_The Relater and the Drugsters Master come acquainted, being concerned
in Tryals at Law: their several Cases they relate to each other._
My Master having much dealing, had many Debts owing him, and he was
forced to sue some persons to get in his monies; and I having delivered
a parcel of Clothes, was _sub-p[oe]na’d_ to attend to testifie the same
in Court, upon a Tryal which my Master was to have with his Debtor. I
attended the Court when Tryal of the Cause should be call’d, several
hours; and there did I meet with the young Drugster, who was likewise
waiting upon some such like occasion: we both having leisure, and his
servant having told him that I principally assisted in putting off his
Drugs, he to gratifie me, offered me a Pint of Wine. I accepted his
kindness, and to the Tavern we went, where he again thanked me for the
courtesie I had done him; and then he enquired my business at the Court.
I told him, it was upon a Tryal of my Masters, who sued one for money
for a suit of Clothes. That is strange, said he, that any should refuse
to pay for work when done. True, said I, but he pretends that there is
somewhat more then ordinary in the Case, as indeed there is, if well
understood; and knowing you to be ingenious, I shall relate it to you. A
person had occasion to have a suit of Clothes made, and would not
entrust my Master to buy the Cloth; but having enquired how much would
do the business, my Master told him five yards and a half, to make a
suit and large coat. The other supposing that five yards would do the
business, and the half yard be saved, bought but five; and bringing it
home, desired my Master to cut it out before him; and if there wanted
any more cloth, it should be supplyed. My Master seeing himself
distrusted, was resolved to be even with his Customer; and to cutting of
it out he went: first, he cut out the Doublet, and then the Breeches;
but instead of one pair of Breeches, he cut out two pair, perswading the
Customer that it was but one; and when he came to cut out the coat,
there was a great deal of cloth wanting; so that the Gentleman was
forced to buy a yard more of cloth, the which he saw cut out likewise;
and though he was cheated before his face, could not discover it; my
Master serving him well enough: for whereas he intended but to get half
a yard of cloth by him, he now saved a whole one.
The suit was made up, and the Gentleman wore it: but as yet not being
fully satisfied, coming into company with another Taylor, he asked how
much cloth might be in that suit and coat. The Taylor replyed, Five
yards: the Gentleman said he bought six, and saw it all cut out and put
into the clothes. The Taylor wondring hereat, told him, that he would
make him a suit and coat full as large as that with five yards. The
Gentleman agreed; and more cloth was bought, delivered to the Taylor,
and the suit made accordingly. The Gentleman not as yet having paid my
Master his bill, refused to do it, pretending he is cheated, but not
knowing how; and this day we are to have a Tryal, and I question not,
but I who am my Masters chief witness, shall be able to out wit the
other Master-Taylor, who is here in Court ready to testifie against us.
How do you mean to order your matters? said the Drugster. Truely, said
I, in one word, I will make oath, that all the Gentlemans six yards of
cloth was cut out and made up, in Doublet, Breeches and Coat, as indeed
it was; but I do not say, how many pair of Breeches; and I suppose, they
not suspecting me, will not be curious in asking the question.
The Drugster was so well pleased in my relation of the story, that he
told me his Case, which said he, is this. I have had some little
misfortunes in the world, and people have lately called on me for money,
more than I could well pay at present; and one person particularly has
been so outragiously foolish, as to say that I was a Bankrupt, and that
I would never pay him: now I have brought my Action against him for
slander and defamation, and hope to get so great damages against him, as
he shall be willing to forgive me my debt: and this will be a good
leading Card to muzzle the mouths of the rest of my Creditors, who
indeed are so civil as to come into Court, and testifie in my behalf.
This Case being well managed (said I) may be very considerable with you,
and turn to your profit and credit both. Our Wine and Discourse being
ended, we both went into the Court, where I heard his Tryal so well
managed, as he recovered 200_l._ damage: and my Master, with my
evidence, recovered his Debt; and then threatened to sue the Gentleman
for defamation: he hearing thereof, and seeing how great damages were
given to one there present, upon the same account, presently made his
Composition with my Master, and gave him ten pound to put up the
business. My Master gave me 20_s._ to spend, which I did in Wine and
good Company; and the Drugster having had this success, was now more
contented than ever, and his credit grew high in the City, so that he
was intrusted with some thousands; but he and I being after that very
intimate, I perswaded him at a convenient time to give me an account of
his life and actions; I having formerly told him of many of mine. We
being planted at a Tavern, and no person to interrupt us, he began as
followeth.