trade, by selling many things for less than they cost him, to get
him custom, therewith to blind his Creditors eyes. His Creditors
therefore feeling that he had a great employ, and dreaming that it
must needs at length turn to a very good account to them, trusted
him freely without mistrust, and so did others too, to the value of
what was mentioned before. Well, when Mr. Badman had well
feathered his Nest with other mens goods and money, after a little
time {93c} he breaks. And by and by it is noysed abroad that Mr.
Badman had shut up Shop, was gone, and could trade no longer. Now,
by that time his breaking was come to his Creditors ears, he had by
Craft and Knavery made so sure of what he had, that his Creditors
could not touch a penny. Well, when he had done, he sends his
mournfull sugered letters to his Creditors, to let them understand
what had happened unto him, and desired them not to be severe with
him; {94a} for he bore towards all men an honest mind, and would
pay so far as he was able. Now he sends his letters by a man {94b}
confederate with him, who could make both the worst, and best of
Mr. Badmans case: The best for Mr. Badman, and the worst for his
Creditors. So when he comes to them, he both bemoans them, and
condoles Mr. Badmans condition: Telling of them, that without a
speedy bringing of things to a conclusion, Mr. Badman would be able
to make them no satisfaction, but at present he both could, and
would, and that to the utmost of his power: and to that end, he
desired that they would come over to him. Well, his Creditors
appoint him a time, and come over; and he, mean while, authorizes
another to treat with them, but will not be seen himself, unless it
was on a Sunday, lest they should snap him with a Writ. So his
deputed friend treats with them about their concern with Mr.
Badman, first telling them of the great care that Mr. Badman took
to satisfie them and all men for whatsoever he ought, as far as in