Chapter I: A Country Lad cometh to Town

So we left the old grey Horse at the _Tabard_, and set forth a-foot, my Mother and me, for _London Bridge_: I looking right and left for a Glimpse of the great, broad River. But no Water could we see; and the Ways were thronged with Men, Horses, Carts, Wagons, Flocks of Sheep, and Droves of Oxen, pressing along between Stalls set out with all manner of Cates. Anon we come to a big Gateway, with its Portcullis-teeth grinning over our Heads; and a-top of this Gateway, that was flanked with Turrets, and spanned the Road, were ever so many round, dark Objects, set on Poles, leaning this Way and that; and my Mother shuddered when she saw them, and told me they were Traitors' Heads. But between us and this Gateway lay a Draw-bridge, the which, as we crossed, gave us a Glimpse of the broad _Thames_, all a-blaze in the Sun. I pluckt at my Mother's Sleeve, without speaking, and we looked over the Parapet, and could see Boats ducking and diving under a Row of Houses right across the River, some of 'em six Stories high, with Balconies and projecting Gables, looking ready to topple into the Water, that rushed onward with tremendous Force, eddying and foaming among the Arches. Then I noted at the Foot of each Pier, strange Projections of Timber-work, and askt my Mother what they were, and she could not tell me. But a Man that overheard me said they were called Sterlings, and were strong Piles of Wood driven into the Bed of the River. Also he told me the Bridge was sixty Feet above the Water, and that its Founder, _Peter_ of _Colechurch_, lay y-buried in the Chapel on the Bridge; and more he would have added but for the Interposure of my Mother, who said, "Come, Child, we linger," and drew me away. Then we passed under the Gateway, which was also a Kind of Guard-house, and Toll-gate; and, quod she, "Now thou art on _London Bridge_." But I should never have found it out; for to all Seeming, we were in midst of an ill-paved, exceeding narrow Strete, only some twelve Feet across, with Frippery-shops, and such-like on either Side. A great, o'erloaded Wagon that went first, cleared the Way for us, filling the Space all across; but anon it meeteth another Wagon, even higher than itself, with a Terrier barking a-top; and, the one essaying to pass the other, their Headgear got entangled in the Outworks of the upper Stories of two opposite Houses, and I saw the Terrier jump into an Attick Window, and presently run forth of the Shop below. Then the Wagoners chode and reviled, for one of 'em must needs back off the Bridge, and some Sheep and Oxen were coming up behind; and the Foot-passengers jostled and jibed, and Shopkeepers looked forth of their Doors, and Wives and Maids from their Lattices, and Swarms of quick-eyed mischievous favoured Lads peered forth of every Bulk; and my Mother cried, "Oh! weary on them! we may bide here all Night!" ... when, looking hard on the Shop to our left, she sayth, "Why here's the _Golden Fleece_!"

And so we made bold to enter, between a few Rolls of brown and gray Cloth; and found Master _Hewet_ seated behind a Desk, holding a Pen, but not using it, discoursing with a sober-apparelled Friend, and ever and anon casting a quiet amused Look at the Turmoil on the Bridge. He was what I then counted a middle-aged, but should now reckon a youngish Man, somewhere betwixt thirty and forty Years of Age, of a good Presence and a piercing but pleasant Eye; and with that in his Carriage and Looks that discovered he had Something within him beyond the common, that tended to excite Affection and Veneration. So soon as his Eye lighted pleasantly upon us, "Surely, thou art the Widow _Osborne_!" quod he to my Mother, "and this, by his Favour, I am sure is the Son of mine old School-mate. He will, I trust, prove of as good Conditions."

And, putting down his Pen, he quickly led the Way into a pleasant Chamber at the Back, o'erlooking the River, wherein, a watering of some Flowers on the Window-sill, was a middle-aged Gentlewoman, clad in Black, of a benign Aspect, a mild hazel Eye, and a Tinct that had more of the Pearl than the Peach in it. "Sister _Fraunces_," quod Master _Hewet_, "here is Mistress _Osborne_;" whereon the Gentlewoman turned about and spake courteouslie unto my Mother, whom she made to sit down and take Wine and Spiced-bread; while I, as a mannerly Youth, stood in Presence of mine Elders. Then sayth my Mother to Master _Hewet_, "I come, Sir, in answer to your considerate Letter, to put my Boy in your Charge:—he's but country-bred, though a good Lad, and come of a good Stock ... not only born of a Woman, but taught of a Woman, alas that I should say so! save for his School-teaching." "Marry, his Brother-prentice, then, is one of another Feather," saith Master _Hewet_, smiling, "we shall see which turns out best. Leave your Son with me; and at the End of a Month or so, when he hath looked at the Trade a little, we will decide whether or no to have him bound." "Alas, Sir!" saith my Mother, with lengthened Face, "may not all be done now? I have two small Children at Home, mine Absence is untimeous, and Travelling is strange to me—I have the Fee ready, the Boy is willing, and you cannot choose but be satisfied with his Conditions, for the Lad is a good Lad, though 'tis his Mother that says so."

