Several similar anecdotes are told of Robert the Pious, of France. One time he saw a man steal a silver candle-stick off the altar, and said, “Friend Ogger, run for your life, or you will be found out.” At another time, one of the twelve poor men in his train cut off a rich gold pendant from the royal robe, and Robert, turning to the man, said to him, “Hide it quickly, friend, before any one sees it.” (Reigned 996-1031.)
The following is told of two or three kings, amongst others of Ludwig the Pious, who had a very overbearing wife. A beggar under the table, picking up the crumbs which the king let down, cut off the gold fringe of the royal robe, and the king whispered to him, “Take care the queen doesn’t see you.”
Thieves of Historic Note.
Autol´ycos, son of Hermês; a very prince of thieves. He had the power of changing the color and shape of stolen goods so as to prevent their being recognized.--Greek Fable.
Barlow (Jimmy), immortalized by the ballad-song:
My name it is Jimmy Barlow;
I was born in the town of Carlow;
And here I lie in Maryboro’ jail,
All for the robbing of the Dublin mail.
Cartouche, the Dick Turpin of France (eighteenth century).