ead; which, if once they did, I
would complain to my master, _Non bene intelligit linguam Latinam, nec
prorsus loquitur_. In the derivation of words, I found most of them
defective, nor indeed were any of them good grammarians: all and every
of those scholars who were of my form and standing, went to Cambridge
and proved excellent divines, only poor I, William Lilly, was not so
happy; fortune then frowning upon father's present condition, he not in
any capacity to maintain me at the university.

OF THE MANNER HOW I CAME UNTO LONDON.

Worthy sir, I take much delight to recount unto you, even all and every
circumstance of my life, whether good, moderate, or evil; _Deo gloria_.

My father had one Samuel Smatty for his Attorney, unto whom I went
sundry times with letters, who perceiving I was a scholar, and that I
lived miserably in the country, losing my time, nor any ways likely to
do better, if I continued there; pitying my condition, he sent word for
me to come and speak with him, and told me that he had lately been at
London, where there was a gentleman wanted a youth, to attend him and
his wife, who could write, &c.

I acquainted my father with it, who was very willing to be rid of me,
for I could not work, drive the plough, or endure any country labour; my
father oft would say, I was good for nothing.

I had only twenty shillings, and no more, to buy me a new suit, hose,
doublet, &c. my doublet was fustian: I repaired to Mr. Smatty, when I
was accoutred, for a letter to my master, which he gave me.

Upon Monday, April 3, 1620, I departed from Diseworth, and came to
Leicester: but I must acquaint you, that before I came away I visited my
friends, amongst whom I had given me about ten shillings, which was a
great comfort unto me. On Tuesday, April the 4th, I took leave of my
father, then in Leicester gaol for debt, and came along with Bradshaw
the carrier, the same person with whom many of the Duke of Buckingham's
kindred had come up with. Hark how the waggons crack with their rich
lading! It was a very stormy week, cold and uncomfortable: I footed it
all along; we could not reach London until Palm-Sunday, the 9th of
April, about half an hour after three in the afternoon, at which time we
entered Smithfield. When I had gratified the carrier and his servants, I
had seven shillings and sixpence left, and no more; one suit of cloaths
upon my back, two shirts, three bands, one pair of shoes, and as many
stockings