwick Castle for an
everlasting monument.
Phillis hearing of Guy's return and success, came as far as Lincoln
to meet him, where they were married with much joy and great triumph;
King Athelstone, his Queen, the chief Nobles and Barons of the land
being present.
No sooner were their nuptials celebrated but Phillis's father died,
leaving all his estate to Sir Guy; and the King made him Earl of
Warwick.
CHAP. 5.
GUY LEAVES HIS WIFE AND GOES A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND.
In the very height of Guy's glory, being exalted to his father's
dignities, Conscience biddeth him repent of all his former sins, and
his youthful time; so Guy resolved to travel to the Holy Land like
a Pilgrim. Phillis perceiving this sudden alteration enquires of her
Lord what was the cause of this Passion? Ah! Phillis, said he, I have
spent much time in honouring thee, and to win thy favour, but never
spared one minute for my soul's health in honouring the Lord.
Phillis, though very much grieved, understanding his determination,
opposed not his will. So with exchanging their rings, and melting
kisses, he departed like a stranger from his own habitation, taking
neither money nor scrip with him, and but a small quantity of herbs
and roots, such only as the wild fields could afford, were his chief
diet; vowing never to fight more but in a just cause.
[Illustration]
Guy, after travelling many tedious miles, met an aged person oppressed
with grief, for the loss of fifteen sons, whom Armarant a mighty Giant
had taken from him, and held in strong captivity. Guy borrowed the old
mans sword, and went directly up to the Castle gate, where the Giant
dwelt, who, coming to the door, asked grimly, How he durst so boldly
knock at the gates? vowing he would beat his brains out. But Guy
laughing at him, said, Sirrah, thou art quarrelsome; but I have a
sword has often hewn such lubbards as you asunder:--At the same time
laying his blade about the Giant's shoulders, that he bled abundantly,
who being much enraged, flung his club at Guy with such force, that it
beat him down; and before Guy could recover his fall Armarant had got
up his club again. But in the end Guy killed this broad back dog, and
released divers captives that had been in thrawldom a long time, some
almost famished, and others ready to expire under various tortures.
They returned Guy thanks for their happy deliverance; after which he
gave up the castle and keys to the old man and his fifteen sons.
[Illustration]
Guy pursued his intended journey and coming to a grave, he took up
a worm-eaten skull, which he thus addressed:--Perhaps thou wert a
Prince, or a mighty Monarch, a King, a Duke, or a Lord!--But the King
and the Beggar must all return to the earth; and therefore man had
need to remember his dying hour. Perhaps thou mightest have been a
Queen, or a Dutchess, or a Lady varnished with much beauty; but
now thou art worm's meat, lying in the grave, the Sepolchre of all
creatures.
While Guy was in this repenting solilude, fair Phillis, like a
mourning widow, cloathed herself in sable attire, and vowed chastity
in the absence of her beloved husband. Her whole delight was in divine
meditations and heavenly consolations, praying for the welfare of
her beloved Lord, fearing some savage monster had devoured him.--Thus
Phillis spent the remainder of her life in sorrow for her dear Lord;
and to shew her humility she sold her Jewels and costly robes, with
which she used to grace King Athelstones Court, and gave the money
freely to the poor; she relieved the lame and the blind, the widow and
the fatherless, and all those that came to ask alms; building a large
hospital for aged and sick people that they may be comforted in their
sickness and weak condition. And according to this rule she laid up
treasure in heaven, which will be paid again with life everlasting.
Meantime Guy travelled through many lands and nations; at last in
his Journey he met the Earl of Terry, who had been exiled from his
territories by a merciless traytor. Guy bid him not be dismayed, and
promised to venture his life for his restoration. The Earl thanked Guy
most courteously, and they travelled together against Terry's enemy.
Guy challenged him into the field, and then slew him hand to hand, and
restored to the Earl his lands.
The Earl begged to know the name of his Champion, but Guy insisted to
remain in secret, neither would he take any gratuity for his services.
Thus was the noble Guy successful in all his actions, and finding his
head crowned with silver hairs, after many years travel, he resolved
to lay his aged body in his native country, and therefore returning
from the Holy Land, he came to England, where he found the nation in
great distress, the Danes having invaded the land, burning Cities and
towns, plundering the country, and killing men, women and children;
insomuch that King Athelstone was forced to take refuge in his
invincible city of Winchester.
CHAP. 6.
GUY FIGHTS WITH THE GIANT COLBORN, AND HAVING OVERCOME HIM,
DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO THE KING, THEN TO HIS WIFE, AND DIES IN
HER ARMS.
The Danes having intelligence of King Athelstone's retreat to
Winchester, drew all their forces hither, and seeing there was no way
to win the City, they sent a summons to King Athelstone desiring that
an Englishman might combat with a Dane, and that side to lose the
whole whose champion was defeated.
On this the mighty Colborn singled himself from the Danes, and entered
upon Morn Hill, near Winchester, breathing venemous words, calling
the English cowardly dogs, that he would make their carcasses food for
ravens.
What mighty boasting said he, hath there been in the foreign nations,
of these English Cowards, as if they had done deeds of wonder, who now
like foxes hide their heads.
