Scott Silvestro Book III, chs



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Chapter XIV: HOW THE HUNTSMAN WAS CAPTURED BY THE ENEMY.


So on the journey home I pondered much how I should carry myself in
future, so that I might get the favour of all: for Jump-I’th’field had
put a troublesome flea in my ear, and had made me to believe I was envied
of all: and in truth t’was no otherwise. And now came into my mind what
the famous prophetess of Soest[1] had once said,* and so I burdened
myself with yet greater cares. Yet with these thoughts did I sharpen my
wit, and perceived that a man that should live without cares would be
dull as any beast. Then I considered for what reason one and the other
might hate me, and how I might deal with each to have his goodwill again,
yet most of all I must wonder how men could be so false and yet give me
nought but good words whereas they loved me not. For that cause I
determined to deal as others did, and to say what would please each, yea,
to approach every man with respect though I felt it not: for most of all
I felt t’was mine own pride had burdened me with the most enemies.
Therefore I held it needful to shew myself humble again, though I was
not, and to consort again with common folk, but to approach my betters
hat in hand and to refrain from all finery in dress till my rank should
be bettered. From the merchant in Cologne I had drawn 100 dollars, to
repay the same with interest when he should return my treasure: these
hundred dollars I was minded to spend on the way for the behoof of the
escort, as now perceiving that greed makes no friends, and therefore was
resolved on this very journey to alter my ways and make a new beginning.
Yet did I reckon without mine host; for as we would pass through the
duchy of Berg[2] there waited for us in a post of vantage eighty
musketeers and fifty troopers, even when I was ordered forward with four
others and a corporal to ride in front and to spy out the road. So the
enemy kept quiet when we came into the ambush and let us pass, lest if
they had attacked us the convoy should be warned before they came into
the pass where they were: but after us they sent a cornet and eight
troopers that kept us in sight until their people had attacked our escort
itself, and we turned round to protect the wagons: at which they rode
down upon us and asked, would we have quarter. Now for my part I was well
mounted: for I had my best horse under me: yet would I not run,but rode
up a little hillock to see if honour was to be had by fighting. Yet I was
presently aware, by the noise of the volley that our people received,
what o’clock it was, and so disposed myself to flight. But the cornet had
thought of all, and already cut off our retreat, and as I was preparing
to cut my way through he once again offered me quarter, for he thought me
an officer. So I considered that to make sure of one’s life is better
than an uncertain hazard, and therefore asked, would he keep his promise
of quarter as an honest soldier: he answered, “Yes, honestly.” So I
presented him my sword and rendered myself up a prisoner. At once he
asked me of what condition I was: for he took me for a nobleman and
therefore an officer. Bit when I answered him, I was called the Huntsman
of Soest, “Then art thou lucky,” says he, “ that thou didst not fall into
our hands a month ago: for then could I have thee no quarter since then
thou wast commonly held among our people as a declared sorcerer.” This
cornet was a fine young cavalier and not more than two years older than
I, and was mighty proud to have the honour of taking the famous huntsman:
therefore he observed the promised quarter very honourably and in Dutch
fashion, which is to take from their Spanishprisoners of war nothing that
they carried under their belt: nay, he did not even have me searched; but
I had wit enough to take the money out of my pockets and present it to
him when they came to a division of spoils ; and I also told the cornet
secretly to look to it that he got as his share my horse, saddle and
harness, for he would find thirty ducats in the saddle, and the horse had
hardly his equal anywhere. And for this cause the cornet was much my
friend as if I had been his own brother: for at once he mounted my horse
and set me on his own. But of the escort no more than six were dead, and
thirteen prisoners, of whom eight were wounded : the rest fled and had
not heart enough to retake the booty from the enemy in fairfield, the
which they could have done, as being all mounted men against infantry.


