THE Day I was born, was the first of my Misfortunes; for the Moment that gave me Birth, robb'd my dear Mother of Life, and I came into the World an innocent Murderer, the last of five Sons.

Tho' my Father had a considerable Estate, yet, as I was the youngest of all, there was [Page 2] but little to expect for me; and ere I arriv'd to my fourth Year, a Mother-in-law was brought into the Family, that had one Son, and two Daughters; but she secur'd to my Father a considerable Estate while she liv'd, tho' after her Death it was to devolve on her own Chil­dren; and I am pretty well inform'd, that was the chief Motive of my Father's wishing her a long Life.

Sure Marriage must be an unfortunate State on such Conditions, especially on one Side; for every body agreed my Mother-in-law (from her outward Behaviour) was very fond of my Father; but she laid out her whole Portion of Good-Nature upon him, she ha­ving not one Grain left for any of his Chil­dren, and, between 'em both, good House-keeping was banish'd, that liv'd with us in my Mother's Days.

My Father, give him his Due, was ra­king enough to provide for his Children; and his Wife was not an Ace behind him in ta­king Care for hers.

My Mother-in-law's Son was much of my own Age, so to School we were sent together, which was the happiest Time of my Life; for my good Mother-in-law being over-fond of her only Son, allow'd him handsomly of [Page 3] every thing; and my Father, that there should be no Difference between us, did the like by me; so we both far'd the better by their Emulation, and whatever Brother Jack had one Day, to be sure Billy (meaning my­self) had the next: But, tho' it favours of Vanity to praise myself, yet I will declare, I was a better Proficient in Learning than my School-fellow, for I took a great Pleasure in my Studying; but, on the contrary, my Brother was very idle, and I often receiv'd good part of his Money for the Week, to make his Exercise for him; so by this Me­thod, our Parents imagin'd him a better Scho­lar than he was.

Our Master, tho' a rigid one, was some­thing deceiv'd in him; for I was very cau­tious of letting any one understand the Helps I gave him, well knowing, if it was once discover'd, I shou'd lose my Perquisites, as I call'd 'em. But one Christmas it all came out.

The Parson of the Parish being at Din­ner, and, as it prov'd, which does not al­ways happen, a good Scholar, was desir'd to examine the Yonkers, as they call'd us, my Mother being gone out of the Room just be­fore; Domine set upon me first, paying, as [Page 4] he thought, a Compliment to my Father, and I went thro' my Examination so readily, that my Father gave me a Crown-piece to encourage me; but, at the same time, whis­per'd me to put it up before the good Wo­man, my Mother-in-law, came back a­gain.

When the Parson had finish'd several ela­borate Speeches on the Ripeness of my Ge­nius, and what not, adding among the rest, He did not fear in time but he shou'd see me a great Statesman; he took my Schoolfellow John to Task, who came to Examination like a Thief to his Trial: I stood just behind him, and prompted him unheard by the rest of the Company; yet he made so many Blunders, that, like Sir Martin and his Man Warner, we were both discover'd; at which I was very much griev'd, for I soon ap­prehended such Care wou'd be taken of Mr. Dunce, that I shou'd finger no more of his Money, and all the Praises I receiv'd from the Company for the Aptness of my Parts, &c. cou'd not extinguish the Thoughts on't. But, to mend the matter, my Mo­ther-in-law, who happen'd to come in just as he was beginning his Firy Trial, big with Expectation of her Son Johnny proving a [Page 5] Prodigy of Learning, and finding herself so much disappointed, cou'd not contain her Temper, but flew out in a manner little plea­sing to the Company. She did not doubt, she said, but there had been much Pains ta­ken with that Jackanapes (meaning my Wor­ship) but she wou'd take care for the future to choose a Master that was in her Interest, to instruct her Child; that it was much a­gainst her Inclination at first to let him go where all my Brothers had gone before, be­ing the Teacher was in my Father's Inte­rest, and a thousand such Speeches, which struck my Father into Amazement; and tho' the Parson with a great deal of Reason (that perhaps you'll say is a Wonder) us'd many fine Speeches to qualify this Matter, yet they all prov'd like Words utter'd in a Desart; but when Brother Jack, in Tears, told her my Father had given me a Crown, she grew outragious, and with a great deal of Dexterity gave me a handsome Box on the Ear, less gentle, I believe, than the Boor gives the Duke of ^* Carinthia at his Installa­tion. [Page 6] My Father, to be even with her, re­turn'd my Brother John one as like it as a couple of Billiard-Balls. My good Mother-in-law perceiving it, was resolv'd to be even with him, and gave it me handsomly on both sides my Ears, which was return'd smartly back upon the Chops of my Schoolfellow by my Father, till we got handsomly cuff'd be­tween 'em.

My Father seeing his Wife's Rage rather increas'd, than diminish'd, laid hold of both her Hands; she struggling to get loose, and [Page 7] finding it impossible, spit in my Father's Face, who was so much confounded, that he let her go, and she waddled out of the Room like a Goose upon a Common.

When she was gone, my Father sat him down in his Chair without speaking for some time; but at last broke out with an exalted Voice, This is the first time I ever wish'd myself unmarry'd, and I am very much in fear it will not be the last; for when once Man and Wife have broke thro' the Respect they owe each other, continual Jarrs will suc­ceed, and the first Quarrel will soon be fol­low'd by many others. I have no Notion (continu'd he) after this Breach, we can ever be properly reconcil'd.

The good Parson said many things in or­der to excuse both Parties, but my Father gave him no manner of Answer. He seeing things in so much Confusion, took his Leave.

When he was gone, my Father began to examine me about my Brother Jack, and the Reason why my Master did not acquaint him with his Indocibility; I well knowing he ab­horr'd a Lye, declar'd to him the whole Truth; but begg'd his Pardon, telling him, my young Apprehension cou'd not conceive such Confusion wou'd follow.

[Page 8]Well, return'd my Father, I have Reason to believe you will never be guilty of such Inadvertencies again, therefore I freely par­don you; but for the future you must go to School by yourself, at least, 'till this Matter is blown over, and my Wife and I are tho­roughly reconcil'd, if there is a Possibility of it. Upon saying this, he wav'd his Hand, that I might leave him to himself.

As soon as I got into the Courtyard be­fore the House, my Brother Jack met me. Ah! said he, my Mother has given me a Crown, as well as my Father did you. I am glad on't, return'd I. I believe that's a Lye, said my Mother, who was coming out of the Garden, and had staid to listen, as I suppose. Madam, I have learnt, said I, to speak Truth, whatever may be the Conse­quence, and in most of the Books we are to learn, we are inform'd our Tongue and Heart shou'd always go together. Ha! said she, What, I suppose you are setting up for a young Philosopher! But I believe you have got a few Sentences by rote, as Parrots have, that you sputter out unseasonably. I told her, whatever I had learnt, I wou'd take care never to say any thing to offend her. No, said she, you will always be an Offence to [Page 9] me, silent, or speaking. I told her I was ve­ry sorry for't, and went back again, with the Tears running down my Cheeks, intending to go up into the Room where I lay, but was met by my Father, who seeing the Tears trickling down my Face, ask'd me hastily the Reason of my Grief? I told him, No­thing.

Come, said he, you know I will have the Truth, therefore tell me without Delay. I then, finding he wou'd be satisfy'd, told all that had pass'd between my Mother and me, tho' in as tender Terms as I cou'd. When my Father had heard me out, he seem'd very much concern'd, and making a long Pause, at last cry'd, Well, I will have a Remedy! And to-morrow, continu'd he, you shall go to your Uncle's, who desires to see you, where you shall remain till the Time of your Breaking-up is over.

The next Morning I had Orders to prepare for my Journey. When I was ready to get on Horseback, I waited on my Father, who bid me go to my Mother and take my Leave of her. I went, but I must confess very un­willingly. When I came to her Dressing-Room, I kneel'd down as usual, upon which she said hastily, Bless you! Bless you! which I [Page 10] understood, by her Manner of speaking, was Dammee! Dammee!

I am come, Madam, said I, to take my Leave of you, by my Father's Command. Why, pray Sir, return'd my Mother, very scornfully, Where are you going? To my Uncle's, Madam, said I. Go then, said she, and a good Riddance. I made my Honours, and down Stairs I went again to my Father.

Well, Will, said he, what said your Mo­ther to you? Did she give you any thing? No Sir, said I, she only gave me Leave to go about my Business. Well, said my Fa­ther, you shall never trouble her again, in the Mind I am in. Go, said he, get on Horseback, I'll ride before, and conduct you some part of the Way.

When I went into the Stable, I heard my Brother Jack tell the Groom I must not have the Little Horse, for it was his, and he was to go abroad with his Mother: Brother, said I, I must have him, for my Father's gone be­fore, and will wait for me. No matter for that, said he, you shan't have him. Many Words pass'd between us, and all the while he was endeavouring to get the Bridle out of my Hand, but finding he was not strong enough, he let go. Just as I had got one [Page 11] Foot in the Stirrup, with a Prong that he had got out of the Stable, he ran me into the Thigh with one of the Points, the other piercing the Horse in the Flank, who, feel­ing himself hurt, gave a Spring, and before I cou'd get upon his Back, he dragg'd me with one Foot in the Stirrup out into the Road, and wou'd have certainly beat me to pieces, if my Father coming back, wonder­ing at my Delay, had not stop'd him. The Servant told him I was certainly wounded, for there were Streams of Blood upon the Ground: Examining my Hurt, they found my Boot was full of Blood. I was carry'd in again; tho' with Loss of Blood, the Vio­lence of the Fall, together with the Drag­ging of the Horse, I was deprived of my Senses for some time.

A Surgeon was immediately sent for; yet my Father was not presently inform'd how I came by the Hurt: But when he knew the Truth of it, he was so very much pro­vok'd, that just that Instant meeting with my Brother Jack coming up Stairs, he kick'd him down again, and in the Fall he broke his Arm. I mention these little Circum­stances, only as they were the Occasion of [...]-right Breach in the Family.

[Page 12]When the Surgeon came, he inform'd us there was no Danger but Loss of Blood; and, with a great many hard Words, told 'em what a narrow Escape I had, for if it had been an Inch higher, and touch'd such and such a Thing, all the World cou'd not have sav'd my Life to be sure.

When he had made an end of dressing my Wound, he went to the Assistance of my Brother. The Servants had taken him up, and brought him into the same Room where I was, for our Beds were together. I must own the Sight of him, instead of moving my Pity, stirr'd my Indignation, and I was inwardly satisfy'd with my Father's just Re­venge. But while they were setting his Arm, my Mother came among us (alarm'd it seems with his Cries) like one of the Furies, with her Hair about her Ears, out of her Dressing-Room, not having been acquainted with the Matter thro' the Confusion of the Family. She cast many furious Eyes towards me, and I believe, if she had not been pre­vented by my Father, had made me feel the Effects of her Indignation. Madam, said he, I am sorry for the Accident that has hap­pen'd to your Son, not but he deserves it for his young wicked Intention, tho' I don't [Page 13] doubt but he was instigated by his Mother: By me, thou barbarous Wretch! said she. — You are sorry for the Accident! What Acci­dent? Did not you do it for the Purpose? with an Intention to break his Neck I sup­pose: But I'll be reveng'd on your young Darling, with all his Learning! Upon say­ing that she rush'd upon me in spite of 'em, and seiz'd violently upon me, endeavouring to tear me out of the Bed, notwithstanding my weak Condition. But my Father laid hold of her, and with a Pull, swung her to the far­ther end of the Room. Now, Madam, said he, since I see the Inveteracy of your Malice, and having broke the Bonds of Duty, Love, and Tenderness, I'll make you feel the Power of a Husband; you shall be close confin'd to your Apartment, never once to converse with Me, or Mine. You shall want nothing, but your Liberty, where you will have Time enough to reflect upon your Conduct, and what it is to injure a Husband by your violent Proceedings. So saying, he seiz'd upon her, maugre her Strugglings, carry'd her to the Nursery, and lock'd her in: The Reason of his putting her there, was, as he said after­wards, to prevent her making any Attempts to get out of the Windows, being there were [Page 14] Bars fix'd for fear of any Accident among us, when we were under the Nurse's Care.

Notwithstanding her Violence of Temper, she had certainly (at least in every Body's Opinion) a tender Regard for my Father; and if he did not return it, he gave her no Cause to complain. He had too much Hu­manity to use any one ill, much less a Wife. I have often heard him say, While my Wife continues her Good-humour to me, she shall never find me in the least to blame in my Conduct to her; but whenever that alters, I shall have so much Regard to myself, to be easy.

During my Illness, my Father was hardly ever from me. I did not think it was pro­per for one of my Years to ask him any Questions concerning his Matrimonial War­fare; but as he was sitting upon my Bed, a­bout the fifth Day of my Illness, my Mo­ther's Maid brought him a Letter, which my Father perus'd, then read it to me, as fol­lows:

Confinement, I find, said my Father, is a good Mortifier; but I shall very willingly comply with her Request, upon your Ac­count, for I can't suppose it is very pleasing to you, to have always before your Eyes the Cause of your Pain and Illness. Sir, said I, there is no Motive more prevalent with me, than the Satisfaction of my Mother; be­sides, I hope I have it not in my Nature to bear Malice, therefore I have long since for­given my Brother, imagining it to be only the Heat of Passion, and Want of Years. My Child, said my Father, your Years are the [Page 16] same, both in your Thirteenth; and yet I am convinc'd he has not the Consideration that thou hast, which I am pleas'd with, not for his Want of Understanding, but that thine seems to exceed thy Years: Pray Heaven continue it! Sir, said I, 'tis all I ask, the Blessing of Heaven and You; in having them, I shall want nothing; but, possess'd with all the Gifts of Fortune, wanting them, I shall be poor indeed! My Boy (said my Father, and kiss'd me) once more Heaven bless thee! Grant that I may be able to provide for thee according to my Inclination!

By this time the Maid, who had retir'd while my Father was perusing the Letter, came in to expect an Answer. Tell your Mistress, said my Father, I shall comply with her Request, as I shall to all others that are reasonable. Upon this Answer, the Maid went out, and my Father gave immediate Orders to remove the Boy: Then, with a gentle Press by the Hand, took his Leave of me. I must own I was very much de­lighted at his Expressions of Kindness to me, being it was what I never receiv'd from him before: 'Tis true, he never us'd me harshly, but he did not seem to me to have the least Regard, or playing and toying with Children, [Page 17] as I have known Parents do; his Manner of Behaviour to me before, begot Respect in me; it was enough if he did but look at me, to make me observe him; tho' I can't fan­sy it is a proper Carriage from a Parent to a Child, neither the way to beget Obedience; there is a kind of Indulgence to the harmless Follies of Children, that insensibly wins the Affections of the Child. I remember my own Brother, that was one Year elder than me, never car'd to come in my Father's Sight, which proceeded from his stiff Beha­viour to us. But I am not laying down Rules or Examples between Parents and Children, tho' really I think some Parents want as much Instruction that way as their Children. Tho' I am well-assur'd my Father had a tender Regard for his, notwithstanding his rigid Behaviour, for he punish'd severe­ly for Faults openly, and, as I found after­wards, rewarded 'em secretly when they did well: But my Readers may with Reason say, this is but little to the Purpose.

In the next Visit my Father made me, he told me he fansy'd my Mother had a great mind to be making her Peace; but, added he, Will, I'll take care, if it comes to that, you shall be included in the Treaty. I told [Page 18] him I should be pleas'd, let it go which way it wou'd, if he wou'd be so. I have receiv'd another Letter since Morning, said he, with her Desire to speak with me; in the Evening I shall comply with her Request; and the Re­sult of our Conference thou shalt know to­morrow Morning; for, added he, it will be late before I can go to her, for I expect your Schoolmaster this Evening, who is to stay all Night on purpose to see you, as he sends me Word. And, accordingly, before Night, the good old Man came to condole with me, and in some sort to chide me, in neglecting to tell him of my Brother's Want of Learning: However, said he, I forgive you, and have prevail'd on your Father that I may have you again; for I should be much concern'd to lose the Flower of my Flock; as he was pleas'd to call me: As for your Brother Jack, added he, I have advis'd with your Father, to prevail on your Mother to put him out to some creditable Trade, and not longer to lose his Time in fruitless Endeavours to learn what he can never attain to; for, continu'd he, I have just now been examining him in the Gar­den (for as he had the Use of his Legs, he cou'd go any where) but I am in the utmost Confusion to find him such a Dunce, and [Page 19] that I cou'd be so long impos'd on between you.

I begg'd my Master to mention my Folly no more, for I assur'd him it was Want of Thought, and Tenderness to him, that oc­casion'd the Deceit; I had sufficiently repent­ed of it, and if it was to come over again, wou'd sooner die than be guilty of any such Proceedings. I added, It was the great­est Grief I ever did, or ever shou'd feel, that from so trivial a thing, as I thought, such Difference shou'd be created between my Fa­ther and Mother. Rest contented, reply'd my Master: Thy Mother-in-law has prov'd what I always thought her, a turbulent-spi­rited Woman, only she had Art enough to hide it so long from your Father. Indeed her first Husband, Sir Charles, many Years ago hinted some such thing to me. I am pleas'd she has declar'd herself upon so slight an Oc­casion, that your good Father may be arm'd in time against her Contrivances; for I am apt to believe, even her Affection to him is only counterfeited, and once Women can counterfeit Love, I give 'em lost to all vir­tuous Principles; their Endearments are the worst of Crimes, and the greatest Affront they can put upon a Man. I have known [Page 20] some Women who have prov'd false to their Husband's Bed, yet have carry'd it with such a Tenderness and Regard to them, that if the World had not been convinc'd of their Base­ness, 'twere enough to call Truth a Lyar.

I interrupted my Master, by telling him I thought there was no Grounds even for Suspicion of any such thing concerning my Mother. I hope so too, reply'd my School-master.

After some other Discourse of the Weak­nesses of Women, he left me to my own Thoughts, but I must own they were not very pleasing ones. I began to consider my Con­dition. If my Mother prov'd an ill Woman, as I had some reason to suspect from the Hints and Discourses of my Master, I shou'd cer­tainly suffer in the end; for if my Father was reconcil'd to her, through her Cunning, I did not doubt but she would improve it, and make me the Butt of her Resentment; and, notwithstanding my Father's good Sense, and Knowledge of the World, there was not an Impossibility but he might fall into the Snares of a subtle designing Woman: The Thought of this spread a melancholy Cloud over my Face, which was perceiv'd by my Father, who enter'd in the midst of my Cogitations.

[Page 21]How now, Will, said he, does thy Wound pain thee, that thou look'st with such a sor­rowful Countenance? No, Sir, said I, I was only enter'd into thinking of what may hap­pen for the future, and the Fear of losing your Kindness, made me sad. Well, said he, as I am assur'd from your Behaviour, that will never happen, I hope your Concern will cease. I told you (continu'd my Father) when I parted with you last, that I wou'd not let thee know the Result of the Interview till the Morning; but as we are reconcil'd, I cou'd not so long delay thee thy Part of the Satisfaction. To-morrow in the Morning thy Mother, thy Master, and all of us, are to come into thy Room to Breakfast, where I hope all Animosities will cease. On my Side, Sir, said I, they were never begun, nor ever shall, without my Temper and Inclination shou'd be inverted. I believe there's no Dan­ger of that, reply'd my Father; and so, my good Boy, Good-night.

As soon as my Father was gone, my Ma­ster came in again: Billy, said he, I cou'd not go to Bed without seeing you, to desire, since your Father and Mother are reconcil'd, to take no manner of Notice of the Discourse you and I had together concerning her. If [Page 22] told him, without any Caution, it shou'd have been as secret as if no one had known it but himself; I believe it, said he, yet I thought Caution might have been necessary; and so bid me Good-night.

When I was once more left alone, Re­flexion began to be stronger than before, and weighing, according to my young Judgment, the Affairs and Condition of the Family, thought verily my Circumstances wou'd suffer by it. I was in the midst of a thousand con­fus'd ungrateful Thoughts, when the Sur­geon came in to dress me, and viewing my Wound, was very much surpriz'd to see it look so angry: I am afraid, young Gentle­man, said he, you have met with something to-day that makes you uneasy, or have tasted something that you shou'd not have done, which occasions this Alteration in your Hurt. Pray, said he, what have you had to eat to­day? When I inform'd him, That, said he, cou'd never hurt you; the Alteration I perceive must proceed from some Disturbance of Mind, and I value my Patient so much, that I must know the Cause, that I may speak to your Father to have it remedy'd. I found him so pressing, that I was oblig'd to tell him Some little Accidents in the Family had given [Page 23] me some Uneasiness, which were now recon­cil'd, and wou'd soon be forgot. Yes, said he, I hear your Father and Mother are come to an Agreement, and I can't say I am over well pleas'd at it, for if she does not play him, and all of you, some Trick, I'll be hang'd; I have Reasons best known to myself for what I say.

I am sorry, said I, you have any secret Reason to suspect my Mother's future Con­duct; and without you disclose 'em to me, I shall imagine they are Chimaeras of your own Brain, that flow from your too much Drinking (for he was fam'd for a great To­ [...]er) or otherwise from her refusing you the Cure of my Brother Jack; for when my Mother-in-law heard he was my Surgeon, her Resentment run so high, that she wou'd not employ him.

Nothing of all this, I can assure you, re­turn'd the Surgeon; but I shall say no more at present, 'till I have observ'd her future Be­haviour, and if she deserves it, I shall dis­close some things that will be very surprizing [...]o all of you. I wish, said I, you wou'd ei­ [...]her have mention'd nothing of it now, or wou'd resolve to tell me what it is you know, or I fear, if you leave me in doubt, it will not at all help me in the Cure.

[Page 24]I am sorry, return'd the Surgeon, I have inadvertently said any thing to make you un­easy; but, to reconcile you to your Rest to­night, be assur'd, whenever I disclose it, 'twill help you rather than injure you; and tho' I have many Follies, I have Discretion enough to keep this a Secret, till it shall prove advantageous to your Father and you.

I us'd many Arguments to persuade him to let me know this great Secret, but all to no purpose; so after he had dress'd me, he left me with more Cause of Uneasiness than I had before, which I too plainly shew'd by my Countenance. The Maid who attended me in my Illness, who was one that liv'd with my Mother in her Life-time, and had the bringing of me up, told me I should not be uneasy at what the Surgeon said, he was nothing but a meer Rattle, for it was his usual way to make People imagine he knew something concerning their Affairs, and when he came to be strictly examin'd, de­ny'd it all, or made an Excuse that he sup­pos'd he was drunk when he said so.

What the Maid said seem'd probable e­nough; yet I cou'd not put it out of my Head, that notwithstanding his Character, there was something in his Knowledge concerning our Family.

[Page 25]The Thought of this, with other Affairs, kept me from sleeping many Hours, and when I did, it was broken, and interrupted with frightful Dreams. In one, I thought my Mother invited my Father and me to walk with her in a Garden, at the End there was a prodigious high Mountain, which we as­cended with much Difficulty, and when we had gain'd the Summit, my Mother gave my Father a Push down the Brow of the Mountain, on the other Side, where my trou­bled Fancy gave him for lost. She then flew towards me, and violently thrust me down the same way we came up; I thought I fell to the Bottom much bruis'd, as also scratch'd by Brambles and Stones that lay in my way, that the Pain I felt awak'd me. I told my Dream to the Maid that sat up with me; she reply'd, it was nothing but a disturb'd Fancy with the Pain of my Hurt, and begg'd I wou'd compose myself to Sleep, which after some time I did.

I reassum'd my Dream where I left off. My sleeping Imagination represented my Mother on the Brow of the Hill, hurling Stones and Clods of Earth at me, yet I thought none of 'em came near me to do me any Damage; and as she was endeavouring [Page 26] to come down the Hill, in order, as I thought, to hurt me, she vanish'd away, but I cou'd not perceive which way she went. Upon the Instant I awoke, in a very great Agony, when I told the Maid the Cause of my Uneasiness; she laugh'd at me, and said 'twas only form'd from my uneasy Thoughts. Whatever she cou'd say to me upon the Inva­lidity of Dreams, I cou'd not put this out of my Head, nor go to sleep again; and the rest of our Discourse till Morning was Sto­ries of Dreams proving true, which I had oft heard repeated, but she call'd those things Visions; I would have persuaded her mine was such, but she laugh'd me out of it, or at least I had Discretion enough to say no more to her concerning it, whatever were my Thoughts about it.

When the Time of Breakfast came, my Father enter'd the Room, and ask'd me how I had rested last Night; the Maid an­swer'd for me, that I had been disturb'd by frightful Dreams; my Father return'd, he had none of the best; but, continu'd he, Dreams were the only Work of a disturb'd Fancy, and were as far from Truth, as the Glow-Worm's dim Shine from Light and Heat; the Creatures of the drowsy Brain.

[Page 27]But, Sir, said I, many have been fore­warn'd by Dreams of Accidents that have happen'd to 'em; witness Calphurnia's Dream of the Butchery of Caesar, and Ceasar's Dream before he overcame Pompey, or that men­tion'd by Valerius Maximus of the two Ar­cadians ^*. Nothing, Child, reply'd my Fa­ther, [Page 28] but the Fancy of Poets and Historians, and I hope you have Understanding enough to slight 'em; 'tis nothing but superstitious Opinion that gives any Credit to Dreams and Omens; but, continu'd he, I wou'd have thee put on a more pleasing Countenance, for thy Mother, Brother, and I, are coming pre­sently to Breakfast with thee, in order for a Reconciliation on all Hands, and if she per­ceives that Cloud upon thy Face, she will be apt to conjecture her Presence is irksome to thee. I reply'd, I would do my Endeavour to be compos'd, as indeed I had Reason; but I told him, I wou'd ever have my Face the Index of my Heart, for I shou'd find it a ve­ry hard Task to counterfeit any Passion. Well, said my Father, smiling, we shall be with you presently, and went out.

