The

When as the Hand at Tennis Playes,

And Men to Gaming fall,

Love is the Court, Hope is the House,

And Favour serves the Ball.

This Ball it self is due Desert,

The Line that measure showes

Is Reason, whereon Judgment looks

Where Players win and lose.

The Tutties are Deceitful Shifts,

The Stoppers, Jealousy,

Which hath Sir Argus hundred Eyes,

Wherewith to watch and pry.

The Fault whereon Fifteen is lost,

Is Want of Wit and Sense,

And he that brings the Racket in

Is Double Diligence.

But now the Racket is Free-Will,

Which makes the Ball rebound,

And noble Beauty is the Choice,

And of each Game the Ground.

Then Racket strikes the Ball away,

And there is Over-sight,

A Bandy ho! the People cry,

And so the Ball takes flight.

Now at the length Good-liking proves

Content to be their Gain:

Thus in the Tennis-Court, Love is

A Pleasure mixt with Pain.

Since this Recreation of Ringing is become so highly esteemed, for its excellent Harmony of Musick it affords the Ear, for its Mathematical Invention delighting the Mind, and for the Violence of its Exercise bringing Health to the Body, causing it to transpire plentifully, and by Sweats dissipate and expel those Fuliginous thick Vapours, which Idleness, Effeminacy and Delicacy subject men to; I say for these and sundry other Reasons, I was induced to bring this of Ringing into the Company of Exercises in this Treatise, that I might as well recreate you with some health-conducing Pleasure at home, as I have carryed you abroad, and there endeavoured to please you in what Pastime your Inclinations may most peculiarly select.

Whosoever would then become an accurate Master of this excellent Art and Pleasure, and is very desirous to be esteemed an Elaborate and Ingenious Ringer, and be enrolled amongst that Honoured Society of Colledge Youths; I must beg Leave to instruct him before he enters the Bell-free, in these ensuing short Rules, which he must strictly observe. viz.

1. That as all Musick consists in these six plain Notes, La Sol Fa Mi Re Ut; so in Ringing, a Peal of Bells is Tuned according to these Principles of Musick: For as each Bell takes its Denomination from the Note it Sounds, by its being flatter or deeper, as, First, or Treble, Second, Third, Fourth, &c. as they are in number to Ten or Twelve Bells, the Last being called the Tennor; So must they successively strike one after another both Fore-stroke and Back-stroke, in a due Musical Time or Equidistance, to render their Harmony the more pleasant, and to make the Young Practitioner the better informed to observe the Life of Musick, and indeed of true Ringing, Time; and therefore is called, Round-Ringing.

2. As in Musick, so in Ringing there are three Concords, so called from their Melodious Harmony and Agreement, which Principally are these; Thirds, viz. 1 3, 2 4. &c. Fifths 1 5, 2 6 &c. Eights 1 8, 2 9, 3 10 &c. and these are the more pleasant according to the Number of Bells they are struck on, and as they are struck, whether seperately or mutually. From hence Changes are made, which is only a Changing place of one Note with another, so variously, as Musick may be heard a thousand wayes of Harmony; which being so obvious to common Observation, I shall not go about to demonstrate; for that if two may be varied two wayes, surely by the Rule of Multiplication, a Man may easily learn how many times 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 12 Bells Notes may be varied, which will run almost ad infinitum.

3. For the better observing the Ringing of Changes or Rounds, these three things are to be noted.

1. The Raising true in Peal.

2. Ringing at a low Compass; And

3. Ceasing in true Peal; All which three are the most essential Parts to render a Practitioner Excellent.

1. For Raising a Peal of Bells true, the modern & best Practice recommends the swiftest and quickest possible, every one taking Assistance to raise his Bell, as its going requires: The lesser Bells as Treble, &c. being by main strength held down in their first Sway (or pull) to get time for the striking of the rest of Larger Compass; and so continued to be strong pulled till Frame-high, and then may be slackned: The Bigger, as Tenor, &c. must be pincht or checkt over head, that the Notes may be heard to strike roundly and hansomely. Observe that all the Notes strike round at one Pull: I do not mean the First; but ’tis according to the Bigness and Weightiness of your Bells: However in raising a Peal, do not let one Bell strike before the rest, or miss when the rest do; this is contrary to the Strict Rules of true Ringing: And this is called Round-Ringing. Now if you design to raise a Peal of Bells for Changes, you ought to raise them to a Set-Pull, as the most proper for commanding the Notes, and he who is not well skilled to manage his Bell at a Set-Pull, will be apt to drop or overturn it, be in a Wood, and fruitlessly toil and moil himself. Therefore in practising the Setting of a Bell, cast your Eye about the other Bell-Ropes, during your managing your own, that you may accustome your selfe to manage it according to the Change.

2. For Ringing at a Low Compass, is thus observed: By keeping a due punctum or beat of Time, in the successive striking one after another of every Bell; the best Ringer being set to the Treble, that may guide and direct the rest of the Notes in their due Measure.

3. For Ceasing a Peal of Bells; Let them fall gradually from a set Peal, checking them only at Sally, till the low Compass renders it useless; and when so low, that for want of Compass, they can scarce strike at Back-stroak; then let the Treble-Ringer stamp, as a Signal, to notify, that the next time they come to strike at the Fore-stroke, to check them down, to hinder their striking the Back-stroke; yet Fore-stroke continued, till brought to a neat and gracefull Chime, which may be the Finis to that Peal.

Thus much in short, for Raising, Round-Ringing, and Ceasing a Peal of Bells; I come next to lead you forth into that spacious Field of Variety of Changes, and present you with Instructions that may be meerly necessary, for the right Understanding the several kinds of them.

Now in Ringing Changes, two of our best Senses, are to be employed, viz. The Ear, and the Eye: The Ear, Hearing when to make a Change; and the Eye directing the Bell in making it: The Bells being the Object of the Former, and the Bell-Ropes the Object of the Latter. And to render both the Eye and Ear Usefull in Ringing Changes, these Five things are throughly to be Understood

First. Endeavour to distinguish the Notes of a Peal of Bells, one from another while Ringing.

Secondly, Learn to apprehend the Places of the Notes.

Thirdly, Understand the Precendency of Notes.

Fourthly, How to make a Change in Ringing.

Fifthly, and Lastly. How to Practise the four fore-going Notions in General.

1. To know the Notes of a Peal of Bells asunder (which is easy in Round-Ringing) in Changes is thus: Get the skill of Tuning them with your Voice, by imitating their Notes while Ringing. Or if you are acquainted, either by your self or Friend, with some Singing-master, or one who has skill in Singing, get him to instruct you in the true Pitch of any Note, and aid your distinguishing them; otherwise you may be puzzled in this, to know which is Treble, which Second, &c. as in 532641, &c.