Now when the plunder and the prisoners had been shared, the Swedes and
Hessians[3] ( for they were from different garrisons ) separated the same
evening. But the cornet kept me and the corporal, together with three
other dragoon, as his share because he had captured us: and so were we
brought to a fortress which lay but a few miles from our own garrison. *
And inasmuch as I had raised plenty of smoke in that town before, my name
was there well known and I myself more feared than loved. So when we had
the place in sight the cornet sent a trooper in advance to announce his
coming to the commandant, and to tell him how he had fared and who the
prisoners were, whereat there was a concourse in the town that was not to
be described, for each would fain see the huntsman. One said this of me,
and another that; and the sight was for all the world as if some great
potentate had made his entry. But we prisoners were brought straight to
the commandant, who was much amazed at my youth; and asked had I never
served on the Swedish side, and of what country I was : and when I told
him the truth he would know if I had no desire to serve again on their
side. I answered him that in other respects 'twas to me indifferent: but
that I sworn an oath to the emperor and therefore methought 'twas my duty
to keep such. Thereupon he ordered us to be taken to the prize-master,
but allowed the cornet, at his request, to treat us as his guests,
because I had before so treated mine own prisoner and among them his own
brother. So when evening was come there was a gathering both of soldiers
of fortune and cavaliers of birth at the cornet’s quarters, who sent for
me and the corporal: and there was I, to speak the truth, extraordinary
courteously entreated by them. I made merry as if I had lost nothing, and
carried myself as confidently and openheartedas I had been no prisoner in
the hands of my enemy but among my best friends. Yet I showed myself as
modest as might be ; for I could well imagine that my behaviour would be
noted to the commandant, which was so, as I afterwards learned.


Next day we prisoners, one after another, were brought before the
regimental judge-advocate-general, who examined us, the corporal first,
and me second. But as soon as I entered the room he was filled with
wonder at my youth, and to cast it in my teeth, “My child,” says he, “
what have the Swedes done to thee that thou shouldst fight against them?”


Now this angered me: for I seen as young soldiers among them as I was :
so I answered, “The Swedes had robbed me of my coral and bells and my
baby’s rattle, and I would have them back.” And as I thus paid him back
in his own coin, the officers that satby him were shamed, insomuch that
one of them began to say to him in Latin he should treat me seriously,
for he could hear that it was no child that he had before him. In that I
was ware that his name was Eusebius; for the officer so addressed him. So
presently when he had asked my name, and I had told him, “ There is no
devil in hell,” says he, “that is called Simplicissimus.” “Nay,” answered
I, “and 'tis like there is none named Eusebius.” And so I paid him back
like our old muster-clerk Cyriak; yet this pleased not the officers, who
bade me remember I was their prisoner, and was not brought there to pass
jests. At this reproofI blushed not, but answered: inasmuch as they held
me prisoner like a soldier, and would not let me run away like a child, I
had taken care that they should not make sport with as with a child: as I
had been questioned, so had I answered and hoped I had done no wrong
therein. So they asked me of my country and of my family, but especially
if I had never served on the Swedish side: item, how it was with the
garrison of Soest: how strong it was, and all the rest. To all which I
answered quick and short and well, and in respect of Soest and its
garrison as much as I could confidently state : yet I might well keep
silence concerning my life as a jester, for of this I was ashamed.


Chapter XV: ON WHAT CONDITION THE HUNTSMAN WAS SET FREE.


Meanwhile 'twas known at Soest how fared with the convoy, how I and the
corporal had been captured and wither we had been taken; and therefore
next day came a drummer to fetch us back: whereupon the corporal and the
three others were delivered up, together with a letter to the following
purport ( for the commandant sent it to me to read ) :

“Monsieur, etc., -By the bearer, your tambour, your message hath been
delivered : and in answer thereto I restore herewith, in return for
ransom received, the corporal and the three other prisoners : but as
concerns Simplicissimus, called the Huntsman, the same cannot be allowed
to return, as having once served on this side. But if I can serve your
honour in any matters short of those touching my allegiance, you have in
me a willing servant, and as such I remain,

“Your honour’s obedient servant,

“ [DANIEL] DE S[AINT] A[NDRE].”*

Now this letter did not half please me, yet I must return thanks to him
for suffering me to see it. But when I asked to speak with the commandant
I received answer he would himself send for me as soon as he had
dispatched the drummer, which should be done next morning : till then I
must be patient.