When he was gone, I resolv'd to rise, and put on my Gown, in order to receive such a Visit decently, tho' the Maid wou'd have dis­suaded me. I was but just dress'd, and set down in mv Chair (for I was not able to stand) when my Father, Mother, and her Son, en­ter'd [Page 29] the Chamber. As soon as my Mother came in, she said to my Father, he had in­form'd her I had kept my Bed: Indeed, my Dear, return'd my Father, I am something surpriz'd, for I left him in Bed not a Quar­ter of an Hour ago. I answer'd, that I thought it my Duty to come as near my Knees as I cou'd, and I hop'd my Mother wou'd pardon the Posture I was in; but I threw an humble Heart at her Feet, and hop'd she wou'd give me her Blessing with her Pardon. Heaven bless thee (said she) my Dear; and for Pardon, 'tis I ought to ask that of thee, who have really offended; but acknowledg­ing a Fault is the Way to Repentance, and all my Hope is we shall bury in Oblivion past Transactions. She then brought my Brother forward, who told me with a cloudy Countenance, He begg'd my Pardon, and wou'd do so no more. I told him I had long since learnt to forget every thing, for For­giveness was not a Word became a Child's Mouth. We all kiss'd round.

When our mutual Caresses were over, I cou'd perceive Tears of Joy stand in my Fa­ther's Eyes for this our Reconciliation, and I imagin'd my Mother's Countenance look'd with a pleasing Contentment in't. But alas! [Page 30] 'tis hard to know the Heart of Woman! A fair Face, with a smiling Countenance, often harbour Rancour in the Soul; and as they study to set off their Features, they also stu­dy to make their Face a Mask to their Mind.

They staid with me some time, nor per­haps had gone so soon, if Word had not been brought in, that the Surgeon was come to dress me. My Mother begg'd Leave to retire, telling me she had not Courage e­nough to support the Sight of my Hurt; so my Father led her out, and my Brother fol­low'd 'em.

Immediately after the Surgeon came in, Well, said he, I find all's right again; I met your Father leading your Mother through the Hall, as if he had just begun to court her. I wish it may hold on her Side. I hope there is no Fear of it, said I, but I can assure you, what you hinted to me Yesterday, has given me a great deal of Uneasiness.

Think on't no more, return'd the Surgeon, think on't no more, Master; I am very sor­ry I mention'd any thing to you, and beg you wou'd speak of it no more. How, said I! do you endeavour to calumniate Persons out of a Whim of your Brain, and not ex­pect [Page 31] to be call'd to an Account for it? I have been inform'd of your Temper, or rather the Villainy of your opprobrious Tongue, and can farther assure you, that the chimeri­cal Aspersions you wou'd endeavour to fix upon my Mother-in-law, shall not go unpu­nish'd, if my Father retains his usual Spirit, unless you this Moment tell the Truth, and either make out what you wou'd insinuate, or clear her by asking Pardon for the Injury you wou'd have done her.

The Surgeon seem'd very much in Confu­sion during my Speech to him, which I ob­serving, did not doubt but it was, as the Maid said, his constant Custom to calumniate every Body.

I see, said I, by the Confusion in your Countenance, you seem'd to confess your Er­ror; I'll give you my Word to mention what has past between you and I to no one, on condition, for the future, you'll leave off that vile Custom of aspersing the Characters of every Body you know; for it may prove of dangerous Consequence to other People, as well as yourself, and it's a Crime neither be­coming a Christian, or a Man.

Sir, return'd the Surgeon, I must own to you, you have open'd my Eyes more by your [Page 32] Discourse, than all that I have ever had said to me upon the like Occasion, and the vile Trick has crept upon me through Custom, for come where you will, even all Sexes, Ages, and Degrees, are fond of hearing a little Scandal, and willing to know the Frail­ties of their Neighbours, not considering, the Parasite, to the next Company, makes as free with the last he came from; and I must own the Success I have met with, or indeed the Willingness of my Hearers, have often put me upon inventing Stories to please my Pa­tients and their Families. But I now repent, and am resolv'd never to be guilty of the like again, and my Repentance is owing to your Advice. After this he ran on with many Encomiums of the Ripeness of my Under­standing, and a long Rigmerole of nothing to the Purpose: But, said he, concerning your Mother, I know something that I am sure wou'd cause great Uneasiness in the Fa­mily; yet I beg you wou'd not insist upon knowing any thing farther, for the Character I perceive I have got in the World, wou'd fly in my Face, and spoil my Evidence, till I can plainly prove what I say, which if I ever see there is a Necessity for it, I can in a few Days bring to pass. I strove many ways [Page 33] to get something out of him, but it prov'd to no purpose, yet I verily believ'd he knew somewhat against the Reputation of my Mo­ther-in-law.

When he was gone, I began to lose myself in confus'd Thoughts and Notions, as I had formerly done, which gave me vail Un­easiness, that led me to imagine my Mother's Conduct to my Father and me all an Arti­fice; this put me upon a Resolution of ob­serving nicely her Carriage, that I might be able to form my Behaviour afterwards.

We liv'd very lovingly together a whole Year, and I began to bury all my Fears, imagining still the Surgeon had wrongfully aspers'd my Mother: Therefore I apply'd myself hard to my Studies with my Tutor, for since the first Falling out, my Father wou'd not let us go to School any more, but provided a Tutor for us in the House; tho' he cou'd make nothing of my Brother John, for he was resolv'd to remain a Dunce, which did not a little grieve both my Father and Mother, but there was no Remedy. Therefore John was resolv'd for behind the Counter. The Time was fix'd to put him Apprentice to a Mercer, and me to the University. I cou'd easily perceive this Re­solution, [Page 34] tho' both Father and Mother-in-law seem'd to consent to it, was a great Grief to my Mother, and in a few Days I was con­firm'd in't.

At the End of our Garden was a large Summer-House, which I frequently made my Place of Study; having just made an end of Claudian, I was going into the House to fetch another Book, but perceiving my Mo­ther at the End of one of the Walks, in or­der, as I suppos'd, to come into the Summer-House, I step'd behind it, that I might not meet her. When she came near me, I cou'd perceive by her Countenance she was mighti­ly disturb'd: She staid in the Walk for her Maid, a few Minutes; when she came to her, they both went up into the Summer-House; I found they were deep in Discourse, there­fore must own I had Curiosity enough to listen awhile; but they spoke so low, that I cou'd only hear now and then a Word, but yet enough to pick out it concern'd my Bro­ther John and my Self.

I had left my Claudian above in the Win­dow of the Summer-House, which my Mo­ther perceiving, took it up. Ha! said she, this, I suppose, is some of the Jackanapes's Books! Ay, 'tis Latin, I believe, 'tis his. [Page 35] Well, I'll take care he shall have Reading e­nough, I'll warrant him. And then spoke so low, that I cou'd not hear the rest. I listen'd farther, but whether they mistrusted some­body was near 'em, or they were consulting something that was wicked, I can't tell, but they spoke so low, that I cou'd not hear any thing but a continual Humming between 'em.

I went to my Study, but had no Inclina­tion to read; my Head run too much upon what I had heard, and what I suggested; the more I thought, the more Reason I had to be uneasy. I sent a Servant to the Summer-House for the Book I had forgot; when he return'd, I ask'd him if there was any body in the Summer-House; he answer'd, There was my Lady, and Mrs. Betty in close Con­ference; and farther added, they look'd up­on him with damn'd four Countenances for disturbing 'em, as he suppos'd.

I found every thing concurr'd with my Thoughts, which added very much to my discontented Mind. When my Tutor came in, he perceiv'd by my Looks my Spirits were discompos'd, and pressing me to know the Reason, I told him I was not very well. At Supper (for my Tutor being a Gentleman of [Page 36] a good Family, that had suffer'd many Mis­fortunes in the World, my Father allow'd him the Privilege of eating with us) he de­sir'd my Father to order me a little Physick, for I had complain'd I was indispos'd. My Father press'd me to take it on the next Morning, but I told him it was nothing but too much Reading, and I shou'd be well pre­sently; but if I found myself worse, I wou'd take Physic in a Day or two. Ay, says my Mother, whether you are better or no, you ought to take Physic this Spring-time, and Johnny shall take some along with you. So it was agreed in two Days to take it, and Word was sent to the Apothecary's accord­ingly; tho' I resolv'd with myself not to take any, as believing I wanted none, mine being an Illness of the Mind. When the Time came, the Doses were sent us, but I convey'd mine away without taking it.

At Dinner, my Mother seem'd, as I thought, to look thro' me, and ask'd me many Questions concerning the Operation. I answer'd her as I thought proper. As she ask'd her Maid (who always waited on her alone) for a Glass of Wine, I observ'd she look'd upon her with an odd sort of a Coun­tenance; the Maid seem'd to return her ano­ther [Page 37] Look, which plainly told me there was a Meaning between 'em. But the Discourse was turn'd on another Subject, as being not altogether so proper at Dinner; yet every now and then my Mother wou'd come out with — Sure, Billy, you did not take your Physic! I confidently told her I did, tho' I abhor a Lye. Many odd Looks pass'd every Moment between the Mistress and the Maid during Dinner. When it was ended, they both went up into her Dressing-Room; I cou'd not help following 'em with my Eyes, and secretly wish'd I cou'd have been near enough to hear their Conversation; but as that could not be, I was oblig'd to be contented without it.

In a little time my Mother came down a­gain; after some short Stay in the Dining-Room, my Father, Mother, Brother John, and I, as usual, went to walk in the Gar­den: John, as was his Custom, ran scamper­ing before, and plaid many of his childish Tricks. Why, Billy, said my Father, why don't you do as your Brother Jacky does, 'twill make you strong and lusty; all Study will spoil you, weaken your Constitution, ay, and impair your Health. So it will re­ply'd my good Mother, I don't think he has [Page 38] a good State of Health, for he seems to me as if he were in a Consumption; observe how pale he looks: Ay, but return'd my Fa­ther, that may be his Physic. I don't know but it may, says she; but, if I might ad­vise, he shou'd take more in a few Days, as well as Jacky, for I am assur'd 'twill do 'em good: Nay, further, my Dear (said she to my Father) I intend to see Billy take his, for it runs in my Head he made away that he was to take in the Morning, for I know he hates Physic. I endeavour'd to convince her of the contrary, which she seem'd to be­lieve.

The Time drew near that we were to take Physic again, and I was putting my Inven­tion on the Stretch how to avoid it, for I found she had resolv'd to be by when we were to take it, which accordingly happen'd. When she gave me mine, I let it slip out of my Hand upon the Ground; this put her into such a Passion, that she gave me a Box on the Ear; but in a little time after she begg'd my Pardon, kiss'd me, put her Hand to her Purse, and gave me half a Guinea, desiring I wou'd forget it; I promis'd her I wou'd, tho' I really cou'd not.

[Page 39]When my Father came in, she told him in a merry Manner, I was resolv'd not to take any Physic, for the young Rogue, said she, let it slip through his Fingers, which con­vinces me he play'd the same Trick with that the other Morning. I told my Father it was purely Accident. Well, well, Billy, said my Mother-in-law, let it be what it will, we shall take care of the next, I warrant you. I don't know when that can be, my Dear, said my Father, for he must go to his Uncle's this Afternoon, who begs to see him, and I can't tell when he will return. My Mo­ther made no Answer to it, but seem'd to be in much Confusion.

I was very well pleas'd to go to my Un­cle's, not only to get rid of my Mother's Physic, but to see him, who was more in­dulgent to me than my own Father, and it was thought by every one that I shou'd be his Heir, for he was an old Batchelor, and never intended to marry.

While I was in my Study, pleasing myself with the Thoughts of going to my Uncle's, my Father came in to me. Billy, said he, thy Mother has convinc'd me 'tis necessary you shou'd take Physic before you go, so that I have sent an Excuse to your Uncle, and let [Page 40] him know you will wait on him in two or three Days at farthest. I was confounded at what he said, yet I answer'd him, What he pleas'd. I cou'd not tell him what I thought of my Mother, and that I believ'd she in­tended to give me something to injure me, for as it cou'd not be prov'd, it wou'd look only like Fear, or Malice; so I e'en set my­self to think how to avoid it.

At last I thought to get a Phial, the same Size of that she brought me in the Morning, and fill it with something near the Colour, which seem'd to me to be a dark Brown. But then the Difficulty wou'd be, how to put the Change upon her. In the Morning I had prepar'd my Phial, and when my Mother was going to pour it into a Glass for me to drink, I begg'd she wou'd be pleas'd to let me drink it out of the Phial, for the Sight of it in a Glass turn'd my Stomach against it. Ay, my Dear, with all my Heart; any how, so thou dost but take it, reply'd my good Mother. When I had got it, I put the Change upon her, and drank what I had prepar'd. My Mother seem'd mightily pleas'd, taking her Leave of me with a It's a good Child; keep thyself warm, my Dear. When she was gone, I went into my Study, [Page 41] and began to examine the Bottle my Mother wou'd have had me taken. I found it had no ill Smell; but as I had not any Inclina­tion to taste it, I had Thoughts of trying the Experiment upon some dumb Creature, but cou'd not find in my Heart to be so cru­el, yet had a vast Inclination to know its Effects. At last I resolv'd to give it to a Greyhound Bitch, whose Surliness had given me Occasion enough not to have any great Compassion for her. I did not think it pro­per to do it in the House, so took my Op­portunity to wheedle her into the Stable, when no one was there, but going to open her Jaws to pour it into her Mouth, she flew at me, and ran away. In the Surprize, I let the Phial fall out of my Hand, which broke with the Fall. I was very uneasy I cou'd not make Proof of what I design'd, for I knew it wou'd be to no purpose to dis­cover my Suspicions only.

When Dinner-time came I was call'd down, and observ'd the Confusion of Faces were increas'd between the Mistress and the Maid, insomuch that my Father cou'd not help taking Notice of it. Pray, my Dear, what has Betty (said my Father) done, for you look at her as if she had committed some [Page 42] great Crime? What, I warrant, she has not wash'd your Headcloaths to please you, or some such Trifle. She knows what she has done, said my Mother-in-law, well enough; but I don't think it worth my While to be an­gry about it. Well, but don't give her such sour Look then (return'd my Father) but pardon her, you'll spoil her Stomach to her Dinner, Child. My Father went on in a jocose manner all Dinner-time, yet notwith­standing now and then Looks past between 'em, that no body cou'd interpret but my­self, or at least I thought I cou'd. I see, my Dear, cry'd my Father, the Peace is not made up between you; give me Leave to be the Judge in this Matter; but first let me know the Case: Come, Betty, continu'd my Father, you seem to be the Offender, con­fess your Crime, and that's the Way to find Pardon the sooner. Why, Sir, return'd the Maid, I have forgot to wash my Mistress's Lac'd Pinners, for which she has been an­gry with me all this Morning. And is this the full and whole History of her Crime, my Dear, said my Father to my Mother-in-law? Yes, return'd the good Woman. Why then I proceed to Judgment, said my Father.

[Page 43]You, Mrs. Betty, not having the Fear of God before your Eyes, &c. (here my Father ran on with the whole Sentence that a Judge repeats to one arraign'd for Murder, and du­ring the time of Speaking, I observ'd Betty to be very much startled) shall for your Punishment, before you sleep, wash and starch these same Headcloaths, and in so do­ing, it shall remain as a sufficient Punish­ment for your heinous Crime, tho' you know you deserve much worse; and be sure for the future, you are never guilty of the like. Bet­ty promis'd, in a great deal of Confusion, to mend for the future.

The next Day was design'd for me to wait on my Uncle, and tho' I had a great Desire to go, yet I was not satisfy'd; I was in va­rious Minds; sometimes I fully intended to inform my Father with my Suspicions, with all the Circumstances and Grounds for't. But then again, I consider'd my Suspicions might strengthen my Opinion, and they might be really innocent. While I was wrapt in my Cogitations, I observ'd my Mother and her Maid were going into the Garden, and I did not doubt but they wou'd get into the Sum­mer House, in order to another Conference. I slipt into the Garden, and got to my Hi­ding-Place [Page 44] behind the Jessamine-Hedge, be­fore they came. As soon as they were up the Stairs of the Summer-House, my Mother ask'd her Maid if she were assur'd there was no one in the Garden; she told her, No, nor none cou'd come in but she cou'd perceive 'em from the Window where she sat.

What can be the Meaning, said my Mo­ther, that this devilish Brat does not feel the Effects of what he has taken? I am afraid either the Apothecary, or you, have betray'd me. Madam, return'd the Maid, I can as­sure you we are both innocent of your Suspi­cion: As for his Part, he does not know who, or what it's for: Yet, Madam, I don't doubt but you'll be surpris'd at what I am going to say to you.

I wou'd not, continu'd Betty, be guilty of what before Dinner I made no Scruple of, for the whole World. If you had observ'd my Countenance, while my Master was judging my fictitious Crime, with the formal Introductions in Cases of Murder, you might have read my Guilt in my Face. I am as­sur'd Master Billy observ'd me most heedful­ly, and, to my thinking, his Eyes told me he knew my real Crime in the Intention. I was some time before I cou'd recover my [Page 45] Confusion, and I then weigh'd in the Scales of Justice, the Reason of your Resentment [...]o him, and found the Intention to be the ut­most Wickedness, and I thank'd my God our [...]nhuman Designs had not taken effect. You see Heaven is displeas'd, and shews the Ab­horrence of the Fact, by hindring the Effect. I look'd in his Face during the latter Part of Dinner, and wonder'd how we cou'd plot to take away the Life of so mucn Innocence, that never injur'd us. I thank Heaven, my Eyes are open'd, nor even the worst of Torments shou'd make me once think of such a Crime. Therefore let me beg of you, my dear Mistress, to forget it, bury even the Thought of it: Consider the Crime; Murder is the greatest Sin against God; 'tis even striking at him, by murdering his Image. Let my Repentance be as the Alarm to yours. I am sure, if you will give yourself time to think, your Conscience must awake, and teach you to abhor the Crime. No one knows our wicked Intention, but all-seeing Heaven, which will pardon us on a sincere Repentance. We are oblig'd to keep each other's Counsel; therefore let me conjure you, by the Love you ought to owe your Hus­band! by your Duty to Heaven! which I [Page 46] shou'd have mention'd first; by the Worth of your eternal Soul! by the Affection you ought to owe your Children! for those of your Husbands must be yours, since you are but One: Consider what it is to have a clear and a quiet Conscience, 'tis the only Happiness on this side the Grave, 'tis that which sweet­ens all the Ills of Life; the Innocent will be happy, let Fortune empty her Quiver of Ma­lice on 'em. If the Weight of this will have no Consideration with you, think on the Welfare of this World, if you can lull to sleep your Conscience. Murder has many Tongues to speak, even things inanimate have divulg'd the Guilty; and when once re­veal'd, think on the Punishment that must follow. I beg, Madam, take some little time to ruminate on what I have said, before you answer me; weigh it well, for it is of the last Importance; for tho' a poor, igno­rant, weak Woman, you'll find what I ut­ter to be the Oracle of Heaven.

Here Betty paus'd, as expecting an An­swer; and during the Interval of Speech, the Agonies I felt at the intended Wickedness, were next to Death itself. After about a Mi­nute's Silence, my Mother spoke as follows.

[Page 47] Betty, Words can hardly speak the Tor­ments of my Mind; yet I have this to com­fort me, 'tis in Repentance to set my Soul at rest, and I do repent from the Bottom of my Heart. What a Fiend had I entertain'd in my Breast! How very near the Brink of Hell, his proper Habitation, had he brought me! Thou wert my Guardian-Angel, that sav'd me from Destruction! To Heaven and Thee I owe my Thanks. Now this Fury is gone forth my Bosom, I think, with thee, how it cou'd be possible to harbour such a Hellish Thought against the poor Child; but, now I feel reviving Love, even equal to that of my own Son, I long to embrace and kiss him with a real Mother's Fondness.

The Joy I felt at this Declaration, had al­most made me discover myself, and it was hard to keep my Legs from running to my Mother to accept the long'd-for Blessing; but Reason got the better of my Transport; That told me, I ought to conceal from all the World my Knowledge of the whole Affair. While I was in my Musing, I cou'd hear Betty say, Madam, my Master's coming up the Walk, I beg you will compose yourself. I'll do what I can, reply'd my Mother-in-law, but no one can imagine what Torments [Page 48] I feel. Then sit here, Madam, said Betty, for here it's dark, and my Master cannot per­ceive your Disorder. My Mother, as I sup­pos'd, remov'd to the Place she desir'd her. Immediately after my Father came in, and ask'd 'em if they had seen me, for they had been searching me all over the House, but cou'd not find me. My Brother's Man, said my Father, is waiting for him. My Mother reply'd I had not been there, but must cer­tainly be in the Study. No, said my Father, he is not there, neither can I imagine where he can be, and the not finding him makes me very uneasy.

Upon saying this, my Father went up and down the Walks calling me. When he had left the two Women, Betty cry'd out, I hope in Heaven my Repentance is accepted, and he has not now felt the Effect of the Poison. You fright me out of my Senses, return'd my Mother; let's run to seek him. Away they went. When I was certain they were out of Sight, I clamber'd over the Wall, and came in the Street way, just as my Mother with her Maid came out of the Garden. As soon as my Mother met me, she clasp'd me about the Neck, and kiss'd me with as much Transport as if I had been her own Son; [Page 49] which affected me in such a manner, I could not help weeping with Excess of Satisfaction. What means these Tears, my Child, said my Mother? Madam, said I, be not offended, they are Tears of Joy, to see you so kind. Bless thee! my dear Boy, return'd my Mo­ther, I hope always to prove so.

When my Father came in, he ask'd me where I had been; I told him, only to take a Walk in the Fields after my Physic. We thought we had lost you, said my Father, and were sending for the Cryer to cry a great Boy of Fifteen Years of Age? But come, continu'd he, mount! your Uncle's Man waits for you, and has done this Hour. Your Things shall be there to-morrow Morning. I begg'd Leave only to pack up a few Books, and I wou'd wait on him instantly.

As I was in my Study, putting together what I intended to take with me, Betty came up to me. Well, Sir, said me, how do you find yourself after your Physic? Better than was expected this Morning, Betty, said I. I am very glad on't, reply'd Betty, I now believe you are, said I; but there's a great Alteration since Morning, and I hope it will continue. While I said this, I look'd sted­fastly in her Face; she observing me, blush'd [Page 50] very much. Come, Betty, said I, 'tis ne­ver too late to repent, Repent, Sir! reply'd Betty, of what? Of doing Ill, I return'd, or even thinking Ill. I had but an ill Opi­nion of you this Morning; but I have Rea­son to think I have done you Wrong, and I ask you Pardon; be satisfy'd, I can some­times read Peoples Thoughts. Why then, said Betty, if it be so, you know you have no Reason to ask my Pardon, for I am sure you never offended me. But if I have ever offended you, I ask you, and Heaven, Par­don, and I hope I shall obtain both. Be assur'd you will, I reply'd. She seeing me ready to go down, took her Leave of me, modestly begging leave to kiss me. As I was going away; Sir, said she, if we both are alive ten Year hence, and I have the Honour to see you, I may make you ac­quainted with something very extraordinary. Nothing but what I partly understand alrea­dy, I return'd; keep in the honest Path you are in, then Heaven will bless you.

I got on Horseback, after taking Leave of the Family, and observ'd Betty in much Con­fusion; I shook my Head at her, with a Smile, and rid away.

[Page 51]When I arriv'd at my Uncle's, which was about fourteen Miles from my Father's, I was told by the Servants he was gone out a little way, not expecting me so soon; but he wou'd return in a Quarter of an Hour. Du­ring his Stay, a Coach came to the Door with a couple of old Ladies, and a young one about thirteen Years of Age, the beau­tifullest Creature my Eyes ever beheld: I cou'd not help gazing upon her, with a great deal of Delight. They came to visit my Uncle, but finding he was gone out, wou'd not stay. I look'd after the Coach which car­ry'd this young Angel away, as far as ever I cou'd see, and began to feel a certain Ten­derness, which People, I thought, of my Years, had but little Knowledge of.

I was pleasing myself with the charming Idea, when my Uncle came in, who exprest a great deal of Satisfaction to see me. After the first Civilities were over, I told him there was a Coach with some Ladies to wait upon him, but not meeting with him at home, wou'd not come in. My Uncle being a mer­ry jocose Man, said to me, Sirrah, you shou'd have done the Duties of my House, and made 'em come in. But who were they? I told him I cou'd not tell. But the Servant [Page 52] reply'd, They were my Lady — her Sis­ter and Daughter. Odso! you young Dog, return'd my Uncle, there wou'd be a fine Wife, if you had but Money enough; she's an Heiress, and will be worth Fifty Thou­sand Pounds. Well Sir, said I, when I think on Marriage, I must not turn my Thoughts that way. No! why so? reply'd my Uncle; a Woman with a Fortune is as soon got as one without; and when I die, you don't know what may happen.

Sir, said I, if I never marry till I wish your Death, I hope to live single a great while. I believe thee, Will, said my Uncle: But 'tis time enough to talk of these things ten Year hence; I wou'd have no Man mar­ry till they are past Twenty, nor Women till past Sixteen. I wonder, Sir, said I, you never thought of that State! Why, you young Rogue, so I have, reply'd my Uncle, so much on't, that I resolve to live single all my Life; and I am of the Opinion, few People marry only to better their Condition. That's a little too hard, Sir, said I: Do you ima­gine no one marries for Love? O yes, a great many, reply'd my Uncle; but it does not last long: Lovers have large Stomachs, but are soon cloy'd, they very often surfeit the [Page 53] first Meal I told him, My Mother, his Sister, I thought, lov'd my Father till the Day of her Death. She was contented, I believe, reply'd my Uncle. But come, young Man, this Discourse is a little too wise for one of your Years. Not at all, said I, Uncle; I hope you will not take it ill, if I declare your Notions of Matrimony won't hinder me to try my Fortune, when my Inclination serves, and a good Match shou'd offer. No, said my Uncle, I hope to see thee wedded to a good Fortune before I die; therefore I intend to carry thee to my Lady S — and there you may grow acquainted with the young Lady; your Age is much the same, and your Correspondence may be continu'd as your Years increase; beside, I wou'd have you have some Place to go to, for it wou'd be hard to have nothing but an old musty Un­cle to converse with. Age does not very well agree with Youth.