2. To know the Places of the Notes, is no way better to be apprehended than thus: The Practitioner ought to form an Idea in his Head of the Place of each Note, whether in a direct Line, or Obliquely; and representing them by a Figure in his mind, see (as it were) by the Eye of his Understanding each stroke of the Bell, as the Treble, 1. Second 2. Third 3. &c. so that as the Ear is to direct him, when to make the Change, so a right Apprehension of the Motion and Places of the Notes, ought to be a means to guide his Ear.

3. The Precedency of Notes, is of a very Obvious Demonstration; thus: In Ringing Changes, the Fore and Back-stroke, successively following one another, are properly said to Lye behind one another, according to their places of striking. Or in short, in 12345. the Note that leads either at Fore or Back-stroak, is said to Lye before the rest, and the last to be behind. As the 2 is said to lye behind the 1, so it lyeth before the 3, as the 3 lyeth behind the 2, so it lyeth before the 4. And so of as many as are Rung.

4. The manner of making a Change, is very common, and needs no particular, but general Rule; That it is made by moving one Note into anothers place, Up and Down, as Occasion requires; but all usually made by two Notes standing one next the other, as hereafter may be Observed.

Lastly, In your Ringing Changes, these two things (in which consists the practick part of this Art) are to be rightly considered. First, Readily to know which two Bells are to make the succeeding Change. And Secondly, to consider (if you are concern’d in it) what Bell you are to follow in making it. To understand which the more perfectly, you must imprint in your memory, the Method of the Changes prick’d in Figures, and to be expert likewise in setting them down divers wayes, and making any Figure a Hunt at Pleasure; and thus without pausing or hesitating to consider the Course, you may throughly understand the Methods; the Four preceding Observations being first perfectly understood.

There are two wayes of Ringing Changes, viz. By Walking them, as the Artists stile it; or by Whole-pulls, or Half-pulls: Walking is, when in one Change the Bells go round, Four, Six, or Eight times; which is a most incomparable way to improve a young Practitioner, by giving him time to consider, which two Bells do make the next succeeding Change, and in making it, what Bell each is to follow; so that by this means (by his industry) he may be capable of Ringing at Whole-Pulls; Which is, when the Bells go round in a Change at fore and back-stroke; and a new Change is made every time they are pulled down at Sally: This an Ancient Practice, but is now laid aside, since we have learnt a more advantageous way of hanging our Bells, that we can manage a Bell with more ease at a Set-Pull than formerly: So that Ringing at Half-Pulls is now the modern general Practice; that is, When one Change is made at Fore-Stroke, another at Back-Stroke, &c.

I have one Thing more to add in these introductory Rules, and that in short is this: He that Rings the slowest Hunt, ought to notify the extreme Changes; which is, when the Leading Bell is pulling down, that he might make the Change next before the Extreme, he ought to say, Extreme. By this means, betwixt the Warning and the Extreme there will be one compleat Change.

Of Changes, &c.

There are two kinds of Changes, viz. Plain Changes, and Cross-Peals; which Terms do denote the Nature of them; for as the first is stiled Plain, so are its Methods easy; and as the second is called Cross, so are its Methods cross and intricate: The First have a general Method, in which all the Notes (except Three) have a direct Hunting-Course, moving gradually under each other, plainly and uniformly: Plain are likewise termed single Changes, because there is but one single Change made in the striking all the Notes round, either at fore or back-stroke. But the Second is various, each Peal differing in its Course from all others; and in Cross-Peals as many Changes may be made as the Notes will permit. In short, as to Plain-Changes, I shall not dilate on them here, it being so plainly understood by every one that lately have rung a Bell in peal; All therefore I shall add is this, That any two Notes that strike next together may make a Change, which may be done either single or double, as you list. The single, by changing Two Notes; and the Double, by changing Four, i. e. Two to make one Change, and two another; which is however called One double Change, and not two Changes; because tis made in striking the Notes of the Bells once round. For the rest, common Observation and Practice bids me stop here, and demands a Clearing those dark Intricacies which attend Cross-Peals.

Of Cross-Peals.

Art, being a curious Searcher and Enquirer into the hidden and abstruse Arcana’s of Difficulties, having found out that dark and remote Corner of Obscurity, wherein the nature of these Cross-Peals lay at first invelopped, has exhibited by its Proselytes the ensuing Demonstrations of that which before lay mantled up in Doubt: And to effect this, these Favourites of Art have, like ingenious Architects, made Order and Method the Basis, on which the whole Structure depends: For in these Cross-Peals we must observe the prime Movement, which sets the whole Frame a going, and that is called the Hunt, which hath One constant Uniform Motion throughout the Peal, and different from that of the other Notes; and indeed by this the whole Course of the Peal is Steered. This keeps a continual motion through the other Notes, i. e. From Leading, to strike behind, and from thence again to Lead; which is called one compleat Course.

Some Peals upon five Bells consist of single Courses, wherein are ten Changes, and twelve Courses make the Peal. Others upon Five, consist of Double Courses, wherein are twenty Changes to every Course, and six Courses in the Peal.

Upon six Bells there are likewise single and double Courses, viz. Twelve Changes in every single Course, as in Grandsire Bob, &c. and Twenty-four Changes in every Double Course, as in Colledge Bobs, that being the first Change of every Course, wherein the Hunt leaves Leading: In short, judiciously observe the first Course of any Cross-Peal, and you will soon see the general Method of the whole Peal: All Courses in Cross-Peals agreeing in these following three Respects. First, In the motion of the Hunt. Secondly, In the motion of the rest of the Notes: And Thirdly, In making the Changes. Which three things being well (to omit Instances of Demonstration) and narrowly observed, will be very helpful both in pricking and ringing Courses; the first and third for directing you in Pricking them, and the first and second in Ringing them.

There is one Difficulty to be removed e’re I can come to prick down those Peals I design to be the Subject of the Discourse of this Epitome, and that is, How to make the first Changes at the beginning of each Peal; I mean to make the Second, Third, Fourth, &c. whole Hunts; and this in short is thus directed: In any Cross-Peal the Whole Hunt may move either up or down at the beginning; and the Motion of the Whole Hunt, in the first Course of each of the following Peals, will direct the first Motion of any Cross-hunt, and by Consequence of making the first Changes in that Peal. Taking along with you this Observation.

That whensoever the first Change of any Peal happens to be single, it must be made at the back-stroke, to prevent cutting Compass; and the like when a double Change happens first in a Peal of Triples and doubles: But when it happens, that the first Change is made at the Back-stroke, then Consequently the Bells at the end of the Peal will come round at a Fore-stroke Change.

I shall omit speaking to any of the several Peals on four or five Bells; for that in my Opinion little Musick is heard, though much practical Observation is made, from them; and therefore shall begin with Grandsire-Bob, as having mentioned it but just before in my general View I made of Cross-Peals.

Grandsire Bob.

