REBELLED to the point of altering my climax and the end!" The
present edition gives that ending, which of course is the only real
one.



THE ADVENTURES OF JOHN LONGBOWE, YEOMAN

BEING A MODERN-ANTIQUE REALISTIC ROMANCE

(COMPILED FROM SEVERAL EMINENT SOURCES)


It seemeth but fair that I, John Longbowe, should set down this
account of such hap and adventure as hath befallen me, without
flourish, vaporing, or cozening of speech, but as becometh one who,
not being a ready writer, goeth straight to the matter in hand in
few words. So, though I offend some, I shall yet convince all, the
which lieth closer to my purpose. Thus, it was in the year 1560,
or 1650, or mayhap 1710--for my memory is not what it hath been and
I ever cared little for monkish calendars or such dry-as-dust
matter, being active as becometh one who hath to make his way in
the world--yet I wot well it was after the Great Plague, which I
have great cause to remember, lying at my cozen's in Wardour
Street, London, in that lamentable year, eating of gilly flowers,
sulphur, hartes tongue and many stynking herbes; touching neither
man nor mayd, save with a great tongs steept in pitch; wearing a
fine maske of silk with a mouth piece of aromatic stuff--by reason
of which acts of hardihood and courage I was miraculously
preserved. This much I shall say as to the time of these