Famous history of the valiant London prentice

THE FAMOUS

HISTORY

OF THE

VALIANT
LONDON PRENTICE.

STIRLING:
Printed and Sold by C Randall 1807:

THE

Famous HISTORY of the

Valiant London Prentice.

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CHAP. I.

An Account of his Birth, Education, and early Valour.

IN times past there was born in the famous county of Chester, a youth of excellent beauty, promising a youth of fine things in his infancy; to promote which, the parents being wealthy, spared no pains to educate him in the best manner the country afforded, nor did he, as he grew in years fail in any part of their expectations. He took much delight in learning, but nothing so much inflamed his mind as the desire of excercising himself in feats of arms: and he was the more encited to it by reading the famous adventures of knights errant: how successful they were in overcoming giants and monsters, and rescuing beautiful ladies from death and misery. And as those heroic thoughts increased, so he found his strength abound: Nature not sparing to give him strength according to his limbs so that in his very childish encounters, those who surpassed him in years, were not able to resist his force, nor came they near him in wrestling, jumping, throwing the hammer, stone, or dart; which made his parents not a little proud of such a blessing, whom they named Aurelius, as one that promised great things.

CHAP. II.

An Account of his Adventures and Enterprizes, in which he won the fair Virgin's Hearts.

WHEN Aurelius was at the age of fourteen, he went to a wake to recreate himself with the country youths, where he behaved so well as to gain vast praise and took so well with the virgins that some of them began to feel a fever in their minds, which Cupid, who at such meetings is seldom backwards in promoting the business of ⟨love⟩ failed not to increase But he was not yet capable of feeling the flame of that passion, so regarded not their amorous glances, or understood the silent language of inflamed hearts; who were cautiously jealous of him as most dangerous rival, and gathered reasons ⟨for⟩ it from the many praises their girls bestowed on him in his absence.

CHAP. III.

Of Lucinda' falling in love with him, and of her Suitors conspiring against him to kill him.

OUR youth increasing in strength and beauty with his years, and continuing as occasion offered, to appear in publick among those admirable virgins, who in a manner doated on him, and wished to be the mistress of his affections.

Lucinda, the lovely daughter of a wealthy shepherd, was the chief, who sought by many ways to oblige him, and let him understand her passion; but virgin modesty sealing her lips, he could not interpret her dumb signs, but continued his merriment having no regard to her passion; which made her sigh and grow melancholy, refusing the addresses of all that adored her.

So sudden an alteration made them restless till they knew the cause, which they soon ⟨had⟩ by her companions, unto whom she told ⟨her⟩ passion; as likewise by a letter she had written in order to send it to him by a faithful ⟨and⟩ trusty friend, had accidentally dropped it; which contained these words:

"AURELIUS,

"Seeing you do not understand the language of a love sick virgin's eyes, pardon the liberty I take to let you know Lucinda ⟨doats⟩ on you, and begs you will requite her love with your love, who for your sake renounces the rest of mankind Then have compassion on, or for ever miserable must remain,

"LUCINDA"

This gave the several amourists all knowledge on whose account they found much cold entertainment from their beloved mistress, whom every one of them fearing to lose, (illegible text)nt his study how to remove the obstacle which stood between them and their much desired happiness.

Some were of opinion that nothing but the death of Aurelius could effect it; but others of a milder disposition, declared, That it would not only be too much a cruelty, but bring their own lives into question; therefore considering women were generally more taken with the beauty of the body than the soul, they judged fit to deform him in person but how to do it they knew not; for at last they all resolved to disfigure his face with wounds and put an end to the passion on to it dear Lucinda, when they knew no other way to extinguish.

CHAP. IV.

Of their Attempts to destroy Aurelius, who overcomes them, and leaves them naked in a Wood.

THE plot being thus laid against our valiant youth, many ways were sought for an opportunity to put it into practice, until at last they understood he was gone to pay a visit to an aunt of his, who lived in a village about two miles from his father's house, and he must return by a wood. This lucky opportunity, as they imagined, made them all leap for joy, being four in number; they all armed themselves with mischievous weapons, and in disguise placed themselves in ambush under some trees, in the way he must ⟨pass⟩, each swearing to the other to keep the thing secret; though they kept not their oaths, as you will hear.

Long they had not staid, but as they wished the valiant youth never dreaming of treachery, came on, and hearing the bushes rustle, made a halt to see what was the cause, when out leaped the rogues, and encompassed him; after they had uttered many terrible words, and reviled him they made in to grapple with him, who being ignorant of their design, and scorning to fear, took the two foremost, one in each hand, and by main force beat their heads together, that they rang like a barber's bason; so that being stunned by such lusty knocks, after staggering some few paces, down they fell, and having likewise wrested a good weapon from one of them, he sat upon the other two with such fury, giving them several wounds, and finding the blood run about their ears, they fell upon their knees, and cried for mercy, and so did the other two when they recovered from their trance; yet they could not obtain their will until he had thrashed them into a confession of the whole matter; and thereby became sensible of the love Lucinda bore him, and that she might hear of what had happened on this occasion, and their villainy to be rewarded with disgrace, he made them strip and with such tackling as their garments afforded, he bound them to four trees ⟨stark⟩ naked, where those hot brained lovers ⟨took⟩ a cooling till the morning, which discovered the whole intrigue.

