Page:Hocus pocus, or, The whole art of legerdemain in perfection (2).pdf/8



I having now bestowed some waste money among you, I will set you to cards, by which kind of witchcraft a great number of people have juggled away not only their money, but also, their lands, their health, their time, and their honesty. I dare not as I could, show the lewd juggling that cheats practice, lest it minister some offence to the well-disposed, to the simple, hurt and losses, and to the wicked, occasion of evil-doing: but I could wish all gamesters to beware, not only of cards, but also of what dice they play withal; but especially with whom, and where they exercise gaming, and to let dice pass as a thing whereby a man must be inevitably cozened. One that is skilful in making bum-cards, may undo hundreds of wealthy men, that are given to gaming, for if he hath a confederate present, either of the players or standers by, the mischief cannot be avoided. If you play among strangers beware of him that seems simple or drunken, for under their habit the most spacious cozeners are presented, and while you think by their simplicity and imperfections to beguile them, and thereby perchance are persuaded by their confederates, which you take to be your friends, you will then be most of all deceived. Beware also of the betters and lookers on, and particularly of them that bet on your side, whilst they look on your game, without suspicion, they discover it by sings to