Our Conversation lasted much longer upon this Topic; and it might have lasted longer than it did, if Supper had not come in to stop my Uncle's Mouth. His Housekeeper sat down at Supper with us, which I thought a little odd; but I soon found how Matters went, and, young as I was, I cou'd perceive [Page 54] Madam was Mistress of the Family. She ap­pear'd extremely civil to me, even, as I thought, too civil; for her Behaviour seem'd to say, Observe! I am Mistress of the House, and 'tis to me you are beholden for your Enter­tainment.

The next Day I cou'd not help hinting to my Uncle, something of his Housekeeper's Behaviour. Why, Billy, said my Uncle, this Woman is a good Woman, in her Way, and I shou'd be at a great Loss without her; for, as I have many Servants, and being a single Man, I shou'd be but a scurvy Mana­ger of 'em: Now this Woman, being pru­dent and discreet, knows how to manage such a Kennel of wild Hounds as I am forc'd to keep, out of State indeed, for I have not Service for 'em half: But a Man of Fortune must live something answerable to it, or he will be despis'd by his Neighbours. Once a Man has got in that Road, he must not get out of it again.

Sir, said I, I beg your Pardon for being so inquisitive, and, may be, impertinent. Billy, reply'd my Uncle, you may say and do just what you will here, for I wou'd have you to understand, this House, and all that's in it, is not only yours when I die, but the [Page 55] Estate that belongs to it, which is upward of Two Thousand Pounds a Year; and to con­vince you of it, I design to make my Will forthwith. I have so much Confidence in you, to believe I shall never have Occasion to alter it. I beg you, Sir, said I, don't talk of making of Wills, and Death, 'tis a me­lancholy Subject, and whatever you will be pleas'd to leave me, will not compensate the Grief I shou'd feel for the Loss of so good an Uncle. Why, you Fool, reply'd my Un­cle, I believe you; but I hope a Man is ne­ver the nearer Death for talking on't, or ma­king his Will!

We were interrupted in our Discourse, by a Servant's giving my Uncle a Letter, which he read to himself, and smil'd. Here, said my Uncle, read that, there's a Billet, whose Style may be altogether new to you; 'tis wrote by a young Lady, and a fine Lady, tho' dictated by an old one. I took it, and read as follows:

A very merry, free Epistle, indeed, Sir, said I. 'Tis the Style, said my Uncle, we use in Writing to one another; and if any other Form shou'd pass between us, we shou'd fansy each other offended at something. But come, Youth, continu'd my Uncle, you must smug up yourself, and go along with me, for this is the Place I intend to bring you ac­quainted in; for now they have honour'd me with the Title of Knight of the Shire, I am now and then oblig'd to be with some Bot­tle-Companions, which will not altogether a­gree with your Age, or Constitution; so that I hope you will like the Company I shall provide for you; and tho' the One is the Mother, and the Other Aunt to the young Creature I was speaking of, yet they are nei­ther of 'em Forty; the one is a Widow, and [Page 57] the other an old Maid, if we may call her one at Eight and Thirty; but she has no­thing of the Stiffness or Formality of that State, but is as easy and good-humour'd, as if she had lost that weighty Burden, a Maidenhead, twenty Year ago; and, what is more surprising, resolves to die a Maid, ex­cept some brawny Rascal does her the Favour to ravish her. The Widow, and Mother to the young Lady, has been in the State of Widowhood near Fourteen Year, for her Daughter was Posthumous-born; yet, tho' she is Mistress of a vast Fortune, and conse­quently been sought by many in Marriage, (for Money is the Loadstone that draws all the World) yet she resolves never to change her State. These Three, with their Family, live as contentedly as any Three in the Uni­verse. 'Tis here I go, when I have a mind to be innocently merry, without bringing any Scandal to the Family, because I am an old Fellow. They have fitted up an Apartment for me in particular, and I very often stay all Night. Sir, said I, I suppose the Reason why the Widow does not marry again, is the Love she bears to the Memory of her former Husband. Rather, I believe, the Vexation she receiv'd from him, reply'd my Uncle, hin­ders [Page 58] her; for I have heard her often say, he us'd to lead her a damn'd sort of Life; and his Behaviour to her has confirm'd the Sister in the same Mind. She often declares to me, in her Thoughts, the best of Husbands are but Plagues, which I return by imagining the same thing by the Wives; so we strengthen each other's Opinion by our Conversation; which is something odd, you'll say.

But I forget, continu'd my Uncle, that I am talking to a School-Boy all this time. Sir, I return'd, whatever you say to me, shall do me no Injury, but rather improve my Under­standing; Things of Moment, I shall justly weigh; and what is not necessary to be re­member'd, shall be forgot. My Uncle made me many Compliments of my forward Sense; but at the Tag of all, to qualify 'em, told me, Ripe Fruit was soon rotten; and so we both went to equip ourselves for our short Journey.

In the Coach, my Uncle told me, I should do well to ingratiate myself with the Family; for if I was ever to enter into the Matrimo­nial State, I cou'd not do better for myself; for, added he, tho' Marriage is a very bit­ter Pill, yet there's Gold enough to gild it over, and a handsome young Lady to-boot. [Page 59] I told him, whenever that Time came, I shou'd value his Advice at the highest Rate. Come, come, reply'd the old Gentleman, I don't love Compliments, they savour of In­sincerity. I return'd, my Tongue and Heart ever did, and I hop'd ever wou'd, go toge­ther; and whatever I said, it shou'd be Truth. Ay, but Boy, answer'd the old Gentleman, you know the old Saying, Truth is not to be spoke at all Times; many a poor Man has suf­fer'd for speaking Truth.

When we came to the End of our short Journey, the two Sisters (who were both comely Women) came to the Gate to bid us welcome; the young Lady, they gave us to understand, was walking in the Garden. When we were brought into the Parlour, af­ter the usual Civilities, my Uncle told 'em, he had brought along with him a Person that he design'd one of their Acquaintance, and if they balk'd his Intention, he threaten'd 'em severely with his Indignation. The Ladies reply'd, I shou'd be welcome upon my own Account, without his Recommendation. Well, well, reply'd my Uncle, I don't care how it's done, so it is done. But hold, cry'd the Aunt, won't it be something dangerous to al­low him the Conversation and Acquaintance [Page 60] of Isabella? (meaning the young Lady) he'll perhaps, in time, wipe away from her Me­mory the good Advice against Matrimony, we have taken much Time and Labour to in­culcate.

Fear not that, reply'd my Uncle, for I have, and shall take as much Pains with the Youth, that they may be on a Footing. Up­on this, the young Lady came in, to whose Acquaintance I was introduc'd. Tho' she was the handsomest Creature my Eyes e'er beheld, the Charms of her Person were e­quall'd by those of her Understanding; and I soon found, young as I was, Love had ta­ken full Possession of my Heart.

The Conversation of the Day was chiefly compos'd of Mirth, and laughing at former Transactions, which were larded, every now and then, with Contempt upon the connubial State; and I was almost ready to die with Despair, to hear the fair Isabella join with 'em, with more than ordinary Malice and Sa­tyr.

My Uncle desir'd she wou'd not be so in­veterate, for she was taking the only Method for him to fall directly in Love with her. And that's the only way, reply'd the Sister, to get rid of your troublesome Company. I [Page 61] told the Lady, I hop'd my Uncle wou'd not prove troublesome, 'till such a Declaration. I believe not, young Gentleman, reply'd the Lady; but I fear there's much more Danger from your Worship, than your Uncle; your Years will bring you forward, but his will make him lag behind. I told her, I shou'd always endeavour to keep myself in the good Graces of that Family; and that nothing but Destiny shou'd make me forfeit it.

Oh then, return'd the Lady, if it ever comes to that, the Fault must be laid on De­stiny, Fate, Ill Stars, and I know not what! I tell you, continu'd the Sister, smiling, if your Years did not plead for you, I shou'd begin to think you guilty. I must own, tho' this was but Rallying, I cou'd not help blush­ing at what she said, as knowing myself a Criminal already.

Bed-time broke up our Company, and e­very one retir'd to their several Apartments. When I was alone, Reflexion began to make me very uneasy. The blind God had wound­ed me, tho' not so deep as if I had more Years over my Head, yet enough to break my Rest, and trouble and confuse my young Imagination. I got up at the Dawn of Day, as uneasy as I went to Bed, and walk'd in the [Page 62] Garden alone, for none of the Family were stirring. All my Thoughts were busied on the fair Object of my Wishes. I continu'd, in my uneasy Contemplation, several Hours.

The first that interrupted my Meditations, was the Charmer of my Heart, who came to me, with a smiling Countenance. I am in­form'd, Sir, said she, you were early up this Morning, I fear you did not like your Lodg­ing! There's nothing in this House, I re­ply'd, but what I have the utmost Regard for; but (I continu'd) it was my usual Cu­stom of rising early to my Studies. We fell insensibly into the Affairs of the Family, for I had not Courage once to mention what I felt within my Breast; neither did I imagine she cou'd have a right Conception of what my Inclination wou'd have declar'd to her. Among other things, I told her, we shou'd have the World unpeopled, if every body was of her Mother, Aunt, and my Uncle's Mind. She reply'd, there was no Danger of that, for the Men wou'd find Means to have Heirs to their Estates, without trou­bling the Parson

I was a little confus'd at her Answer, for I imagin'd she insinuated I was design'd my Uncle's Heir, and therefore cou'd hardly [Page 63] make her an Answer; for my Uncle told me, when he mention'd making his Will, that I was the first that knew his Inclina­tion, and gave me a particular Charge to keep it a Secret from every one, till he him­self divulg'd it. It was some time before I cou'd recover my Confusion; for I was not assur'd they might not hint something of it to my Uncle, and do me a Prejudice with him; not as to the Estate, for I little regarded my Interest, but fearing I was not capable of keeping a Secret, even of the utmost Conse­quence.

The young Lady, finding she had created some Confusion in my Thoughts, began to comfort me, with telling me, my Uncle's Mind might alter; and tho, he was stiff in his Opinion concerning Matrimony, did not doubt but his Eyes wou'd be open enough to see Merit, where it was so conspicuous. Her endeavouring to bring me out of Confusion, plung'd me farther into it, and sometimes I was thinking she was uttering Riddles, and I knew not how to answer upon the Topic: But at last I told her, Whatever my Uncle shou'd think fit to do concerning his world­ly Affairs, shou'd never trouble me, while he continu'd to do things correspondent with [Page 64] Honour and Honesty. I am very glad to hear it, reply'd the young Lady; and I fan­sy young Gentlemen, like you, who study much, acquire Understanding, Fortitude, and Resolution, and all other Manly Virtues, before their Years write 'em Men. Madam, I reply'd, in some it might be so; but I had made no Progress in any of 'em, but one, and that I fear'd will be rather counted a Weakness.

I fansy then, return'd the Lady, since you own it a Frailty, you will make me your Confessor; and if I judge it to be, as you call it, a Weakness, I'll tell you what Pe­nance you shall undergo for Pardon. Ma­dam, I reply'd, you are the only Person in the World that I will confess to; but then, you must promise me, like a true Confessor, to keep it for ever a Secret from all the World, whether it displeases you, or not; tho' I am under dismal Apprehensions of lo­sing your Favour, more dear to me than all the World.

Heyday! reply'd Isabella, if we were not both too young, I shou'd imagine you were going to make Love to me. Madam, I an­swer'd, you have guess'd the very Secret of my Heart. The tender Thoughts my Breast [Page 65] contains, are all for you. Don't think it a Boyish Passion, apt to change; for whatever Usage I meet with from you, I must conti­nue to adore you. I have weigh'd our Years; yours and your Family's Aversion to Matri­mony, by your Yesterday's Discourse; and no Consideration can put a Stop to my Pas­sion: All the Favour I ask, or desire, is on­ly Leave silently to adore you; and if you find your Heart averse to my constant Wishes, let me beg you to grant me Pity for all that I shall suffer, and I shall rejoice at every Pang I feel, because they are for you. I am con­vinc'd your Understanding far exceeds your Years, therefore I intreat you to think be­you speak; and consider this, 'tis in your Power alone, to make me live, or die. I own our Fortunes are at present unequal, but Time may produce many things; inspir'd by you, I wou'd aim at every thing that is ho­nourable to deserve you that Way, nor shou'd I doubt succeeding. I said every thing my Tongue cou'd utter, prompted by Love, and had this Satisfaction, to observe her Face was not dress'd in Frowns. After many rallying Speeches, finding me continue in my Di­stress:

[Page 66]Well, said she, as I promis'd to be your Confessor, I'll keep it a Secret, as we agreed on; and perhaps, if I thought you in ear­nest, I shou'd think of some Punishment e­qual to what your Crime deserves: But you have been reading Ovid lately, I suppose, and you wou'd be endeavouring to put some of his Rules in practice upon me. It is a pleasing Satisfaction to me, I reply'd, to hear you understand Ovid so well; and, by your Choice, I hope you will remember all his Rules. What! return'd the young La­dy, because I have read that Author, as our English Translators have given him to us (for I own I am not so happy to understand the Original) wou'd you interpret for me, that I like the Subject? No, continu'd Isabella, I have read Reynolds on Murder, and yet I hope you will believe I abhor the Facts related there. I hope fo too, Madam, I reply'd; therefore you will consider, that what my Tongue utter'd, was from the very Bottom of my Soul; and if you will not receive my Declaration favourably, you will be the Death of me, which will make you a passive Mur­derer.

Few People, I believe, die for Love, in this Age, reply'd Isabella; however, our [Page 67] Years will protect both of us. I told her, the Tree that took deepest Root, stood the longest. Yes, returned Isabella, and the Im­pressions cut in young Barks, soonest wear out; and often kill the Tree, Madam, said I. Well, well, cry'd Isabella, we have had enough on this Subject for once. Madam, said I, does the Word Once imply you wou'd pardon me whenever Fortune will give me another Opportunity of declaring my Passion? I have not Time now to answer you (said Isabella) for I perceive your Uncle, my Mo­ther, and Aunt, are coming towards us. But I thought her Words were accompanied with so sweet a Look, that bid me hope; and Hope is all the Pleasure of our Lives.

When we had join'd Company, we were the Theme of the old Folks Raillery for some time. Hark you, young Man, said my Un­cle, how came you to rise so early this Morn­ing? Only because I do it every Morning, Sir, said I, to read. Why, Sirrah, said my Uncle, if I had thought you had brought a Book along with you here, I wou'd have ta­ken it from you, and burnt it. Is not here Contemplation enough for you? pointing to the Ladies. Yes, Sir, reply'd the Mother, I think he does well to have something to en­tertain [Page 68] his Thoughts, alone, for I don't much relish the young Ones getting together so ear­ly; I don't well know how they cou'd enter­tain themselves, without talking of Love. Why, if we shou'd, reply'd Isabella, 'twou'd be only to fortify each other against that Pas­sion. Well, well, said the Aunt, your Ages secure you at present; but I shou'd be loth to trust you five or six Years hence. Ay but, said my Uncle, Will studies the Mathematics, and he knows every thing of Geography and Navigation already, but just going to Sea; and can tell you in what Latitude the Cape of Good Hope lies under, tho' he was never there; he has all the Theory, and only wants the Practice.

None of your Allegories, reply'd the Mo­ther; I have a very good Opinion of the young Gentleman, therefore hold your Tongue, for what you can say for him, will only lessen it. Come, come, the Tea stays for us, said the Aunt. I'm glad on't, cry'd my Uncle, for now we shall have a little Scandal, Tea has no Relish without it.

My Uncle having no Business at home, we continu'd in this agreeable Company three whole Days; and tho' we were to receive a Visit from them in two more, yet the Sepa­ration [Page 69] from that I held most dear on Earth, was very irksome to me; but the Hope of seeing her so soon, mitigated my Grief.

When we came home to my Uncle's, I observ'd a Youth walking in the Garden, ve­ry near my own Age, as I cou'd guess at the Distance I saw him; for as soon as he per­ceiv'd me, he walk'd another way, as not being willing I shou'd see him. I ask'd one of the Servants that happen'd to be in the Garden, who that Youth was I just before saw at the Fountain. He reply'd, it was the Housekeeper's Son. What, is the House­keeper marry'd then, said I? Not now, re­ply'd the Servant, and smil'd. Observing the Humour of the Man, by his Counte­nance, I ask'd him many Questions concern­ing the Housekeeper and her Child, but could not learn who was the Father positive­ly; yet he gave me Hints enough to ima­gine my Uncle had some Interest in the Af­fair, which created in me a great deal of Un­easiness; for it soon occurr'd to my Memory what the divine Isabella told me in her Mo­ther's Garden, that Heirs to Estates might be procur'd without the Help of the Parson. My Uneasiness did not proceed from any Disap­pointment relating to the Estate, any farther [Page 70] than I thought it might have reconcil'd me to Isabella's Family; for I imagin'd if ever I cou'd move her Heart to love me, she wou'd as much despise Riches as myself; for even, young as I was, I cou'd have been contented to have got my Subsistence from my daily Labour, if Isabella wou'd have submitted to have shar'd my Fortune; for I never once thought of hers, but I wish'd it much less, or rather none at all, that I might have been more on the Equality.

While I was musing on the State of my Love, I was interrupted by my Uncle's Housekeeper, who, with a familiar Air, in­quir'd concerning our Entertainment at the Widow's: I found, by her Discourse, the poor Creature was jealous of my Uncle, and to increase her Opinion, I told her, I fansy'd we shou'd shortly have a Wedding, for it look'd very like it. Between whom? ask'd the Housekeeper, hastily; why, between my Uncle and the Widow, I answer'd. I ob­serv'd her Countenance change at what I said, and a very great Disorder appear'd about her. But I did not think fit to have any further Conversation with her, so left her to her own disorder'd Thoughts.

[Page 71]When my Uncle and I were together, he ask'd me how I lik'd the young Lady (for he had not an Opportunity to ask me in the Coach as we came home, because we brought a neighbouring Gentleman home with us, that came to make a Visit at the Widow's) I told him, I had a very great Regard for her, and I did not doubt but my Years wou'd in­crease it. I wou'd advise you, said my Un­cle, to make your Addresses there, but se­cretly, for I am convinc'd you won't meet with a more beneficial Match. I answer'd my Uncle, I was of his Opinion; tho' not from the Greatness of her Fortune, but from the Charms of her Person and Understanding. Why, I wou'd have you affect what you marry; but, I hope you don't imagine, young Man, said my Uncle, a good For­tune will be any Hindrance. Not in the least, Sir, said I; but I wou'd have no Two join in that holy Ceremony, if they cou'd not de­spise Fortune. Well, well, reply'd my Un­cle, Experience will tell you another Tale, when you have a few Years more over your Head, which is now fill'd with Notions of Honour, and I know not how many chime­rical Ideas, that have their Being in thy Brain; You read too much.

[Page 72]I hope, Sir, said I, Reading is design'd to cultivate the Understanding, and raise our Imaginations above the Vulgar. I am of the Opinion, a Man of Quality with a Plebeian Soul, is a Plebeian; and on the contrary, a Plebeian with exalted Merit, ought to change Fortunes with him. But you forget, with all your Learning and Philosophy, that For­tune's blind, young Man, reply'd my Uncle, and distributes her Favours as blindly. I have seen Dullness and Stupidity in a Coach and Six, while Virtue, Merit, and a whole Library of Learning walk on Foot. The more Shame to the degenerate Age, you'll say, young Man. True, Sir, said I; and if I had a Fortune answerable to my Inclina­tion, I wou'd never see one of those you men­tion'd last, twice in the same Condition.

Don't think, reply'd my Uncle, that I am endeavouring to blot out those Notions of Virtue that I see wrote in thy Soul; for it is on the Consideration of thy noble Inclinations, that I have lately resolv'd in my Will, to leave thee a considerable Fortune, being as­sur'd thou wilt make the right Use of it. The Bulk of my Estate was left me by an Uncle, an old Batchelor as I am, which I intend to leave to thee in the same manner. [Page 73] Neither can I think thy good Understanding, Boy, continu'd my Uncle, will receive any Prejudice from our Contempt of the Mar­riage State; tho' the Reason why I have not chang'd my Condition, is, that the first Ob­ject of my Wishes was, by Fate, deny'd me. But I suppose you have heard your Father often repeat the Story. Never in my Life, I reply'd; for I have been at School ever since Five Years old, and very seldom con­vers'd with any of the Family; and I may justly say, Sir, that I am almost as great a Stranger in the Knowledge of my Ancestors, as one that never heard of us: Well then, said my Uncle, I'll let you into as much as I know of 'em.

We are originally Welch: Many of our Ancestors have flourish'd in the Church, as well as State, and left a sweet Scent of Vir­tue in their Ashes. I was the youngest of three; the eldest dying in the Wars, when he had gain'd many ever-living Laurels. Your Father prov'd Heir to the Estate, who is one Year elder than myself. My Father's Brother having acquir'd a great Estate by Merchandize, in the Indies, and having an In­clination for me, always declar'd me his Heir, and I liv'd with him as such; there­fore [Page 74] I think it almost your Due to be Heir to mine. About the Age of Seventeen, I fell in Love with a young Lady of a very small Fortune, but that was supply'd by the Charms of her Mind and Person. Her Mo­ther (for her Father had been dead many Years) was averse to my Passion. She wou'd often tell her Daughter, I was but a younger Brother; and tho' every Body imagin'd I was to be Heir to my Uncle, yet no body was assur'd of it. Old Men were as subject to change their Minds, as young ones; therefore she wou'd by no means consent to my Courtship; but when she found I conti­nu'd my Addresses, she secretly inform'd my Uncle, who took me to task on the other side; with many Arguments, prov'd I shou'd be much to blame to think of a Woman of such a narrow Fortune, when, in Prospect, I was Master of such a large one; and hint­ed to me, if I continu'd in my Folly, as he call'd it, I might be balk'd of my Expecta­tion.

Tho' my Love was as great as cou'd be, yet I thought it was but common Prudence to dissemble; and I told my Uncle, I hop'd I shou'd never give him any Occasion to for­feit the good Opinion he had already con­ceiv'd [Page 75] of me. He gave me very good Ad­vice, which I promis'd to follow. But every thing must submit to Love; Fortune, Inte­rest, Relations, and Friendship, must give way to that soft Passion. And I doubt not, young Man, notwithstanding your Learning and pretended Fortitude, but Time will con­vince you of what I say. I sigh'd, and was in some Confusion at my Uncle's Discourse, but made him no Answer, because I wou'd not interrupt him.

By secret Interviews, continu'd my Uncle, I gain'd the Heart of the young Lady, un­biass'd by her Interest; for in the mean time she was courted by a Gentleman, pos­sess'd of a Fortune much beyond the Hopes of her Family, who soon gain'd the Mo­ther's Consent, and, being an obstinate Wo­man, she promis'd him her Daughter's. In the mean time we met almost every Night, by the Help of the Maid, who by Bribes and Promises was in my Interest; and one Even­ing among the rest, I took Possession of the willing Fair One.

Our Amours were not so secret as we ima­gin'd; for my Rival being inform'd of our Correspondence, tho' he had no Notion how far our Intimacy was carry'd, sent me a Chal­lenge, [Page 76] which I accepted of, tho' unwillingly; for I am of that Opinion, Men's Honour of­ten prompts 'em on to those Acts their Con­sciences and Wills wou'd leave undone. We met, and Fortune declar'd in my Favour, by dangerously wounding my Adversary, with­out my receiving the least Hurt. The Mo­ther to the Fair One was exasperated to the last Degree, and, in the Heat of her blind Rage, took her Daughter along with her to visit her intended Son-in-law, where she a­greed, notwithstanding his Wounds, and her Daughter's Cries and Lamentations, to mar­ry 'em immediately, which was perform'd.

You may guess what we both felt at this Shock of Fate, for Possession had heighten'd my Passion. I tore and rav'd like a Mad­man, and was almost inconsolable; and no­thing but the Regard I ow'd my Uncle, kept me from doing some rash Act. But Time, that cures most Sorrows, gave me some Con­solation, as imagining I shou'd have still a Correspondence with the disconsolate Fair One, for her continu'd Sorrow convinc'd me she mourn'd for the same Cause.

I took an Opportunity, and got a Letter convey'd to her; but what was my Surprize and Sorrow at her Answer! I have read it [Page 77] so often, and 'tis so well imprinted in my Memory, that I can repeat it verbatim.

I strove many ways to come to a better Understanding; but she as carefully avoided it. I linger'd out many Days in this Inter­val of Life, if I may call it so; for I cou'd not say I was alive. One Morning her Maid brought me a Letter; and tho' I of­fer'd her Gold to stay the Reading of it, yet she wou'd not. The Contents of this last were as surprising as the first.

I was so far plung'd in Grief at the Know­ledge of her State, that I went into the Fields to have more Freedom for Contempla­tion; and tho' it was Morning when I re­ceiv'd the Letter, I had not thought of re­turning, if the Curtain of the Night had not began to spread the Hemisphere; but ere I cou'd get out of the Fields, I heard some­body walk very fast behind me, and turning about, I was somewhat surpriz'd to see the Husband of Maria, with his Sword drawn in his Hand, as ready to attack me. Tho' I was weary of Life, I had no Thought of rendering it to one I had no very kind Thoughts for: Yet I was resolv'd to parly with him, and do my Endeavour to bring him to Temper; for I consider'd, he had Matter enough to gall him. But Words sig­nify'd nothing; and he press'd so violently upon me, that I was oblig'd to oppose him, [Page 79] and in a little time left him dead upon the Ground.