So when I had waited the appointed time, the commandant sent for me, and
that just at dinner-time, and then for the first time the honour fell to
me of sitting at table with him. And so long as the meal lasted, he drank
to my health and said no word, great or small, of the business he had
with me; nor was it my part to begin. But the meal now ended and I being
somewhat fuddled, says he, “My friend the Huntsman, ye will have
understood from my letter under what pretext I have kept ye here: and
indeed I intend no wrong or anything contrary to reason and the usage of
war, for yourself have confessed to me and the judge-advocate that you
once served on our side in the main army, and therefore must resolve
yourself to take service under my command. And in time, if ye behave
yourself well, I will so advance you as ye behave yourself well, I will
so advance you as ye could never have hoped for among the Imperials,
otherwise ye must not take it ill if I send you to that
lieutenant-colonel from whom the dragoons before captured you.” To which
I answered, “Worshipful colonel” (for at the time 'twas not the usage
that soldiers of fortune were entitled “your honour” even though they
were colonels), “I hope, since I am bound by oath neither to the crown of
Sweden nor its confederates, and still less to that lieutenant-colonel,
that I am therefore not bound to take service with the Swedes and so to
break the oath which I swore to the emperor, therefore beg the worshipful
colonel with all humility to be good enough to relieve me from such a
proposal.” How?” says the colonel, “do ye despise the Swedish service? I
would have you to know ye are my prisoner, and sooner than let you go to
Soest to do the enemy service I will bring you to another trial or let
you rot in prison.” And so, said he, I might lay my account.


Truly at these words I was afeared, yet would not yet give in, but
answered, God would protect both from such despiteful treatment and from
perjury: for the rest, I persisted in my humble hope that the colonel
would, according to his known reputation, deal with me as with a soldier.
“Yea, “ said he, I know well how I could treat ye if I would be strict;
but be ye better advised, lest I find cause to shrew you other
countenance,” And with that I was led back to the prison.


And now can any man guess that I slept not much that night, but had all
manner of thoughts: and next morning came certain officers with the
cornet that had taken me, under colour of passing time, but in truth to
tell me that colonel was minded to have me tried as a sorcerer if I would
not otherwise be content. So would they have terrified me, and found out
what my powers were: yet as I had the comfort of a good conscience, I
took all coolly and said but little, as seeing well that the colonel
cared for nothing but this: that he would fain have me no more at Soest.
And well might he suppose that if he once let me go I should not leave
that place, where I hoped for promotion and moreover had two fine horses
there and other things of price. Next day he had me brought to him and
asked, had I resolved otherwise. So I answered, “ Colonel, to this I am
determined that I would sooner die than be perjured. Yet if the
worshipful colonel will set me free and be pleased not to call upon me to
do any warlike service, then will I promise him with heart, mouth, and
hand to bear and use no arms against the Swedes and Hessians for the
space of six months.”


To that he agreed at once, gave me his hand upon it, and forgave me my
ransom; further he commanded his secretary to draw up an agreement to
that effect in duplicate, which we both subscribed, wherein he promised
me protection and all freedom so long as I should remain in the fortress
entrusted to him. On the other hand, I bound myself to the two points
above named, videcet: that I, so long as I should sojourn in the
fortress, would neither undertake anything to hurt of the garrison and
its commander, nor would conceal aught that was intended to their
prejudice and damage, but would much more further their profit and
benefit, and prevent any damage to them to the best of my ability-yea,
that if the place were attacked I should and would help defend it.


Chapter XVI : HOW SIMPLICISSIMUS BECAME A NOBLEMAN.