Bob Changes take their Name from this, viz. When the Treble leads in the Second and Third, and the Fifth and Sixth’s places, then they are called Bob-Changes. In Ringing which you are to observe these Rules, viz.

Whatsoever Bells you follow when you Hunt up, the same Bells in the same order you must follow in Hunting down; as in the Changes here prickt, where the Treble hunting up First follow Second, then Fourth, and then Sixth; when it comes behind, First follows Second, in hunting down Fourth; and when hunted up follows Sixth in the same Order: The like may be observed in Ringing any other Bell, with this Difference betwixt the Whole-hunt and the rest, viz. Every time the Whole-hunt leaves the Treble’s place, and hunts up, it followeth different Bells from what it did at its first hunting up.

In the ensuing Peal here prickt are Eighteen-score Changes, wanting one. It may be Rung with any Hunts, and begin the Changes Triple and Double: You may make your Extreme at the first, second, or third single Bob; or the first, second, or third time, that the half and quarter-hunts dodg behind; the single must be made behind in either of these.

123456
214365
241635
426153
462513
645231
654321
563412
536142
351624
315264
132546
135264
312546
321456
234165
243615
426351
462531
645213
654123
561432
516342
153624
156342
513624
531264
352146
325416
234561
243651
426315
462135
641253
614523
165432
bob.
156423
514632
541362
453126
435216
342561
324651
236415
263145
621354
612534
165243
162534
615243
651423
564132
546312
453621
435261
342516
324156
231465
213645
126354
123645
216354
261534
625143
652413
564231
546321
453612
435162
341526
314256
132465
134256
312465
321645
236154
263514
625341
652431
564213
546123
451632
415362
143526
bob.
134562
315426
351246
532164
523614
256341
265431
624513
642153
461235
416325
143652
bob.
134625
316452
361542
635124
653214
562341
526431
254613
245163
421536
412356
143265
142356
124536
125463
152643
156234
165324
163542
136452
bob.
163425
136245
132654
123564
125346
152436
154263
145623
bob.
154632
145362
bob.
154326
145236
142563
124653
126435
162345
163254
136524
135642
153462
bob.
135426
153246
152364
125634
126543
162453
164235
146325
bob.
164352
146532
bob.
164523
146253
142635
124365
123456

Thus much for the Grandsire-Bob; I shall next collect what London Peals I think most Harmonious, and agreeable, without troubling my self to go to Oxford, or Nottingham, or Redding, to enquire after their different Methods of Peales, as indeed needless; and my reason is this: Because I think the same Rules for Peales that are suitable to our London Genius, may challenge likewise an Acceptance amongst other Cities; provided their Steeples are furnished with as many, and as good Bells, and their Belfree’s with as ingenious and elaborate Ringers as here in London.

I shall begin then with Peales upon Six Bells, and herein in order, measure out the Delights on Peals from Six to Eight Bells, and setting out early, present you with

The Morning Exercise.

Doubles and Singles. The whole Hunt is the Treble, which Hunteth up into the Second, Third, and Fourth places, lying twice in each; and then lyeth still in the Sixth place, having dodged behind, and makes another, and then Hunts down as it Hunted up, and then leads four times. Observing the manner of its Pricking, and its Practice, may excuse any further defining it.

123456
213465
213456
231465
231456
234165
234156
243516
243561
245316
245361
254631
254613
256431
256413
265143
265134
261543
261534
216543
216534
126543
126534
162543
162534
164352
164325
bob.
163452
163425
165243
165234
156243
156234
154326
154362
bob.
153426
153462
152643
152634
125643
125634
124365
124356
142365
142356
146532
146523
bob.
145632
145623
143265
143256
134265
134256
136524
136542
bob.
135624
135642
132465
132456
123465
123456

This will go a 120 Changes, and by making Bobs, 240, 360, 720.

A Cure for Melancholy.
Doubles and Singles.

I should think it needless to explain the method of prick’d Peales, and give a large Definition of them, when their plain Demonstration might be sufficient; However, as the Old Phrase is, Because ’tis usual, something shall be said of this too.

The Treble is the whole Hunt, as in the former, and leads four times, and lyeth behind as many, and twice in every other place; the two Bells in the 3d. add 4th. places continue dodging, when the Treble moves out of the 4th. place; untill it comes down there again, and then the two hindmost dodge, till the Treble displaceth them; who maketh every double Change, except when it lieth behind, and then the double is on the four first, and on the four last when it leads. Every Single (except when the Treble lies there) is in the 5th. and 6th. places; or if possessed by the Treble, then in the 3d. and 4th. places: Every Bell (except the Treble) lies four times in the Second place: But enough; a word is enough to the Wise. See it here Deciphered.

123456
213465
213456
231465
231456
234165
234156
243516
245316
243561
245361
423561
425361
423516
425316
452136
452163
451236
451263
415236
415263
145236
145263
142536
142563
156423
156432
bob.
165423
165432
143652
143625
bob.
134652
134625
162345
162354
163245
163254
125634
125643
126534
126543
154263
154236
152463
152436
143526
143562
bob.
134526
134562
156423
156432
bob.
165423
165432
132654
132645
136254
136245
124365
124356
123465
123456

This will go Six-score Changes, but by making bobs, it will go 240, 360, or 720. The bob is a double Change at the leading of the Treble, in which the Bell in the 4th Place lyeth still.

London Nightingale,
Doubles and Singles.

The Whole-Hunt is the Treble, who lyeth four times before, and as many behind, and twice in every other place: The two hind bells continue dodging, when the Treble moves down out of the Fifth place, till he comes there again, the bell in the Fourth place lying still all the while: When the two hind bells aforesaid leave dodging, then the two First bells take their dodging places, till dispossessed again, by the return of the said Hind bells to their dodging; and then they Cease.

123456
213465
213456
231465
231456
234165
234156
243516
423516
243561
423561
245361
425361

245316
425316
452136
452163
451236
451263
415236
415263
145236
145263
154236
154263
126543
126534
162543
162534
153624
153642
bob.
156324
156342
134562
134526
bob.
135462
135426
142356
142365
124356
124365
136245
136254
163245
163254
125634
125643
152634
152643
164523
164532
bob.
165423
165432
143652
143625
bob.
146352
146325
132465
132456
123465
123456

This will go 120, and by making bobs, 240, 360, or 720.

Colledge Bobs.

In this bob, when the Treble leaves the two Hind bells, they dodge till it comes there again, and till the Treble gives way for the dodging again of the said two Hind bells, the two First bells dodge, but after Cease dodging, when the two Hind bells dodge.

123456
214365
124356
213465
231456
324165
321456
234165
243615
426351
246315
423651
246351
423615
243651
426315
462135
641253
642135
461253
416235
142653
412635
146253
142635
416253
146235
412653
421635
246153
241635
426153
462513
&c.
165432
bob.
156423
143526
bob.
134562
152364
153246
126543
125634
164235
162453
143652
bob.
134625
165324
bob.
156342
132546
135264
124365
123456
Another.

