shifts these wicked women do use, to bring their purpose to passe: and
the reward for such dangerous watching is no more than foure or sixe
shillings. But hearken further (for I had well nigh forgotten) if the
keeper of the dead body doe not render on the morning following, the
corps whole and sound as he received the same, he shall be punished in
this sort: That is, if the corps be diminished or spoyled in any part of
his face, hands or toes, the same shall be diminished and spoyled in the
keeper. Which when I heard him I tooke a good heart, and went unto the
Crier and bid him cease, for I would take the matter in hand, and so
I demanded what I should have. Marry (quoth he) a thousand pence, but
beware I say you young man, that you do wel defend the dead corps from
the wicked witches, for hee was the son of one of the chiefest of the
city. Tush (sayd I) you speak you cannot tell what, behold I am a man
made all of iron, and have never desire to sleepe, and am more quicke of
sight than Lynx or Argus. I had scarse spoken these words, when he tooke
me by the hand and brought mee to a certaine house, the gate whereof was
closed fast, so that I went through the wicket, then he brought me into
a chamber somewhat darke, and shewed me a Matron cloathed in mourning
vesture, and weeping in lamentable wise. And he spake unto her and said,
Behold here is one that will enterprise to watch the corpes of your
husband this night. Which when she heard she turned her blubbered face
covered with haire unto me saying, I pray you good man take good heed,
and see well to your office. Have no care (quoth I) so you will give
mee any thing above that which is due to be given. Wherewith shee was
contented, and then she arose and brought me into a chamber whereas the
corps lay covered with white sheets, and shee called seven witnesses,
before whom she shewed the dead body, and every part and parcell
thereof, and with weeping eyes desired them all to testifie the matter.
Which done, she sayd these words of course as follow: Behold, his nose
is whole, his eyes safe, his eares without scarre, his lips untouched,