J. C. H.

Piccadilly,
June 1, 1860.

CONTENTS.

Page

REFACE
Introduction
Mendicant Friars.—Schreiber’s description ofthe Golden Age for Mendicants.—Knebel’sChronicles of the Trials at Basle, in 1475.—SebastianBrant.

[v]
[ix]

Liber Vagatorum.—Various editions.—Gengenbach’smetrical version; Gödecke’s claim for the priority ofthis refuted

[xv]

Martin Luther.—Occupied in the work of the Reformation.—Writesseveral popular pieces.—Edits theLiber Vagatorum

[xix]

English Books on Vagabonds.—Harman’s Caveat forcommen Cvrsetors.—The Fraternitye of Vacabondes.—Greene,Decker, and Shakespeare

[xxiv]

Ancient Customs of English Beggars.—Licences withSeals.—Seals now disused.—Wandering Students orVagabond Scholars

[xxviii]

German Origin of tricks practised by English Vagabonds.—Masters[Pg viii]of the Black-Art.—Fawney Riggers.—Card-Sharpers.—Begging-Letter-Writers.—Shabby-Genteels.—Mechanicsout of employ.—ShiveringJemmies.—Maimers of Children.—Borrowers of Children.—SimulatedFits.—Quack Doctors.—Treasure-Seekers.—TravellingTinkers

[xxxi]

Old German Cant Words

[xxxvi]
LIBER VAGATORUM[1]
Luther’s Preface[3]
Part I.—The several Orders of Vagabonds[7]
Part II.—Notabilia relating to Beggars[43]
Part III.—Vocabulary of Cant Words[49]

INTRODUCTION.

AGABONDS and Beggars are ancient blots in the history of the world. Idleness, I suppose, existed before civilization began, but feigned distress must certainly have been practised soon after.