I immediately got home to my Uncle's, who waited for me, and was going to chide me; but seeing me look so pale and confus'd, and without my Sword (for in the last Thrust, that gave him his Death, he fell down to­wards me, and I let it fall out of my Hand, and his Body fell upon't) he very tenderly ask'd me the Cause of my Concern. When I had inform'd him: Well, said my Uncle, be not so troubled; since you have kill'd him fairly, I'll warrant thy Pardon. But were there any Witnesses of the Action? Se­veral, said I, on the other side of the River, tho' I know not who they were, I was in so much Confusion. However, he deserv'd Death, said my Uncle, for killing the un­fortunate Maria, and her innocent Infant. I did not hear what more my Uncle said, for the Use of my Senses was taken from me, and I fell into a Swoon; yet, when I reco­ver'd, I found myself in Bed; for my Un­cle, imagining I had receiv'd some Wound in the Encounter, order'd a Surgeon to be brought; but when he was inform'd of the Truth, he was convinc'd that 'twas pure Grief that had overcome me, and almost [Page 80] compell'd me to be let Blood. I was in such a Condition, that Despair had got the As­cendant over me, and had resolv'd with my­self not to live: And in order to put my De­sign in Execution (being inform'd my Uncle was gone out upon some urgent Affairs) I order'd my Man to go to another Surgeon of my Acquaintance, and bring him along with him; which was quickly done. I then took an Occasion to send my Servant out of the way, and desir'd the Surgeon to let me Blood in the other Arm, which he comply'd with, not knowing I had been let Blood before.

As soon as he was gone, I undid both the Bandages; the Blood pour'd out of my Veins, and I soon became insensible. Heaven for­give me! for I now declare I had no other Thought, but following my dear Mistress, whom it was plain, I lov'd more than Life; which that Day wou'd have put an End to, if it had not been purely for an Accident; for the last Surgeon meeting with him that first bled me, among other Discourse, told him he was going to see how I did after my Bleeding by the Order of my Uncle, who was oblig'd to go out, and that he was to stay with me till his Return.

[Page 81]The last Surgeon, in a sort of Surprize, told him, he had not been long come from me, and had let me Blood; and soon finding there must be some extraordinary Meaning in my Proceeding, came both together, and broke open the Door, that I had lock'd before I let loose my Arms. I was so far gone, that they gave my Uncle no Hopes of Life, which, I was inform'd, almost put him into my Condition. 'Twas two whole Days ere I open'd my Eyes; and three more before I re­cover'd my Understanding; and the Thoughts of the Catastrophe of my dear Maria, had made me resolve to take nothing to support Life, if I had not been prevail'd upon by my Uncle, whose Sorrow quite confounded me, and a religious Man, who set before me the heinous Sin of Self-Murder, a Sin he told me cou'd never be pardon'd, for it was directly flying in the Face of Heaven, without a Pos­sibility of repenting the Action.

The Thoughts of Eternity made me re­pent of the Act, and resolve to live. By de­grees, I recover'd my former Strength; and meeting one Day with Maria's Maid, by Accident, I desir'd she wou'd give me some Account of the melancholy Action.

[Page 82]Sir, said she, when my poor Mistress felt the Pangs and Throes of Labour upon her, she wrote that Letter, and order'd me to re­turn upon the Instant I had deliver'd it, for she shou'd want me in her unhappy Condi­tion. When I came back, I found her Pains grew worse. When I found how it was, I told her I wou'd go and send for the Midwife. Do then, said she; for tho' I wish for Death, the poor Innocent has done nothing to deserve it; That may live to meet with a better Fate than its unhappy Mother; and in her utmost Pangs, she softly utter'd your Name. The Midwife came, and she was deliver'd (after great Agonies) of a fine Girl, whose early Features promis'd to exceed her Mother's Beauty.

Maria's Mother, and the rest of her Rela­tions, were in the utmost Confusion at what they saw; for seeing it a beautiful full-grown Child, they were well convinc'd the Husband was not the Father of it. The Mother came up to her, and, notwithstanding her weak Condition, gave her all the ill Language she cou'd think of. The poor Lady, at last faintly told her, it was her own Fault, to force her to that Marriage: That she was join'd to you by Heaven: And she believ'd [Page 83] she had no Guilt to answer for what she had done; for she had ever liv'd with her Hus­band virtuously, and ceas'd all Correspon­dence with you, since the Day of her unfor­tunate Marriage, which I witness'd for her in the Letter she had wrote to you. She was brought to Bed pretty early in the Morning. Her Husband was gone to Hunt with some Gentlemen of the Country. But when he return'd, he soon came to the Truth of every thing, for there was no concealing how Mat­ters went. Is is so? cry'd he, all enrag'd; And am I an antedated Cuckold? I'll have no Man say I keep a Whore, or Bastard of his. Therefore, upon the Instant, he flew to the Bed, first ran his Sword into the unfortunate Maria's Breast; and, snatching the lovely In­fant from the Nurse's Arms, threw it against the Ground, and dash'd out its innocent Brains.

It was some time before either of us cou'd proceed in the sad Narration, for Tears, at the unhappy Act. When the Maid had a little recover'd herself, she proceeded.

The Wound the barbarous Wretch gave the unfortunate Maria, did not immediately rob her of Life; but she liv'd to make all the Hearers weep at what she related; [Page 84] even her unkind Mother cou'd not refrain Tears; wishing a thousand times, she had dy'd, before she had forc'd her to that un­lucky Match. Dear Mother, reply'd the fainting Fair One, do not repine, but learn to forget Me, and this unhappy Day. Con­sider, Fate is in every thing. I beg yours and Heaven's Forgiveness: And then began to faint. She wou'd see the Infant, tho' in that piteous Condition: After looking upon it for some time, Poor Babe! said she, thou hast severely paid, tho' Innocent, for the Crime of thy Father and Mother, which I hope is forgiven by Heaven. Here she began to faint again, and only said, Heaven forgive me; preserve, and support my Dear — Here her Tongue fail'd; she only gave a Groan, and expir'd. We all suppos'd it was your Name she wou'd have utter'd, but Death stept between.

This Relation had almost brought me to my former Despair; and I often wish'd the Wretch alive once more, that had been the Cause of poor Maria's Death, that I might have kill'd him again.

'Twas several Years before I cou'd wipe a­way the Thoughts of my dear Maria: Nay, I can never forget her, nor seldom remember [Page 85] her without bringing Tears into my Eyes, as I have at this Repetition of my former Sorrow (for, indeed, we both cou'd not re­frain from weeping) but for her sake only, I am resolv'd to live and die a Batchelor, which, said he, (reassuming some of his for­mer Gaiety) is the better for you. Tho' my Uncle often told me, added the old Gentle­man, if he had known my Passion had been so strong and sincere, he wou'd not have been against our Marriage. Since, I have assum'd a freer Air, and having got acquainted in this Family, rail along with 'em, they hav­ing known nothing of my Story; for it did not make any great Noise, because my Un­cle procur'd Witnesses enough that heard our Discourse; and the barbarous Act spoke so much, that I was never try'd for it; which was, in some sort too, prevented by my Ill­ness, and weak Condition.

This Story of my Uncle's, seem'd to me an Introductory History to my Misfortunes, which caus'd me much sorrowful Thinking; yet I had ever some secret Hoping, that kept up my sinking Spirits. When we went to Dinner, Madam, the Housekeeper, look'd very glum upon my Uncle, tho' she conti­nu'd her Civility to me, yet I took but little [Page 86] Notice of it. After Dinner, I went to Fish in a River at the bottom of the Gar­den, and in an Hour's time my Uncle came to me.

Hark you, young Man, said he, I have a Crow to pluck with you: What is the Rea­son, good young Spark, that you have di­sturb'd my Housekeeper with a Story of a Cock and a Bull, about Marriage, and I know not what, with I know not who? Why really, Sir, said I, she examin'd me so strict­ly this Morning, that I hope you will par­don me if I tell you, I thought her imperti­nent; neither did I imagine she had any Right to be angry, or pleas'd, at what I said; tho', I must own, I saw it disorder'd her; but I suppose that only proceeded from her Interest; for if she imagin'd you marry'd, you wou'd have no Occasion for a House­keeper; for, added I, smiling, my Lady wou'd take that Work off her Hands. Well, young Spark, said my Uncle, I find you are a prying young Gentleman; and since you resolve to know all my Secrets, I'll declare another to you: This Woman is now and then pleas'd to Tuck me up; and, moreover, has laid a Child to me, but the Boy is so unlike the reputed Father, I have no Notion I had any [Page 87] Hand in the forming him. Now this makes her assume an Authority. And, to let you know further, 'tis the very Maid that liv'd with the unfortunate Maria. I thought it was my Duty to do something for her, and, at my Uncle's Death, I took her into the House. The Freedom I gave her in talking now and then, of that melancholy Adven­ture, grew at last into an Intimacy; Flesh and Blood being frail, and different Sexes at all Hours of opportunity together, will show themselves.

Sir, said I, what you have entrusted me with, shall only teach me to pay her more Respect than I have done, without letting her know I am let into the Secret. And, for the future, I shall not tell her any thing that will perplex her, upon your Account. Nay, said my Uncle, smiling, I shall ever make her know the Difference between the Hand­maid and the Master: And whether her Child be mine, or not, whenever I die, I shall provide handsome enough for 'em both; tho', perhaps, not according to her Expec­tation. The Boy is ignorant who his Father is, pursuant to my Instruction to the Mo­ther; and I am apt to believe she has kept it a Secret, for he is not yet of Age to be [Page 88] trusted with it; tho' the Lad is forward e­nough in every thing, but just Learning, which makes me the more suspect, I am none of his Father.

Our Conversation has lasted for Six and Twenty Years; and in Fifteen of my juve­nile Years, she never pretended to make me a Father. I know she has fed herself with vain Hopes, I wou'd make a Will, and put him down for Heir: But, I can assure you, it never was my Intention, nor ever will be; and I shall leave 'em the less for Imperti­nence. Whatever you please, Sir, said I; but don't leave 'em the less upon my Account. Well, a few Days, answer'd my Uncle, will put an End to their Hopes, or Fears; and tho' when an Heir is settled to an Estate, he looks like a Coffin to some People, yet, Youth, I don't know how to part with you to the University; I am convinc'd you will have little to learn, but ill Customs, which many Scholars imbibe, where they shou'd a­void 'em: But I am not at all in pain for you; I believe the Tenets of Virtue suffici­ently stampt in your Mind: Therefore I have some Thoughts of riding over to your Fa­ther, to prevail upon him to let you and your Tutor live with me. I'll take care you [Page 89] shan't want Books; I have a good Library of my own, and if that won't do, let me but know your Wants, and they shall be supply'd. I gave him Thanks suitable to so agreeable an Offer; but hinted to him, a Person is not so well esteem'd in the World with­out a University-Education. That's but a small Consideration, reply'd my Uncle, and if we meet with no other Difficulties, I hope we shall get over that.

From this Subject, we proceeded to that of the Widow's Family. I believe, Sir, said I, Isabella is, and will be, as averse to Mar­riage (at least by her Discourse) as her Mo­ther, or Aunt. I fansy, young Man, re­ply'd my Uncle, you begin to fear it. Come, come, continue your Correspondence; there's a great deal in the first Impression, and Na­ture will prevail. But enough of this; I'll now shew you my Library, which you have not yet seen; and give you the Key, that you may make use of it when you please; but, added he, if you use it too much, I'll take it from you again.

When we came into the Library, which was a spacious Room built on purpose, I was surpriz'd to find it so well stor'd with such Variety, and valuable Books, especially [Page 90] all the Classics of the best Editions. I told my Uncle, I lik'd my Situation so well, that if he wou'd give me Leave, I wou'd employ myself a few Hours to look 'em over. That was one Reason why I brought you here now, reply'd my Uncle, for I am oblig'd to go for some Hours upon some urgent Af­fairs; and imagining I shou'd bring you in­to Company you wou'd like, made me the more willing to introduce you to 'em, and if you find yourself tir'd, and their Conversa­tion shou'd not please you, they won't be dis­oblig'd at your leaving 'em. So saying, he gave me the Key, and shut me in. While I was in high Delight, for I had even for­got the fair Isabella, I heard Whispering in the next Closet, which made me awake from my pleasing Amusement; and in a little time I cou'd hear the good Housekeeper say, You may speak louder, for I am assur'd there's no one within hearing, for the old Gentle­man's gone out. Ay, but, reply'd the Man's Voice, What's become of the young One? Gone with him to be sure, return'd the House­keeper, for he does not stir a Foot without him, and therefore let us make good Use of our Time, for I fear our Meetings will be less frequent. I am convinc'd this young [Page 91] Gentleman will be a Thorn in our Side, for when he and his Uncle were together the Day that he came, I heard him inform him, that he wou'd make his Will shortly, and put him down his Heir. Now, as you, no doubt, are to draw the Writings, I wou'd have you find some Means to provide for our Child, which he imagines to be his. That, I think, will be impossible, answer'd the Man; for, be assur'd he will read it over before he Signs it; or if he does not do it then, he may at some other Time. No, no, that will never do. We must e'en wait with Patience till his Death, and I'll find it easy enough to make a Will for our Advantage, of a later Date than what he intends to make. I own, said the Housekeeper, it goes against me to think of defrauding the young Gentle­man. But when you consider, reply'd the Man, you do it for your own Flesh and Blood, you ought to have no Scruple. Well, return'd the Housekeeper, I must leave the whole Affair to you. I shou'd be contented to share the Estate between the two Boys; and I think, if he does otherwise, as he ima­gines our Child his, he will not do Justice. We shall see what he intends to do, when he makes his Will, reply'd the Man, and, in [Page 92] short, till then, we can't make a Judgment on any one thing.

I found, afterwards, they had left speak­ing aloud, and were making themselves as merry as they cou'd. They were so boiste­rous, that several Folios I had lean'd against the Wainscot, tumbled down, which alarm'd 'em very much. Bless me! cry'd Forsooth, What's that? I can't tell, return'd the Man; I hope the Squire is not in his Study. No, that I am sure of, said the Housekeeper. Now I recollect myself, continu'd she, 'tis some of the Books tumbled off the Shelves. They made themselves easy with that Suppo­sition, and continu'd their Game. After some time, I cou'd hear 'em go softly down Stairs. I waited at the Window some time, and at last saw him go thro' the Court-yard. He was a tall thin Man, had a Cast of an Eye, and seem'd about Forty.

As soon as I found all was still, I went soft­ly out of the Library, and went into my own Room, a pair of Stairs higher, to avoid all Suspicion. When I was there, I resolv'd to acquaint my Uncle with the whole Truth; for I thought it wou'd be Injustice to conceal it, if it had not concern'd myself. When my Uncle came in, he was in a very good [Page 93] Humour, and wou'd often smile at his own Imagination. I told him, it was a great Pity he shou'd stay at home as he usually did, if going abroad made him so merry. Billy, reply'd my Uncle, I have so much Reason to be merry, at least in my own Opinion, that I'll tell you the Cause of my Mirth; and I have so good a Regard for your Under­standing, that I'll rule my Risibility, for this once, by it; and if you declare I am in the wrong to be merry, I'll do my Endeavour to be otherwise.

Sir, said I, if that is the only Reason in letting me into the Secret of your Mirth, you need not give yourself that Trouble, for I am apt to believe, you will be right in every thing you do. No Compliments, Boy, re­ply'd my Uncle; I have told you before, I don't like 'em. But to proceed.

You remember that Gentleman we brought in the Coach from the Widow's, yesterday. That Gentleman is about Five and Thirty: Three Years ago, he was one of the most eminent Merchants upon the Exchange, and his Credit wou'd have stretch'd as far as the best of 'em.

In the Time, of his Prosperity, he fell in Love with a Widow-Lady of a vast For­tune, [Page 94] without the Incumbrances of Children upon't. The Lady gave him all the Encou­ragement he cou'd expect. The Day of their Espousals was fix'd, and near approaching, when the uncomfortable News was brought him, of the Loss of almost all his Fortune; for three of his richest Vessels were taken by Pirates. This, as you may suppose, was a very great Shock to him; but being a Per­son of the utmost Philosophy, he calmly re­sign'd himself to the Will of Heaven. He immediately left off Trade; and when his Debts were paid, he that was but ten Days before, in every Body's Opinion, worth a Hundred Thousand Pounds, found himself Master of Seventy Pounds a Year, and his Country House, which he instantly sold, and, as I thought it a good Bargain, I became the Purchaser. His greatest Satisfaction in his Misfortunes, was the Thoughts of the Wi­dow's proving constant to him; and he did not doubt, but with her Assistance, to reco­ver his Losses. But few Women, my Boy, are sincere in their Protestations. 'Tis true, sometimes the blind Spark stings 'em in the Tail, that they become as blind as Fortune; or otherwise they are as hard to deal with, as a Parson for his Tithes.

[Page 95]The Gentleman, after his Misfortunes, I can with Justice declare, was more welcome to me than before; for it wou'd be a Hard­ship indeed to have the Unfortunate slighted; and I am assur'd that generous Minds resent things that are offer'd 'em in their Adversity, that they wou'd not have regarded in their Prosperity. One Morning, at Breakfast, I observ'd him very melancholy, insomuch that he refus'd his Chocolate; I encourag'd him as much as I cou'd, as imagining the Thoughts of his Losses had attack'd him. But I was very much surpriz'd to hear him say, his former Losses were nothing to what then oppress'd him. I must own, said he, I had some Omens of it Yesterday; for when I went to visit the Widow, as usual, I was told, she was not at home; but returning by the Garden-Wall, I heard her talking to her Maid; and when I call'd to her, cou'd get no Answer. This Morning my Suspicions are confirm'd, for she has just now sent me a Letter, where she tells me, She is very much grieved at my Losses; and as Merchandizing is so very precarious, she hopes I will pardon her if she intends to keep her For­tune to herself; and endeavour to mend my Cre­dit with somebody else. The Loss of her Mo­ney [Page 96] does not vex me half so much, as her in­sulting me; and tho', I must own, I have a very great Regard for her Person, yet I wou'd not wed her now, if she shou'd repent of her Usage.

I believe there's little Danger of that, said I. Women have Obstinacy enough to keep bad Resolutions. All I cou'd say to him, gave him but little Comfort; and, I must confess, his Uneasiness infected me. But, as I have told you, Time is an excellent Doctor, for the almost bald Gentleman wrought a Cure, so that he often wish'd it in his Power to be reveng'd on the Widow.

Many Weeks pass'd on, and his Inclina­tion strengthen'd, tho' no Accident cou'd as­sist him, till about two Months ago, an old Barn that belong'd to the House, I order'd to be pull'd down, with an Intention to make an Addition to my Garden; for I had some Overtures made me by a Nobleman, concern­ing a Purchase, in which I shou'd make a considerable Profit, tho' with a secret Inten­tion to give it to the Gentleman I had bought it of. The Barn, in reality, did still belong to him, for it serv'd a Farm near the House I had bought, which was the Remainder of the Gen­tleman's Estate, and the same he liv'd in.

[Page 97]In digging the Earth of the Foundation, there was found a Pot of Money that contain'd up­wards of a Hundred Pound, which was gi­ven the Gentleman. As we were at Supper, and pretty merry at the Accident, an odd Thought came into my Head. Why may we not, said I, to the Gentleman, report, we have found a larger Sum? No one knows what we have found, but the Man that dug it up, and we can instruct him to favour the Deceit. But to what End, return'd the Gen­tleman? Why, to be reveng'd on the Wi­dow, said I. I am assur'd 'twas covetous In­terest at first made her comply with your Addresses; and when once she finds it her Interest, she'll receive 'em willingly again; and if we can bring Matters about, to com­pleat your Revenge, you must e'en marry her. The Gentleman smil'd at my Project, but thought it wou'd be impossible to bring it to any thing. Well, said I, you shall have little to do; I warrant, I'll make your Part ea­sy enough. Accordingly, I went to work. We reported about the Country, that such a Gen­tleman had found a vast Treasure in his Barn, suppos'd to be hid there in the Civil Wars, even enough to recompense all his Losses. The Fellow that dug up the Money, was an [Page 98] arch Rogue, one fit for our Design; I took care to instruct him; and, to carry every thing on with a good Face, as I want­ed a Coach, I bought a new one, sent the Gentleman to his House again, as if he had made a new Purchase of it, in the new Coach, and Attendance suitable. I also let the Sister to Isabella's Mother into the Secret, who, by her Contrivance, receiv'd the Addresses of the Gentleman. You must imagine, this sur­priz'd every Body, and soon came to the fickle Widow's Ear: She, it seems, began to be very inquisitive, had sent for the Fellow that dug the Money up, and examin'd him. He afterwards came and inform'd us what pass'd between 'em. I was very much pleas'd to hear it; and we instructed him how he shou'd behave to her. We order'd him to let her know, that we were to meet to settle our Matters at a neighbouring Tavern in the Town, and several People, along with the fortunate Squire.

When the Fellow came back from her, we took him into Examination again. As soon as I came before her (said the Fellow) she ask'd me, if I was the Man that had found the Money. Yes, Madam, said I. Well, and is it as much as the World reports? Re­ally, [Page 99] I can't tell, forsooth, said I. There was sixteen great Pots, that wou'd hold about a Gallon a-piece; and in one of 'em there was abundance of such Stuff as your Ladyship has about your Neck, forsooth, and in your Ears; I can't tell what they are good for, not I; but they say they are worth Twenty Thou­sand Pounds. Well but, said the Lady to him, do you know what was in the Pots? Why, in nine Pots, forsooth, said I, there was nothing but Pieces of old Gold; and the rest had all Silver in 'em. But I did say, Sir, I thought it was too good for you, for you gave me but Ten Pounds in old Jacobus's for my Honesty; for you know, Madam, said I, I cou'd have secur'd a Pot or two for my­self. But when I told her you were to meet at the Tavern, she gave me a Crown, and said she wou'd give me another, if I cou'd find means to bring her into the next Room to where you were. I am to bring her Word to-morrow, when you are all met, and she'll be ready to come with me.

Well, what say you now? said I, to the Gentleman; our Plot begins to thicken. Why indeed, he reply'd, I begin to conceive some Hopes of it. We gave the Fellow his Instructions; and I told him, I wou'd make [Page 100] one of his Lyes a Truth, if we succeeded, and that shou'd be the Ten Pounds. He gave us good Assurance, that he wou'd not fail in his Part.

The next Day we met at the Place ap­pointed, with Gentlemen that we had let into the Secret; and, among the rest, one to re­present a Lawyer; for we did not much care to trust a real One, there is so little Honesty among 'em. The Fellow was to give Notice when the Widow was come, by shutting a Casement in the Room where she was to be; for it was an old-fashion'd Window, and made Noise enough in the Shutting to be heard all over the House. We at last heard the Signal to begin our Farce. I had provided a great Number of old Writings and Papers, that if she shou'd have the Curiosity to peep, she might perceive we had all our Implements. One of our Company told our Gentleman, the most that cou'd be made of his Jewels, was Eighteen Thousand Five Hundred Pounds. Another cry'd, There's your Bills for the Forty Thousand Pounds from the Goldsmiths. And there's the Five Thou­sand Bank Notes; but, added he, the Tel­lers were surpriz'd! they had not seen so ma­ny Pieces of old Gold in their Lives, nei­ther [Page 101] wou'd they accept 'em, but by Weight. It can't be help'd, cry'd our Gentleman, they will have a good Profit by it, for I suppose it will all be paid out to the full Currency.

Every body play'd their Parts to Admira­tion. And when our Business was over, we sat in to Drinking, with many Healths to the Gentleman, as Top of our Company. We had not been at it long, ere our Emissa­ry came in, who told us, Madam had got Intelligence enough, he believ'd; for after we were set in to Drinking, she presently re­tir'd, first giving me a Guinea, as a golden Key to lock up my Tongue; which I pro­mis'd her faithfully to perform; and, Ma­sters, you may perceive, I intend to keep my Word. We spent the rest of the Evening with good Wine (tho' at a Tavern) and the Hopes of succeeding in our Design.

The next Morning we found it began to work; for this Letter (pulling one out of his Pocket) came from the Widow to the Gentleman.

Why now, Friend, said I, she begins to nibble, and it's your own Fault if you don't catch her; I'll engage she takes the Bait, if you'll be but careful in playing her. Why, what wou'd you have me to do, said the Gentleman? Do! said I; do as you shou'd do; marry her, for you can't be sufficiently reveng'd without it. I can't do that, he re­ply'd, that will be too full-grown a Cheat; you must consider, that Station lasts for Life, and to have all my Hours imbitter'd with Upbraidings, wou'd prove a Hell upon Earth. Why, said I, the World will but laugh at the Trick; I mean, those that know it; and for those that don't know the Arti­fice we have us'd, they will have the better Regard for your Wife. Besides, when she finds the Imposition, her Understanding will make her quiet; for my Part, I think it will be a fit­ting [Page 103] Punishment: Besides, I am assur'd she must have some Inclination for you, or she wou'd not have accepted your first Addresses; but that her Avarice prov'd too weighty for her Love. This ought to reconcile you to the Design. If you have any Regard for her, you'll soon find means to make all even; and if you've none, your Conscience will not long trouble you. I'll assure you, if I thought there was the least Guilt in't, I wou'd not have any Hand in't: Besides, in the long Run, she may not prove a Loser; Fortune has fair Looks, as well as Frowns, and her Ill Humour may be worn out. The Consi­deration of that, said he, has wip'd away all Scruples, and I'll venture thro' all Dangers. In short, he made his Visit, and in all his Discourse hinted, that the Report of finding so much Wealth was false; and told her the Truth, in hopes not to be believ'd. To cut my Story short, he once more gain'd her Consent; and this Evening they were marry'd. Now this is the great Business I have been about. What makes me smile, is, the Lady's mighty Inclination to live in the House where the Money was found, imagin­ing there were more Mines of Wealth to be work'd out yet. To-morrow I intend to vi­sit [Page 104] 'em, and let her know the whole Truth of the Matter, which I did not care to do till after Consummation. And now, conti­nu'd my Uncle, I have let you into the Se­cret of my Mirth, tho' it is impossible to in­form you of all the merry Circumstances. I wish, said I, Sir, your Punishment is not too severe for the poor Woman. I warrant you, said my Uncle, she'll soon forget her Resent­ment. A Blessing, you know, Billy, must al­ways follow Wedlock. I wish it may, Sir, said I.