When a thing is to be, all things shape themselves to that end. Now did I
conceive that fortune had taken me to husband, or at least bound herself
so close to me that the most contrary happenings must turn out to my
profit: as when I learned at the commandants table that my servant with
my two fine horses had com from Soest. But I knew not (what at last I
found) that tricky Fortune hath the siren’s art, who do shew themselves
kindest to those whom they wish most harm, and so doth raise a man the
higher but for this end : to cast him down the deeper. Now this servant,
which I had before captured from the Swedes, was beyond measure true to
me, who had done him great kindness. He therefore had saddled my two kind
horses and rode out a good way from Soest to meet the drummer that should
bring me back, that not only I might not have to walk so far, but also
that I might not have to return to Soest naked or in rags : for he
conceived I had been stripped. So when he met the drummer and the rest of
the prisoners there he had my best clothing in a pack. But when he saw me
not, but understood I was kept back to take service with the adversary,
he set spurs to his horse and says he, “Adieu, tambours, and you too,
Corporal : where my master is there will I be also,” so he escaped and
came to me at the very time when the commandant had set me free and was
shewing me such great honour : who thereupon bestowed my horses in an inn
till I could find for myself a lodging to my liking, and called me
fortunate by reason of my servant’s faith, yet wondered that I, as a
common dragoon, and so young to boot, should possess such fine horses and
be so well equipped; nay, when I had taken leave and would go to my inn
he praised one horse so loudly that I marked well he would fain have
bought him from me. Yet because from modesty he ventured not to make a
bid, I said if I might beg for the honour of keeping the horse it was at
his service. But he refused roundly, more because I was fairly tipsy, and
he would not have the reproach of talking a present out of a drunken man,
who might thereafter repent of it, than because he would not fain have
had that noble horse.


That night I did consider how I would order my life in time to come; and
did decide to remain for the six months even where I was, and so in peace
to spend the winter which was now at hand , for which I knew I had money
enough for my purposes, with out breaking into my treasure at Cologne. “
In so long a time,” thought I, “thou wilt be full grown and come to thy
full strength, and so canst thou next spring take the field with more
boldness among the emperor’s troops.”


Early next morning I reviewed my saddle, which was far better lined than
the one I had presented to the cornet: and later on I had my horse led to
the colonel’s quarters and told him : as I had determined to spend the
six months in which 'twas forbidden me to fight, peaceable and under the
colonel’s protection, here, my horses were of no use to me, which yet
twere pity should be spoiled, and therefore begged him that he would
consent to grant this charger here present a place among his own horses,
and accept the same favour form me as a mark of grateful acknowledgment
of favours received, and that without scruple. The colonel returned me
thanks with great civility and very courteous offers of service, and the
same afternoon sent me by his steward one fat ox alive, two fat pigs, a
hogshead[4] of wine, two hogsheads of beer, twelve cords of firewood ;
all which he caused to be brought to me in front of my new lodging, which
I had even now hired for half a year, and sent a message: that as he saw
I was to live with him, and could easily conceive that I was at first
ill-provided with victual, he had therefore sent me for household use a
draught of wine and a joint of meat, together with the fuel to cook the
same: with this in addition, that whereinsoever he could help me he would
not fail. For which I returned thanks as civilly as I could : presented
the steward with two ducats, and begged him to commend me to his master.


So when I saw I had gained such credit with the colonel for my
liberality, I thought to earn praise also among the common folk, that
none should take me for a mere can malingerer : to that end I had my
servant called before me in presence of my landlord, and “Friend
Nicolas,” said I, “thou hast shewn me more faithfulness than any master
can expect from his servant; but now, when I know not how to make it up
to thee, as having no master and no leave to fight, wherefrom I might
gain booty enough to reward thee as I would fain do, and in respect also
of the peaceful life which I do intend henceforth to live, and therefore
do need no servitor, I here-with give thee as thy pay the other horse,
with saddle, harness and pistols, with the request that thou wouldst be
content for the present to seek another master. And if I hereafter can
serve thee in any way, do thou not fail to ask.” With that he kissed my
hands and for tears could not speak, but would by no means have the
horse, but held it better I should turn it into money to use for my
maintenance. Yet at last I persuaded him to take it after I had promised
to take him againinto my service so soon as I should need a man. At this
parting my landlord was so moved that his eyes also filled with tears:
and as my servant exalted me among the soldiers for this action, so did
my landlord among the citizens.


