In the year 1640 I instructed John Humphreys, master of that art, in the
study of astrology: upon this occasion, being at London, by accident in
Fleet-Street, I met Dr. Percival Willoughby of Derby; we were of old
acquaintance, and he but by great chance lately come to town, we went to
the Mitre-Tavern in Fleet-Street, where I sent for old Will Poole the
astrologer, living then in Ram-Alley: being come to us, the Doctor
produced a bill, set forth by a master of arts in Cambridge, intimating
his abilities for resolving of all manner of questions astrologically.
The bill was shewed, and I wondering at it Poole made answer, he knew
the man, and that he was a silly fool; 'I,' quoth he, 'can do more than
he; he sees me every day, he will be here by and by;' and indeed he came
into our room presently: Poole had, just as we came to him, set a
figure, and then shewed it me, desiring my judgement; which I refused,
but desired the master of arts to judge first; he denied, so I gave
mine, to the very great liking of Humphreys, who presently enquired, if
I would teach him, and for what? I told him I was willing to teach, but
would have one hundred pounds. I heard Poole, whilst I was judging the
figure, whisper in-Humphrey's ear, and swear I was the best in England.
Staying three or four days in town, at last we contracted for forty
pounds, for I could never be quiet from his solicitations; he invited me
to supper, and before I had shewed him any thing, paid me thirty-five
pounds. As we were at supper a client came to speak with him, and so up
into his closet he went with his client; I called him in before he set
his figure, or resolved the question, and instantly acquainted him how
he should discover the moles or marks of his client: he set his figure,
and presently discovers four moles the querent had; and was so overjoyed
therewith, that he came tumbling down the stairs, crying, 'Four by
G----, four by G----, I will not take one hundred pounds for this one
rule.' In six weeks time, and tarrying with him three days in a week, he