Our Discourse was interrupted by a loud Ringing at the Door. We all ran to the Win­dow to see who it was in such Haste; and saw a Person at the Door, with his Horse all in a Foam, enquiring for Squire Bridgford, which was the Name of the Gentleman who was marry'd that Evening. The Wedding being a Secret, my Uncle told him he would not be in Town till the Morning. He seem'd very uneasy; which my Uncle perceiving, began to enquire into his Concern. Sir, said the Man, I bring him welcome News, and the sooner he knows it, the sooner I shall be easy. He was invited in, and his Horse ta­ken care of. The Person told my Uncle, he had brought the Squire News of above Forty [Page 105] Thousand Pounds. That's News indeed! reply'd my Uncle, and welcome, if it be true. It's true, by G—d! said the Person, being a blunt Sailor; for I am an Eye-Wit­ness of it. After the Man was refresh'd, he told my Uncle, that one of his Ships had made her Escape from the Pirates. We were all taken, said the Tar, near the Coast of Ma­labar, by French Pirates, who us'd those Men that refus'd to make Part of their Crew, vile­ly; some they cut their Noses off, some their Ears, &c. which the major Part considering, resolv'd to seem to comply, 'till a fitter Op­portunity shou'd offer, to get out of their Clutches. I understanding a little French, was their Spokesman; I told 'em, we did not comply out of the Fear of Punishment, but that it was what we all chose. Many of us had, a long time before, Thoughts of run­ning away with the Ship. They receiv'd us very kindly, gave us good Usage, and those that did not come into their Measures, were not only tortur'd, as I said before, but put under Confinement in Fetters. We took an Opportunity to inform the poor Wretches of our Intention, which made 'em repent they had not thought of the same Method: Most of 'em, hoping for better Usage, begg'd to [Page 106] be admitted; but the wily Frenchman utterly deny'd 'em, well knowing they wou'd not be true Pirates.

They carry'd all their Prizes to their Ren­dezvous, into a Bay upon the Island of Ma­dagascar, where we had the Liberty to go on Shore, and consort among their Hellish Crew. We fitted out again, and took several Chinese Joncks, richly laden, and in every En­gagement behav'd so well, that the Captain of the Pirates set very much by us. When we came back to our Rendezvous, there was some Disturbance among 'em, concerning some former Shares; but we thought it was all hush'd. They had loaded one of the larg­est Ships that was taken from us, with Goods out of the other Two, in order to go and trade with the Dutch at Batavia; and one Night, Seventy of the discontented Party got in her, cut some that were on Board in Pie­ces, slip'd their Anchors, and stole away in the Night. The next Morning, the Cap­tain was out of his Wits, and the rest of the Men were as mad as himself. But, in short, the whole Fleet, which consisted of four stout Ships, were sent after 'em different Ways.

[Page 107]We steer'd N. N. W. three Days, and on the fourth discover'd a Sail; we crouded all we cou'd to come up with her, and soon per­ceiv'd 'twas She we wanted. While they were busied in getting ready to engage, I stole down into the Powder-Room, which I had the Care of, open'd all the Barrels, and pour'd Water into most of 'em, and with the rest I mix'd some of the Ballast of the Ship.

When we came up with 'em, a desperate Fight ensu'd, as long as the good Powder lasted; then I ran up to the Captain, call'd him into the Cabbin, where I told him, in a seeming Confusion, I was certain some of the Men were in the Interest of the other Ship. I then inform'd him what was done to the Pow­der. The Captain ask'd me, What was to be done? Board 'em, Sir, said I, and fight 'em Sword in Hand. What shall I do? said he. There's no trusting our own Men. Why, said I, there's sixty English of us, I'll en­gage we shall soon overcome 'em. I wou'd have you, reply'd the Captain, inform 'em of it, and tell them they shall be well re­warded.

We bore off a little, while we were con­sulting, for we cou'd overtake the other Ship when we wou'd, because she was heavy-laden. [Page 108] I acquainted all my Ship-Mates with the Resolution I had taken, and they, one and all came into it. When we had consult­ed proper Measures, we bore after 'em again. I inform'd the Captain, when we had over­come the other Ship, I wou'd put him in a Way to find out the Knaves that had plaid him that Trick. He thank'd me, and away we went to work. We boarded her upon the Starboard-Quarter, enter'd her Pellmell, and soon cut to Pieces those that made Re­sistance, with the Loss of Seven Frenchmen and One Englishman; for we had Fifteen French to assist us. Six and Twenty of our Opposers call'd for Quarter, but it was not granted, before the inveterate Frenchmen had knock'd in the Head Nine of 'em. Five more were so wounded, it was thought they cou'd not live, which still answer'd my Pur­pose. The others were clap'd under Hatches, and a Guard put over them.

The next Day, the Captain put me in mind of my Promise, to find out the Guilty. Sir, said I, call all the Men upon the Quarter-Deck; all I put on the Larboard-Side, Or­der to be seiz'd, and clap'd under Hatches; you may tax 'em with their Crime when they are secur'd; tho' they deny it, I'll prove [Page 109] what I say upon every one of 'em before Night. My Advice was follow'd; the Men were call'd up, to the Number of Sixty Eight, Forty One I plac'd on the Larboard-Side, of those Men that were out of the Captain's Sight during the Engagement, tho' doing their Duty. The other Twenty Seven were on the Starboard. The Men on both Sides, cou'd not imagine the Meaning of this Divi­sion. All the Englishmen were upon the main Deck; and, by some Means or other, accord­ing to my Directions, had their Arms about 'em; those that cou'd not conceal 'em, made as if they were cleaning 'em. The Captain told those on the Larboard-Side, they were suspected to be in the Confederacy with the Runaways, therefore, he wou'd not have 'em take it ill, if they were confin'd till their Guilt, or Innocence, were made to appear.

They were all amaz'd at the Captain's Speech, which he took for the Signs of Guilt. Some were refractory; but at last, they con­sented to be confin'd, well knowing their In­nocence. They were put under Hatches ac­cordingly. As they were going down, the Captain said, the Innocent shall be rewarded. When they were below, a Guard was set up­on 'em, and I had taken care to have all their Arms secur'd.

[Page 110]The Captain then told the Starboard-Side Men the whole Story, and that it was by my Advice and Conduct the Ship was taken, &c. The Men were surpriz'd, to be sure. It was pleasant to hear their Discourse; they found 'em Guilty: I always thought there was something in the Wind, in such a Mess, says one; says another, I even heard something of their Design last Night, but as I was not sure, I did not care to speak on't; nay, says another, I believe Jaques such-a-one had a great mind to corrupt me, for he follow'd me every where Yesterday, and only wanted an Opportunity of breaking his Mind to me. In short, most of 'em had something to say, and all to prove 'em guilty. It was Matter sufficient for our Mirth afterwards, but I was a little too much concern'd to laugh then.

The remaining Frenchmen were got into Ca­bals by Fives and Sixes all over the Deck; and our Englishmen were impatiently expect­ing the Word of Command to seize 'em.

When we had proceeded thus far, I told the Captain, if he wou'd please to go into the great Cabbin, I wou'd convince him how he shou'd prove 'em. When we two were there by ourselves, I took a Pistol out of my [Page 111] Pocket, and told him, I was the Man that had damag'd his Powder, in order to bring that to pass, which was happily effected. I let him know, I had gone too far not to take his Life, if he resisted, or call'd out; and inform'd him, it wou'd signify nothing if he did, for I had two Signals to my Countrymen, one to seize his Men, and do 'em no further Hurt, and the other to kill 'em all immedi­ately. And I farther added, Not one of 'em shou'd suffer, if they wou'd be quiet; and that we only contriv'd this Stratagem to gain our Liberty.

The Captain thank'd me, and told me he cou'd not blame me for what I had done; but wonder'd at himself that he shou'd be im­pos'd upon in such a manner. He submitted himself to be ty'd very patiently.

When I had done, I went upon the Deck, and gave the Word, Now, which was to seize 'em only; the other was, Now do your Work; tho' I did not intend to use those Words, except I had found Resistance. Up­on the Word, the Frenchmen were all seiz'd. It's impossible to tell their Astonishment; but their Surprize was heighten'd, when I brought out their Captain, bound, who soon let 'em into the whole Matter. They were all struck [Page 112] dumb for some time, and then fell a gab­bling out their Mort de ma vie, like so many disturb'd Geese. But tho' their Tongues were at Liberty, we did 'em the Favour to bind 'em all by the Hands. Some of our Men whom the others had releas'd (those, I mean, that were ill us'd for not consenting to turn Pirates, who, by good Fortune, were all in our Ship, tho' in the Frenchmen's Reign, did all the servile Offices of the Vessel) were for cutting to Pieces those that were instru­mental in their ill Usage; but as they gave me the Command, I order'd, not one shou'd be touch'd, which the Frenchmen thank'd me for.

The One and Forty below soon found what we were at, and we as soon prevail'd upon 'em to be ty'd to their good Behaviour. When we had secur'd 'em all in the Steer­age and Great Cabbin, and order'd Centries, with a great Gun charg'd with Musquet-Ball to fire in upon 'em, if they seem'd to make any Resistance, we went on Board our Prize, and took care of the other ten Frenchmen that were set on as a Guard to the Thieves, as the rest call'd 'em, as if they were none. We carry'd 'em all on Board. When every thing was quiet, we directed our Course for Eng­land; [Page 113] and in two Days more, we took every thing out of the Pirate that wou'd be useful to us in our Voyage, leaving 'em a Month's Provision. We secur'd all their Arms and Ammunition, and cut some of their Rigging, leaving 'em only a Foresail, with a Main Topsail, to prevent their getting into Har­bour too soon for us, and cause us to be pursu'd.

Thus every thing being order'd, as we hop'd, for the best, we Englishmen went on Board our own Ship, and left them to steer their Course back to Pirates Harbour, as we call'd it. We continu'd our Voyage to England, where we happily arriv'd, meeting nothing to molest us all the way.

We were mightily pleas'd with his Nar­rative, and highly commended his Under­taking and Resolution. Said my Uncle, Mr. Bridgford is oblig'd to you for his good Fortune; and I doubt not but he will reward you accordingly. He told us, he was a Re­lation of Mr. Bridgford's, and Mate of the Ship, the Captain dying when he was in the Pirates Hands; and all he desir'd was, only to make his Promise good to the Sailors, which was, to allow 'em double Wages for the whole Voyage. My Uncle told him, he [Page 114] wou'd assure him of that. After a little Conversation and Repast, the Messenger was sent to Rest, for he had come sixty Miles that Day, upon one Horse.

When he was gone, we cou'd not but ad­mire at his Conduct in the Affair, and the Providence of God to Mr. Bridgford. This good Fortune, said my Uncle, will be a great Means of bringing on a Reconcilement. Now you see, Sir, said I, there is a Blessing attends the Marriage-State. Yes, said my Uncle, but nothing to provoke me to enter into the Noose. It must bring some Cares along with it, be the Comforts ever so ma­ny. I fansy, Sir, said I, there's Cares at­tend your present Way of Living. It may be so, said my Uncle, but none that I am ty'd to bear.

I finding a fit Opportunity, thought it a pro­per Time to inform him of what I had heard in the Library; but conjur'd him not to take any Notice of it, 'till we cou'd find an Oc­casion of his being an Ear-Witness. Well then, said my Uncle, I'll take your Advice, and let it rest 'till after my Friend Bridgford's Affair is over, and then we'll contrive some Way or other to catch 'em in their own Snares.

[Page 115]The next Morning, my Uncle took me a­long with him, to wait upon the new-mar­ry'd Couple, and the Sailor with us. We gave him Instructions to wait till we call'd for him. When we came to the Lady's House, we were usher'd up into the Bed-Chamber, where we found the Bride in Tears; for tho' it was agreed not to open the Affair till my Uncle came, yet the Husband cou'd not be easy till he had told her all. She took it ve­ry heinously at first; but, weighing every thing well, she had only Recourse to her Tears, which she wip'd away as soon as she perceiv'd us.

Come, Sir, said she to my Uncle, I can now forgive your Plot upon me; tho' I must own, the Disappointment caus'd me much Uneasiness; yet I find what is appointed by Heaven, must be; I am satisfy'd we have enough, and I begin already to loath my for­mer Temper. Why now, Madam, said my Uncle, you strike a true Harmony, and, to indulge it, I have brought you a Present; one must never come empty-handed to a new-marry'd Pair, Billy, continu'd my Uncle, call in the Man. When he came in, Mr. Bridgford was surpriz'd: Cousin Brooks! said he, I am very much pleas'd to see you; [Page 116] and this is a very acceptable Present, for I thought you in the Hands of Pirates. Pray how got you from them? Why, to bring home to you the good Ship Elizabeth, re­ply'd Mr. Brooks. We then let him into the whole Story, and he bore his Joy, as he did his Grief, with a Serenity of Temper he was (as my Uncle said) always Master of. I am pleas'd with this Present from a Fortune, Ma­dam, said he, only that it may be a Means to make you forget some Part of your Loss in your Chimerical One. She made him a suitable Reply, and all past Actions were soon forgot.

Mr. Bridgford gave his Cousin Brooks a Ring off his Finger, with a Promise of a Thousand Pounds, and to make him Captain of the Ship he had so worthily sav'd. But, my Dear, said the Lady, you give the Gen­tleman a Present, which I suppose he is not to dispose of, but never consider he has been in the Hands of Pirates, and perhaps all his Ready-Money's gone; and, added she, smi­ling, you have not receiv'd the Money for your Jewels yet, therefore I must do some­thing for you; with that she went out, and immediately return'd with a hundred Guineas, which she gave to Mr. Brooks; there, Sir, [Page 117] said she, that's something better than Pro­mises; however, it's only as Earnest, my Husband shall keep his Word.

We finding her in so good a Humour, took our Leaves: She much intreated us to stay Dinner, but my Uncle told her, her Husband's old Sweetheart was to dine with him, who long'd to hear how Matters went. What, more Confederates? return'd the Lady; but I forgive all, and thank you for tricking me into my Happiness.

As we were going home, my Uncle told me he was very well pleas'd he had been in­strumental in converting one Woman; but I had almost forgot, that I have one at home out of the Pale of Salvation: Yet I shall not take any Pains in her Conversion, if it is as you say) which I believe) continu'd my Un­cle; I shall turn her, and her Cub, to Grass, tho' with a moderate Maintenance, yet much more than they deserve. But we'll let all Thoughts of that Affair sleep awhile, for the Ladies will be here by and by, and I have never any thing that looks like Discontent when we are together.

I found a secret Pleasure in the Hopes I had of seeing the amiable Isabella; but then, intruding Fears wou'd creep in to disturb my [Page 118] Thoughts. I imagin'd I shou'd be slighted, or perhaps she might disclose my Passion to her Mother, or Aunt, and then all my Hopes wou'd be intirely lost; for I had not any No­tion they wou'd, either of 'em, consent to my Desires. The Time was spent between Hopes and Fears, 'till the Arrival of the Ladies. When they came in, any one might have perceiv'd my Passion by my Counte­nance; but they were so much taken up with their Discourse about Mr. Bridgford's Affairs, they had not the Leisure to mind any thing else. My Concern was redoubled at the lit­tle Notice Isabella took of me, and her en­tring so readily into the Conversation, with­out so much as vouchsafing me a single Look, almost distracted me; so that I took a pro­per Opportunity to retire, to conceal my Confusion. I went into the Garden to in­dulge my Melancholy: Finding so many Reasons to increase it, that had almost di­stracted me, I was so lost in Thought, that I did not consider how the Time went a­way; and 'tis possible I might have remain'd in my Musing till Night, if a Servant had not told me Dinner was serv'd.

I was in some Confusion, to think what Excuse I shou'd make for my long Ab­sence. [Page 119] When I came into the Dining-Room, my Uncle ask'd me where I had been so long. I told him, I found them so very deeply engag'd in their Story, that, as I knew my Company wou'd not contribute any thing to the Conversation, I chose to take a Walk in the Garden, and my Imagination wandring, I had lost myself for some time. I was very much rally'd for my Speech, by every body. I thought, said the Aunt, the Company of Isabella wou'd have had suffi­cient Strength to have held you here. I sup­pose, return'd Isabella, the young Gentleman has been so well tutor'd by his Uncle, that he is beginning to put his Advice in Practice, by shunning the Women. I told her, what­ever Advice I follow'd of my Uncle's, I was assur'd neither his Inclination, or mine, wou'd debar me of the Satisfaction of their Conver­sation, whatever I suffer'd in Person, or Censure. I continu'd my Excuse, by telling 'em, the Story was not new to me, and I thought it wou'd be some time before they wou'd have Leisure to enter upon any other Subject. Whatever I had to say in my Ju­stification, had not stopt their Mouths, if Dinner had not. While it lasted, I narrow­ly observ'd Isabella, but cou'd not get one [Page 120] Look from her. I had but little Stomach, as those in my Circumstances may easily ima­gine, tho' none made any Observation upon it. When Dinner was over, we all walk'd in the Garden, and my Endeavours to single out Isabella prov'd fruitless, which much in­creas'd my Agony of Mind.

In the Afternoon, Mr. Bridgford, his new Wife, and Mr. Brooks the Sailor, came to visit my Uncle. Tho', said Mr. Bridg­ford, it is not usual for new-marry'd People, the Day after their Wedding, to make Vi­sits, yet my Wife and I thought it partly our Duty to wait upon this good Company, to take our Leaves of 'em; for, continu'd he, tho' a Week past I was no Man of Business, yet now I find I have Work enough on my Hands, not to mention my Matrimonial Af­fair. I am oblig'd to leave you for Twenty Days. The Smiles of Fortune must be re­garded, or she may change her Countenance. I have experienc'd it, therefore am resolv'd to keep up her Good-Humour, if it lies in my Power. I must own, the Sorrows that touch me at present, are rais'd from what I feel in parting (tho' but for a short Time) with such Company as will always be very dear to me. Many Compliments pass'd be­tween [Page 121] the Parties, but they were ended by ta­king Leave, for Mr. Bridgford set out for London from my Uncle's, with his Spouse, and his Kinsman the Sailor, who found it neces­sary for his immediate Presence. After the usual Compliment of Tea, the Ladies were resolv'd to go Fish; it seems it was their common Recreation; and accordingly, their Implements were carry'd to the River, no far­ther than the Bottom of my Uncle's Garden. I was resolv'd to be only a Looker-on, as not being compos'd enough to follow the Pastime; and perhaps I might have run the Hooks in­to my Fingers, instead of the Baits. Every one had tolerable good Sport, but Isabella, and her ill Luck made her fret much. Billy, said my Uncle, this is a Diversion you de­light in. You know the Fishes retiring Holes; pray see if you can help the young Lady to a little better Fortune. I told my Uncle, I wou'd contribute all I cou'd to Isa­bella's Entertainment, with a very good In­clination. Come, Madam, said I, if you will be pleas'd to walk a little farther, we'll see if Change of Place may not change your Luck. She made me no Answer, but with a condescending Nod, follow'd me. I took care to take her out of the Sight and Hearing [Page 122] of the rest of the Company. I then look'd a little carefully after her Bait and Tackle, and she caught a Fish presently.

Well, said she, I find my Luck is chang'd; but yet I am but half reconcil'd to the barba­rous Diversion; it does not suit with the ten­der Sentiments of our Sex, to rob any thing of Life; neither can I see the Death of a poor Partridge, or the most diminutive Bird, widiout a secret Tenderness and Sorrow for its being robb'd of Life, which it is not in our Power to restore again. But yet, Ma­dam, said I, with all this Tenderness of Soul, you can see a poor suffering Wretch in all the Agonies of Despair, without thinking once of Pity. I am sorry, reply'd Isabella, you shou'd tax me with a Crime I most ab­hor; but, as I am innocent, it does not give me much Uneasiness. Madam, I reply'd, I speak of Proof; I am the poor suffering Wretch, wounded by your resistless Charms, which you know very well, and you'll neither give me Death, nor Ease. Why indeed, young Gentleman, return'd Isabella, this Play­ing at Lovers is what we now shou'd leave off. We are too young to act in Reality, and too old to act in Jest. I'll allow, your Understanding runs something before your [Page 123] Years; but, to tell you ingenuously, if it were otherwise, I don't think for myself, I have a Mother and Aunt, who have the Pri­vilege to think for me, and they so worthily deserve those Characters, I hope I shall ne­ver have a Thought against their Inclination. I reply'd, it was my Desire she never shou'd, I only wish'd she wou'd have a favourable Regard for me, and give me the smallest Grounds to hope I was not hateful to her. She reply'd, Hate was not in her Nature; and that she cou'd say no more, than that she esteem'd me equally with all Mankind, and enough to be concern'd at any ill Accident that shou'd happen to me.

I was so transported at this faint Glimpse of Hope she gave me, that my Tongue broke out in extravagant Expressions of Thanks. Hold, Sir, said she, you'll disturb the Fish, and spoil the Diversion I expect; beside, my Mother and Aunt will hear ypu, and I have kept your former Confession from them, according to your Desire; but will not promise Secrecy for the Future, it is a great Task for one of my Years. I had not time to make her a Reply, for the rest of the Company had near join'd us, to know whe­ther Isabella's Luck was chang'd or no. Tru­ly, [Page 124] said she, I have no Reason to complain, I have caught two, with the Assistance of this young Gentleman; and had like to have caught another, but, for want of Experience, had let him go again. Ay, but Billy, said my Uncle, can teach you how to play a Fish up and down the Stream, when once you have it fast, and be in no Danger of losing it. You must manage a Fish, as you will here­after do Hearts; tho', I must own, if hand­some Women are mere Fools (which is not Isabella's Case) they soon learn that. We don't allow you to be a Judge, reply'd Isa­bella, your Heart has been Eye-proof all your Life; or else you have conceal'd that Part of it from us. Why, reply'd my Un­cle, if I have never lov'd, I might have had Attempts made upon me, enough to find out the Cunning of the Sex; as your Aunt, I suppose, may answer for ours. I don't de­sire to have the Question begg'd, reply'd the Aunt; but this I am sure of, there's no knowing whether a Man courts the Purse, or the Person. For my Part, return'd my Un­cle, I think a Woman, without a Purse, is but a despicable Creature. I wish we cou'd find out some other Discourse, return'd the Widow; I think, when we meet, we can [Page 125] never talk upon any other Subject, and, be­cause we despise it, I think it the best way quite to forget it.

While this Discourse lasted, I observ'd Isa­bella more thoughtful than usual, and I cou'd not help secretly hoping, I might have some Concern in her Musing. Yet I was very un­easy I cou'd not get an Opportunity to speak to her the whole Evening. As we were ta­king Leave, my Uncle promis'd to Dine with 'em the third Day following, and the Thought gave me some Consolation.

When the Company was gone, my Uncle and I walk'd in the Garden again. Well, said he, I must own the Thoughts of the Per­sidy of this ungrateful Woman do not sit so easy upon me, as I cou'd have wish'd; in spite of all my Fortitude, it stole in upon the Pleasure of the Day, and sour'd my Satisfac­tion. But, continu'd he, I am resolv'd to have an End put to every thing on that Ac­count, to-morrow, if it's possible; but I am a little at a Nonplus about it; it wou'd vex me, if we cou'd not bring it about, for Doubt is a very uneasy Companion. Sir, said I, you have a back Way up to your Study, and I believe it will be no great Difficulty to steal in unobserv'd of any body. You must [Page 126] give it out to-night, that you will be abroad to-morrow, all the Morning, and I must wait on you. That shall be done at Supper, said my Uncle. 'Till that Time came, my distracted Thoughts were roving on the dear Isabella, and Hope and Fear, by turns, pos­sess'd my Soul. Young as I was, I perceiv'd Death wou'd be more welcome to me, than her Disdain. At Supper, my Uncle told me we shou'd rise betimes to go a Hunting, with some Gentlemen that he nam'd; and, added he, I design to take my Leave of that Diver­sion, for some time, having some Business will keep me at home for a few Days. I obsev'd the Countenance of the Housekeeper, and thought I saw her shut up in her Brain some secret Intention. When she was gone from Table, my Uncle said, he did not know how to order it, for it's possible she may go to this Rogue of a Lawyer, and consult there; and then our Project will come to nothing. We must trust to that, Sir, said I; we shall soon find it out, and if it proves so, we must wait till some fitter Opportunity. Well, said my Uncle, we shall see how it proves to­morrow. But, Billy, I'd have you go up into the Study, unbolt the Door that leads to the Back-Stairs, lock it only, then bring me the Key.