Here, every bell, when it comes to lead, makes a dodge before, then after one Change, it lyeth still; after it has made another dodge, it moves up into the 4th. place, where twice it lyeth still; and down again; except the Treble happens to dodge with it in the 4th. place, then it Hunts up behind. When the Treble moves down out of the 3d. place, the two bells in the 3d. and 4th. place continue there, till the Treble comes up thither again, the two hind bells dodging in the mean time.

123456
214365
124356
213465
231645
326154
231654
326145
362415
634251
364215
632451
623541
265314
625341
263514
236154
321645
236145
321654
312564
135246
315264
132546
135264
312546
132564
315246
351426
534162
351462
534126
&c.
153624
bob.
135642
153462
bob.
135426
153246
152364
125634
126543
162453
164235
146325
bob.
164352
146532
bob.
164523
146253
142635
124365
123456

Both these bobs will go One Hundred and Twenty Changes, and by making of bobs, they will go, 240, 360, or 720. And thus with little Variation, there are other bobs may be made after the same manner, and afford as Admirable Musick, as possibly can be made on bells. I shall therefore hasten to finish this dayes Work, only first present you with this one more called,

The City Delight:
Doubles and Singles.

The whole Hunt is the Treble, and lieth as before in the Nightingale: When the Treble moves out of the 3d. place, the Singles are made in the 2d. and 3d. places, till the Treble repossesses his 3d place, and then behind, till it moves up again out of the 3d. place. The two Hind bells dodge, when the Treble moves out of the 4th. place, till he returns again; the bell in the 4th. place lying still all the while.

123456
213465
213456
231465
231456
234165
234156
243156
234615
243615
246351
264351
246531
264351
265413
256413
265143
256143
251634
251643
215634
215643
125634
125643
152634
152643
154326
154362
bob.
153426
153462
156234
156243
165234
165243
164352
164325
bob.
163452
163425
162534
162543
126534
126543
124365
124356
142365
142356
145623
145632
bob.
146523
146532
143265
143256
134265
134256
135642
135624
bob.
136542
136524
132465
132456
123465
123456

This will go as many Changes as the last mentioned, by making bobs. And here I will shut up this dayes Peal, upon Six Bells with

The Evening Delight.
Doubles and Singles.

The Whole-Hunt is the Treble, and lyes as before specified, with this exception only: That it dodges in the 2d. and 3d. places, every time it Hunts up, and down. Observe when Treble goes to lead, and leaves of leading, the bells in the 3d. and 4th. places lye still, &c. Note the pricking this Peal.

123456
213465
231465
213645
231645
236154
263154
236514
263514
265314
256341
265431
256431
254613
245613
254163
245163
241536
214536
241356
214356
124365
142365
124635
142635
146253
164235
bob.
146253
164235
162453
126453
bob.
162435
126435
124653
142653
124563
142563
145236
154236
145326
154326
153462
135462
153642
135642
136524
163524
bob.
136542
163542
165324
156324
bob.
165342
156342
153624
135624
153264
135264
132546
123546
132456
123456

This Peal will go 120 Changes, and by making bobs, as many as above.

Note that in all the foregoing Peals upon Six bells, the bobs are double Changes, and made alwayes at the leadings of the Whole-Hunt. He that Rings the Half-Hunt, may best call bob in all Peales.

I come now to the Changes upon Seven bells, which though the seldom Practice of them might excuse my omitting them; yet because I promised to say somewhat of them, I shall be as good as my Word, (the Character of an Honest man) and present you with a couple of Examples, and then proceed to Peales upon Eight: But this I must crave leave to premise, That Variety of Changes may be prick’d upon Seven bells, as Triples, and Doubles, Triples Doubles, and Single Doubles, &c. and the same Methods may be prick’d upon Seven, as may be upon Five, the true difference of Proportion being observed; but to proceed.

Dodging Triples.

Triples and Doubles, and indeed all Peals upon Six, may likewise go upon Seven Bells, thus,

1234567
2143576
2415367
4251376
4523167
5432617
4523671
5432761
4523716
5432176
5341267
3514276
3152467
1325476
1352746
Plain Triples.
1234567
2143657
2416375
4261735
4627153
6472513
6745231
7654321
7563412
5736142
5371624
3517264
3152746
1325476

In this all the Bells have a Hunting Course.

Colledge Triples, dodging before, and behind.
1234567
2143576
2415367
4251376
2453167
4235617
2436571
4263751
2467315
4276135
2471653
4217635
4126753
1462735
1467253
4176235
4712653
7421635
4726153
7462513
4765231

This Peal thus prick’t, will go, 84 Changes, and the Treble leading, and the Half Hunt lying next it, and a parting Change (which is a Double on the four middlemost of the Six hind Bells) being made, it will go 420, and by making bobs, 5040.

Thus much shall suffice for Peales upon Seven Bells, I proceed to Changes upon Eight.

Peals of Eight Bells.

Without amusing our selves with what Notes are most Musical, to lye behind, we will come to the matter of Fact; for those Methods of Peals that are prick’t on Six, may be the same upon Eight, Observing only, that Triples and Doubles upon Six, must be Quadruples, and Triples upon Eight. Doubles upon Six, must be Triples upon Eight, &c. Now then to our purpose of Demonstration; We generally give preference to things, as they are dignified with some eminent Title, and are ready to suppose they may have something more than ordinary, that merits such Esteem, whereof the Title is but a Sign, or Token; which Custome induced me to head my Discourse upon Changes on Eight Bells, with that which carries the most Swelling Title.

The Imperial Bob:
Quadruples and Triples.

The Treble hath a dodging Course, the two first, and two last Bells always dodge, till hindred by the Treble, the two next to these, lying still one Change, dodge the next, till the Treble hinders them too. Those in the 5th. and 6th. places dodge (the Treble being behind) and those in the 3d. and 4th. places likewise dodge (the Treble being before) and so till hindered by the Treble.

12345678
21436587
12346578
21436587
24136578
42315687
24135678
42316587
24361578
42635187
24631578
42365187
24635817
42368571
24365817
42638571
24365871
42638517
24635871
42368517
24638157
42361875
24368157
42631875
24613857
42168375
24618357
42163857
41268357
14623875
41263857
14628375
14263857
41628375
14268357
41623875
46128357
64213875
46123857
64218375
46281357
&c.
16847253
16482735
18765432
bob.
17864523
16573824
bob.
15678342
17352648
17536284
13274586
13725468
12438765
12347856
14826357
14283675
18645273
18462537
16587432
bob.
15684732
18753624
bob.
17856342
15372846
15738264
13254768
13527486
12436587
12345678

By this method, the Peal will go 224 Changes, and by making of Bobs it will go 448, 672, 1344. The Bob is a Triple Change at the Leading of the Treble, wherein the Bell in the Fourth place lies still.