This adventure for some time became the mirth of the country; but most of all it pleased the fair Lucinda, whose favour they lost by the same.

CHAP. V.

He is put Apprentice to a Merchant, and leaves Lucinda.

THE father of young Aurelius having received an exact account of what happened, and fearing those lovers might study some revenge to repair all this disgrace as likewise to prevent any amours which might happen between him and Lucinda, to whom he was not willing he should be married, took an opportunity to discourse with him ⟨about⟩ putting him in a way which might render him capable of living creditably in the world; when finding him pliable, he told him, it was his pleasure he should go to London, and there go apprentice to some honourable calling, whereby he might be comfortable to him, and bid him chuse what profession he liked.

He had not long considered, before he replied, that seeing it was his pleasure, he consented, and for the desire he had of seeing strange countries, he could like to be a merchant.

To this the old man agreeing, he was soon after sent to London, and placed to a Turkey merchant upon London Bridge On his departure he wrote the following Lines to Lucinda:

"Pardon, thou most beauteous maid, if love has not yet made a conquest over me.——That you deserve what love can bestow, I must confess; but I, alas must go and wander through the world, ere I can love. Then be contended, and never weep for your well wisher,

"AURELIUS"

This flat denial made the fair Lucinda shed many a tear, and bewail her hard fortune in loving where she was not rapid; but soon after a rich farmer's son offering his service to her, she having with much struggling, overcome all former love and affections, changed her passion, and sacrificed her virginity the pleasure of her new lover; where revelling in excess of joy, we will leave them and follow Aurelius.

CHAP. VI.

Of his gaining the Esteem of his Master and of his Passion for Dorinda, his master's fair daughter.

OUR youth's upon trial proved so very diligent and respectful, that it was not long before he was bound, according to the custom of the honourable city of London, and doubting his diligence not refusing to do any thing that might please or be for his master's interest And what time he had to spare he amused himself in manly exercises, recreating himself in the fencing school, and in martial exploits, gaining the name of a bold and hardy youth, and one who promised great and extraordinary things

In this happy state he lived near three years, when Fortune, who is as unconstant as the wind, conspired to give him some disturbance, for fair Dorinda, his master's daughter, a handsome virgin, about sixteen years of age, returning from school, where she had been brought up at board; her modesty, winning behaviour, and charming graces, by his often gazing on her, by degrees conceived such a love for that excellent creature, that he was no longer master of his heart which his eyes had given away.

For a while he smothered the flame, but it soon broke out again the fiercer, and then he knew, experimentally, what Lucinda had suffered.

Often he attempted to discover his passion, and often fearing to offend, he stayed the words at his tongue's end and all he could do was to sign and stand confounded in her presence, while the innocent lady would frequently ask the reason, but had no other answer than what his eyes delivered in burning glances.

Thus he continued for a month or more, and at last resolved to make his passion known and he soon found an opportunity to drop a letter in the way of Dorinda, which contained the following words.

"Beauteous Dorinda

"After many sighs and eager looks, I have presumed to let you know, if this comes into your fair hand, that I love you better than my own life; and to be requited with your love, ⟨lo⟩! there is nothing so hazardous but I will undertake. The inequality I do confess is great, yet love is a power obedient to no law but to its own. Pity me then as a lover, who loves you above all earthly things; and look on me not as your father's servant, but as your slave, by whose smiles I must live, and without which, life will be the most miserable.

AURELIUS."

This did not a little surprize the beauteous maid, who considered that although he was then a servant, she might for all that have cause to love him, yet as it might be disagreeable to her parents if she should countenance his affections, therefore preferring her duty and obedience to her fancy, or her passion for Aurelius, the next time she met him her words to him were, That she could not but wonder how he could presume to make love to her, who was his own master's daughter, before half his time was expired, and desired him not to make mention of it any more, either by letter or words, lest her father should be made a quainted with it, to his prejudice. And so with a scornful frown she left him, as one stuck with astonishment and grief.

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CHAP. VII.

He gets Leave to go to Turkey, and of what ensued.

AURELIUS being thus repulsed in his first love, found himself altogether restless, and that as often as he beheld his beautiful mistress, his flame was increased, and his torture more and more augmented: and though he tried many ways to give re- to his labouring mind, yet he found them in vain, and so concluded,, That unless he was removed from that beautiful object he must be always miserable, and perceiving her looks and carriage every day more and more disdainful towards him he at last resolved to desire his master to let him go his factor in the next Turkey fleet; which request was granted him by the merchant; and so in a very gallant equipage he took his leave, tho' not without some tears from his scornful mistress, who by this time began to relent that she had so unkindly repulsed his addresses: but being beautiful and young, and considering that to these advantages her indulgent father would add a large portion, her thoughts of a higher advancement hushed up that care, and so they parted Aurelius to his ship and the lady to her chamber, where we must leave her, who was soon after married to a rich merchant.