"Well," saith Master _Hewet_, after a little Thought, "the Course is uncommon, for we mainly like to prove a Youth and see whether he be likely to do Good at the Trade, and be a profitable and desirable Apprentice before we bind him; but since your Case is in some Respects singular, it shall be as you say; for, as it happens, this is one of the Days on which the Court and Master sit to bind and enroll 'Prentices." So forth we went: he making Way for my Mother, and I following last.

On our Way to _Mincheon Lane_, we fell in with an uproarious Rabble, that, with Shouts, were haling Somewhat through the Mud, which proved to be a Church Image; doubtless, just pulled down from its Niche. The Head was rare carven, and floridly painted after the Life; but the Trunk was nothing but a squared Block, with a Cross-piece for the Shoulders, and looked pitiful enow, now 'twas despoiled of its rich Clothing. An Ale-house Keeper at the Bridge end turned in-doors with Disgust at the Sight, which some of the Rabblement noting, they cried out, "Here's a Bone for you to pick, Sir _Tobias_!" and beset his Door. I afterwards learned he was an ejected Roman Catholic Parson.

When we reached the _Clothworkers' Hall_, the Clerk made out my Indentures; and then I was taken before the Master to be enrolled.

My Mother having paid the Fee, (Spoon-silver they jocosely called it,) unto Master _Hewet_, he did not pocket it, but put it into the Common-box: and the Business was done; my Master exchanging some pleasant Words with the Master of the Company, and the latter bidding me (in the only Sentence he spoke to me), mind the Clothworkers' Motto,—"_My Trust is in God alone_."

Then, my Mother and I took Leave of one another, aside, as 'twere, in the Doorway; for she was to lie that Night in _Temstrete_, at her Cousin _Hale's_, (who was a _Broughton_,) and return to _Ashford_ on the Morrow. And she kissed me and wept sore, and sayth, "Ah Son, thou art full young to be cast out of the Nest ... fain I were to keep thee: but what though? Thou canst not always be at mine Apron-string, and thou hast a brave Spirit and a good Heart; wherefore, like _Hannah_, Wife of _Elkanah_, I will entrust my First-born unto the LORD, and see what he will do for thee.... And remember, _Ned_, thou art the Son of a Gentleman, and think the Eye of thy Father still upon thee."

Then quod I, in answer to my Mother, "Cheer up, sweet _Mother_, I will never disgrace him nor thee: so give over thy weeping, lest they should deem the Tears on my Face to be mine instead of thine ... don't melt me, _Mother_, lest they count me but a Boy, and make light of our Country Breeding."

"A Boy, indeed! What art thou more?" quod she, smiling through her Tears; and with one hearty Kiss and her Blessing, went her Ways.

On our Return to my Master's House, he, noting my Hair to be too long for a 'Prentice, (for, indeed, my Mother was rather vain of it,) gave me a Penny, and sent me to Master _Soper_ the Barbitonsor, across the Bridge, to have it clipt. Here found I a Man having his Beard trimmed, and another, waiting for his Turn, playing a Mandoline. Seeing me look forth of the Lattice on the River, boiling and splashing below, and the Boats shooting the Arches and nearly pitching Head foremost down the Fall, he stayed his Hand, and told me how many Lives were lost in those Rapids by the Year. Then I made bold to ask him what was that great Fortress with Towers, on the north Bank.

"Thou art a Stranger in _London_, then," saith he, "for every Cockney knows the _Tower_, whose foundation Stones were cemented, they say, with Mortar tempered with Blood. And truly, Blood enow hath been spilt within it to bring a Judgment on its Walls. _Henry_ the _Sixth_ was murdered in the _Tower_, _George_ of _Clarence_ was drowned in the _Tower_, _Edward_ the _Fifth_ and _Richard_ Duke of _York_, those pretty Innocents, were smothered in the _Tower_, _Anne Boleyn_ and _Katherine Howard_ were beheaded in the _Tower_. And, for all it hath held a King's Parliament, and is our Citadel of Defence, a royal Palace for Assemblies, a Council-house for Treaties, a Treasury of Crown Jewels, the royal Mint of Coinage, the prime Conservator of Records, and the Armoury of warlike Provisions, yet, for the Tears and the Blood that have been shed in it, I could say, Down with it, down with it even unto the Ground! And methinks its evil Story is not yet wound up, but that a dark Cloud hangs over it e'en now. We shall see! we shall see! Many an ignoble Man rises aloft, many a proud Man is brought low. 'Tis time enough at one's Life's end to sing Gloria. Ah! our Bridge Tower, whereof I am Gate-keeper, hath another guess Foundation than _Cæsar's_; for on every one of its four Corner-stones is graven the Name of JESUS; _deep, but out of Sight_."