Guy hearing proud Colborn could no longer forbear, but went
immediately to the King, and on his knee begged a Combat; the King
liking the courage of the pilgrim bid him go and prosper. Guy walking
out of the North Gate to Morn Hill, where Colborn, the Danish Champion
was--When Colborn espied Guy he disdained him, saying, Art thou
the best Champion England can afford? Quoth Guy, it is unbecoming a
professed champion to rail, my sword shall be my Orator. No longer
they stood to parley, but with great Courage fought most Manfully, but
Guy was so nimble, that in vain Colborn struck for every blow, fell
upon the ground. Guy still laid about him like a dragon, which gave
great encouragement to the English; but Colborn in the end growing
faint, Guy brought the giant to the ground; upon which the English all
shouted with so much Joy, that peals of ecchoes rung in the air--After
this battle the Danes retired back again to their own Country.
King Athelstone sent for this Champion to honour him, but Guy refused
honours, saying, My Liege, I am a mortal man, and have set the vain
world at defiance. But at the King's earnest request, on promise of
concealment, Guy discovered himself to him, which rejoiced his
heart, and he embraced his worthy champion; but Guy took leave of his
sovereign, and went into the fields where he made a cave living
very pensive and solitary; and finding his hour draw nigh, he sent a
messenger to Phillis, at the sight of which she hasted to her Lord,
where with weeping joy they embraced each other--Guy departed this
life in her tender arms, and was honourably interred.
[Illustration]
His widow grieving at his death died 15 days after him.
THEIR EPITAPH.
Under this marble lies a pair,
Scarce such another in the world there are.
Like him so valiant or like her so fair,
His actions thro' the world have spread his fame,
And to the highest honours rais'd his name.
For conjugal affection and chaste love,
She's only equal'd by the blest above,
Below they all perfections did possess,
And now enjoy consummate happiness.
FINIS.
THE FAMOUS
_HISTORY_
OF
GUY EARL OF WARWICK
[Illustration]
NEWCASTLE: PRINTED IN THIS PRESENT YEAR.
The letter-press in this Chap-book is nearly identical with the
previous one, but there are two engravings which the other lacks.
[Illustration: GUY AND THE NORTHUMBRIAN DRAGON.]
[Illustration: GUY HAVING SLAIN ARMARANT.]
_THE HISTORY_
OF THE
LIFE AND DEATH
OF THAT NOBLE KNIGHT
SIR BEVIS
OF
SOUTHAMPTON
[Illustration]
NEWCASTLE: PRINTED IN THIS PRESENT YEAR.
According to Ebert, the French editions of this romance are very
early; he quotes two, "Le livre de Beufoes de Hantonne et de la Belle
Josienne sa mye. Par. Verard." no date, folio, G.L., and "Beufues
Danthonne nouvellement imprimé a Paris. Par le Noir 1502," small
folio, Gothic letter; whilst the British Museum possesses an earlier
Italian book on the subject, "Buovo de Antona di Guidone Palladius
Rezunto & reuisto. Caligula di Bazalieri. Bologna 1497," octavo,
Gothic letter. The Bodleian Library possesses a very early English
copy of "Sir Beuys of Hamton," "Emprynted by Rycharde Pynson in
Flete-strete at the Sygne of the George," quarto, black letter; and
Hazlitt says there also is a fragment of two leaves by Wynkyn de
Worde, printed with the same types as the "Memorare Novissima."
The frontispiece is an engraving belonging to an edition of 1690. Sir
Bevis was born in the reign of Edgar, and his parents were Sir Guy
of Southampton, and a daughter of the King of Scotland, who was
desperately in love with Sir Murdure, brother of the Emperor of
Almaine. She managed to keep up appearances for some years after
the birth of Bevis, until her passion for Sir Murdure became
uncontrollable, and she sent a message to him to come over to England
and slay her husband. He obeyed, and with his men lay in wait for Sir
Guy, who was hunting for a wild boar for his wife. They assaulted him,
and, after a desperate resistance on his part, killed him, and Sir
Murdure was received joyfully by the false wife, and duly installed in
her husband's stead. Naturally, Bevis was wroth, and having expressed
his opinion freely, was duly hated by his mother, who sent to Sir
Sabere, her husband's brother, to privately murder him. Sir Sabere,
however, dressed him in old clothes and put him to keep sheep, whilst
he showed Bevis's blood-stained garments, as a token of having killed
him. However, the impulsive Bevis could not brook the situation, but
went to the castle, crook in hand, and with it knocked Sir Murdure
under the table, and would have murdered his mother, had not better
thoughts prevailed. His mother was furious, and ordered Sir Sabere and
another knight to cast him into the sea, which they promised to do;
but meeting with merchants of Armony, they sold Bevis to them.
The merchants presented him to the king (Ermine), who was prepossessed
with his looks, and on questioning him, remembered having heard of the
prowess of his father Sir Guy. "I have but one fair Daughter, said the
King, and if thou wilt forsake thy God, and serve _Apoline_ our God,
thou shalt have my Daughter to Wife, and enjoy my Kingdom after me.
Not so, my Lord, said Bevis, for all the Beauties in the World,
I would not deny my Creator; Then, said the King, wilt thou be my
Chamberlain, and when I find thy Desert, I'll dub thee a Knight, and
thou shalt bear my Standard in the Field against my Foes. What you
please to command me, my Lord, said he, save the denying of my God, I
will do.