The next that comes to our Observation, and answers to what we first hinted at in the beginning of this discourse of Peals upon Eight Bells I mean Precedency in Title, is the

Bob Major.
Plain Quadruples and Triples.

In this all the Bells have a direct Hunting Course, until the Treble leads, and then the six hindmost Bells dodge.

12345678
21436587
24163857
42618375
46281735
64827153
68472513
86745231
87654321
78563412
75836142
57381624
53718264
35172846
31527486
13254768
31527486

By this method this will go 112. And by making Bobs, 224, 336, or 672. The Bob is a Triple Change, as in the foregoing Imperial is specified. By making two Extreams it will go 1344, and with four Extreams, 2688.

All Peals upon six Bells, wherein half the Changes are Triples, will go upon Eight according the method before-going, thus; If it be a Peal upon Six, consisting of 360, or 720 Changes, then there must be five Hunts in the Ringing of it upon Eight, the Treble being the first, 2 the Second, &c.

Colledge Bob Major.
Quadruples and Triples.

There is four wayes of Pricking these. The first hath single Dodging behind, and is thus Peal’d.

The First.
12345678
21436587
24163578
42615387
46251378
64523187
65432817
56348271
53684721
35867412
38576142
83751624
87315642
78136524
71863542
17685324
16758342
The Second.

This hath Single Dodging before and behind, thus prickt.

12345678
21436587
24163578
42615387
24651378
42563187
24536817
42358671
24385761
42837516
24873156
42781365
24718356
42173865
41237856
14328765
13482756
The Third.

This hath double Dodging behind, thus Prickt.

12345678
21436587
24135678
42316587
43261578
34625187
36452817
63548271
65384721
56837412
58673142
85761324
87216342
78153624
71856342
17583624
15786342
The Fourth.

This hath double Dodging before and behind both thus.

12345678
21436587
24135678
42316587
24361578
42635187
24365817
42638571
24368751
42637815
24367185
42631758
24613785
42167358
41263785
14627358
16423785

These may be prick’t several other wayes, but that I Omit here for Brevities sake; The Dodging is without Intermission, except an hinderance comes by the Treble; as likewise between two Bells, until Treble parts the Fray. The Bobs are Triple Changes, as the Treble leads; in the 1st. 2d. and 6th. the Bell in the 4th. place lies still at the Bobs, and in the 3d. 4th. and 5th. that in the 2d. place lies still.

Each of these will go 112 Changes, and by making Bobs 224, 336, or 672.

Colledge Triples Dodging both before and behind.

This Peal is the same for Bobs, as the Bob Major, and will go as many Changes by making Bobs, or otherwise, as any of the foregoing Four, and is thus Peal’d.

12345678
21436587
24153678
42513687
24531678
42536187
24563817
42568371
24586731
42587613
24578163
42571836
24517863
42157836
41275863
14725836
17452863

The Wild-Goose Chace
Triples.

The Explanation shall follow the Peal; intending here to put an end to my Epitome of the Art of Ringing, and therefore shall first present you with this Prick’t thus.

12345678
21536784
25163748
52613784
56231748
65327184
63572814
36758241
37625481
73265418
72356148
27531684
25713648
52173684
51237648
15327684
13572648
31752684
37125648
73215684
72351648

In this Change the 4th. Bell must first hunt up into the Sevenths place, and then the 4 and 8 alwayes dodge behind throughout the Peal, unless when obstructed by the Treble. The Bell that moves up into the 6th. place, when the Treble moves thence down, lies still there, till displaced by the Treble; during which time the two hind Bells dodge, and the five first go a perfect Hunting-Course: And when likewise the Treble moveth out the 5th. place the five first Bells go a Hunting-Course, till it comes down there again: By this method it will go 80 Changes, and by Bobs 160, 240, or 480. The Bob is made as in the foregoing Changes.

And here I thought to make an end of the Art of Ringing, but Cynthius aurem vellit, the young Practitioner, whose only Information is hereby aimed at, plucks me by the Sleeve, and tells me in the Ear, That tho Peals upon six, as Triples and Doubles, &c. make excellent Musick upon Eight Bells, 4 8, 6 8, 4 1, or 1 8 lying behind: Or, Triples and Doubles upon the six middle Bells, the Tennor lying behind; yet for him who is not arrived to such a perfection of Skill, at to Ring these compleat Peals, the most proper and easy for him are Set-Changes, which are founded on these Grounds.

First, Placing the Bells Fifths; thus: The 4 must hunt up behind the 7, the 3, behind the 6, and the 2 behind the 5; Or the one may hunt down under the other, as the 5 under the 2, the 6 under 3, and 7 under 4: Or if you will, first let a Single, next a Double, and then a Triple Change be made on the Middle Bells, all coming to the same effect; for then the Changes will lye Fifths thus, 1 5, 2 6, 3 7, 4 8. In the Peal four Concords are to be regarded, The first 1 5; the second 2 6. the third 3 7. and the fourth 4 8.

These four Concords may go the Methods of any Changes upon four Bells; 1, 5 being taken for the Treble; 2, 6 for the Second; 3, 7 for the Third; and 4, 8 for the Fourth; and the Concords may Change places with one another, as you list. In which this Observation is highly necessary, That the two Notes of every Concord must constantly attend each other in their Motion; that is, whenever one of the two Notes moves, the other must follow it.

Or Secondly, Place the Bells Thirds; thus: The 6 4 and 2 must hunt up, or else the 3 5 7 down; or otherwise on the middle most Bells let a Triple, Double or Single Change be made, they are to one effect; and then the Bells will lie Thirds thus, 1 3. 5 7. 2 4. 6 8. Herein are four Concords observable; as in the former Peal, viz, 1 3. 5 7. 2 4. 6 8. These Concords may go the Methods of any Changes upon Four Bells, 1, 3 being taken for the Treble; 5, 7 for the Second; 2, 4 for the third; and 6, 8 for the fourth; moving in the same manner as before shewed.

By these Grounds Variety of excellent & Musical Changes are to be Rung; Any Concord may be made a Hunt, and to move up and down at the begining.

In Ringing these Set-Changes, the Note will lye sometimes Fifths, sometimes Thirds, and sometimes both, and then to Clam them, is admirable Musick: Clamming is, when each Concord strike together; which being done true the 8 will strike as but four Bells, & make a Melodious Harmony. You may Clam two or three bouts, and then strike as many times Open, alternatively, one Clam one Pull, and Open the next, &c.

Thus much shall suffice for my treating of Ringing, and had not the Variety of its Theme, in which I was insensibly engaged, invited my Tast of something of every thing: I had not enlarged so much as I have; but I hope the pleasure it may produce, will attone for my dilating on so delightful a Subject; All I have therefore to add is, some Advice to the Ringer, in the Lawfull prosecuting this Recreation; and that is this.