And he peered into my Face as he spake that Saying, to wit if I felt its Force.

"And now my Turn hath come to be trimmed," quod he, "so thou mayst thrum the Mandoline."

When I went back, there was a Man with a Burthen leaving the Shop; and my Master saith, "Follow this Porter to Master _Askew's_ in _Candlewickstrete_, and bring home my little Daughter, who hath been spending the Forenoon at her Godfather's." So I went with the Porter, and on reaching _Candlewickstrete_, which was not full of Tallow-chandlers' Shops, but of Drapers, he shewed me Master _Askew's_ House; and I entered and found him in Parley with a Man in a red Coat. Quod he, "Well, I suppose my Lord must have it, but I like not the Security;" and handed him over a heavy Bag that seemed full of Money. Said the Man in Red, stowing the Bag under his Coat, "You were best not offend my Lord, for I warrant the Loss of his Custom would make you the worse by a pretty Penny." "Tut!" cries the other, "we could better afford to lose the Court than the Court to lose the City." On which, they parted. "Who art thou, my Lad?" quod he. "I'm my Master's new 'Prentice," quod I, "come to fetch Mistress _Anne_." "Ah!" quod he, "then you're from Master _Hewet_, though you speak as if there were but one Master in the World.... _Anne!_ sweet _Anne_!"

And, at his Call, there runneth in a fair little Gentlewoman, about six Years of Age. Sure, never was seen so sweet a Child! Master _Askew_ caught her up in his Arms and gave her many Kisses, and told her she must return with me; whereon she came and placed her Hand in mine, in full Assurance of Faith. A Gentlewoman, not much turned of thirty, personable, and of the Complexion they call sanguine, followed her forth, with many Injunctions to tell her Father how good she had been, and giving her, at parting, a Piece of sweet Marchpane.

In the Strete, we were so beshoved about, that Mistress _Anne_ presently made Request of me to carry her. So I took her up and set her on my Shoulder, and bade her hold on by my Hair; which she was pleased to say was shorter than mine Ears, or even than mine Eyelashes. And, in seeking to admeasure them, she nearly toppled down; so then I said if she were going to be unruly, besides blinding me with the Crumbs of her Marchpane, I must set her in the Stokkes. To which she made Answer, "Then you must put both my Feet into one Hole; and even then I shall slip them out." Thus prettily she prattled all the Way, till I told her I thought my Hair was at least shorter than her Tongue. When we reached my Master's Door, I was passing it unawares, when she lugged at mine Hair and cried, "Stop, Boy, stop; you must set me down." I said, "Then you must give me a Kiss." She sayth, "Humph, I've no Objection;" which I thought very funny and very pretty in so young a little Gentlewoman.

It was now Supper-time; and, my Fellow-'prentice being out, Mistress _Fraunces_ shewed me how to lay the Cloth, set forth the Spoons, &c., and told me that London 'Prentices stood behind their Master's Chair at Meal Times. Just as _Tib_ the Cook had set the Dishes on the Table, there entereth a hale, aged Man, white headed, with a merry Eye, and a thin Cheek besprent with lively red. My Master hailed him with Zest, crying, "Ha! Master _Cheke_! 'tis of long Time since we met! How fareth it with thee, Master _Cheke_? Come in, Man, come in and sup with us, and, if thou wilt, lie to-night in the Green Lattice; there's the old Bed made up."

"Old Bed!" quod the other, jocularly; is anything old fit to be offered to me that am so young and so fine? What though I'm from the Country, have I not Friends at Court? Marry, Man, my Kinsman is the King's Sub-tutor, and I've had Speech of him this Day."

"If you are too fine for old Friends, I have no more to say to you," quod Master _Hewet_, heartily, and taking his Place at Table, while his Visitor and Mistress _Fraunces_ did the same. "You can't be _our_ Master _Cheke_.... Now then, Sir, boiled or roast? You see, though 'tis _Friday_, we are not quite so scrupulous as we were wont of old Time, in regard to a broiled Bone or so ... here's nothing from salt Water save a Dish of Prawns."

