[8.] When Sir _Thomas Moore_ lived in the City of _London_, being one of the Justices of Peace, he used to go to the Sessions at _New-gate_, where it fell out that one of the ancientest Justices of the Bench was wont to chide the poor men whose purses had been cut, for not being more careful; telling them their negligence was the cause that so many cut-purses were brought thither, which when Sir _Thomas Moore_ observed him so often to repeat at one time, especially; the night after, he sent for one of the chief Cut-purses that was in prison, and promised to save him harmless, and stand his friend too, if he would cut the aforesaid Justices Purse the next day as he sate on the Bench, and then presently make a sign of it to him: the fellow very gladly promiseth him to do it the next day; therefore, when they sate again, that Thief was called among the first, who, being accused of his fact, said he did not doubt but that he could sufficiently excuse himself, if he were permitted to speak to some of the Bench in private. He was therefore bid to chuse one who he would, and presently he chose that grave old man, who then had his pouch at his girdle, as they wore them in those dayes; and whilst he whispered him in the ear, he cunningly cut his purse, and then solemnly taking his leave, returns to his place. Sir _Thomas_ knowing by a private sign, that the business was dispatcht, presently took occasion to move the Bench to distribute some alms to a poor needy fellow that was there, and for good example began himself to do it; when the old man came to open his purse, and sees it cut away, and, much wondering, said he was confident he brought it with him when he came thither that morning, Sir _Thomas_ replied presently, _What! will you charge any of us with felony?_ But his choler rising, and he being ashamed of the thing, Sir _Thomas_ calls the Cut-purse and bids him give him his purse again, and withal advised the good old Justice hereafter _Not to be so bitter a censurer of innocent mens negligence, when as himself could not secure his purse in that open assembly_. A merry Jest of _John Tomson_ and _Jakaman_ his Wife Whose Jealousie was justly the cause of all their strife. To the Tune of Pegge of Ramsey.[F. 84] [Illustration] When I was a Batchelour [57.] I liv'd a merry life, But now I am a married man, and troubled with a wife, I cannot doe as I have done, because I live in feare, If I goe but to _Islington_, my wife is watching there _Give me my yellow Hose againe_, _give me my yellow hose;_ _For now my wife she watcheth me_, _see yonder where she goes_. But when I was a prentice bound, and my Indentures made: In many faults I have beene found yet never thus afraid. For if I chance now by the way a woman for to kisse, The rest are ready for to say thy Wife shall know of this. _Give me my yellow Hose &c._