When God in Israels Exodus out of Egypt, commanded Moses to Consecrate Aaron, and his Sons, and invest them with those Pontificial Vestments, according to the Pattern God had cut out, it is observable, that the Robe of the Ephod, was with a particular Circumstance of Beauty to be Adorned, by hanging the Hem of it with Golden Bells, and Pomegranates, each placed in an orderly Position, one by another round: This was the first institution we can read of, for the Use Bells in Sacred Offices; but the reason was this: Because in Aarons Ministration before God, when he entered into the Holy Place, and when he came out, the Sound of the Bells might be heard in the Temple, for a Memorial to the Children of his People. This Use of Bells continue in the Aaronical Order, to this day. From hence the Christian Church likewise (of which the Church under the Mosaic Dispensation was but a Type) has made Use of Bells, for the notifying the Time when the People are to Assemble, and made a Signal for convocating them together to the Temple; and herein differing from the Mahometans, in the Steeples of whose Temples, are never found any Bells, but Cryers, Persons who with a loud Voyce call them to Prayers.

Now then let us make this Use of the Institution of Bells. First, Let not only the Musick and Delight the Bells give thee, invite thee to come to the Temple, to be partaker of that Pleasure they may afford thy Body, but let their Musick invite thee to come thither when they call thee, to exercise thy Soul in Devotion; to God. Do not let thy frequent coming thither on Week-days for thy Diversion, make thee absent thy self on Sundays from thy Devotion; but let their Original Use make thee mindful of the Sanctum Sanctorum, the most Holy Place. Do not let the Sunday Mornings Peal engage thy presence then, and the Ale-House have thy company afterwards. Be as quick in hearing the Chyming for Prayers, as thou art in the Notes for Pleasure.

When ere the Old-Exchange of Profit Rings,

Her Silver Saints-Bell, of uncertain Gains,

Thy Merchant-soul can stretch both Legs & Wings,

How canst thou run, and take unwearied Pains?

And shouldst thou not be as nimble, when the Saints-bell of the Church sounds in thy Ears, and calls thee to attend the Priest, who now signifyes his entrance into the Holy-place, and invites thee to joyn with him in the Sacrifice of Prayers and Praises.

Secondly, Nor let the Bells be made thy Lullaby, to drown some Dissatisfaction, and so makes thee repair to the Belfree, (like the Nurse to her Whistle-Bells) to quiet thy disturbed mind, and thus (as the Divine Poet excellently expresses it) to silence it with

Look, Look, What’s here! A dainty Golden thing?

See how the dancing Bells turn round, and Ring

To please my Bantling! here’s a Knack will breed,

An hundred Kisses; here’s a Knack indeed, &c.

But let the Altar have thy presence in Communion with God, in Prayers for his Grace, and Patience, to support any Calamity that may fall upon thee.

Lastly, Let the Bells put you in mind to contemplate on Death, and every time you Ring, think how long it may be ere one of these may be your turn to have to sound

The Nine sad Knolls of a Dull Passing-Bell,

With the loud Language of a Nightly Knell.

This in short, is the use the Ringer ought to make of this his Recreation, which if he makes duly and rightly, he may then Lawfully enjoy all the Benefit he can desire from it. And here I shall make an end of this Observation by way of Advice to the Ringer, which perhaps coming amongst Recreations may look unseasonable; But I know (at least presume) if I meet with an ingenious Reader, I shall need no Apology, for playing the Divine, in the directing the good Use of our Pleasures, and aiming at the furtherance of Virtue in all our Actions.

Thus much for Ringing.

Italy is asserted by universal Consent, to have been the Country whence this Recreation took its Birth and Original; and indeed ’tis no wonder that she who is called the Queen or Empress of the World, the Mistress of the Nations, nay the Paradise of the World, should yield such Art and Ingenuity, and gentile Cunning, as her proper Product: A Country whose Inhabitants for their Gravity, Respectiveness, and Ingenuity will ever stand Chronicled in the Books of Fame. A People that are obedient to their Superiors, Courteous to their Inferiors, full of all Civility to their Equals, Affable to Strangers, and most desirous by all fair and friendly Offices to win their Love. In their Apparel fine and modest, in their Furniture of their Houses sumptuous, and at their Tables neat, sober in Speech, Enemies of all ill Reports of others, and so tender of their own Reputation, that whosoever Slanders any one, and it reach the Parties Ear, the Slanderer certainly dies for it: Thrifty they are generally of their Money and Expence, and love no more Cost, than what they are sure to Save by, or have great Thanks for; but otherwise for civil Behaviour and Deportment, surpassing all the Gentry of the World besides. But one thing I dare not omit in this Character of them, viz. That they are extream Jealous of their Wives; and indeed not without some reason, if what is spoken proverbially of their Women, be true, That they are as Magpies at the door, Saints in the Church, Goats in the Garden, Devils in the House, Angels in the Streets, and Syrens at the Windows; if Nature does not make them appear Beautiful, Art shall, as Paintings and other sophistical Helps; whence comes this Proverb among them, If God make them tall and Fat (a goodly Woman being a Title of great Value among them) they will make themselves fair. In fine, The Gentry are very Rich, live of all Men the most careless and contented Lives, keeping the Poor as Drudges and Slaves for them; and as it is said of the Tyrant Polycrates, Have nothing to trouble them, but that they are troubled with nothing.

Thus I have given you a brief Character of the Inventors of this Recreation we are coming to treat of, and hence we may presume, how fit such a People as this is, to give Birth to such a Recreation, so Gentile, so Cleanly, and so Ingenious, that as their Persons and Manners are emulously esteemed, so are their Pastimes ambitiously pursued, by most Nations in Europe; and this Sport is hugely valued by all in general, few Noblemen’s or private Gentlemen’s Families, nor few noted Towns in England, but have Billiard Tables, and admire the Excellency of it, both for the Exercise of the Body, and the Recreation of the Mind. But to the Matter in hand.

First then, He that would rightly understand this excellent Pastime, must be very careful of the Form and Make of the Table, and the right ordering, framing, and fitting it for the Game, which is known by these ensuing Marks.

