the porter of his gate a dumb minister? Dumb John of London. Who
abuseth her Majesty's subjects, in urging them to subscribe
contrary to law? John of London. Who abuseth the high commission,
as much as any? John London (and D. Stanhope too). Who bound an
Essex minister, in 200_l._ to wear the surplice on Easter Day
last? John London. Who hath cut down the elms at Fulham? John
London. Who is a carnal defender of the breach of the Sabbath in
all the places of his abode? John London. Who forbiddeth men to
humble themselves in fasting and prayer before the Lord, and then
can say unto the preachers, now you were best to tell the people
that we forbid fasts? John London. Who goeth to bowls upon the
Sabbath? Dumb Dunstical John of good London hath done all this. I
will for this time leave this figure, and tell your venerable
masterdoms a tale worth the hearing: I had it at the second hand:
if he that told it me added anything, I do not commend him, but I
forgive him: The matter is this. A man dying in Fulham, made one
of the Bishop of London's men his executor. The man had
bequeathed certain legacies unto a poor shepherd in the town. The
shepherd could get nothing of the Bishop's man, and therefore
made his moan unto a gentleman of Fulham, that belongeth to the
court of requests. The gentleman's name is M. Madox. The poor
man's case came to be tried in the Court of Requests. The B. man
desired his master's help: Dumb John wrote to the masters of
requests to this effect, and I think these were his words:

"'My masters of the requests, the bearer hereof being my man,
hath a cause before you: inasmuch as I understand how the matter
standeth, I pray you let my man be discharged the court, and I
will see an agreement made. Fare you well.' The letter came to M.
D. Dale, he answered it in this sort:

"'My Lord of London, this man delivered your letter, I pray you
give him his dinner on Christmas Day for his labour, and fare you
well.'

"Dumb John not speeding this way, sent for the said M. Madox: he
came, some rough words passed on both sides, Presbyter John said,
Master Madox was very saucy, especially seeing he knew before
whom he spake: namely, the Lord of Fulham. Whereunto the
gentleman answered that he had been a poor freeholder in Fulham,
b