CHAP. VIII.

His Arrival in Turkey, and his Reception; his overthrowing the Turkish Champions, and killing a Turkish Prince he met with.

NOW the gallant Aurelius having passed the dangers of the sea, after contending with the storms of wind and love, landed at Constantinople, where he was received with much respect by the English merchants and factors residing there, and behaved himself so well in the management of his affairs, that he gained a general esteem: and in all this he forgot not to exercise his valour as often as occasion required; and being by this time grown to full strength, he found no one able to encounter with him, though too modest of his abilities.

Now it happened on the marriage of one of the Turk's daughter's, great sports were prepared, and all the valiant knights summoned to exercise ⟨at tilts⟩ and tournaments, in honour of the ladies and their husbands.

This news pleased Aurelius so much, that he resolved to make one among them, and shew his prowess for the honour of the English nation, against the proud infidels, and thereupon he provided armour, with a horse, sword, and a strong lance beating on his shield a golden Phoenix, to signify he was a loyal subject to the Virgin Queen and under it Neptune ⟨briding⟩ the ocean, shewing, that the sovereignty of the sea depended upon her will, as for his armour it was white, signifying innocency

Thus bravely accountered, he hasted to the lifts, to wait the trumpet's sound, where all the noblemen and ladies were in their different degrees clad in gold end gems, When on a sudden three turks, well mounted and richly armed, advanced with their fine mooned shields, and with a loud voice bid defiance, as the bridegroom's champions, to all the Knights in Christendom, which made Aurelius impatient to let them know what English valour was; but perceiving the champions of other nations preparing for the encounter he forebore until he might see their fortune, so that his honour might be the greater, by overcoming the conqueror's; nor did he amiss: for the Turks being of a monstrous size, and well experienced in feats of arms, at the first encounter cast them from their saddles, and so served three others, which made Aurelius think it was time for him o advance, and setting spurs to his heels uppermost quite over the crupper; and passing on struck the second on the crest with such force, that it broke, and the lance entered the brain, he fell dead to the ground which the third perceiving, came on with his long sword, and with one blow cut through ⟨Aurelius⟩'s shield; but he charged furiously on the infidel, made him give ground and after several more severe wounds obliged him to kiss the earth, and beg his life.

To revenge this disgrace of their champions, the Turkish Prince, by leave of his father-in-law, entered the list, and with great ⟨grace⟩ (illegible text)d the bold Aurelius, and swore by Mahomet that he would chastise the great ⟨affront⟩ and with reproachful expressions (illegible text) common. On which they ⟨set⟩ spurs to their horses, and met with such fury, that their lances broke, and shivered in the air, whereupon the Prince drew his sword, but Aurelius made at him a weighty blow on the top of his helmet, which broke his neck so he fell down dead. After which no one durst engage the young valiant English champion;

CHAP. IX.

He destroys two Lions that are prepared ⟨to⟩ devour him, and marries the King's daughter.

NOW the cruel Turk upon notice ⟨that⟩ bold prince Orondo, his son-in-law was dead, (whom he imagined only to have been stunned,) vowed that Aurelius, who he called an English boy, should suffer the most cruel death that ever any man did; ⟨and⟩ thereupon he sent a strong guard to ⟨fell⟩ him, and conveyed him to prison, until he had consulted what manner of cruel death ⟨to⟩ put him to; in the end it was concluded, ⟨that⟩ he should be cast alive to two fierce ⟨lions,⟩ who, to make them the greedier, were kept for several days fasting.

The appointed day for his death being ⟨come⟩, and the King, his nobles, and the ⟨ladies⟩ being seated to behold the execution, the brave youth was brought in a cambric shirt, and drawers of white satin, embroidered with gold, and a crimson cap on his head; but he had scarce time to bow respectfully to the ladies, who praised his manly beauty, and began to pity his misfortunes, before the lions were let loose, who ⟨at⟩ the sight of their prey began to roar most horribly, insomuch that the spectators trembled.

Aurelius, whom death daunted not, now lying aside all fear, as they came thus fiercely to them with open mouths thrust his hands down their throats, and before they had power to get from his strong arms, he forcibly tore out both their hearts, and (illegible text) laid them dead at his feet, demanding of the King what other dangerous enterprizes he had to put to him, and he would gladly do them for the honour of his Queen, and his dear country's sake.

When immediately the Emperor descended from his throne, embraced him, pardoned him, and said, He believed him to be some angel; but on his assurance that he was no more than a man, the Emperor offered him his daughter Theoraze, with great riches, who for his sake became Christian; and afterwards spending some time time in that place, they returned ⟨to⟩ England, where they were received with great joy, and lived many years together ⟨very⟩ loving and happy.

FINIS.