[Page 127]As I was coming from doing what he or­der'd me, I took Notice the Housekeeper was busy in Talk with her Son. Immediate­ly after, the Boy took his Hat, and went out. I told my Uncle what I had seen. We both imagin'd the Boy was gone to give No­tice of our going abroad the next Day, for Mr. — the Lawyer, liv'd but a little way from my Uncle's. Why, said my Un­cle, after all, Suspicion strengthens our Ima­gination, and every Action of a suspected Person alarms us; I wish I cou'd be sure he is gone there. That you shall presently, Sir, said I. Upon saying that, I immediately fol­low'd him, and walking a good round Pace, got Sight of him just as he rung at the Door. I got time enough at the back-side of the Porch, unobserv'd, just as the Door was o­pen'd. The Boy ask'd for Mr. — who came out to him presently. As soon as he saw him, I understood he was very fond of him, and call'd him his Dear Boy. Sir, said the Boy, my Mother gives her Service to you, and sent me to tell you, that the Squire goes out to-morrow to Hunt, 'till Dinner-time, and will expect you by Ten in the Morning. My Love, said he, I'll be sure to come; I won't ask you to stay now, because I have [Page 128] some Company with me. So away went the Boy, whistling home; and I follow'd, a more slow Pace than I went out.

When I came to my Uncle, I inform'd him all I had heard. Well, said he, I find it will come to the Catastrophe to-morrow. I'll go to Bed, and think over my Part. So we parted. And I am apt to believe, both our Pillows were uneasy enough. Tho' my Passion kept me long awake, yet I cou'd not chuse having some Concern at what wou'd happen on the Morrow. When we rose in the Morning, we both mounted, with a Ser­vant; and after riding about a Quarter of a Mile, my Uncle (as we had concerted) told me, he had no very great Goût to the Sport, therefore wou'd e'en go back again. But you, said he to me, and Tom (meaning the Man) may go, if you please. No, Sir, said I, I don't care for going without you. So we turn'd our Horses Heads homewards; and as we were going slowly along, my Uncle order'd the Man to take all the three Horses to Town (about two Mile from my Uncle's) and bespeak new Saddles. So we alighted, walk'd over the Park, and got into the Li­brary, unperceiv'd of any. When we were in, we bolted the Door on the Inside, and [Page 129] each of us took a Book in our Hands, to pass away the Time till the Play was to be­gin, for it was not proper to talk to each other; but yet, I believe, we neither of us well knew what we were reading.

The private Door we came in at, was con­triv'd by my Uncle, that he might more conveniently make Madam a Visit, unobserv'd by the Family, when his Concerns call'd him, and the Door of her Apartment join'd to it, upon the Head of the Stairs, which we soon heard open; the Lawyer enter'd alone, where he staid some time, and diverted himself with humming a Song. At last, the Lady came to him, who inform'd him, she cou'd not come sooner, being she was oblig'd to see the Coast a little clear.

We soon found, by the Lawyer's Discourse, he had some Inclination to be merry, before they talk'd of their Affairs. Come, come, said Madam, let's mind Business first; we shall have time enough to divert ourselves, I'll warrant you. Ay, but reply'd the Law­yer, 'tis better to be caught in Conversation, than the other Affair; therefore let's make an End of that first. And we soon found, he was resolv'd not to be deny'd.

[Page 130]During this Business, 'twas pleasant to see my Uncle's Countenance, which was com­pos'd of half a Smile, about one fourth Part Shame (as I suppose, to have me a sort of an Auditor in this unlook'd-for dumb Work,) and the other Fourth, Anger. I believe such a Face cou'd not be compounded out of Le Brun's Passions. When their loving Affair was over, Consultation came on.

Well, said the Lady, what's to be done? I have Reason to fear every thing; for I find this Boy grows upon him every Day. To tell you the Truth, reply'd the Lawyer, I'm at a Fault, and have lost the Scent, and know not how to proceed. I know you Wo­men are more fruitful in Inventions of this kind. Indeed, if the Squire's Head were once laid, I cou'd find an Expedient to se­cure the best Part of the Estate, without Danger, or finding out. 'Tis not the first time I have disinherited the True Heir, with­out the Consent of the Predecessor, even for a small Sum; and you may be sure I shou'd use my utmost Skill for Thomas, who is our own Child; tho' the Squire, I believe, ima­gines himself sole Proprietor in You and Him. It's a very perplexing thing, I vow! reply'd the Housekeeper; I wish both their Necks [Page 131] broke to-day in Hunting, with all my Heart! Ay, that wou'd do, reply'd the Lawyer. I'd find a Will by to-morrow Night (like Mos­cas in the Fox) shou'd disappoint every bo­by else, without coming near his Punishment. Well, I hope it's no Crime, return'd the Housekeeper to wish 'em both in Heaven; nay, if I lent a helping Hand to fit 'em for their Journey, I believe my Conscience wou'd be as drowsy, as if it had sip'd off a Dose of Laudanum. Oh fy! return'd the Lawyer; let us not think of Murder, however; tho', if we were in Italy, I cou'd soon procure a Tradesman or two that deal that way, wou'd do the Work neatly, and very cheap too. But let us not think of that any farther, than in our good Wishes. And now let me hear what you can propose. What Ready-money does he generally keep at home? (Not that I purpose to rob him, I have a better Prin­ciple.) Or what Bank or Goldsmiths Notes has he at a time. I don't know, reply'd the Housekeeper, he keeps himself very close as to those Matters, and I seldom see any of his Money, but his paltry Hundred a Year that he allows me, and what I can ship out of Housekeeping, cutting off Tradesmen's Bills, and so sorth, which does not amount to above Fifty more.

[Page 132]Come, come, return'd the Lawyer, that's good Pay only for rubbing a Man's Head that's turn'd of Fifty; he does not give you much Trouble, I believe. I wonder how you wou'd conceal your Joy, to see that Head we speak of dangling over the Horse's Tail, brought home as Crook-back'd Richard's was, with his Neck, broke. That wou'd be a joyful Sight indeed, return'd the virtuous Housekeeper. My Uncle cou'd bear no more, but rush'd in upon them, just as she had ended. But since I have sav'd my Neck hitherto, return'd my Uncle, I am resolv'd to hunt less, that I may not cause such an Alteration in your Minds, for those violent Emotions of the Soul often endanger the Body.

Perseus's Shield cou'd not have a greater Effect on those that saw it, than the Presence of my Uncle had upon those two Wretches, for they both stood like Statues; but my Uncle put a little Life into the Lawyer with his Cane; yet not being fully reviv'd, he ran round the Room several times, before he cou'd find the Door. At every Stroke of Ac­knowledgment my Uncle gave him for the Favours design'd him, he expostulated with him; and, to end his Favours, kick'd him down Stairs, telling him, he wou'd not take [Page 133] any other Revenge, because, indeed, he did not think it worth while; but bid him go like a Villain as he was, and let his Crime be his Punishment. But if he offer'd to make any Words in the Affair, he wou'd find some other Method, besides exposing him, to have him punish'd.

The Lawyer made no Reply, and, I be­lieve, thought himself very well off. Nei­ther was there much Fear of his Tattling, be­cause it wou'd only expose himself. Now came the Lady's Share of the Matter, who stood quaking and trembling in a Corner of the Room. Will your Ladyship be pleas'd, said my Uncle, with your utmost Expedi­tion, to pack up your Trumpery, and walk off? All the ill Usage you may expect from me, is to forget you; tho' I think no Pu­nishment bad enough for you. Neither shall I leave you, or your Brat, to starve (who in deed is innocent) but allow him the Hundred Pounds a Year for his Life, that he may not suffer for the Faults of his Parents. Go, con­tinu'd my Uncle; let me have no Reply; take what, you can with you, and send for the rest when you think fit. She went down Stairs, follow'd by my Uncle; and when she had taken a few Things, went out, without [Page 134] opening her Mouth; but whether Grief, or Anger, ty'd her Tongue, I can't tell. When she was gone, my Uncle order'd all her Things to be put together, ready against they were sent for, to the great Surprize of the rest of the Servants.

After Dinner, my Uncle took me with him to Town, to a Lawyer of his Acquaintance, and order'd him to fill up a Deed, that made his Estate liable to a Hundred Pounds per An­num, to be paid during the Life of the House­keeper's Son, tho' not quite Fourteen. I was made one of the Witnesses. The next Morn­ing, my Uncle order'd it to be sent to his Mother, for her to be satisfy'd; but the Law­yer that made it, was to be the Trustee, whose Honesty and Probity were as great as the other's Villainy. We then set out for the Widow's House; and my Uncle told me in the Coach, he was resolv'd to be merry, not­withstanding this Bustle that happen'd: And, young Man, said he, You have sufficient Cause for Mirth at what has fall'n out, for your Estate will be increas'd; for if I had made my Will before, or not have found 'em out, I shou'd have left 'em more considerably.

When we came to the Widow's, my Un­cle told 'em the whole Story, and they all [Page 135] seem'd mightily pleas'd upon my Account; for they imagin'd the Son of the Housekeeper was to have been Heir. Yet I fansy'd Isa­bella's Countenance seem'd the least concern'd, which struck me to the Soul. After Dinner, I got the happy Opportunity of being alone with her, tho' I imagin'd it was with much Regret on her Side. Madam, said I, my Uncle's expected Fortune does not give me half that Satisfaction, as this Opportunity, if you wou'd be pleas'd to consider my Passion. I have consider'd it so far, Sir, return'd Isa­bella, that I desire we may think of it no more. The Answer she gave, struck me dumb with Grief; and it was some time be­fore my troubled Heart permitted my Tongue to speak. Well, Madam, then, said I, you have resolv'd my Death. I own, even the Hopes of Fortune do not give me Merit enough to raise my Eyes to such a Pitch of Happiness. But Time, that produces very strange things, may befriend me in That. I have told you, Sir, return'd the young La­dy, our Years are too few to admit of Love; but whenever I shall feel the gentle Flame, I have very good Reasons to believe, I shall not much consult Fortune; I am convinc'd that Money-Matches are not always the hap­piest; [Page 136] yet the first thing ask'd in this Age is, What Fortune has she? If that answers their Expectations, then they proceed; if not, they look out farther, and barter for a Wife, as they wou'd for a Set of Coach-Horses.

In all our Discourse, I had some Hope, because I cou'd not find any Grounds for ha­ting me; neither cou'd I prevail upon her to declare any thing in favour of me. Her ge­neral Answer was her Want of Years; yet she told me, she had Discretion enough to conceal my Passion for her; and she wou'd often say her Reason was, that if a Person cou'd not have an Inclination for a Lover, yet they ought to have some Regard for 'em. I was pressing her to give me some Token that I was not indifferent to her, when my Uncle came in, and interrupted us. It was, I own, the first time I ever thought his Company a Trouble. Come, young Man, said he, you'll be suspected, you have been together a long time. The Mother and Aunt sent me to part you. Besides, yonder's Matter for the young Lady's Tears, the Bu­rial of two Lovers. We all went into the Garden, and saw two Coffins bearing to the Church. We were told, the young Man [Page 137] had liv'd in the Neighbourhood, and court­ing a young Woman of the next Parish, her Father had prevail'd upon her to marry ano­ther of a better Estate, which occasion'd the young Man's Death, for the Morning of the Marriage was the last of his Life, ma­king the River his Winding-Sheet. The Bride and Bridegroom coming from Church, were stop'd by his Corpse lying in their Way; the melancholy Object had such an Effect upon the Bride, that she fell down speechless on the Body, and in a few Days expir [...]d with Grief. And her last Request was, to be bury'd together.

The Story made us all very melancholy, and Isabella cou'd not forbear shedding Tears at the Relation; but we rally'd one another out of our Sorrow. Methinks, said the Mo­ther, this Story wou'd make a very good tender Ballad. You need not fear the Bal­lad, reply'd the Aunt, by some Grub-street Bard or other. Why, said my Uncle, can't you make a Ballad, Billy? I have seen some of your Translations from Ovid's Ele­gies, and such a dismal Subject, in my Ima­gination, will fit your Muse to a Hair. Isa­bella seem'd mighty fond of such a Thing; tho' I declin'd it, as having never drank of [Page 138] the Streams of Helicon. But when we came home, I sat down, and lanch'd out, tho' I did not understand how to steer my Muse. But the Hopes of pleasing Isabella, made me embark; and the next Day, I sent her the following Letter, by a Servant of my Un­cle's, with a Charge to deliver it into her own Hands.

When the Servant return'd, he inform'd me, he had given it into her own Hands, unperceiv'd of any one. I shew'd my Uncle the Song, who told me, he believ'd it as good as any of the Grub-street Quill-drivers cou'd write; but he wou'd not allow it to be a Degree better; however, said he, it may please the Women well enough, who seldom consider Sense, but Sound. I reply'd, I was to be excus'd, it being my first Essay, and very probably might be my last.

[Page 144]While we were at Dinner, a Messenger came with a Letter from my Father, desiring my Uncle to let me come home for a few Days, in order to get every thing ready for the University; when that was done, I shou'd return, and stay with him till I was to go there. My Uncle agreed to it, and wou'd accompany me himself. Sir, said I, wou'd it not be proper to wait upon the Ladies, to take Leave? Ho! return'd my Uncle, are you so loth to part with 'em for so short a Time? What will you do, when you are at the University, where you must not return for the first Year? For a whole Year, Sir? said I: Is there a Necessity for staying so long, before I wait on you, or any of my Relations? Yes, reply'd my Uncle, if you wou'd be thought to mind your Studies; but I can't perceive, continu'd he, there is a Ne­cessity for going there at all; and that is the Reason why I shall wait on your Worship to your Father, to endeavour to persuade him to let you and your Tutor be with me; I dare answer for you, it will not hinder the Progress of your Learning; you shall want neither Masters, Books, nor Money; and I am convinc'd the Universities often spoil more Youth, than they cultivate with good Edu­cation. [Page 145] Youth is like Wax, fit for any Im­pression; they as soon take an ill, as a good one. Tho', I must own, I have nothing to fear from you; and I freely confess, 'tis the Regret I have to part with you, makes me desire your not going to the University; tho' if it does not agree with your Sentiments, I shall say no more about it. I told him, I was very well inclin'd to it, and cou'd not but a­gree with his Thoughts. Well then, said my Uncle, we'll away immediately, and, if it's possible, return to-morrow. I hope that short Absence from the Ladies will not break your Heart.

I made him no Reply, but went to prepare for my Journey with a good Inclination, for, I must own, I long'd to see my Father, and observe how Matters were carry'd on at home, not doubting but my Mother-in-law was still in the Way of Goodness; tho' I had receiv'd no Recommendation from her, ei­ther in my Father's Letter, or by the Messen­ger, but I knew my Father seldom regarded those formal Matters.

As we came within three Mile of my Fa­ther's, my Uncle's Servant stopt a Horse that was running away without his Rider, and a little farther, we cou'd perceive a Man lying [Page 146] weltring in Blood; when we approach'd him, we found him senseless; and I was something surpriz'd to find it the Surgeon that had the Care of me, when I was wound­ed by my Brother. My Uncle was as much concern'd as I was, when he knew who it was. We took him up, and found his Scull was fractur'd; but we did not doubt, if we cou'd get timely Aid, but he might be reco­ver'd. We put him into my Uncle's Coach, and drove to the next Town, with all the Expedition was consistent with the Surgeon's Condition; by good Fortune, we met with one of his own Acquaintance and Profession, who took him in Hand, dress'd him, and brought him to his Senses, tho' with much Fear of his Life; he being a gross Man, a Fever had seiz'd the Blood; and all agreed, his Life was in Danger. However, he seem'd very much pleas'd to find me so near him; and I had some Thoughts it might prove a convenient Opportunity to work out that Se­cret he inform'd me he knew of my Mother-in-law; but finding it not proper to talk much, I resolv'd with myself to come to him again: So we took our Leaves, and arriv'd safe at my Father's, who, not expecting us the same Day he sent to us, was gone to visit a neighbouring Gentleman.

[Page 147]My Mother seem'd very much rejoic'd at our Arrival, and welcoming me with Tears, her Tenderness gave me no small Satisfaction. My Brother John, indeed, look'd as glum upon me, as if I had been come to rob him of his Birth-right. My Uncle perceiving his Behaviour, rattled him, in his merry way; but it had no other Effect, than bringing Tears into his Eyes, and running to tell Ma­ma. Zounds! says my Uncle (when he was gone) what a Country Cub it is! Why don't they put him Prentice to a Farmer, for he'll never be fit for any thing, but to follow the Plough.

When my Father came home, he told my Uncle, he did not think he shou'd have com­ply'd with his Desires so soon, as not expect­ing me in two or three Days. Why, said my Uncle, we made the more Expedition here, that we may return the sooner; and, because you shou'd not keep him too long, I came with him, to carry him back. In short, the Matter was made up that Night. It was agreed my Tutor and I shou'd go back with my Uncle. I must own, I was not a little pleas'd, for I fear'd the good Woman, my Mother-in-law, might oppose it; but she readily consented, to save Charges, I sup­pose.

[Page 148]While I was walking in the Garden alone, Betty came up to me, and wept for Joy to see me. Well, said I, Betty, how go Mat­ters between you and my Mother? Is the Affair made up? I hope I am to take no more Physic! The poor Girl was ready to sink at the Word Physic. Indeed, Sir, said she (after a long Pause) I believe you know every thing of former Affairs; but if you do, you also know I have sufficiently repented of my Part, and I hope my Mistress has of hers. I gave her so many Hints, that she confess'd every thing. I was struck with Horror at her Relation, for she discover'd such Traps they had design'd to get rid of me, that I thought it almost impossible they shou'd en­ter into the Minds of Women. Sir, said Betty, you may find, by my Story, I am at a true Confession; nay, I wou'd kneel down at your Feet for Pardon, if it might not be observ'd by any body. I told her, I had pardon'd her long ago, as well as my Mo­ther, who might have had something of a stronger Tye to use me well, than she. I hope, said Betty, she has forgot what is past, or if she remembers it, 'tis only as I do, to think with Horror on what was design'd, and a high Satisfaction in knowing we are in­nocent [Page 149] of the Fact; tho', pursu'd she, there does not seem to be that Candour and Free­dom between us, as there was when we were wickedly caballing against your innocent Life; therefore I have some Intention of leaving her Service, and going to my Rela­tions in Wales, where, I hope, I have e­nough to last me moderately all my Life. I told her, I was assur'd my Uncle wou'd ac­cept of her for his Housekeeper, upon my Recommendation, if she thought fit, for at present he had never a one. She seem'd mightily rejoic'd at the Proposal, telling me, it was the only Thing she shou'd desire. I bid her not take any Notice of it to any body, till she heard from me again; which she pro­mis'd, and we parted.

The next Day, I took an Opportunity, early in the Morning, to visit the Surgeon, and found him much better than any one ex­pected, tho' he himself had no Thoughts of Recovery. He told me, he was very much oblig'd to me, for the Care I had taken of him; and, notwithstanding he was convinc'd his End was near, yet he thought Providence had a Hand in sending me to his Assistance; therefore, as I wou'd not willingly go out of the World (said he) without acquainting you [Page 150] with what I had formerly hinted to you, for fear you shou'd nourish the Opinion, that I wanted only to create Uneasiness, without any Grounds; therefore, if you please, now I find I have Strength enough, I'll acquaint you with all I know, if you'll order the Room to be clear'd for a little while; which was soon done. I sat down by his Bedside, when he began as follows.

You know, we Country-Surgeons are ge­nerally bred Apothecaries. I serv'd my Time with one, eminent in both Faculties, and it was allow'd by every body, I was not behind­hand in my Master's Experience. He us'd to trust his Patients, in general, to me, after my Capacity had been thought equal to such a Charge.

Sir Charles, your Mother-in-law's former Husband, liv'd near die Town, and my Ma­ster was very great there; insomuch, that it was thought the Knight was in a fair Road to Heaven, with my Master's Assistance; but it is often the Fate of Cuckolds, to be one of the last in discovering his own Horns. For several Years, the Knight and my Master were very gracious: They often rid a Hunt­ing together. But one Day, when it was suppos'd my Master wanted an Opportunity [Page 151] of conversing with the Knight's Wife, took an Occasion of leaving him, making all the Haste he cou'd to visit the Lady. The Knight missing my Master, tho' not mistrust­ing any thing of the Matter, went home like­wise, and going up to his Lady's Chamber, found the Door shut; but peeping thro' the Keyhole, perceiv'd she had got his Compa­nion with her, and both in a Posture not ve­ry decent. The Knight, being neither a Hercules nor an Ajax, stood some time to consider what he shou'd do (as he told me af­terwards) but at last, summoning all his Courage, he burst the Door open, and sur­priz'd 'em very disadvantageously, giving my Master several Strokes upon the naked Buttocks, ere he cou'd put up the proper Covering; but, being a good-humour'd easy Man, and a Wittol to boot, at their Tears and Entreaties, forgave 'em both; but wou'd not allow of my Master's Correspondence any more. When any thing was wanted from the Shop, I always carry'd it; till, by de­grees, I got into the good Graces of the Knight, and rid out a Hunting with him; tho' not so often as my Master us'd to do; but I believe he gave me Leave more readily, that he might have a better Opportunity of visiting the Lady,

[Page 152]In one of the Knight's drunken Moods, he discover'd what I have told you, between his Wife and my Master, which I was igno­rant of before; but, said he, they have pro­mis'd me never to do the like again. I only smil'd at his Simplicity, and confirm'd him in his Belief; tho' I was pretty well convinc'd, when I look'd a little backwards, they only met as often as they had an Opportunity. In a few Days after this Confession, when I was a Hunting with him, he seem'd to be less merry than usual: I ask'd him the Reason: He told me, he believ'd his Wife continu'd to see my Master in a criminal manner; tho' he was not convinc'd by Proof. I ask'd him the Reason of his Belief. Said he, going in­to my Wife's Chamber this Morning, as she was dressing herself, a Letter drop'd from her Bosom, which I took up, and was well assur'd 'twas your Master's Hand; I open'd it, and had but just time to read, My Dear, when my Wife, in some Confusion, snatch'd it out of my Hand, and told me it was a Letter from a Relation of hers. I told her, I was assur'd it was the Doctor's Hand. Well, said she, if you are jealous, you shan't see it now; but I'll give you Leave to read it when you come back from Hunting. I [Page 153] was forc'd to be satisfy'd, continu'd the Knight; but I shall be convinc'd 'tis so, if she pretends to have lost the Letter. The Knight took an Opportunity of seeing me the same Evening. He told me, with a great deal of Joy in his Countenance, that he was deceiv'd. See here the Letter that gave me so much Uneasiness. I took it from him, and soon knew my Master's Hand, tho' he had endeavour'd to write not like himself.

I cou'd not chuse but smile at the Cheat that was put upon him; it was plain enough that she had acquainted my Master with the Matter, and while the Knight was gone a Hunting, he wrote her another in a Woman's Name, beginning as the other did, about no­thing at all to any Purpose. I was convinc'd in my Supposition when I came home, for my Master pulling out a Parcel of Papers, gave me one to take Directions for com­pounding some Medicines; I soon found it was the Father to the Letter the Knight shewed some time before, for it began as the other did, and Sir Charles's Name was men­tion'd in it. I told my Master, smiling, I cou'd find no Directions there for me. Odso! said he, I have given you the wrong Letter; that neither concerns you nor me. He immedi­ately [Page 154] fumbled out the right one, and went away in some Confusion of Countenance. I was very uneasy myself, that he knew I had discover'd the Secret of his Intrigue, tho' it cou'd not properly be call'd a Secret, that was whisper'd every where.

Some time after, my Master was caught a­gain, making the Beast with two Backs with the Knight's Wife; which so enrag'd the Cuckold, that he resolv'd to have Recourse to Law for Redress; but, as I was now his Oracle, I persuaded him from it, tho' with some Difficulty, and in a little time his Re­sentment began to sleep again; tho' he watch'd his Wife so narrowly, there cou'd be no Time to graft another Antler; for I must own to you, I did all I cou'd to prevent it, giving him Notice, when I suspected any Movement that way. Yet, I must confess, had it been my own Case, I shou'd sooner have thought of revenging myself on the Cuckold-maker, than bore it so patiently; but there is nothing to be said for the Tem­pers of Men.

This Strictness continu'd for near half a Year, and, I verily believe, much to the Discontent of the Lady. At last the Knight fell sick, perhaps thro' his Perturbation of [Page 155] Spirit, or for want of his usual Exercise; for he had undertaken a voluntary Confinement, in order to inspect the Actions of his Wife. During his Illness, she seem'd very tender of him, hardly ever being from his Bedside; which the good-natur'd Knight took so kind­ly, that I even fansy'd he was resolv'd, when he was recover'd, to leave her to her own Conduct; for she express'd so much Sorrow for her past Actions, that I was myself de­ceiv'd. The Disposition to Goodness of the Wife, had an extraordinary Effect on the Husband, and he began to mend apace: He left his Bed, where, thro' Weakness, he had remain'd for ten Days, and walk'd about his Chamber, gathering Strength hourly, in less Time than his Illness had kept him in Bed. He had recover'd his former Strength, and had fixt a Day with me to ride out; but, in the mean time he was to take some Physic which I sent him; but, to my great Surprize and Confusion, the Day he had taken it, I found him expiring in the utmost Agonies. He was speechless when I came to him, and in less than five Minutes breath'd his last.

The Lady was all in Tears, rav'd at me, telling me I had certainly given him some­thing by Mistake. I assur'd her to the con­trary, [Page 156] and inform'd her it was compos'd by my Master, before my Face, and what he had taken cou'd not hurt an Infant. She held her Tongue, when she understood who it was that had made up what he took, which immediately struck my Fancy there was some Villainy in the Case.

My Master hearing of the Knight's Death, came while I was there, and examining the Body, seem'd in very great Confusion. We both went home together, without one Word passing between us. When we had been there some time, my Master told me he had some­thing to disclose, if I wou'd swear solemnly to keep it a Secret. I answer'd him, if he was in any doubt of my Fidelity, to keep the Secret to himself. Well then, said he, give me your Word not to discover it, and I will tell you; which I did.

