On our Way to _Mincheon Lane_, we fell in with an uproarious Rabble, that, with Shouts, were haling Somewhat through the Mud, which proved to be a Church Image; doubtless, just pulled down from its Niche. The Head was rare carven, and floridly painted after the Life; but the Trunk was nothing but a squared Block, with a Cross-piece for the Shoulders, and looked pitiful enow, now 'twas despoiled of its rich Clothing. An Ale-house Keeper at the Bridge end turned in-doors with Disgust at the Sight, which some of the Rabblement noting, they cried out, "Here's a Bone for you to pick, Sir _Tobias_!" and beset his Door. I afterwards learned he was an ejected Roman Catholic Parson. When we reached the _Clothworkers' Hall_, the Clerk made out my Indentures; and then I was taken before the Master to be enrolled. My Mother having paid the Fee, (Spoon-silver they jocosely called it,) unto Master _Hewet_, he did not pocket it, but put it into the Common-box: and the Business was done; my Master exchanging some pleasant Words with the Master of the Company, and the latter bidding me (in the only Sentence he spoke to me), mind the Clothworkers' Motto,—"_My Trust is in God alone_." Then, my Mother and I took Leave of one another, aside, as 'twere, in the Doorway; for she was to lie that Night in _Temstrete_, at her Cousin _Hale's_, (who was a _Broughton_,) and return to _Ashford_ on the Morrow. And she kissed me and wept sore, and sayth, "Ah Son, thou art full young to be cast out of the Nest ... fain I were to keep thee: but what though? Thou canst not always be at mine Apron-string, and thou hast a brave Spirit and a good Heart; wherefore, like _Hannah_, Wife of _Elkanah_, I will entrust my First-born unto the LORD, and see what he will do for thee.... And remember, _Ned_, thou art the Son of a Gentleman, and think the Eye of thy Father still upon thee." Then quod I, in answer to my Mother, "Cheer up, sweet _Mother_, I will never disgrace him nor thee: so give over thy weeping, lest they should deem the Tears on my Face to be mine instead of thine ... don't melt me, _Mother_, lest they count me but a Boy, and make light of our Country Breeding." "A Boy, indeed! What art thou more?" quod she, smiling through her Tears; and with one hearty Kiss and her Blessing, went her Ways. On our Return to my Master's House, he, noting my Hair to be too long for a 'Prentice, (for, indeed, my Mother was rather vain of it,) gave me a Penny, and sent me to Master _Soper_ the Barbitonsor, across the Bridge, to have it clipt. Here found I a Man having his Beard trimmed, and another, waiting for his Turn, playing a Mandoline. Seeing me look forth of the Lattice on the River, boiling and splashing below, and the Boats shooting the Arches and nearly pitching Head foremost down the Fall, he stayed his Hand, and told me how many Lives were lost in those Rapids by the Year. Then I made bold to ask him what was that great Fortress with Towers, on the north Bank.