Chapter Theodosius to Thieves of Historic Note of T by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Thieves (His ancestors proved). It is sir Walter Scott who wrote and proved his “ancestors were thieves,” in the Lay of the Last Minstrel, iv. 9.

A modern author spends a hundred leaves
To prove his ancestors notorious thieves.
   —The Town Eclogue.

Thieves Screened. It is said of Edward the Confessor that one day, while lying on his bed for his afternoon’s nap, a courtier stole into his chamber, and, seeing the king’s casket, helped himself freely from it. He returned a second time, and on his third entrance, Edward said, “Be quick, or Hugoline (the chamberlain) will see you.” The courtier was scarcely gone, when the chamberlain entered and instantly detected the theft. The king said, “Never mind, Hugoline; the fellow who has taken it no doubt has greater need of it than either you or I. (Reigned 1042–1066.)

Several similar anecdotes are told of Robert the Pious of France. At one time he saw a man steal a silver candlestick 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.

(1) Autolycos, son of Hermês; a very prince of thieves. He had the power of changing the colour and shape of stolen goods, so as to prevent their being recognized.—Greek Fable.

(2) 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.

(3) Cartouche, the Dick Turpin of France (eighteenth century).

(4) Cottington (John), in the time of the Commonwealth, who emptied the pockets of Oliver Cromwell when lord protector, stripped Charles II. of £1500, and stole a watch and chain from lady Fairfax.

(5) Duval (Claude), a French highwayman, noted for his gallantry and daring (*–1670). (See below, “James Whitney,” who was a very similar character.)

(Alexander Dumas has a novel entitled Claude Duval, and Miss Robinson has introduced him in White Friars.)

(6) Frith (Mary), usually called “Moll Cutpurse.” She had the honour of robbing general Fairfax on Hounslow Heath. Mary Frith lived in the reign of Charles I., and died at the age of 75 years.

(Nathaniel Field has introduced Mary Frith, and made merry with some of her pranks, in his comedy Amends for Ladies, 1618.)

(7) Galloping Dick, executed in Aylesbury in 1800.

(8) Grant (Captain), the Irish highwayman, executed at Maryborough in 1816.

(9) Greenwood (Samuel), executed at Old Bailey in 1822.