I am afraid, said he, the Knight has not had fair Play for his Life; for, viewing his Body, I cou'd easily perceive strong Symp­toms of Poison; and what strengthens my Opinion is, that some time ago she prevail'd upon me to let her have some Ratsbane, in order, as she said, to clear the Granary of Vermin. I easily came into my Master's Opinion; and, by his declaring it to me, [Page 157] was well assur'd he was innocent. I am so shock'd, said my Master, at the Barbarity of the Woman, that I am resolv'd never to go near her more; neither will I make any further En­quiry into the Business, but leave her to her own wicked Thoughts. Tho' perhaps I have not, in my past Days, had any great Regard for Religion, and might leave it to be deci­ded by Chance, as the King of Macasar did ^*: Yet she has so alarm'd my drowsy [Page 158] Conscience, that I shall, for the future, en­deavour to lead a Life consonant to one that thinks of Futurity. We both agreed, it was the best way to be silent in the unhappy Af­fair.

In a few Days the Knight was bury'd, without the least Suspicion of any thing but a Natural Death. My Master and I were invited to the Funeral, but neither of us went. And, for my own Part, I never car'd to go near the House; for the Thought of its har­bouring so cruel a Woman, made me abhor it. My Master, I believe, imagin'd the same, for he never made the Widow a Visit. In a Fortnight after the Funeral, she sent a Let­ter to my Master, which was to this Effect; (for he gave it to me to read, having before that, freely declar'd to me the Correspondence that had past between 'em.) She wonder'd [Page 159] mightily at his long Absence; and that she wou'd have come to him long before, if Decency wou'd have permitted her; but she hop'd to see him that Evening, having dispos'd every thing to favour their Meeting.

My Master return'd her an Answer, I be­lieve, little to her Expectation; telling her plainly, he resolv'd never to see her more; also hinting her unnatural Barbarity to her Husband. I can't tell you what Effect it had upon her, but she sent no more Letters or Messages. I often told my Master, I was a­fraid she wou'd resent his slighting of her, to his Prejudice: He laugh'd at that, as ima­gining himself out of her Power. But, in less than a Month's time, my unfortunate Master going to visit a Relation, about ten Miles from the Place where we liv'd, was found murder'd and thrown into a Copse near the Road. He lay several Days before he was found; and might have laid longer, if a Gentleman had not gone thro' that Way a Hunting. I must confess, my Heart forbod­ed some such Mischance, when sending to seek him at his Relation's, was inform'd he went from thence the same Evening he came there.

[Page 160]Great Inquisition was made after the Mur­derer, but was never found to this Day; yet, whoever did it, I was well assur'd within my self, the Widow had put 'em on; but as I cou'd not bring any Proof, I kept my Opi­nion to myself, well knowing, if I shou'd endeavour to prosecute her, it wou'd be a cer­tain Charge to me, and perhaps discover no­thing. Yet, I must own, I cou'd never give her a good Word; and tho' I had always a Watch upon my Tongue, yet I cou'd not avoid raving against her in all Companies.

Some time after the Death of my Master, I imagin'd I had found out the Murderer. A Trooper that was quarter'd in the Town, of a sudden had got into the Equipage of a Gen­tleman, and it was shrewdly suspected he oc­cupy'd the Widow. I was convinc'd in my Suspicion. One Morning early being call'd to one that was taken suddenly ill, and being oblig'd to pass by the Widow's Door, I cou'd perceive, tho' dark, her Door open, and this Trooper, mention'd before, let in by the Wi­dow herself. This Fellow, whenever he pass'd by our Shop, I cou'd perceive always a sudden Turn of Countenance from what he had on before. One Day, as he was passing by, some of my Neighbours were talking [Page 161] with me concerning the Murder of my late Master; and I cou'd not help saying, loud enough to be heard by the Trooper, that I suspected a Person that often pass'd by our Door, had been his Murderer, and look'd full in the Fellow's Face. He chang'd as pale as Ashes. But all the while I staid in that Town, which was upward of two Years afterwards, I never set Eyes on him; and the next time I saw him, I found him lurk­ing about your Father's House, which con­vinces me not only that he was the Murderer of my Master, but that he corresponds with your Mother-in-law at this Time.

Now, Sir, added the Doctor, I have told you this Secret, which I have kept near Se­venteen Years; neither shou'd I have disco­ver'd it now, if I did not firmly believe I am going into another World; for, notwith­standing every one tells me I am much bet­ter, I am convinc'd I have not ten Days to live. I endeavour'd to put him out of that idle Conceit, but all to no purpose. So I took my Leave, after promising him to keep his Secret; and within the Time he mention'd, I was inform'd he dy'd, after telling the very Hour of his Death. I return'd home, full of many disjointed Thoughts, wondering [Page 162] how Providence had order'd my Father to marry such a wicked Woman. But then a­gain, I did not doubt but she had repented of her former Wickedness, and walk'd in the Paths towards Grace, which gave me some Comfort, but not enough to hinder my wish­ing she never had been one of our Family.

Betty had told me nothing of this Affair, neither was I assur'd she liv'd with her at that time; but I was resolv'd to be inform'd the first Opportunity. In the Afternoon, I took an Occasion to get my Tutor out of the way, and being alone, beckon'd Betty to come to me. Pray, said I, Betty, do you know any thing of my Mother's former Husband, Sir Charles? No, Sir, said she, I came to live with my Lady not long before her Marriage to your Father. But, said I, know you no­thing of a Galant of my good Mother-in-law's? for I have some Reason to suspect her of being guilty that way. Indeed, said she, blushing, that is the only Thing I have kept a Secret from you, and, I believe, the very Reason of my Lady's Coldness to me; for the Person she corresponds with, or rather, the Person she has corresponded with, for I have great Hopes she has left it off, coming to me as usual, I flatly deny'd him Entrance, [Page 163] and farther told him, I was assur'd my Lady wou'd break off with him, being asham'd of the Injury she had done so good a Hus­band. I never acquainted my Lady with what I said to him; but I observ'd her Cold­ness took beginning some time after this. I ask'd her what sort of Person he was? She told me, a young Gentleman of a very good Family, fallen to Decay, who she believ'd was forc'd, thro' Necessity, to what he did. That can't be the Person, said I, that I su­spect; for he I mean, must be above Forty. There is, said Betty, sometimes, a Man of that Age with my Lady; but she ever took care to keep their Affair private, even from me; but however, I am assur'd there is no criminal Conversation between 'em.

I did not tell Betty any thing that I knew of what the Doctor inform'd me; but we parted with an Assurance of my succeeding with my Uncle in what I promis'd her. In the Afternoon my Uncle rid out with me, when I broke the Matter about Betty. I thought, said my Uncle, you had enough of Housekeepers already. Sir, said I, I have enough of such a one as your last; neither am I afraid of any great Familiarity between you, for Betty is neither young, nor handsome. [Page 164] Nay, said my Uncle, I can give you a bet­ter Reason than all that, which I am assur'd you'll soon come into, and that is, I am not so young, by Twenty Years, as I was Twen­ty Years ago. That's true, Sir, said I; but I am flatter'd I can give you a better Reason that you shou'd accept of Betty, that is, it is the only Thing I can desire of you. Well, said my Uncle, your Desires shall be grant­ed. But we must limit Betty's Power; for you know the former had all in her own Hands. I told him, I wanted nothing else, but that she might be accepted; we would both leave the Terms to him. But hold, said my Uncle, I have one Scruple just now arose, concerning this Affair, which must be got over, and that is, whether my Sister will be willing to part with her. Sir, said I, if you will hear me a little while with Patience, and give me your Word never to disclose what I shall tell you, I will inform you of something will very much surprize you. Well, said my Uncle, I shall come to your Terms, be they what they will.

I then related to him all that had happen'd while I was at home, in every Circumstance. When I had finish'd, my Uncle was quite confounded! Is it possible, said he, there [Page 165] can be such a Woman breathing? If I did not give Credit to you, continu'd he, I shou'd have imagin'd I had heard a Ro­mance. But, however, I am convinc'd, and think my Service for Betty but poor Recom­pence for her Return to Virtue. But I know not how to look on that injurious Woman, who may, under the Cover of Affection, still retain her Barbarity. I think it wou'd be but just and reasonable to give my Brother some Hint of her former Inhumanity. A Woman of her Cunning may counterfeit Vir­tue, when she is replete with Vice. I beg'd my Uncle not to take any farther Notice of it, 'till we had some Grounds of her return­ing to Wickedness; and if we shou'd find the least swerving from Virtue, to bring Bet­ty for Proof of what was past, and put my Father out of all manner of Danger from her Wiles, or Resentment.

I know not, said my Uncle; I like it not, and shall hardly be persuaded to conceal the Knowledge of her Perfidy. You know the old Saying, Boy, What's bred in the Bone, is never out of the Flesh. Dear Uncle, said I, let me intreat you to conceal what I have told you, till we perceive something in her Conduct to give us Cause to suspect her a­gain, [Page 166] and then you may do just as you please, He promis'd to comply with my Request, which gave me no small Satisfaction.

When we came home, we found my Fa­ther, and Mother-in-law, very merry in the Garden; but finding myself little inclin'd to Mirth, I left my Uncle to make one of the Company. Beside, I wanted to confer with Betty, but cou'd not find her all over the House. I imagin'd she might be walking under the Trees before the House, so, upon that Supposition, went to seek her; when I had got thro' the Court-Yard, I perceiv'd Betty was not there; but I cou'd not help ob­serving an old Woman prying about the House, with a Basket upon her Arm: I went to her, and demanding of her, whether she had any Business there, she answer'd she had some fine Oranges for my Lady. My Lady is at present busy, said I; but pray let me see your Oranges; which she did, after some aukward Difficulty. Her Reluctance in shewing me her Fruit, rais'd a Suspicion in my Mind, which made me resolve to be satisfy'd, if possible. They are fine Oranges, good Woman, said I; and I believe my La­dy will buy 'em all: But I wish you had some Peaches, for I have a great Mind to [Page 167] some, and wou'd give a good Price for 'em. I wish I had known that, said the old Wo­man, I cou'd have brought you some of the finest in England. I told her, if she wou'd go back and fetch 'em, I shou'd be very much oblig'd to her. You may leave your Basket in that Green-House, to secure 'em; I'll lock the Door, and give you the Key. She seem'd willing to consent to that; so I did as I said, gave her the Key, and away she went. As soon as she was out of Sight, I went the Back-way, and got into the Green-House thro' the Window. I began to examine her Basket very narrowly, yet found nothing that I expected to find; but hand­ling the Oranges, I perceiv'd one of 'em to be very light, and at last found it was hol­low. I undid it, with much Difficulty, for it was put together with Pins without Heads. In it I found a Slip of Paper roll'd up, whose Contents I transcrib'd with a Pencil:

When I had done, I put it up again, and, with much Difficulty, left it in the same Or­der as I found it. I then return'd to expect the Woman. I really imagin'd by this Let­ter, that my Mother-in-law design'd to be honest, and what she had wrote to her Ga­lant, was only a Pretext to keep him quiet. However I did design to suspend my Judg­ment [Page 169] till the next Day; and if I perceiv'd my Mother went to the Place appointed, it wou'd not be unnatural to believe her still guilty.

When the Woman brought me the Peaches, I ask'd her, if I shou'd acquaint my Mother that she was there. Yes, Sir, said she, if you please, and thank you too. I immedi­ately went, and met her coming out of the Garden. When I told her who wanted her, I cou'd perceive her Countenance change; but she hid her Confusion, by wiping her Face with her Handkerchief. I wou'd fain have follow'd her, to have observ'd (tho' at a Dis­tance) her Behaviour to the Woman; but she took her into a back Parlour, shutting the Door after her. They were a pretty while to­gether, and, when they parted, I cou'd per­ceive a great deal of Discontent in the Coun­tenance of my Mother-in-law. When the Woman was gone, I resolv'd to follow her, and try, if by any Stratagem I cou'd find my Mother's Resolutions. I soon overtook her, at which she seem'd something surpriz'd. Good Woman, said I, I came after you to know whereabouts you dwell, for your Fruit was so good, as I ride out now and then, I design to call upon you, to buy some more; [Page 170] for tho', added I, we have Fruit enough in our own Garden, it is so narrowly watch'd by the Gardener, according to my Mother's Directions, that I can never get any. That is (reply'd the old Go-between) for fear you shou'd eat too much. However, if you have a mind to traffick that way with me, I live in such a Place, I am easy enough to be found, every Child knows Goody — Well then, said I, I'll come to see you to-morrow in the Afternoon. Odso! return'd the old Woman, now I think on't, I shan't be at home to-morrow; but any other time you'll be sure to find me. Why, if you are not, said I, I suppose you have somebody at your House that can serve me. No, indeed han't I, return'd the Woman. I ask'd her so ma­ny Questions, that, tho' a Woman ignorant enough, she began to smell a Rat, and seem'd so very shy in her Answers afterwards, that plainly inform'd me she was tir'd of my Com­pany. She at last told me, she wou'd not sell me any Fruit if I came for it, for fear it shou'd do me an Injury. I try'd many Ways to bring her into Humour again, but to no Purpose, and I did not care to say any more, for fear she shou'd be confirm'd in her Suspicions. However, I kept her so long in [Page 171] Talk, that a Man met us, who I observ'd wanted to discourse the old Woman. When he came up with us, I cou'd perceive the old Woman wink at him, and seem'd to exact from him a cautious Behaviour. The Person seem'd to be in some Confusion; however, he call'd her by her Name, and ask'd whose Child I was; with a great many common Words of Pretty Youth, and so forth; but when she told him who I was, his Counte­nance express'd the utmost Confusion. He ask'd her, in a hasty manner, What Business I had with her? I don't know (said the old Woman) Master wants to buy some Fruit of me, and wou'd fain come to-morrow, and I have told him, I shan't be in the Way. If that be all, answer'd the Gentleman, looking wistfully on the old Woman, you may com­ply with the young Man, for I suppose you will not be abroad all Day. No, said the old Woman, only in the Afternoon. Why, said I, 'tis only in the Morning that I can come out; but you seem, said I to the old Woman, not very willing to part with what you deal in, to me, as perhaps doubting my Pay. But to convince you I am sincere in what I say, there's Money beforehand, and I desire you will save me two Dozen of the [Page 172] same I had of you to-day, and I'll be with you by Seven a Clock in the Morning.

She made several aukward Speeches in re­ceiving my Money; but I found the Sight of it pleas'd her very well; and so we parted. I had a strong Desire to know their Confe­rence, but I was oblig'd to be contented till the next Day. I did not doubt of my Mo­ther-in-law's going to the Place of Rendez­vous; but then I imagin'd she might go to pacify that Burleigh mention'd in the Note. However, I resolv'd with myself to keep it a Secret from my Uncle, and use my utmost Endeavour to know something of their Con­ference the next Day.

I arose next Morning, without sleeping a Wink all Night, my Thoughts were so con­fus'd and troublesome to me. I got out be­fore my Uncle, or any of the Family were stirring, except some of the Servants. I di­rected my Steps towards the Town, and met the old Woman before I had got half way. I was somewhat surpriz'd, because it was not much past Six, which was an Hour before I promis'd to come. So, said I, good Woman, you are resolv'd to save me a Walk, I see. No, Sir, said she, not for that; but I have a fresh Parcel of Oranges come in last Night, [Page 173] and my Lady order'd me to bring some of the first I had. Why, good Woman, said I, she can't want any yet, sure; you brought her a sufficient Quantity Yesterday, to serve her a great while, even as long as they will last good. I can't tell for that, said she, but as long as she order'd me to bring her some, I'll e'en carry 'em. But, said I, why did not you bring my Fruit at the same time. Laud! said the old Woman, I protest I for­got it. But I shall be back presently, and then I'll gather 'em fresh for you; for as yet, I'll assure you, they are growing. I soon found, by all this Hurry, there was another Letter to be deliver'd, and I was resolv'd to read it by fair means, or otherwise. Pray, said I, good Woman, how do you sell your Ware a Dozen? Why truly, Sir, said she, Half a Crown. Why then, said I, I'll give you the Money, and make my Mother a Present of 'em.

The Woman was struck dumb at what I said. But at last she recover'd her Confusion, and, with a stammering Tongue, told me she wou'd not do such a Thing for all the World. Pray, good Woman, said I, can you, out of your Wisdom, tell me what Reason you have for refusing me your O­ranges, [Page 174] when I offer to pay you for 'em, and carry 'em home myself, without giving you any farther Trouble? She cou'd not give me any reasonable Answer to my Que­stion; so I e'en resolv'd to declare to her my Knowledge of her Affair, which, when I had done, she fell down upon her Knees, and begg'd I wou'd forgive her; telling me, she wou'd never be guilty of the like again. Good Woman, said I, the Way to make me excuse you, and keep this a Secret, (tho' such a guilty Commerce is the greatest Crime) is to deliver me your whole Affair, and deal in­genuously with me. I have given you con­vincing Proofs that I know your Proceedings hitherto, and shall be able to judge whether you are sincere or no. Why then, truly, Sir, said she, all I have done was merely out of Necessity. Mr. Wigmore, you know, has a very persuasive Tongue, especially back'd with his Money. Well, good Woman, said I, go on, for at present, I have no Ac­quaintance with the Person you mention. Really, nor I neither, but that he has come often to our House to meet my Lady; and it was the same Person you saw with me Yester­day.

[Page 175]I was too eager to ask many Questions, therefore, I bid her tell me what was her present Errant. Nothing, Sir, but to carry a Letter in an Orange, as I did Yesterday in the Afternoon. Upon that, I took out the Orange she told me it was in, and read as follows:

When I had read the Note, I was well convinc'd my Mother was return'd to her for­mer Vice; but cou'd not determine which was the best Way, either to send the Letter, or keep it to shew my Father and Uncle, to convince 'em of her Perfidy. While I was reading the Epistle, the Woman had time to come to herself; and ask'd me how she shou'd behave in the Affair. For, said she, if I go back, Mr. Wigmore will certainly dis­cover me; therefore, if you will please to in­struct me in what I shall say to him, I will be sure to follow your Directions. Well, good Woman, said I, since you are so conde­scending, I'll ask your Advice, for I don't doubt, however you express yourself in Words, you have Cunning enough in your Business to advise me. If you think so, Sir, said she, you shall have my Counsel, such as it is. Hold then, said I, since it is so, let me do as a Client shou'd do, pay my Fee beforehand. Upon saying this, I gave her a Crown. She was very much surpriz'd at it, and view'd me from Head to Foot, as if she had said, she cou'd not imagine I was [Page 177] Master of such a Sum. When she had reco­ver'd her Speech (for old Women don't want Tongue long) I find, said she, by your Fee, you expect good Counsel; therefore I wou'd advise you, if you can counterfeit a Hand any thing like your Mother's, to send him an Answer, that shall forewarn him to come to her any more. I fear, said I, good Wo­man, we shall be found out, for such an An­swer will be too sudden for the kind Return she sent him Yesterday. Why, I think you are in the right there, reply'd the old Wo­man; and I believe it was kind enough, for he kiss'd it several times when he first had it, seeming greatly pleas'd; and since you don't approve of my Advice, I dare swear you can tell what to do without me. Pr'y-thee, said I, good Woman, know you any thing of the Affair between my Mother-in-law and this Wigmore? Your Sincerity in your Confession shall oblige me to find a Re­compence. Really, reply'd the Woman, I know nothing more, than that they have met at my House about some Dozen times; and I was so well paid, that I must freely own, I wish it had been oftner; for indeed, young Sir, I am a very poor Woman, and Money, as I told you before, carries a great deal of [Page 178] Persuasion with it; tho' I must needs own, I wou'd much rather have gotten Money ho­nestly: But then again, if I had not under­taken the Affair, somebody else wou'd; so I thought it was as much my Business as — Well, well, Mistress, I am not asking what was the Motive that induc'd you to it; I am pretty well acquainted with it already: But I wou'd know what Correspondence has been carry'd on between the Parties. Indeed, Sir, I know no more than I have told you before, that they meet at my House, and have a pri­vate Room to themselves. Mr. Wigmore and your Mother, both were Strangers to me a Twelvemonth ago; and I know no more of Mr. Wigmore now, but that he comes to our Town almost every Day, and they say he lives at a Lord's about ten Mile off, but I have forgot his Name. But, Sir, I wou'd not have you defer what you intend to do, any longer, for Mr. Wigmore will think me long a coming, and perhaps come to meet me, as he has often done. You advise well, I return'd; one Word more, and I have done. Have you no Knowledge of one Bur­leigh that is mention'd in this Note? No re­ally, Sir, said she; but I know there has been a Man with Mr. Wigmore, and his Vi­sits [Page 179] have given him much Uneasiness; but I don't know the Reason of it.

I was convinc'd by the Woman's manner of speaking, that she was sincere in what she said; and as she knew nothing more, I was resolv'd to ask her no more Questions; but being fortunately provided with a Pencil and some Paper, I wrote the following Words:

I read the Note to the old Woman, who approv'd of it. I had counterfeited my Mo­ther's Hand so well, that it cou'd hardly be distinguish'd, especially being wrote with a Pencil And I order'd the Woman to tell Mr. Wigmore, that my Mother was in a Chamber where she had not the Conveniency of Pen and Ink. The old Woman put it up in the room of the other, giving me her Promise to be very faithful in her new Com­mission. [Page 180] I gave her Assurance of being well rewarded for her Pains, and so we parted.

As I was going home, I began to consider what I had done, and soon imagin'd this Affair of my Mother's cou'd not be long a Secret; therefore I resolv'd within myself to take an Opportunity of disclosing it to her, with a faithful Account of all the Proceed­ings, as well as the Knowledge I had of her intended barbarous Design against me. I did not know, but this might deter her from her cruel Intentions. But then I began to con­sider, that in all my Readings I had learnt, the Cruelty of a Woman was hard to be re­mov'd. Therefore I determin'd to declare all to my Uncle, and take his Advice upon't.

When I came home, the Family were at Breakfast, which was something earlier than usual; but I was soon acquainted with the Reason, for my good Mother-in-law, it seems, did design to set out immediately to see a Friend that was dangerously Ill. As this was no new thing, so it alarm'd no one but me; for the good Woman pretended to understand abundance of things, and was a se­cond Lady Bountiful. This Practice, I suppose, she took up to blind the Eyes of my Father [Page 181] and Family, that they might not look too narrowly into her Actions. When I was sat among 'em, I was ask'd to drink Tea, but I excus'd myself, by telling 'em I had my Breakfast already, and look'd my Mother full in the Face; but she regarded me not, having, I suppose, her Thoughts taken up concerning that Day's Business. Pray, said my Uncle, have you broke your Fast with Homer, or Virgil, this Morning? Neither, Sir, said I; I have kept no other Company but Juvenal to-day. And why so fond of Satyr, Sir? said my Uncle; that favours of Ill-Nature. True, Sir, I return'd; for I cannot think the Writings of either Juvenal or Petronius, true Copies of those Times: I cannot imagine either the Men, or the Wo­men, such Monsters of Iniquity, as those Authors represent 'em. That, reply'd my Uncle, proceeds from the simple Innocence of thy own Thoughts: But we have In­stances every Day of the Inhumanity, and all other vicious Principles, of either Sex. Are not the Sessions-Papers frequently fill'd with barbarous and inhuman Murders, Men of their Wives, and Wives of their Hus­bands and Children? But the crying Sin of Murder is oftner perpetrated by the Women [Page 182] than the Men, being their Passions are more violent and vindictive, and once enter'd in the Road of Wickedness, they generally travel to the End on't.

I observ'd, my Mother-in-law did not ve­ry well relish the Discourse, therefore order'd her Pad to be ready. What, said my Uncle, does my Sister go alone? Sure, it will not be improper for a Servant to wait on her, No Sir, reply'd my Mother, I always visit my Patients alone, for this Reason; if I shou'd take a Servant with me, they wou'd presume on the Benefit the Patient might hope to re­ceive, expecting some Reward; which to a­void, I never take one with me. Beside, I am so well known round me Country, that I never met with any Insults from any one. Nay, said my Uncle, smiling, Innocence and Virtue are sufficient Guards; and those, I don't doubt, but my Sister takes along with her. She made him no Answer, but imme­diately mounted, and rode away. As soon as she was gone, I ran up to the Top of the House, where was a Cupola that command­ed a large Prospect. I perceiv'd, ere she had got a Quarter of a Mile from our House, she met a Countryman, who stop'd, and discours'd together. I had a Perspective in [Page 183] my Study, which I had brought up with me, and I cou'd plainly perceive they were very earnest in Discourse; for I cou'd di­stinguish their Countenances as plain as if they had not been forty Yards from me. Af­ter talking some time, I observ'd my Mother stoop down to kiss him (first looking about if the Coast was clear) then turn'd her Horse's Head, in order to come home again, as I thought. Upon this I immediately went down to acquaint my Uncle with my Morn­ing's Adventure, but was inform'd that my Father and He were shut up together in his Closet. As they had lock'd the Door, I suppos'd they had no mind to be disturb'd, therefore retir'd, with a Mind in the utmost Confusion of Thought; for I imagin'd, with Probability enough, that my Uncle was acquainting my Father with what I had in­form'd him of my Mother-in-law.

The Anxiety I felt for what I suppos'd wou'd follow, when all was discover'd, al­most robb'd me of my Understanding. I took several hasty Turns in the Court-Yard, without knowing where I was. At last it occur'd to my Memory, that I had seen my Mother-in-law turn her Horse's Head, in or­der, as I imagin'd, to come Home, but won­der'd [Page 184] at her Delay, for more time was past than was necessary for her Return, at a mo­derate Pace. After waiting, and not seeing her, I began to think she had alter'd her Re­solution, and proceeded on her intended wicked Journey. While I was ruminating on this wretched Affair, my Father and Uncle came to me. My Uncle told me, he had been depositing a Copy of his Will into my Father's Hands, that if Death shou'd pay him a Visit unexpectedly, and the Lawyer out of the way, we might, by having Re­course to that Copy, know how far I was be­holden to him.