1. The Form of a Billiard Table ought to be Oblong, that is to say, somewhat longer than it is broad; Both the length and breadth being left to your Discretion to make; proportionable to the Room you design it for; It ought to be railed round, and this Rail or Ledge a little swelled or stufft with fine Flox or Cotton, that may yield to the Ball when struck against it, and expedites rather than deads the Flight of the Ball; though that happens according to the Violence of the Stroke or Push: The Superficies of the Table ought to be covered with Green fine Cloath, clean and free from Knots: The Board must be levelled as exactly as is possible for the Eye and Hand of the most curious Joyner to Level, to the end your Ball may run true upon any part of the Table, without leaning or declining to any side of it: I must confess I do believe there are few have been so careful in this last thing, as they ought, because they have not timely foreseen, if the Boards, whereof the Table is made, be well-seasoned, and not subject to Warp, and that the Floor whereon it stands be even and level; so that through the Ill-seasonedness of the one, or Unevennes of the other, as likewise in time by the weight of the Table, and the Gamesters yielding and giving way, there are very few found true. And indeed without a Table be exactly true, a good Gamester can never shew the Excellency of his Skill and Art, but a very Bungler sometimes, by being well acquainted with the Turnings and Windings of a false Table, may beat a good Gamester with great vexation and shame, who otherwise would have given him any odds whatsoever. Therefore let me tell you, it will conduce as much to the Interest of the Master of the House, where a Billiard Table is kept, to see that it be well and truly levelled and kept, as it does to the Pleasure and satisfaction of a good Gamester, whose Skill is best seen and exhibited on such Tables, and never comes unattended with Company and Profit to the House, by his Recommendation he gives abroad of it. And now let us proceed to the rest of its parts, and fit it for our Play; and then let’s to’t as you list.

2. The four Corners of the Table must be furnished with four Holes, and exactly in the middle of each side one Hole, and these Holes must be hung at the bottoms with Nets, Which Holes are named Hazards, because if either by Skill or Chance one Gamester strikes anothers Ball into these Holes, or Hazards, as we will now call them, he wins One; the Nets are made to receive the Ball, and keep them from falling to the Ground when hazarded; and indeed is a very commendable way, far better than Wooden Boxes which some use, these being apt to let a Ball to fly out again, when they are struck in by a stiff stroke, whereas the Nets keep them safe, and makes it impossible for them to rebound.

3dly. The other Utensils and Instruments belonging to this first part of our Observations of the Billiard Table, are 1. An Ivory Port, this must be placed at one end of the Table. 2. An Ivory King, which must stand at the other end. 3. Two Ivory Balls, which must be compleatly round, or no good proof of your Play can be expected. 4. and Lastly, Two Sticks made of Brasile, Lignum-Vitæ, or some other weighty Wood, to make them heavy, and at the broad end tipt with Ivory: And be sure to observe narrowly, if the Heads be tight and fast, for if they should be loose you will never strike a smart stroke; and therefore if you fear this Defect, see if your stroke be hollow and dead, and your Ball run faintly, these are infallible Tokens that your Play will come to nothing without a fresh supply of other Sticks, or the heads of these fixt.

Thus much for the Table, and all the other Implements belonging to it, which are necessary for our first Enquiry for the right understanding of this Game, I come next to those Rules and Measures which are to be observed for the rendring one a Gamester at this gentile Game.

Secondly, This Game in its Number is, according to the Place and Time, when and where it is play’d; for in Gentlemens Houses they do not oblige themselves to a certain Number, but make as many as they please to admit up without any Restriction: But in Houses where part of their Subsistence has a Dependance upon a Billiard Table, the Game is Five by Day-light or Seven, if odds be given, and Three by Candle-light, or more, as the Rule of the House is. Now then having agreed upon what number we play, let us learn next how to manage our Game skillfully and with Art, and this we may understand by these following Rules.

1. Let us know who must lead, which thus is resolved: You must stand on the one side of the Table opposite to the (so called) King, with your Ball laid near the Cushion, and your Adversary on the other placed in the like posture; and thus He of the two, that comes nearest the King, leads first.

2ly. Having gotten the Lead, have a Care how you strike your Ball, that at the first stroke you touch not with your Ball the end of the Table, leading from the King to the Port, for if you touch it you lose One, as you shall observe hereafter in the Orders. But after the first Stroke you need not fear doing it: And you Leader be sure to lead so, that you may be in a possibility of passing the Port the next Stroke; or else to lye so cunningly, that you may probably hazard your Adversaries Ball the very Stroke you play after him.

3ly. Generally the first Contest is who shall pass first the Port, and herein much Pains is taken, and all the Art and Cunning possible used to do it, and sometimes, nay frequently, an Opportunity of a Hazard ends the Controversy: Sundry and various, as well as very pleasant, are the Policies and Tricks which are here used to obstruct each others Pass, as; By turning the Port by a strong clever stroke (the Sticks turning it, it is nothing, but to set aright again is the amends, though some would have the severity of the Orders inflicted on such an Offence by the Loss of One:) Next by laying your Ball (when you see it impossible to pass) in the Port, or before your Adversaries Ball, for then let him do his utmost, he must Pass after you; if he has Past first, and you dare not venture to follow him, as fearing he should in the mean time touch the King, and so carry away the End; then you must wait upon him, and watch every Opportunity how you may hazard, or king him: Kinging of him is, when his Ball lyes in so advantageous a manner, as that if you strike his Ball, he must inevitably strike down the King, then you win, and prevent the Loss of that End: But with this Caution however, That you be careful how you strike, for if you do king him, and your Ball happens to fly over the Table, or into a Hazard, you shall lose One notwithstanding you have King’d him; and therefore a skillful Precaution must ever be had in this, and he that would prevent any such Chance, must

4ly. Have a curious Eye, and a good Judgment, to take and quarter just so much of the Ball, that when he intends either to King or Hazard his Adversaries Ball, he may with Facility & Dexterity effect either. Which Observation must be noted, in passing on your Antagonists Ball, or corner of the Port: And indeed some are curious Effectors of this part of the Recreation, who with less than a fifth part of a Ball, will rarely miss a King or Hazard; which I must confess is an excellent part of a compleat Gamester in this Sport.

5ly. Be careful that you lay not your hand on the Table when you strike, nor let your Sleeve drag upon it, if you do it is a Loss; Or if you smoke a Pipe of Spanish or Virginia, being so wedded to that Fume, that were you sure to smother all the rest of the Company you are insensible of the Indecency, be careful that the Ashes fall not on the Table, lest the Cloth be burnt, which many times falls out: In these two Cases, let the Mulcts and Forfeitures of both, but especially the Hinderance the last gives a Man in the Skillful managing his Game, deter you from the lolling slovenly Posture of the first, and the stinking Indecency of the latter; because this Pastime being of a neat and cleanly Composition, will not admit any such Irregularities and Indecorums, without an absolute Violation of its Laws, and a Punishment attending such unhandsome Offences.

6thly. As this cleanly Pastime exacts our diligent Care of keeping a Decorum, in the prosecuting the same, so does it require that we handle our Instruments with a neat and tractable hand, dislikes a Clumsey-Fist, which palms the Stick, as if he were handling a Plough-share: And therefore when you strike a long stroak, hold your stick neatly between your two fore-Fingers and your Thumb, and then strike a smart stroak; and by taking a steady and right Aim, (in this having your Eye and Judgment about you) you may when you list, either fetch back your Adversaries Ball, when he lyes fair for a Pass; or many times, when he lyes behind the King, and you at the other end of the Table, you may by a dextrous management of your stroke, King him backward: Both which ways, I must confess, require a great deal of Care, and good Play, which he that would be, or already is, a Gamester, is never wanting in. But

7thly, If you lye close, then the small end of your Stick, or the flat of the big end, raising up one end over your shoulder, is practicable and useful, and either of them to be used, as Occasion shall require, and as you judge most convenient and proper for the working the Effect you Aim at.

