_What is to be taken heed unto, before the Traveller begin
his Journey._
Most respected Country-men, and more especially you, who frequently pass
the Road, the most part of my notorious wicked life having been consumed
in all manner of cheats and debauchery, and that in part of late
maintained by robbing: seeing now the wretchedness of that course of
life, and being sensible of the injury I have done my Country, I looked
upon my self as bound to satisfie the debt I owe to you, to the
uttermost of my power; which reacheth to an act not more satisfactory,
than good advice how to avoid those dangers which too many of late days
have fallen into, since Dammee Plumes of Feathers came in fashion. First
then, if you carry a charge about you, make it not known to any, and
conceal the time of your departure in your own breast; for it is a
custom no less common than indiscreet and foolish, among some sort of
persons, to blaze abroad among their reputed friends, the time of their
intended journey, and vaingloriously make them acquainted with what
considerable summs they should carry with them; by which means the Son
hath oftentimes betrayed the Father, and one friend another, by
informing or complotting with some of the Padding society; the
discoverer sharing (for giving notice of the prize) one quarter or more
of the gain he betrays, when but for this foolish humour they had not
been way-lay’d. Again, have a special care, both of the Hostler,
Chamberlain and Host himself: the two first the Thief is sure to bribe;
and the last, in expectation of a share with them (as it is so ordered)
or in hopes that the major part of what they get shall be profusely
spent in his house, gives them items where the booty lies. Especially be
sure on the road to associate with none but such as you find inclined
rather to leave your company then keep it; for they are very suspicious
persons, and oftentimes prove dangerous, that press into your society,
and are very inquisitive to know whither you intend, spinning out the
time with many impertinent questions. But if you would know whether the
strangers intentions be honestly inclined, take occasion to make some
stay: observe you in the mean time their motion: for if they make an
halt, or alight, so that you may overtake them, follow at a distance;
but if their pace be so slow that you needs must overtake them, look
about you, and provide for your safety; for there is no surer symptom of
an Highway-man than such purposed delays. The other usual marks of such
Moths be these; they commonly throw a great Leaguer-cloak over their
shoulders, covering their faces, or else they have visibly disguised
their faces in some manner or other. Now of late they find very useful a
Vizard, in every respect, (but for the largeness) like the _a-la-mode_
Vizard-masks so much worn by Gentlewomen, who endeavour to conceal the
shame of their wanton actions by absconding their faces. If you meet
with any who have none of these things, as soon as they come somewhat
near you, fix your eye full in their face: if they turn their heads from
you, keep your distance, and ride from them with what expedition you
can; but being surprized by any you know, be very careful that you
discover it not to them; for these Desperado’s never think themselves
secure, till they have prevented your giving intelligence, by cutting
asunder the thread of your life. Observe whether their beards and hair
of their head agree in a colour, and are not counterfeit; and be sure to
beware of him that rides in a Mountier-cap, and of such as whisper oft;
or of any one single person that intrudes into your company; for that is
one way they have to ensnare the Traveller: he will tell you a great
many merry and facetious Stories, meerly to ingratiate himself with you;
which having obtained, he shews himself more than ordinary civil, and so
fearful of anything that may prejudice his new acquaintance, that he no
sooner espies two riding toward them, but he apparently trembles, and
will presently question his new friends, what charge they have about
them: if little, the best way were to yield to these approaching
persons, if Thieves, rather than hazard a life; but if it be any thing
considerable, he will presently vow to be true to them, and rather than
they should come to any danger or loss, he will fight with them as long
as he hath breath. These so causlesly suspected, were perhaps down-right
honest fellows: but before they have travelled five miles further, ’tis
ten to one but they overtake two or three more, one it may be riding
aside with twists of Hay instead of Boots, it may be with a Fork, Bill,
or Goad in his hand, like a Country-Boor. It may be your
newly-entertained treacherous Friend will tell you that he will make
good sport with this Country-Bumpkin, and so to that purpose ask him
some foolish impertinent question, which the other shall answer as
ridiculously; so spinning out the time till a convenient place and a fit
opportunity serve; then shall this pretended friend seize one of you
himself, and my Hedge-creeper turn Hector, and lay hold on another: and
now will it be in vain for you to strive, for nothing but money will
ransome you out of their hands.