efresh my selfe in stead of water. The thing
and the time compelleth me to make description of the places, and
especially of the den where the theeves did inhabit, I will prove my
wit in what I can doe, and the consider you whether I was an Asse in
judgement and sence, or no. For first there was an exceeding great hill
compassed about with big trees very high, with many turning bottoms full
of sharp stones, whereby it was inaccessible. There was many winding
and hollow vallies, environed with thickets and thornes, and naturally
fortressed round about. From the top of the hill ranne a running water
as cleare as silver, that watered all the valleyes below, that it seemed
like unto a sea inclosed, or a standing floud. Before the denne
where was no hill stood an high tower, and at the foot thereof were
sheep-coats fenced and walled with clay. Before the gate of the house
were pathes made in stead of wals, in such sort that you could easily
judge it to be a very den for theeves, and there was nothing else except
a little coat covered with thatch, wherein the theeves did nightly
accustome to watch by order, as I after perceived. And when they were
all crept into the house, and we were all tied fast with halters at the
dore, they began to chide with an old woman there, crooked with age, who
had the government and rule of all the house, and said, How is it old
witch, old trot, and strumpet, that thou sittest idley all day at home,
and having no regard to our perillous labours, hast provided nothing for
our suppers, but sittest eating and swilling thyself from morning till
night? Then the old woman trembled, and scantly able to speak gan
say, Behold my puissant and faithfull masters, you shall have meat and
pottage enough by and by: here is first store of bread, wine plenty,
filled in cleane rinsed pots, likewise here is hot water prepared to
bathe you.

Which when she had said, they put off all their garments and refreshed
themselves by the fire. And after they were washed and noynted with
oyle, they sate downe at the table garnished with all kind of dainty
meats. They were no sooner sate downe, but in came another company of
yong men more in number than was before, who seemed likewise to bee
Theeves, for they brought in their preyes of gold and silver, Plate,
jewels, and rich robes, and when they had likewise washed, they sate
among the rest, and served one another by order. Then they drank and eat
exceedingly, laughing, cryin