8thly, There is one Fault, which tho its Demerits perhaps may not reach a Forfeiture, yet I must tell you will scarce admit of an Excuse, though this I presume is regulated according to the Agreement first stipulated between the Gamesters, and this Fault is called Raking, i.e. not striking your Ball cleanly, but gliding along, as it were; But in this, if you touch your Ball twice, it is a loss; as indeed repugnant to all Rule and Method.

9thly, There is another Caution you are to take at the Port, viz. When you jobb your Ball with the great end of your stick through the Port, beware that you throw it not down, the doing of it is a loss; and therefore be careful to do it so handsomly, that at one stroke without turning the Port with your stick (which as I have mentioned before is a fault) you accomplish your Intention: But on the contrary observe

10thly, It is good play to turn the Port with your Ball, (not with your stick) and so hinder your Adversary from passing: Nor is it amiss, to make your Adversary a Fornicator if it lyes in your Power: I mean to make him a Fornicator is, having past your self a little way, and your Adversaries ball being hardly through the port, you put him back again, and it may be quite out of pass, and so you may the sooner peradventure gain the end, having the Advantage of passing, by gently thrusting the other back again.

11thly, Let Policy likewise be a guide to you, for obtaining the Conquest, and lying a-loof off, and laying a long Hazard sometimes for your Antagonist, will be an excellent way to entice and entrap him; for that he promising to himself the good fortune of Hazarding you, will be induced rashly to adventure at that distance, and supposing to strike your Ball, which cunningly lyes (to tempt him to that Venture) near the Hazard, is himself caught in that Trap he thought to throw you into, by reason that the distance, deceives his Expectation, and blows up his thoughts with fruitless Suppositions.

12thly, Let Art likewise teach you Cunning, i. e. by lying abscond, or at Bo-peep with your Adversary; this is a subtlety which perhaps may gain the Advantage of a Pass or Hazard. For I must tell you, in this Game, is required much Cunning, and subtle Contrivance, as in any Recreation whatever, and therefore when you are to Play with an Expert Player, you must muster up all the forces of your Ingenuity and Wit, for the vanquishing of your Opponent.

Lastly, Observe the Advantages may be gained, and endeavour to get them, if they fall within the sphere of your Activity. One of which I shall here insert, which is indeed the chief, viz. That if your Adversary hath not past the Port, and lies up by the King, take the Advantage of a Second Pass, endeavour to pass again, which if you dextrously perform, and after touch the King, you gain two; but if your too great Precipitancy and Inadvertency, or sometimes an unlucky Chance hurryes you on to throw down the King, then you loose.

Some instead of a King use a string and Bell, so that after you have passed, you need not doubt the end, as being a thing not so ticklish, or requiring so much Art as the King does, to be toucht finely and gently at a distance, without throwing it down: This alone is to be preferred for ingenious Persons, the other for the use only of Bunglers.

Thus much shall suffice for Rules for the right Playing at Billiards, which being a Recreation not Admitting of any further Observations and Methods to be made and shewn on it; Let Practice, and the Dictates of the ensuing Orders compleat your Perfection in this gentile Game.

ORDERS for Players at the Gentile Game of Billiards to Observe.

I.

If the Leader touch the end of the Table with his Ball, at the first stroke, he loseth One.

II.

If the Follower intend to hit his Adversaries Ball, or pass at one Stroke, he must string his Ball, that is, Lay it even with the King, or he loseth One.

III.

He that Passeth through the Port hath the Advantage of touching the King, which is One, if not thrown down.

IV.

He that passeth twice, his Adversary not having passed at all, and toucheth the King, without throwing him down, wins two Ends.

V.

He that passeth not hath no other Advantage than the Hazards.

VI.

He that is a Fornicator (that is hath past through the Back of the Port) he must pass twice thro the fore-part, or he cannot have the Advantage of passing that end.

VII.

He that hits down the Port, or King, Hazards his own Ball, or strikes either Ball over the Table, loseth One.

VIII.

He that Hazards his Adversaries Ball, or makes it hit down the King, winneth the end.

IX.

If four Play, two against two, he that mistakes his stroke loseth one to that side he is of.

X.

He that after both Balls plaid, removes the Port without consent, or strikes his Ball twice together, or that his Adversaries Ball touch his stick, hand, or Clothes, or playeth his Adversaries Balls, loseth One.

XI.

He that sets not one foot upon the Ground, when he strikes his Ball shall lose an end, or if he layes his hand or Sleeve on the Cloth.

XII.

A stander-by, tho he betts shall not instruct, or speak in the Game without Consent, or being first asked; If after he is Advertised hereof he Offend in this nature, for every fault he shall instantly forfeit Two-pence for the good of the Company, or not be suffered to stay in the Room.

XIII.

He that Playes a Ball, while the other runs, or takes up a Ball before it lies still, loseth an End.

XIV.

He that removes the Port with his stick, when he strikes his Ball, and thereby prevents his Adversaries Ball from passing, loseth an end.

XV.

All Controversies are to be decided by the standers-by, upon asking Judgment.

XVI.

Whosoever breaks the King forfeits a Shilling, for the Port ten Shillings, and each stick Five Shillings.

XVII.

Five ends make a Game by Day-light, and Three by Candle-light.

Many other Orders there are which concern the House, and thither I refer you for further Infomation; and here take leave to conclude this my School of Recreation.

Utrum horum Mavis accipe, &c.


FINIS.

Some Books Printed for Henry Rhodes, near Bride-Lane in Fleet-Street.

The Strange Religions, Customes and Manners of sundry Nations, in Twelves, price bound One Shilling.

The History of the Life and Glorious Reign of Queen Elizabeth, the 2d. Edition with Additions, by S. Clark in Twelves bound One Shilling.

The History of King Henry the eighth and Edward the sixth, Twelves, Price bound One Shilling.

Coffee-House-Jests, the third Edition, with Additions, in Twelves, Price bound One Shilling.

The present State of Turky, Twelves, Price bound One Shilling.

The London Jilt: Or, The Politick Whore, in two parts.

Witts Cabinet, Twelves, Price bound One Shilling.

Sundery Conversations, Twelves.

The great Point of Succession, in Folio.

[ Text reconstructed from 1696 edition:]

Page 4:

Page 12:

Page 13 (including text rubbed off from facing page 12):

Page 150:

Page 154:

Page 156: