CHAP. I. How young Bateman, riding through Clifton-Town accidentally espied fair Isabella, a rich Farmer's Daughter, standing at her Father's Door, and fell in love with her, enquiring who she was, and his Resolves to let her know his Passion.

WE find that solemn Vows and Promises are of great Weight, and strictly binding, by the severe notice God has taken of those that have violated them, in punishing the Dishonour done to his Name, by various and fearful Judgments; and that People may be more care­ful for the future, not to make any Vows or solemn Promises they are prone to break, or intend not to keep, I shall in­stance one dismal Example of God's Anger in this kind so dreadful a Manner, that all England has not only heard it with Admiration, but stood astonished at it.

James Bateman, Son to a Gentleman of Nottingham-shire, a Person well Educated, but (by his Father's too much Li­berality,) of no great Fortune, riding one Day through Clifton-Town, a few Miles from Nottingham, happened to cast his Eyes on a very comely Maid, who was standing at the Door of a seemly House, with whose innocent Looks and pretty Features, he was, all on a sudden, so taken, that [Page 4]he could not but make a full stop to gaze at her. The Maiden no sooner perceived his Eyes were earnestly fixed on her, but colouring her Face with a rosie Blush, she mo­destly retires, no less surprized with his comely Personage, than he was with her charming Beauty; however, this be­ing the first time they had seen each other, neither had he Courage to make any Advances, but he passed on about his Affairs to a Town fifteen miles beyond that, but in a man­ner without a Heart, for he had left that (as Lovers term it) with his fair Mistress.

All the Way he rode his thoughts, were strangely confu­sed, so that he laboured to compose them, but in vain; he found now though he had formerly made a Jest of Love, and laughed at his Companions for declaring their Passions, that he was taken in that Net he had perswaded others so of­ten to break, and that the more he strugled, the faster he found himself entangled, the Business he went about was minded but little, and his sighs and restlessness made his Friends conclude him in much disorder; yet he cunningly [Page 5]concealed the cause from them, who little suspected it, con­sidering his former freeness of Temper and airy course of living, that Love could be any ingredient in this sudden al­teration; so that finding, however, the Contagion had seized the Mind more than the Body, they concluded it might proceed from the decay of his Fortune; whereupon, that he might not be dejected, they proffered him their assistance and service in any thing he would command them. Whilst these things passed, he was urgent to return home, and did so, enquiring by the way, who this sair Maid was, and the condition of her Parents, and found she was Daughter to a covetous old rich Farmer, who had refused many considera­ble Matches, in hopes to prefer her higher, by the means of her Beauty, and the many Bags he intended to bestow upon her as a Portion; and further, that he kept a very stricct Hand over her to prevent her being stolen away. This struck him almost with the Horrors of Despair; yet something he resol­ved to do, but what at present he could not frame in his Mind; and so home he went, to consider prudently how to manage his Love-affair, that at the first he might not by an over-rash Address, dash all his future hopes of Happiness: In contriving which, we will leave him a while, to consider the condition wherein he left fair Isabella, the Farmer's Daughter.

CHAP. II. How the fair Isabella fell sick of Love for Bateman, though a Stranger, and his abode unknown to her; and how, when she was given over, he came in the Habit of a Physician, disco­vered himself to her, and she recovered by that means her Health, to the unspeakable Joy of her Parents.

THis beauteous Maid, who, though often courted, had stood Proof against the Sighs, Tears and Intreaties of many handsom young Batchelors, found now she stood in need of Pity herself, Bateman's Idea was so fixed in her Mind, that sleeping or waking, she fancied him always in her sight; she made private enquiries, by the Description she gave of him, but not any she conversed with could satisfie her in that particular, some guessing at one, and some at another, as their Fancies led them; so that Love still blowing the hidden Fire, she first grew regardless of the Domestick Affairs, of which her Father and Mother had made her Overseer; then her Appetite failed, and, after that, she fell into a languish­ing Disease, which caused great Heaviness in the Family: [Page 7]Physicians were sent for to advise withal, but all their Skill proved ineffectual; for, according to the old Proverb,

So that the Father and Mother, fearing to lose their only Daughter, which they doted on, and prized above all the valuable things in the World, were in a manner at their Wits-end, wringing their Hands and shedding many woful Tears.

Whilst they were in this pitious plight, and the sighing Maiden concealed the inward Flame, that consumed her Health, had wasted her Spirits, one, in the Habit of a Phy­sician, mounted on a stately Steed, came riding to the Gate, and desired to spake with Mr. Gifford, for that was the Fa­ther's Name. The old Man came quickly to him, with a heavy Countenance, and the marks of Tears on his aged Cheeks, demanding, what brought him to so sorrowful a place, and what he required? Truly, Sir, says he, I came out of compassion to the Affliction of your Family, for being at an Inn in the Town, and hearing your Daughter was sick, who is your only Delight and Darling, and whose Death might bring you un­timely to your Grave, divers Physicians having used their Skill in vain; if you will accept of my Advice, and she be willing to take what I shall direct, I doubt not, but by the Blessin [...] of God upon my many Years Study in Physick, and Travels in divers Countries, so to order things that her Health will be restored in a few Days.

The Father, upon this unexpected Visit of a Stranger, concluded it was some good Angel directed to him by a wonderful Providence, scarcely refraining from falling on his Knees, or able to speak for Joy; but, after a little reco­very from this kind of Transport, he invited him in, in a loving manner; and, as this new Doctor had desired, order­ed [Page 8]all others out of the Chamber: The Love sick Maid no sooner fixed her Eyes on him, but she knew him, and fetching a deep sigh, fainted away; but he revived her with some Cordials he had brought; so that recovering her Senses, her Blushes overcame her Paleness, and made a very strange Alteration in her Countenance.

To be brief, he having before guessed at, and being now fully assured of the Cause of her Distemper, told her the End of his coming in that Disguise, intreating her to cheer up, and pouring out his passionate Love-expressions, mingled with Tears, to see her in such a low condition, they at last so well understand one another's Mind, that having made a few Visits to her for four or five Days, and ordered her such things as are proper to restore decayed Nature, her Health returned, and the Roses flourished again in her Cheeks, to Wonder and Admiration; at which, the Father overjoyed, embraced this seeming Physician, and offered him a handful of Gold; but he refused, only desiring leave to visit him, as he happened to pass by his House on Occasions: And so at this time they parted, with high Satisfaction on all Hands, especially of the young Couple.

CHAP. III. How being invited to her Father's House, he walked abroad with and discovered his Passion to her at large; of the Encou­ragement he found to proceed in his Suit, and the Pro­spect there was of a happy Marriage between them.

YOung Bateman, having thus, as he thought, made a thorough stept to his future Happiness, went home filled with Joy, but delayed not long to re-visit his lovely Patient in the same Habit, taking an Opportunity after Din­ner, to walk with her in the Garden; where, after a turn or two, sitting down in a pleasant shady Bower, they began to talk of Love, and of the last Adventure, devouring each [Page 9]other in a manner with their eager Looks, kissing and using all the modest Freedom that Lovers, whose Hearts were so united and enflamed, could wish or desire; and after some interrupting Sighs had passed, clasping his Arme about her snowy Neck: Ah! lovely Isabella, crys he, how blessed am I to have this Opportunity, to tell you how much and how dearly I love you; you are the only Jewel in Nature, that I prize; and could I but be possessed of your lovely self, I should think my self the happiest of all Mankind.

At this, turning her Eyes with loveliness on him, and blushing with a Virgin-grace, she told him, That since he had been so kind to come timely and save her Life, she thought she could do no less than recompence him any lawful and reason­able way he could desire; for though many courted her, she was engaged to none.

Upon this encouragement, he pressing her further, and vowing eternal Love and Constancy, she not only seemed by her kind Glances, and suffering him with willingness to lay his Head in her Bosom, to give her Consent to a speedy Marriage, but likewisa told him, That this being the first time he asked her to render her self up to him, it was but all the Reason in the World for Virgin modesty, and a Compli­ance with Custom, that he should give her some time to con­sider of so weighty a Matter, which should, as she assured him, turn no ways to his Prejudice; For, continued she, my Obedience to my Parents, that yet I never disobeyed, must be continued, they must know of your Pretentions; several very rich and likely Men court me at present, yet fear not my Good-liking.

This so over joyed young Bateman, that he would immedi­ately have gone to her Parents and asked that Jewel of them, whose precious Life they could not but conclude, he, next to Heaven, had saved and continued to them; but she opposed it, saying, She would prepare the way herself; and there­fore [Page 10]the next Visit he payed, it would prove new to them, and consequently more welcome. So, rising from their Seats, they went into the House, where a splendid Treat was provided, and they sat over-against each other at the Table, feeding on Love with their Eyes with greater Con­tentmen than on the Dainties; but, Supper ended, and Night coming on, Bateman took his leave; when at part­ing the old Farmer invited him to a Publick Entertainment, that was to be at his House the third Day following; which he accepted of, and so for that time they parted.

CHAP. IV. How he came in his proper Garb, and with her, a [...]ked her Father's Consent; but, for want of an Estate, was refused: how one Jerman, who was his Rival, attempting to kill him, was wounded by him, and how he made his Escape, &c.

I Shall not trouble you with the Thoughts and Impatiency of the young Lovers, during the Intervene, but tell you this Feast was made principally to entertain a Gentleman, [Page 11]whose Grand-father, a little before dying, had left him a great Estate, and whose Affections were strongly placed on the fair Virgin, so that he had courted her long; but she seem­ed little to regard his Addresses: However, the Father and Mother, charmed with the Desire of a rich Match for their Daughter, listened to it; and had often by Perswasions, and sometimes by Threatnings, desired and commanded her Compliance; but she with as much Tenderness, and Beseech­ing, as often excused i [...], protesting her liking to a single Life, and entreating them they would not compel her to any thing against her Inclination.

The Day being come, the Guest met, and young Bateman, resolving now to push on his Suit, in his own proper Garb, came very bravely attired in the Habit of a Gentleman. The Entertainment was very splendid, Sea, Earth, ond Air con­tributed their Stores to furnish out the Table with all man­ner of Dainties, as, Fish, Flesh, Fowl, Fruits, &c. nor was Musick, or any thing requisite wanting: But that which dash'd part of the Merriment, was, that fair Isabella, placing herself over against Bateman, the other Lover, whose Name was German, and, by his Years and Observations in Love-in­treagues, understanding the Language of their Eyes, in their often Gazings, the Blushes coming and going in his Mistress's Face, and many other Signs that Cupid has lively painted perspicuous to Lovers; his Fancy hit upon the Truth, viz. That they were deeply in Love with each other; whereupon his Countenance changed to a Sullen and Melancholly, and, throwing by what was before him, he abruptly retired from the Table, ordering his Servant to make ready his Horse in order to be gone.

The Father and Mother were startled at this, and knew not what should be the Occasion of so sudden an Alteration, in a Person who had professed so much Love to their Daugh­ter, and on whom he resolved to bestow her, and thereupon followed him into a private Room, to be better satisfied in [Page 12]the Cause of his Distaff, or Discontent, and was soon satis­fied in it; whereupon taking his Daughter aside, he told her what had been suggested by German. To which she modest­ly replied, Seeing the Gentleman had saved her Life, when o­thers had failed she thought in Conscience she could do no less than to give him her Love in Requital, and was resolved, if ever she married, to be his Wife. This startled the old Man more and more, and Bateman mistrusting what had happened, coming in in the interim, and being demanded by the Father, if he made Love to his Daughter, boldly owning it, and desired his Consent to have her in Marriage.

How! says the old Man, You that are a Stranger, make Love to my Daughter, and without my Knowledge? You may, for all your fine Gegaws, be a Beggar, for ought I know: I intend to give her a great Fortune, and therefore resolve to have her mar­ried to one that can settle a good Joynter en her: Pray what E­state have you?

Truly, replied Bateman, I am rich in Love towards her, but for Estate I cannot boast of much; I was born a Gentleman, but without the Fortune to maintain it; my Parents were unfortunate and left me but Little, yet I hope that Little, with your Blessing, and oua Love, will woe Providence to be so kind, that our Endea­vours may not fail to make us Happy, and you not repine, to give me this fair Creature to be my Wife.

Upon this, he was going to take her by the Hand, and Seal his Love with a Kiss; but the old Dad stept between them, in an angry manner, crying, Poh, poh; stand off, Sir; a Gen­tleman without an Estate, is like a Pudding without Fat; you have indeed done my Daughter a Kindness in recovering her Health, but for having her to you Wife, I must beg your Pardon, she is Meat for your Betters.

Upon this, Bateman's Anger began to arise into some lit­tle Reproaches, but whilst he was upbraiding his expected Father with Ingratitude, in rushes German, who had heard in the next Room what had passed, with his drawn Sword, [Page 13]and made a full Pass at him; but he nimbly put it aside, and drawing, wounded him in the Breast, whereupon he fell dead to the Ground; and thereupon Bateman was forced to make his Escape, to gain time for further Consideration of what was to be done.

CHAP. V. How, being banished her Father's house, his love Mistress, up­on sending a Letter, came to him in Disguise, in a Neighbour­ing Wood, and there they sealed their Love, by Solemn Vows, and breaking a piece of Gold between them.

FAir Isabella, upon this unexpected accident, being left all in Tears as well as the rest of the Family in Fear and Confusion, Surgeons were sent for, who upon searching the Wound, gave Hopes of their Patient's Recovery; yet Bateman, fearing the worst absented himself from his Dwel­ling, and got, one Evening, a travelling Pedler, for a good [Page 14]Reward, to deliver a Letter to his Mistress, which he did, under the Colour of coming to her Father's House, to prof­fer his Wares; which was, to intreat her, if she had any Pity on the Sufferings of an unfortunate Man, not only to forgive what he did in Defence of his own Life, but to meet in a Neighbouring Wood at such an Hour.

She had no sooner read it, but, resolving to answer his De­sire she escaped in the Disguise of a Milk-maid, dressing her­self with the Maid's Apparel; when they met, (it's in vain for us to go about to describe the Raptures of Joy that was between them) she gave him an Account of all that had hap­pened, and how German was likely to recover: But long they dwelt not on this Theme, before they fell to that of Love, renewing their Vows of eternal Love and Constancy, that nothing but Death should be able to seperate them; and, to bind it, he broke a piece of Gold, giving her the one half, and keeping the other himself; and then with Tears and tender Kisses they parted; she, at the Farewel, which proved a sad one, intreated him to travel a few Weeks, and give her No­tice where he was secretly, and she would send him word, as to the recovery, or danger of his Rival; to which he consent­ed with much alacrity.

CHAP. VI. How, upon her coming back, her going was discovered, and she confined to her Chamber, which German courting her with Tears, Presents, and the Proffer of a great Estate; she, at the Instance of her Parents, renounced her Vows, sent back the broken Gold, and married German, whereupon Bateman hang­ed himself.

THe beautious Virgin, during her Absence, having been missed at home, and much, enquired after, at her return, by reason of the unseasonableness of the time, was suspected of what had happen'd; and altho' she modestly denied it, [Page 15]she was confined to her Chamber, and an old Nurse set upon her as a Guard; so that Bateman's Letters were intercepted, and she lost the opportunity of writing to him. In the mean while German was recovered, and admired to court her, whose addresses for a long time she resisted: but at last, O the Inconstancy of Women! notwithstanding her Vows to be Bateman, Alive or Dead, and many other Protestations, the Glittering of the Miser's Gold, the Perswasions & Threats of her Father, and her Mother's Tears, with fine Treats & rich Presentations, prevailed with her to alter her Mind; and, by Instigation of these three to write to Bateman a Letter, where­in she detested his Love; which, however, she could not do, without blotting the Paper with Tears, and great Reluctan­cy of Mind. This Letter found him many Miles off a hun­ting; but, upon the reading it, his Spirits was dashed, and a chill struck to his Heart: However, though he knew her Hand, he flattered himself in believing it was to punish him for his so long absence, or that she was compelled to do it; however, fearing the worst, he hasted the next Morning to Clifton, and hearing the Bells ringing merrily, his Heart mis­gave him; however, he had the Courage to enquire the Cause, which proved a fatal One.

That Morning he was informed she was married to his Rival; then in a rage he began to curse his Stars, and all Wo­man-kind; oft he thought to fall on his Sword; but then Desire of Revenge interposed, not to fall alone, but to Sacri­fice the Bridegroom, and then himself: After somewhat milder Resolutions came into his Mind, that he in this should give cause of Grief to his Mistress; yet, to let know his Re­sentments, he sent her a Letter with the half piece of Gold in it which found her Dinner, and made her be taken away sick from the Table; however, she was comforted with Cordial, Joy of a Bridial-night, riding in a Coach, and great Estate, passed it over, and to Bed they went when Night came.

Bateman, receiving no answer, took it as a farther Slight, and so entring on a desperate Resolve, he stole into the House privately, as knowing the way, and hiding himself in a Clo­set by the Bridal Chamber-door, hanged himself before the Door, where he was found, to their great Horror and A­mazement, upon opening the Door the next Morning, with this Distitch on his breast:

CHAP. VII. How, upon Bateman's hanging himself before her Chamber-door, she grew melancholy, always fancying she see him with a ghastly face, putting her in mind of her broken Vows; and bow, ufter being delivered of a Child, a Spirit carried her away.

THis not only Discomposed the Mirth of the Wedding, and made the Bride exceeding melancholy, but the [Page 17]ensuing Night dreadful Cries and Screeks were heard, as if Hell had been brooke loose, blazing Lights oft flashed in the Eyes of the new-married Pair, as they lay entwined in each others Arms followed with a dreadful Cry, Thou art mine dead or alive. This made them hastily remove to the Husband's House some miles distant; but the same Hunting pursued them, and where-ever she went, she thought the Spi­rit of Bateman appeared to her, holding the broken Gold in a String, and upbraiding her with her Breach of Faith: The Curtains were often draw violently when they were in Bed, and the former Cry continued, till at last, she proving with Child, the Spirit came in a more furious manner, to bid her prepare to go with him, as soon as she was delivered; at which, weary of her Life, stretching out her Arms she cried, I am thine by right, ond am ready to go along with thee.

No, replied he, the innocent Babe in thy Womb protects thee, that I cannot have thee till thou art Delivered.

Thus she continued in Sorrow and Fear, having many Di­vines to pray with her, but it availed not; for the time of her Delivery being come, which she desired might be pro­longod, tho' in Pain, her Mother and divers other Women watched with her, which she earnestly begged of to pray, and not by any Means to fall asleep; however, a sudden Drowsiness about Midnight, in spight of all they could do, o­vercame them, till wakened with a dreadful Cry, they found the Candles out, and feeling for the Child-bed-woman, she wae missing; the Casement being burst in pieces, and a strong smell of Sulpher left in the Room: The Town's People affirmed, they heard great Cries and Screeks in the Air, ac­companied with a Clap of Thunder, and a Clap of Lightning about that time; however, she was never after heard on, though much sought for.