"And very pretty Picking," sayth Master _Cheke_, "for a Man that hath had one Supper already off a King's Leavings ... for, you see, the pretty Boy goes to Bed at eight o' the Clock. What a young Miracle 'tis! A very Saint, Sir! excelling any _Edward_ hath been canonized. Marry, my Kinsman said I should have seene the sweet Child blush, when 'twas told him he was King; and then fall a weeping for his Father, whom, peradventure, none other loved soe purely; for Love kindles Love, they say, and, of a Surety, if the old King loved any one, he loved _him_."

"Then, his Grace's Speech on his Crownation-day," quod Mistress _Fraunces_. "They brought him the three Swords, for the three Kingdoms. 'There ought to be yet another,' quod he, looking about; 'bring me a Bible.' When 'twas brought,—'This,' saith he, 'is the Sword of the Spirit; as the other three are the Swords of our Temporal Dominions: by them we govern, by this we must be governed, and under this we ought to live, to fight, to rule, and to guide all our Affairs.' A marvellous Saying for a Boy of nine Year old!"

"Ah! I dare say my Kinsman put him up to it," said Master _Cheke_, "but indeed 'twas well rehearsed and well remembered."

"Nay, I like not to hear the Credit of a good Thing taken away from its proper Owner in that Way," quod Mistress _Fraunces_ somewhat warmly. "Why should we say, 'Such an One was prompted?' 'such a Thing was forecast?' Doubtless, we all get our Teaching ... from ourselves or others; and some few, I think, be Heaven-taught."

"Well, well," quod Master _Cheke_, shelling his Prawns; "'twas a pretty Word, we all must own. How he chode with his Nurse, e'en in the Nursery, for standing on a Bible to reach Somewhat off a Shelf!"

"And that was before he learned Lip wisdom of Master _Cheke_," quod Mistress _Fraunces_. "However, Sir, I disparage not your Kinsman, though I will not hear you disparage the King. Honour to whom Honour is due."

I saw an almost imperceptible uprising of Master _Cheke's_ Eyebrows at this, as though he were inwardly saying, "Place to Ladies:" howbeit, Mistress _Fraunces_ kept her Ground, and, I thought, becomingly. She thought so too, and mentioned afterwards that she had given it to him roundly.

Master _Hewet_ was diverting the Discourse, when a Cry without of "Clubs! Clubs!" was followed by a Shrilling and Screaming like Swifts round a Steeple, and an uproarious Hallooing and Whooping all along the Bridge. Master _Cheke_ started up, and then re-seated himself, muttering, "Young Rascallions!"

"And yet," quod Master _Hewet_, "they are the Stuff our sober substantial Citizens are made of. Oh, Sir, I don't mind speaking freely before my 'Prentice Lads. They will hear no dangerous Matter from me, and cannot be too early made to feel that we are all one Family. Let them be merry and wise; the Error is in aiming to be one without the other."

I would I could call to Mind othermuch that was said: howbeit, I was young and new to Service, and had not yet attained unto the Facility which practised Servitors have of noting each Thing said, hinted, or so much as looked at Table, while attending to such Orders as "The Mustard, _Osborne_" ... and so forth.

But, or ever they had well sate down, Mistress _Anne_ had run in to wish good Night; and, contriving to tarry, had remained awhile at Master _Hewet's_ Knee, noting all was done and said. And when, referring to some of the King's Council, Master _Cheke_ said, "They are new to their Work, but will take kindly to it presently," she softly sayth, "Like our new 'Prentice!" which made all laugh.

When Master _Cheke_ had departed, and the Day's Work and Prayer were ended, Mistress _Fraunces_ said she would sit up for _Miles Hackathrift_, who was out too late, and bade me go to Bed, for that she saw I was weary: (and indeed I had ridden the Pillion twenty Mile that Morning.) Wherefore I thankfully crept up to the Loft a-top of the House, wherein were two Tressel-beds; and no sooner lay down than I was asleep; and might have slept all Night without so much as turning; but by and by I was arouzed by the Light of a Lanthorn held close to mine Eyes, which opened, somewhat dazed, on a red, swollen Face, that had too little Brow and too much Cheek and Chin. Then a surly Voice sayth, "So thou's the new 'Prentice, it seemeth! Good so! how prettily thy Mother in the Country hath had thine Hair cut!" I said, "It was cut in Town, not in the Country.—Go away, and take the Light out of mine Eyes, I pr'ythee.... I think thou hast been drinking Something stronger than small Ale, and hast broken thine Indenture." ... "Then I'll brake Something else," quod he; and gave me a Bang on the Head with his Lanthorn, that put the Candle out. Thereafter he had to go to Bed in the Dark; but I wot not if he grumbled thereat, so soon fell I again on Sleep, too weary to resent his Malefices.