Also the commandant, he held me for so determined a fellow that he would
have ventured to build upon my word, since I did not only truly keep the
oath I had sworn to the emperor, but in order to keep that other promise,
which I had made to himself, with great strictness had rid myself of my
fine horses, my arms, and most faithful servant.


Chapter XVII : HOW THE HUNTSMAN DISPOSED HIMSELF TO PASS HIS SIX MONTHS:
AND ALSO SOMEWHAT OF THE PROPHETESS.


I do think there is no man in the world that hath not a bee in his
bonnet, for we be all men of one mould and by mine own fruits I can mark
how others’ ripen. Oh coxcomb[5]! say you; if thou beest a fool, thinkest
thou others must be too? Nay, that were to say too much: but this I
maintain, that one man can hide his folly better than another. Nor is a
man a fool because he hath foolish fantasies, for in youth we do all have
the like: and he that lets those fantasies run loose is held to be a fool
because others keep the fool concealed, and others do but shew the half
of him. They that keep such whims under altogether be but peevish
fellows, but they that now and then allow them ( as time affords an
opportunity) to shew their ears and put their heads out of window to get
air lest they be choked, these I hold for the best and wisest men. Mine
own fantasies I let forth only too far, as seeing myself so free and well
provided with money; so that I took me a lad whom I clothed as a
nobleman’s page, and that in the most fantastic colours, to wit, light
brown bordered with yellow, which must be my livery, for so I fancied it:
and he must wait upon me as if I were a nobleman and not until just
before a common dragoon; yea, and half a year before a poor horse-boy.


Now this, the first folly I committed in this town though 'twas pretty
gross, yet was remarked by none, much less blamed. But why? The world is
so full of such fooleries that none marks them now, nor laughs atthem,
nor wonders at them, for all are used to them. And so was I held for a
wise and good soldier, and not for a fool only fit for a baby’s shoes.
Then I bargained with my landlord for the feeding of my page and myself,
and gave him, as payment on account, what the commandant had presented to
me, as far as concerns food and fuel : but for the drink my page must
keep the key, for I was very willing to give of such to all that visited
me. And since I was neither citizen nor soldier, and therefore had no
equals that were bound to keep me company, I consorted with both sides,
and therefore daily found comrades enough; and these I sent not away dry.
Among the citizens I had most friendship with the organist, for music I
loved and, without bragging, had an excellent voice which I had no mind
to let rust: this man taught me how to compose, and to play better upon
that instrument, as also upon the harp : on the lute I was already a
master ; so I got me one of mine own and daily diverted myself with it.
And when I was tired of music I would send for that furrier that had
instructed me in the use of all arms in Paradise, and with him exercised
myself to be yet more perfect. Also I obtained leave from the commandant
that one of his artillerymen should instruct me in gunnery and something
of artillery-practice for a proper reward. For the rest, I kept myself
quiet and retired, so that people wondered, seeing how I, that had been
used to plunder and bloodshed, now sat always over my books like a
student.


But my host was the commandant’s spy and my keeper, for well I noted that
he reported to him all my ways and works; but that suited me well enough,
for of warfare I had never a thought, and if there was talk of it I
behaved myself as I had never been a soldier and was only there to
perform my daily exercises, of which I but now made mention. 'Tis true I
wished my six months at an end: yet could no man guess which side I would
then serve. As often as I waited on the colonel he would have me to dine
with him: and then at times the converse was so arranged that my
intention might be known therefrom: but ever I answered so discreetly
that none could know what I did mean. So once when he said to me, “How
is’t with ye, Huntsman? Will ye not yet turn Swedes? An ensign of mine is
dead yesterday,” I made answer, “Worshipful colonel, seeing that is but
decent for a woman not to marry at once again after her husband’s death,
should I not also wait my six months?” In such fashion I escaped every
time, and gained the colonel’s good will more and more ; so much so that
he allowed me to take my walks both inside and outside the fortress :
yea, at last I might hunt the hares, partridges, and birds, which was not
permitted to his own soldiers. Likewise did I fish in the Lippe, and was
so lucky at that, that it seemed as if I could conjure both fish and
crayfish out of the water. For this I caused to be made a rough hunting-
suit only, in which I crept by night into the territory of Soest and
collected my hidden treasures from here and there, and brought them to
the said fortress, and so behaved as if I would for ever dwell among the
Swedes.


