The Book of Vagabonds and Beggars, with a Vocabulary of Their Language

by Unknown

HE xviij^th chapter is about the Bil-wearers. These are the women who tie old jerkins, or clothes, or a pillow over their person, underneath the gown, in order that people may think [Pg 37] they are with child; and they have not had one for xx years or more. This is called going with Bils.[14]

Of the Virgins (Jungfrauen), or pretended Lepers.

HE xix^th chapter is about the Virgins. These are beggars who carry rattles as though they were real lepers, and yet they are not. This is called going with the Virgin.

Of the Mümsen, or Spurious Beggars.

HE xx^th chapter treats of the Mümsen. These are beggars who go about under the pretence of begging; though it is not real, like that of the Capuchin Friars who are voluntarily poor. These same men have their women sitting in out-of-the-way corners also following the business. This is called going with the Mümsen.