_How he could make Ink that would disappear from the Paper,
accordingly as he pleased, by the strength or weakness
of the composition. His imitating exactly both Hand and
Seal. A remarkable Story thereupon._
Reading one time a book that an Italian writ, I found therein a
description of several sorts of Ink, and how to make them; but more
especially, an Ink that should last a week, a month, or two, according
to the composition. I made an experiment, and found it hit indifferently
well: perceiving how beneficial this would be to me, I resolved not to
rest till I had found out the true Receipt; which I did at last, by much
study and industry. Having obtain’d it, I so highly valued it, that
methought I would not have parted with it for the _Philosophers Stone_.
Not to be tedious, I did abuse therewith many persons with Bonds,
Leases, Deeds, Acquittances, _&c._ there appearing in such a time
nothing but the bare Seal, the paper remaining as white as if never writ
on. By the help of Graving, I could counterfeit Seals exactly, insomuch
that I have often cheated the _Grand Cheater, Oliver_, the late
hypocritical and bloudy Tyrant; and by an exact imitation of an
hand-writing his Council was too sensible of what Cheats I put upon
them. That I was no bungler at it, I shall give you this instance.
Accidentally coming acquainted with a Gentlewoman, very beautiful and
well featur’d, her sparkling eyes set me all in a flame, so that I
resolved to attempt the enjoyment of her. Oftentimes I visited her, and
by the modesty of my carriage towards her, she perceived not my burning
lust. One time having a fit opportunity, she being alone, I communicated
my thoughts to her: waving what amorous discourse past on my side, I
would have fallen roundly to the matter; but she understanding my
intent, cry’d out; whereupon I desisted, seeing it was to little purpose
if I proceeded. Sitting down by her, she exprest an absolute hatred to
me for my incivility, and vow’d she would neither see nor endure me
more. The vehemence of her utterance and countenance fully declared she
was in earnest; so that I saw ’twas time to be gone. Looking about
(unperceived by her) I took up half a sheet of paper of her writing, and
clapt it into my pocket; and so took my leave. Coming home, I found my
love converted into hatred, and therefore vowed my revenge: and thus it
was. I understood from her whereabout, her husband liv’d, and what his
Christian name was, with something of her concerns; that her husbands
mother could not endure her, (because her son married her without a
portion, though a wise, discreet, vertuous, and handsome woman) and
whereabout he liv’d, with name, _&c._ I counterfeited a Letter, as from
this vertuous Gentlewoman, to a Gallant of hers, taxing him with want of
love, and that if he proved not more constant, she had no more to say to
him, _&c._ The contents you shall have in the Letter it self, as
followeth.
Most beloved by me of men!
_I cannot blame you so much as my self; it is customary for man
to proffer, but then it should be a womans duty to refuse: but
alas! how could I withstand the powerful perswasions of your
eloquent tongue, especially when they carried with them so much
seeming reality of affection and constancy? I finde you now like
other vow-breaking men, who having obtained the fruition of
their desires, their appetite nauseates that which before it so
eagerly crav’d. Call to minde those many endeared and melting
expressions you did voluntarily utter, when I was encircled in
thine arms; and if that will not reduce you to your former
station, and good esteem of me, now so much slighted by you,
consider that I have preferred you in love before my Husband,
not caring how much I wronged him to pleasure you. If nothing
will prevail, know then, this shall be my resolution, that since
you have alienated my affection from my Husband, and you thus
unworthily desert me, I will procure a Subject elsewhere shall
out-do you in every thing, as much or more as you have out-done
my Husband. I am young, plump, handsome, and bucksome; what then
should hinder me from enjoying such a person, my heart will not
rest satisfied till I have found? which having done, he shall
lead me in thy view, and then it is probable you will desire,
but never shall re-assume your place again within my breast._
Farewel.
This Letter was sent to her Mother-in-law in the Country, who was glad
she had matter to impeach her daughter to her son. Assoon as he saw the
Letter, he very well knew the hand, he thought, and would have sworn it
to be his wifes: but reading the contents, the poor man was ready to
sink down for grief. Perturbation of minde would not let him rest in his
Country-dwelling, but rid up Post to _London_, where he soon found out
his wife. The unexpected sight of him at first surprised her, not
hearing of his coming, and knowing that his occasions were very urgent
in the country: however, like a truly-loving wife, she was over-joy’d to
see him, and would have kiss’d him, but that he rudely thrust her off;
which action struck her to the heart, and overwhelmed her in amazement.
Prethee, Sweetheart (said she) what is the matter? There, read it, said
he, throwing her the Letter. She read it, and swounded. He let her lie,
not caring whether she liv’d or dy’d; and had dy’d indeed, had not her
Maid come up accidentally. Being recover’d, he ask’t her whether it was
her hand. She could not deny it: which made the man rage, ready to run
out of his wits, whilst she was silent with astonishment, taking such
inward grief, that she betook her self to her bed. Nothing could comfort
her, neither would she take any thing to sustain life. Hearing how
powerfully my forgeries had wrought, to the hazard of somes lives; in
the same hand I sent him a Letter, wherein I gave him an account of the
designe, proclaiming to the world this Gentlewomans honesty, unspotted
and unstain’d. The Gentlewoman recover’d in a little time after; but
this trick had too much seiz’d upon my Gentleman; for like a fool he
fell distracted in a sneering posture, as pleas’d to think his wife was
honest _notwithstanding_. I have been somewhat long in this relation,
because it was a passage very remarkable. Now I shall tell you how I
cheated a young Citizen and an Upholster.