By the same way came the prophetess of Soest to me and said.“ Lookye, my
son, did I not councel thee well before that thou shouldst hide thy money
outside the town of Soest? I do assure thee 'tis thy greater good luck to
have been captured : for hadst thou returned to Soest, certain fellows
that had sworn thy death, because thou wast preferred to them among the
women, would have murdered thee in thy hunting.” So I asked, “How could
any be jealous of me, that meddled with women not at all?” “Oh,” says
she, “ of that opinion that thou art now, wilt thou not long remain: or
the women will drive thee out of the country with mockery and shame. Thou
hast ever laughed at me when I foretold thee aught: wouldst thou once
more refuse to believe if I told thee more? Dost thou not find in the
place where thou art better friends than in Soest? I do swear to thee
they hold thee only too dear, and that such exceeding love will turn to
thy harm, if thou submit not to it.” So I answered her, if she truly knew
so much as she gave out, she should reveal to me how it stood with my
parents and whether I should ever in my life come to them again: she
should not be so dark in her sayings, but out with it in good German.
Thereupon she said I might ask after my parents when my foster-father
should meet me unawares, and lead my wet-nurse’s daughter by a string:
with that she laughed loud, and at the end said, she had of her own
accord told to me more than to others that had begged it of her.


But as I began to jest upon her she quickly took herself away, after I
had presented her with a few thalers ; for I had more silver coin than I
could easily carry, having at that time a pretty sum of money and many
rings and jewels of good price: for before this, whenever I heard of
precious stones among the soldiers, or found such on expeditions or
elsewhere, I bought them, and that for less than half the money they were
worth. Such treasures did always cry aloud to me to let them be seen in
public : and I did willingly obey, for being of a pretty proud temper, I
made a show with my wealth and feared not to let mine host see it, who
made it out to others as greater than it was. And they did wonder whence
I had gathered it all together, it being well known that I had made
deposit at Cologne of the treasure I had found, for the cornet had read
the merchant’s receipt when he took me prisoner.


Edited by Scott Silvestro





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[1] Soest, City, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, 33 mi. north of
Munster; market town; 12th century cathedral; early 18th century town
hall; first mentioned in 836; chartered in 12th century; important
Hanseatic town. “Soest,” Merriam-Webster’s Geographical Dictionary
(Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster Inc., 1997), 3rd ed. P1100.

* See chap. iii.  [Goodrick's note.]


[2] Berg, former duchy on the Rhine; east of Cologne, Germany; bounded on
the North by the duchy of Kleveand on the West by Julich. Approx. 1120
sq. mi.; made a countship in 1108, became a duchy in 1380, became part of
Prussia in 1815. “Berg,” Merriam-Webster’s Geographical Dictionary
(Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster Inc., 1997), 3rd ed. P136.



[3] Hessian, from the state of Hesse; Region of SW Germany, comprising
the state of Hesse and the former Prussian province of Hesse-Nassau.
“Hesse,” Merriam-Webster’s Geographical Dictionary (Springfield, MA:
Merriam-Webster Inc., 1997), 3rd ed. P483.

* viz. Lippstadt.  [Goodrick's note.]
* The initials only of the name are given in the original.  [Goodrick's
note.]


[4] Hogshead, a large cask, esp. one containing from 63 to 140 gallons.
“Hogshead”, Random House Webster’s College Dictionary (New York: Random
House, 1991), p.638.



[5] Coxcomb, a conceited, foolish dandy; pretentious. “Coxcomb,” Random
House Webster’s College Dictionary (New York: Random House, 1991), p.315.



