wyth fruite or with pe[a]scodes” when circumstances allowed. Being an old man, he was a prime target for the sort of robbers called “rufflers,” one of which rode up beside him, on his way back home, and engaged him in conversation.
Harman's account contains considerable information about how such things were done.
Thus after salutations had, this maister rufflar entered into communication with this simple old man, who, riding softly beside them, commoned of many matters. Thus feeding this old man with pleasant talk, until they [were on] the top of the hill, where these rufflares might well behold the coast about them clear, Quickly step unto this poor man, and taketh hold of his horse bridle, and leadeth him in to the wood, and demandeth of him what and how much money he had in his purse.
The thieves knew the road from long practice. Theey waited until the old man had slowly made his way to the choice spot for such matters.
Unbeknowst to himself, the old man had more money in his bags than he declared. While fumbling about, a large coin, called an “angel,” fell out.
“Good lorde, what a worlde is this! howe maye" (quoth he) "a man [believe] or truste in the same? see you not" (quoth he) "this old knaue told me that he had but seven shillings, and here is more by an angel: what an old knave and a false knave have we here!" quoth this rufflar; "our lord have mercy on us, will this world never be better?"
Happy enough to make a joke of the matter, the ruffler and his associates took the angel and departed leaving their victim otherwise unmolested. Such good nature and facetious perspective on human nature may go a long way toward explaining the following story and sermon preserved in a Lansdowne manuscript1
A sermon made by Parson Haben vppon a mold hill at Hartely Row2, at the Comandment of vij. thieves, who, after they had robbed him, Commanded him to Preach before them.
I Marvel that every man will seem to dispraise thievery, and think the doers thereof worthy of Death, when it is a thing that Cometh near unto virtue, and is used of all men, of all sorts and in all countries, and se commanded and allowed of god himself which thing, because I cannot so sapiently show unto you in so short a time and in so short a place, I shall desire you, gentle thieves, to take in good part this thing that at this time Cometh to mind, not misdoubting but you of your good knowledge are able to add more unto the same then this which I at this time shall show unto you. ffirst, fortitude and stoutness, Courage, and boldness of stomacke, is
Counted of some a virtue; which being granted, Who is he then that will not Judge thieves virtuous, most stout, most hardy? I most, without fear. As for stealing, that is a thing usual:—who stealeth not? ffor not only you that have beset me, but many other in many places. Men, Women, and Children, Rich and poor, are daily of that faculty, As the hang man of Tiborne can testify. That it is allowed of god himself, it is evident in many stories of the Scriptures. And if you list to look in the whole Course of the bible, you shall find that thieves have been beloved of god. ffor Jacob, when he Came out of Mesopotamia, did steal his uncles lambs; the same Jacob stole his brother Esau's blessing; and that god said, " I have chosen Jacob and refused Esau." The Children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt, did steal the Egyptians Jewels and rings, and god commanded them so to do. David, in the days of Ahemelech the priest, came into the temple and stole away the shew bread; And yet god said, "this is a man according to mine own hart." Also Christ himself, when he was here upon earth, did take an ass, a Colt, which was none of his own. And you know that god said, "this is my known son, in whom I delight."
Thus may you see that most of all god delighteth in thieves. I marvel, therefore, that men can despise your lives, when that you are in all points almost like unto Christ; for Christ had no dwelling place,—no more have you. Christ, therefore, at the last, was laid wait for in all places,—and so are you. Christ also at the last was called for,—and so shall you be. He was condemned,—so shall you be. Christ was hanged,—so shall you be. He descended into hell,—so shall you. But in one point you differ. He ascended into heaven,—so shall you never, without gods mercy, Which god grant for his mercy's sake! Toe whom, with the son and the holy ghost, be all honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen!
After this good sermon ended, which Edified them so much, They had so much Compassion on him, That they gave him all his money again, and vij s more for his sermon.
1Viles & Furnivall. The Rogues And Vagabonds Of Shakespeare's Youth (1907). 92, 94. Citing Lansdowne MS. 98, leaf 210.
2“Hartley Row,” we are informed in a footnote, “is on the South-Westem road [out of London] past Bagshot. The stretch of flat land there was the galloping place for coaches that had to make up time.”
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