How he could make Ink that would disappear from the Paper, accordingly as he pleased, by the strength or weakness of the composition. His imitating exactly both Hand and Seal. A remarkable Story thereupon.

Reading one time a book that an Italian writ, I found therein a description of several sorts of Ink, and how to make them; but more especially, an Ink that should last a week, a month, or two, according to the composition. I made an experiment, and found it hit indifferently well: perceiving how beneficial this would be to me, I resolved not to rest till I had found out the true Receipt; which I did at last, by much study and industry. Having obtain’d it, I so highly valued it, that methought I would not have parted with it for the Philosophers Stone. Not to be tedious, I did abuse therewith many persons with Bonds, Leases, Deeds, Acquittances, &c. there appearing in such a time nothing but the bare Seal, the paper remaining as white as if never writ on. By the help of Graving, I could counterfeit Seals exactly, insomuch that I have often cheated the Grand Cheater, Oliver, the late hypocritical and bloudy Tyrant; and by an exact imitation of an hand-writing his Council was too sensible of what Cheats I put upon them. That I was no bungler at it, I shall give you this instance. Accidentally coming acquainted with a Gentlewoman, very beautiful and well featur’d, her sparkling eyes set me all in a flame, so that I resolved to attempt the enjoyment of her. Oftentimes I visited her, and by the modesty of my carriage towards her, she perceived not my burning lust. One time having a fit opportunity, she being alone, I communicated my thoughts to her: waving what amorous discourse past on my side, I would have fallen roundly to the matter; but she understanding my intent, cry’d out; whereupon I desisted, seeing it was to little purpose if I proceeded. Sitting down by her, she exprest an absolute hatred to me for my incivility, and vow’d she would neither see nor endure me more. The vehemence of her utterance and countenance fully declared she was in earnest; so that I saw ’twas time to be gone. Looking about (unperceived by her) I took up half a sheet of paper of her writing, and clapt it into my pocket; and so took my leave. Coming home, I found my love converted into hatred, and therefore vowed my revenge: and thus it was. I understood from her whereabout, her husband liv’d, and what his Christian name was, with something of her concerns; that her husbands mother could not endure her, (because her son married her without a portion, though a wise, discreet, vertuous, and handsome woman) and whereabout he liv’d, with name, &c. I counterfeited a Letter, as from this vertuous Gentlewoman, to a Gallant of hers, taxing him with want of love, and that if he proved not more constant, she had no more to say to him, &c. The contents you shall have in the Letter it self, as followeth.

Most beloved by me of men!

I cannot blame you so much as my self; it is customary for man to proffer, but then it should be a womans duty to refuse: but alas! how could I withstand the powerful perswasions of your eloquent tongue, especially when they carried with them so much seeming reality of affection and constancy? I finde you now like other vow-breaking men, who having obtained the fruition of their desires, their appetite nauseates that which before it so eagerly crav’d. Call to minde those many endeared and melting expressions you did voluntarily utter, when I was encircled in thine arms; and if that will not reduce you to your former station, and good esteem of me, now so much slighted by you, consider that I have preferred you in love before my Husband, not caring how much I wronged him to pleasure you. If nothing will prevail, know then, this shall be my resolution, that since you have alienated my affection from my Husband, and you thus unworthily desert me, I will procure a Subject elsewhere shall out-do you in every thing, as much or more as you have out-done my Husband. I am young, plump, handsome, and bucksome; what then should hinder me from enjoying such a person, my heart will not rest satisfied till I have found? which having done, he shall lead me in thy view, and then it is probable you will desire, but never shall re-assume your place again within my breast.

This Letter was sent to her Mother-in-law in the Country, who was glad she had matter to impeach her daughter to her son. Assoon as he saw the Letter, he very well knew the hand, he thought, and would have sworn it to be his wifes: but reading the contents, the poor man was ready to sink down for grief. Perturbation of minde would not let him rest in his Country-dwelling, but rid up Post to London, where he soon found out his wife. The unexpected sight of him at first surprised her, not hearing of his coming, and knowing that his occasions were very urgent in the country: however, like a truly-loving wife, she was over-joy’d to see him, and would have kiss’d him, but that he rudely thrust her off; which action struck her to the heart, and overwhelmed her in amazement. Prethee, Sweetheart (said she) what is the matter? There, read it, said he, throwing her the Letter. She read it, and swounded. He let her lie, not caring whether she liv’d or dy’d; and had dy’d indeed, had not her Maid come up accidentally. Being recover’d, he ask’t her whether it was her hand. She could not deny it: which made the man rage, ready to run out of his wits, whilst she was silent with astonishment, taking such inward grief, that she betook her self to her bed. Nothing could comfort her, neither would she take any thing to sustain life. Hearing how powerfully my forgeries had wrought, to the hazard of somes lives; in the same hand I sent him a Letter, wherein I gave him an account of the designe, proclaiming to the world this Gentlewomans honesty, unspotted and unstain’d. The Gentlewoman recover’d in a little time after; but this trick had too much seiz’d upon my Gentleman; for like a fool he fell distracted in a sneering posture, as pleas’d to think his wife was honest notwithstanding. I have been somewhat long in this relation, because it was a passage very remarkable. Now I shall tell you how I cheated a young Citizen and an Upholster.