After some Talk, I took an Opportunity to let my Uncle know I had something to communicate to him, who was as forward to give me an Occasion of talking with him. When we were disengag'd from my Father, I acquainted my Uncle with what I had done Yesterday, and this Morning, and what Ob­servations I had made on my Mother-in-law. Certainly, said my Uncle, this Woman as far exceeds the lascivious Queen of Naples in Wickedness, as she did the rest of her Sex. What think you, Sir, said I, if we take Horse, and follow her? It may be we may have the Fortune of finding the Bottom of [Page 185] this Intrigue; or at least, from thence, know how to form your Behaviour to her and my Father. My Uncle lik'd my Advice so well, that we immediately mounted our Horses, without letting my Father know of our go­ing. Ere we had gone half a Mile, the Horse my Uncle rode on, which was one of my Father's, fell a neighing, and was an­swer'd by another in a neighbouring Thicket. As we went forward, the Horse seem'd wil­ling to go that way. Nay, said my Uncle, if you have such a Mind to go out of the Road, I'll humour you for once; it may be, as we are Knights-Errant, we may meet with some extraordinary Adventure. According­ly, he gave the Horse the Reins, and he readily enter'd the Copse. The first thing our Eyes encounter'd, was my Mother's Pad ty'd to a Tree; and a little farther, behind some Shrubs, we discover'd my good Mother-in-law, and a likely Country-Fellow, very familiar together. You may guess their Sur­prize at the Sight of us; and ours was al­most as great. But my Mother-in-law reco­ver'd herself the soonest, ran to Horse, mounted without any Help, and rode off. On my Conscience, said my Uncle, the ho­nest Countryman has put Vigour into her [Page 186] Ladyship; but I think it a Pity he shou'd go unrewarded, and that he may be the fitter for running, we'll make him something lighter.

The Man found it was to no Purpose to attempt running away, as he was on Foot, therefore he approach'd us with a submissive Behaviour, and beg'd our Pardon, imagin­ing we were Strangers to my Father and his Wife; telling us, he hop'd we wou'd not ex­pose a Lady to an injur'd Husband's Resent­ment. Sir, said I, I remember you now, notwithstanding your Disguise, and this is not the first time you have seen me: Call to mind Yesterday; look in my Face, and then consider the Injury you have done my worthy Father and his Family. I then in­form'd my Uncle, this was the Person that met me Yesterday conversing with the old Woman who was the Letter-Carrier. Then, said the disguis'd Countryman, I find all is discover'd! But, if you are Persons of Ho­nour, you will not oppress a naked Man. I own my Guilt, nay, will confess the whole Progress of it, if you will forgive me: Do but keep it a Secret from the Husband, and I farther vow, never to be guilty that way again.

[Page 187]I am a Gentleman of a good Family, but fallen to Decay. Necessity first drew me in­to this criminal Conversation with the Lady; tho' I must own, notwithstanding our Dispa­rity of Years, I have a tender Regard for her. Youth do not always weigh their Ac­tions, and, for want of Thought, plunge in­to Crimes, we are afterwards asham'd of. Well, young Man, said my Uncle, tho' you have injur'd a noble Family, yet, as you seem to repent of your past Folly, and if you fulfill your Promise of revealing this black Correspondence, I shall freely pardon you, and desire never to see you more. I thank you, reply'd the Offender; but I must farther beg you to mend your Promise, by concealing this Affair from all the World. Well, said my Uncle, notwithstanding this Woman's Wickedness, which you are a Stranger to, at least, the worst Part of her vile Intentions, I will, with this young Gen­tleman's Consent (pointing at me) keep this a Secret, till we have Reason to suspect she continues in her wicked Courses. That's all I ask, or can well desire, said the Gentle­man in Disguise, and began as follows.

I was born younger Brother to a numerous Issue, and therefore design'd for a Trades­man. [Page 188] I was put Prentice to a Mercer in the City, where I learnt little else but Idleness and Intriguing; and wronging my Master, by mispending his Time and Money. You may perceive, Gentlemen, said he, I intend to be sincere, by revealing the Crimes of my first setting out in the World. My Fellow-Prentices, I believe, had no more Honesty than myself, tho' we were never privy to each others Secrets. Before I had serv'd three Years of my Time, my Master found his Business in a very declining Condition; as indeed how cou'd it be otherwise, when he had so many Harpies about him. His Friends, to do him Service, had a Statute of Bankrup­cy taken out against him, which, in a Year or two turn'd much to his Advantage; for by that means he got rid of his Creditors, and his Servants.

He has since marry'd a good Fortune, and drives a flourishing Trade. My Relations press'd him to accept of me for the Remain­der of my Time, but he had too just an Opinion of me, to comply with their Re­quests. The Character I bore, was the Ob­stacle that no one of the Trade wou'd enter­tain me; and my Relations perceiving how Matters went, thought it was to no Purpose [Page 189] to think of the Counter for me, therefore prevail'd upon a noble Lord to accept me for his Gentleman, who, out of Regard to my Family, us'd me like one. 'Tis needless to inform you of the many Intrigues I went thro' while I was a Retainer with this noble Peer; but I shall proceed to the Affair with this Lady.

The first time I saw her, was at a neigh­bouring Gentlewoman's, a Relation to our Family, and a Lover of Intrigues. Once every Week she had an Assembly, where all the idle People of Fashion resorted to Game, and make merry. I observ'd, she often cast a favourable Eye upon me, tho' it was some time before I took any Notice of it. But one Day losing a considerable Sum at Qua­drille, I was walking very melancholy alone in the Garden, with troubled Thoughts how to get more; I was interrupted in my Medi­tations by this Lady, who, after much Talk of indifferent Matters, told me, a young Gentleman without Money, made but a dis­mal Figure. Come, come, said she, don't let's lose your Company for want of a little Trash. Gamesters have various Fortune; she may cast a more favourable Eye upon you, at your next Trial; therefore there's a [Page 190] Hundred Pieces to tempt her; I don't doubt but you will soon be in a Capacity to pay me.

I was so overjoy'd at the Sight of the Mo­ney, that I was too eager for Play, to return her then the suitable Thanks for so great a Favour; but immediately hurry'd among the Gamesters, and in less than an Hour, reco­ver'd my own Money, and a handsom Sum beside, at Basset. Immediately after, the Company broke up Play, and went to Sup­per. My good Fortune had so much eleva­ted me, that I had no Stomach to eat (for I believe Extremes either way, for some time, spoil the Appetite) therefore I took a Walk in the Garden again, in a far better Temper than when I was there before. I had not walked long, ere I perceiv'd the Lady in the same Walk; but whether she had conti­nu'd there, or had come after me, I cou'd not tell, for my good Fortune had quite blinded me. However, I went up to her, and thank'd her for the great Favour I had receiv'd; and was fumbling for the Money to repay her. Come, said she, I am not in such Haste, we'll find a Time to be paid; after Supper, no doubt, you'll try the fickle Dame again, therefore keep it, till I demand [Page 191] it of you; it's very possible I may soon stand in as much need of it, as you did some time ago; till then, you shall be my Banker.

I don't know how much farther we shou'd have proceeded, if we had not been interrupt­ed by some of the Company; which she per­ceiving coming towards us, gave me a gentle Press by the Fingers, and left me. It was not very difficult to guess, she had a farther Meaning in leaving her Money in my Hands, and I must own I was not displeas'd with the Thoughts of it, for even her Person did not seem despicable to me; so, on that Score, I shou'd not need much Constraint in my Com­pliance; but the Pleasure of being paid for whatever Trouble I shou'd be at, was the most prevailing Argument. The next As­sembly I was prevented in making one of the Company, because my Lord took me out a Hunting. The Morning following, an old Woman brought me this Letter (pulling one out of his Bosom) which I took from him, by my Uncle's Order. See, Billy, said he, if it be that ill Woman's Hand; when I as­sur'd him it was, I read the Contents as fol­lows;

I was very well pleas'd with this Billet, and took Instructions where to wait on the La­dy. When Evening came, I went to the Place appointed, where I found her waiting with some Impatience, as she told me. The old Woman left us alone; and it was not long ere we came to a right Understanding, which Acquaintance has continu'd upwards of four Years; yet I must own to you, her Conver­sation was always agreeable to me, setting a­side my Interest. But, Sir, said I, in one of your Letters you sent a Day or two ago, you mention one Burleigh, and that you fear'd some rash Proceedings from him. Pray what do you know of him? Really, very little, re­ply'd Wigmore: But I am very much sur­priz'd [Page 193] that you know any thing of that Let­ter; I never thought the old Woman wou'd have betray'd me. No, said I, she has not betray'd you, she was only over-reach'd; tho' now, I believe, she repents of her past Actions. Why then, said Wigmore, the Hand of Heaven has pointed her out as a Mark for my Repentance, which I will sincerely, for all my past Follies. Well, Sir, said my Uncle, I am inclin'd to believe you. But pray, to make me stronger in that Faith, deliver us what Letters you have of hers. Upon my Ho­nour, I'll never put 'em to a wrong Use. I shall confide in you, reply'd Mr. Wigmore, and therefore put 'em into your Hands. I carry 'em always about me, that no Accident shou'd discover our Affair: But I am con­vinc'd Heaven will not let such Actions be ever a Secret. You may see, added he, how they follow'd one another, because I have number'd 'em as I receiv'd 'em. After my Uncle had given him some wholsome Ad­vice relating to Conduct in Life, we left him.

Well, said my Uncle, now let's examine the Contents of these fine Epistles. Come, Billy, your Eyes are younger than mine, read 'em. I then open'd Numb. 2. (having read Numb. 1. before) which was as follows:

Well said! cry'd my Uncle; the Woman was well pleas'd, I find. She writes pretty plain. But what will not Women do, when they abandon Modesty! But come, to the next. Let's have some more of her Wit and Parts.

O Woman, Woman! said my Uncle, how ripe in Wickedness! The most profligate of Man wou'd not have been open-hearted so soon. But come, let's make an End with her as fast as we can, for I have almost enough of her.

Sure, said my Uncle, this is the Quintes­sence of all ill Women put together! But on.

Pray, said my Uncle, is there no Date to these loving Epistles? No Sir, said I; but we may guess pretty near the Time by my Brother's having the Small-Pox, which is near three Years ago. Well, on to the next, said my Uncle.

Oh the Devil! said my Uncle; shall such a wicked Wretch as this Woman, pretend to taste of the heavenly Drops of Poetry, when all Hell is in her Soul! It is the greatest [Page 199] Profanation to the Muses. Yet tho' Clio can­not tune her Lyre, Melpomene presides over her black Soul, together with Alecto, and the rest of the Furies. This Woman wou'd have been well pleas'd to have been a Samorin Wife ^*. But I hope, continu'd my Uncle, there is not many more. Yes, Sir, said I, there's Five more; and I find by the Num­bers, there's some wanting, for the next is Numb. 9. Those, reply'd my Uncle, no doubt, contain'd something too dangerous to be kept. As we were preparing to read the next Letter, we cou'd perceive running to­wards us, the Person they were sent to. We were something surpriz'd at his Return; but when he came up to us (for we stood still to [Page 200] read the Letters,) he told us (almost out of Breath with running) that Burleigh was com­ing the same way, and no doubt, for no good, for I know he has been disappointed by my Lady, concerning the receiving of Money, which Disappointment has so much exaspera­ted him, that he resolves to ruin my Lady, tho' I know not by what Means. We per­ceived a Man about a Quarter of a Mile be­hind us, bending his Course towards our House, the Foot-Way. My Uncle ask'd what was best to be done? Why Sir, said Mr. Wigmore, if you will give me Leave to advise you, I wou'd have you prevent his getting to my Lady's, if possible, for this Time; who knows what may follow? I in­tend, if you approve of it, to write to my Lady, which Letter, if you please, you shall see first; wherein I will declare all Correspon­dence, for the future, shall be intirely broke off between us; and, to convince her I am sincere in what I write, to crush all her Hopes at once, in a few Days I intend to embark for Virginia, where I have some Relations in Power, that I am assur'd will provide for me. Do so, said my Uncle. But how shall we see this Letter? Why, return'd Mr. Wig­more, I'll be walking before the Court-Gate, [Page 201] under the great Trees, three Hours hence. My Disguise will prevent my being known by any one, but you two Gentlemen, or my Lady; and if I can meet with my Lady, I shou'd be pleas'd to deliver the Letter to her myself. Well, said my Uncle, let it be so. But Will tells me, there's some Letters mis­sing, as you have number'd 'em. Pray what might they contain, if it is not improper to know? Really, reply'd Mr. Wigmore, I can't very well remember the Contents, but, in gross, they were something too free for a Woman's Pen. I believe, said my Uncle, if the Story of the Norman Monk was true ^*, and this Woman was in his Condi­tion, [Page 202] it wou'd not be hard to guess which Angel wou'd have the Guardianship of her Ladyship. Come, Sir, said Mr. Wigmore, may be Heaven intends all for the best. I hope so too, reply'd my Uncle; but I fear, without a Miracle, she'll go the other Way, for all that. However, I'll wait patiently, tho' with little Hope; more for the Peace and Quiet of my Brother and his Family, than any good Will to such a wicked Woman.

I fear, Sir, said I, you will not have Time enough for Reflexion now, for Burleigh walks at a very great Rate; therefore, the sooner we think how to prevent his getting to the House, the better. Od so! said my Uncle, that's true; then let us be gone, and leave Mr. Wigmore to think of his Epistle.

[Page 203]The Horse-Road to our House was even with the Foot-Road, 'till within a Furlong of the Gate, and then there was no other Way but the common Road. We kept just before Burleigh all the way, and as he came over the last Style, he stumbled, and fell on his Face. Why, how now! honest Friend, said my Uncle, you seem so much in haste, that you don't regard your Way. Take care. Re­member the old Saying, The more Haste, the worse Speed; which has indeed no other Mean­ing, than when People go about things un­lawful, they shou'd not succeed. If you were a Roman now, you shou'd take that for an ill Omen. Why, (reply'd Burleigh, something surlily) what Matter is it to you, or any bo­dy else, whether I am a Roman, or a Prote­stant, a Dissenter, or a Muggletonian, an Ana­baptist, or a Quaker, or — Hold, hold! cry'd my Uncle (smiling at his Absurdity) you seem to be pretty perfect in the Names of many Opinions; and yet I fancy you are a mere Stranger to the Tenets of any of 'em. I am well skill'd in Physiognomy, and to assure you that I am, you are now going about a black Work, that, let it go which way it will, must, of mere Necessity, bring you into ex­treme Danger and Trouble.

[Page 204]Why, the Devil's in the Gentleman, (re­ply'd Burleigh, with a less-assur'd Tone than at first) or if the Devil is not in you, you must be the Devil himself, or at least a Con­juror. Good Friend, return'd my Uncle, I am neither the Devil, nor a Conjuror; and yet I can tell, and foretell; and farther, I as­sure you (looking him full in the Face, which put the other out of Countenance) if you pro­ceed in this Business, you'll be in some Dan­ger of a Halter. Examine your Conscience. You know if what I say be true, or no. Re­turn from whence you came: And, for the future, amend your Life, and know me for your Friend. Amend your Life, and know me for your Friend! cry'd Burleigh, muttering; sure I am asleep, and all this is a Dream. He stood some time gazing at my Uncle, and then at me. Pray Sir, said he, after a Pause, who the Devil are you, and what Business have you with me? I am going about my Affairs, and shan't stay any longer losing my Time. Up­on saying this, he was pressing on. But my Uncle cross'd him with his Horse, and cal­ling him by his Name, with a menacing Tone, told him, he shou'd severely repent it, if he mov'd a Step farther towards that House, pointing at my Father's; neither is the Lady [Page 205] whom you go to seek, at home, she's gone to visit a sick Person. Return three Days hence, and it may be you will meet with better Suc­cess than you expect. Whether my Uncle's stern Looks frighted him, or that he really thought him the Devil, I can't tell; but at those last Words, he went back again over the Style, turn'd to give us another Look, and ran back the Way he came, as fast as his Legs cou'd carry him.

There is more, said my Uncle, in a guilty Conscience, than a Brace of Evidences. 'Tis not impossible but this is the sure Means of your Mother's getting rid of this troublesome Retainer; so I suppose there will be an annual Pension sav'd. But what shall we do with this Woman? If she has any Grace left, the best way of shewing it will be, to hang herself out of the way; for, I must own, I cannot find any other Method to give Peace to the Fami­ly. If we shou'd conceal these horrible Crimes in Hopes of her Amendment, and she shou'd commit more, we are in some sort accessary. But Heaven guide us for the best! We must proceed as Things occurr. When the Groom had taken our Horses, my Uncle ask'd him, if he knew where his Master was. He an­swer'd, that he rid out presently after us, be­ing [Page 206] inform'd we were taking the Air, and that he took the same Road as we had done. Sure, said my Uncle, softly to me, Provi­dence, by its secret Workings, intends to re­claim this Woman; or, by its mysterious Darkness, will have her stumble into more Wickedness; for my Brother's missing us must be almost a Miracle. Pr'ythee let's go into the Summer-House, and think on these wretched Accidents over again.

As we went thro' the Hall, I saw Betty at work, and letting my Uncle go before, I in­form'd her, in brief, of the Day's Affair. She seem'd quite dead with my Relation. For God's sake! said she, if you have any Value for your own Life, get out of her Power; for if she can be so wicked to do as you say, I fear she'll arrive at the same Pitch she was at before. I must own, continu'd she, my own Life is but of small Value, and I wou'd free­ly part with it to atone for my past Crimes, if it cou'd save my dear Master's; but, me­thinks, I wou'd not have it made a Sacrifice to a revengeful Woman, who will be sure to rid her Hands of me, because she remembers I know her former wicked Intention.

Well, Betty, said I, rest contented, you are provided for, if you can like my Uncle's Ser­vice; [Page 207] for I have prevail'd upon him to accept you for his Housekeeper; therefore, whenever you think fit, you may leave my Lady, and be receiv'd there, without any other Recom­mendation. She was very much rejoic'd at the agreeable News, telling me, such good For­tune was far beyond her Hopes; yet nothing, she told me, cou'd make her easy, till I was entirely out of my Mother-in-law's Reach. Well, Betty, I return'd, I hope every thing will be determin'd in a few Days, and so fol­low'd my Uncle.

When I came into the Summer-House to him, he ask'd me why I staid? When I in­form'd him, he did not seem pleas'd. It had not been much matter (said he) Billy, whether Betty had been let into the Secret so soon; but however, it can't be help'd; I must own she knows enough already to be trusted with every thing. We canvass'd the Matter over several times, but cou'd make very little of it; and before we cou'd come to any Resolution, Betty interrupted us, by bringing a Letter directed to my Uncle, which she said, the Messenger that brought it told her, it required no An­swer. Pr'ythee, Billy, said my Uncle, read it, for I have no Secrets shall be hid from you. As soon as I had cast my Eyes on the Direc­tions, [Page 208] I told him it was my Mother-in-law's Hand. Odso! said he, this is an Honour in­deed! for I never was favour'd so far before. But let us hear what her Ladyship can say for herself. May be it's a Letter of leave to dis­pose of her sweet Person; or rather, now I think on't, to be careful of her dear Wig­more. But read it, that we may be acquainted with her Commands.

That Word, Affectionate, at last, said my Uncle, puts me out of Conceit with all the rest. However, we'll comply, and beg the Hand of Heaven to guide us. While we were debating, my Father came in. I thought, said he, you were both run away, you disap­pear'd so suddenly. Pray, which way went you? And how was it possible for me to miss you? We only rid into the Copse after a Hare, reply'd my Uncle, that a Country­man inform'd us he saw there, but the Grey­hound lost her.

We took several Turns in the Garden, and I cou'd not look upon my Father without the Tears coming into my Eyes. How different, [Page 210] thought I, is this Woman from my dear Mo­ther! And how unhappy has a second Mar­riage made the Family! My Father took Notice of my Melancholy, asking if I was out of Order? But my Uncle made him an Answer; for the Question came so much un­look'd for, that I cou'd not tell what to say. Billy, said he, I believe is out of Humour, be­cause I hinder'd his going to pore over his Books, for he thinks every Hour lost out of such Company. I made him no Answer, which confirm'd what my Uncle said. I hope, Billy, return'd my Father, has read e­nough not to take any thing Ill his Uncle says. My Uncle finding he cou'd not make me dissipate that Discontent that sat on my Countenance, turn'd the Discourse, and by that brought me out of my Confusion. Our uneasy Conversation was broke by the Ring­ing of the Bell for Dinner, where I was forc'd to eat against my Stomach, for fear my Fa­ther shou'd take more Notice of me.

When we had din'd, my Father went to take a Nap, as usual, which gave my Uncle and me an Opportunity of waiting, without Observation, for Mr. Wigmore, with his Letter. About Three in the Afternoon, we saw him approach us, in the same Disguise, he had on [Page 211] in the Morning. We went out to meet him, that we might not be observ'd by the Servants of the House. When he was within hear­ing, my Uncle bid him turn back, and we wou'd follow to the Copse.

When we came there, said Mr. Wigmore, This Place strengthens the Memory of my Crimes I have already repented of, and shall to my dying Breath. Here, Sir, is the Let­ter I promis'd in the Morning, and whatever Fault you find with it, I'll do my Endeavour to mend it. My Uncle took the Letter, and gave it me to read, which was as fol­lows:

Well, said my Uncle, as there is, I hope, Truth in it, there's no Want of Rhetoric. But how must this be deliver'd to the good Gentlewoman now? It will not be at all proper for either my Nephew, or me, to have a Hand in't, for that may raise Suspi­cions. Suppose, reply'd Mr. Wigmore, we shou'd give it Mrs. Betty: With all my Heart, said my Uncle, if Billy approves on't. I must own (I reply'd) that is the safest Method we can take; but, as the Case stands, Betty must know the Contents, or she will not deliver it. We agreed it shou'd be so, and took our Leaves of Mr. Wigmore, with Thoughts of [Page 213] never seeing him more. I must confess, I cou'd not look upon him without the utmost Horror, tho' his Guilt was not near of so black a Dye as my Mother-in-law's. And I had such a Conflict between Reason and Rage, that I had often Thoughts, young as I was, to call him to a more strict Account; but the Hopes of his going abroad, laid asleep my Resentment. I thought I made but an odd Figure in tamely listening to these Inter­views; and told my Uncle afterwards what I had suffer'd. 'Tis well, Boy, said he, smi­ling, he that conquers his Passions, over­comes his greatest Enemy. Even Scipio cou'd do no more.

When we came home, we were told my Father was still asleep. I therefore went to find out Betty, to give her the Letter, and proper Instructions; first acquainting her with the Contents. This, Betty, may work upon her. I pray Heaven it may (says Betty) for if she still continues her ill Life, there's no farther Hopes, we must discover all to your Father, to prevent her Ill Designs for the future. While I was talking with Betty, my Uncle came to us, and, in a merry man­ner, told her, he shou'd soon have Occasion for her; nay, he wou'd be sure to manage it, [Page 214] that her Mistress shou'd give her Consent. But, said my Uncle, I think I ought to li­mit your Power, for my last Lady had some­thing too much. However, I'll take your Word, and William's Bond, for the Perform­ance of Articles. But, to think of more se­rious Matters, continu'd my Uncle, I wish my Brother cou'd be got out of the way, when his good Lady arrives, that we may have a little more Freedom of Conversation; for I am not yet fully determin'd what to do with her. Sir, said I, I know the ready way to send him abroad; only tell him, in such a Place is a Covy of Partridges, and he and his Man will soon leave us; neither is it a Falshood, for the other Morning, as I was going to meet the old Woman, a Covy sprung up almost under my Feet. Be it so then, said my Uncle; and here he comes, get him out of the way as fast as you can. I then went to my Father, and inform'd him of what I knew; who immediately call'd for his Man, his Dog, and his Gun, and out he went, first asking us if we wou'd accompany him, but my Uncle excus'd himself, and me too.

He had not been gone above half a Hour, but my Mother-in-law came in, with a Coun­tenance full of penitential Sorrow. As soon [Page 215] as ever she had an Opportunity, she fell at my Uncle's Feet, and with her Face sprinkled with Tears, and a broken Voice, interrupted with Sighs, spoke to my Uncle after this man­ner.

How shall I look up? or what shall I do to gain Credit for what I am going to say? It is but justice to suspect the Sincerity of my Words, after what your Eyes have seen. But be assur'd, from this Day, I will take my Date of Virtue. While I have Life, never will I wrong my worthy Husband, even with a Thought. What a gaping Ruin have I a­voided, if you will be prevail'd upon by Re­pentance, to believe me! And to gain more Credit from you, I am oblig'd to let you know, that even Adultery is not my greatest Sin. I have, since you saw me last, weigh'd well my past Crimes, and think there is not such another wicked Woman breathing. But Heaven, I hope, has in its infinite Stock of Mercy, Forgiveness in store for a sincere Re­pentance. If my Words cannot gain Credit, let your Sword blot out with my Blood, my former Wickedness! I know I have deserv'd Death, and shall with Satisfaction resign my self to your Punishment; if you can conceal my Crimes, you may term it Accident, or [Page 216] whatever you think fit, for I am even weary of this World, made burdensome to me by the Weight of Sin I have laid upon myself, and wou'd freely make an End of this wretch­ed Being with my own Hands, but that I consider, I shou'd commit a Crime never to be repented of; and take away all Hopes of Salvation, even in the very Act. Tho' I doubt not but Sorrow, in a few Days, will end my Crimes with my Life, and the sooner that Day comes, the sooner I shall be rid of a terrible Load of Reflexion, even worse than Death itself. Here Tears choak'd her Words, and she sunk to the Ground, quite overwhelm'd with Sorrow.

Well, Madam, said my Uncle, raising her, if all this Grief is not real, you are an excellent Counterfeit: But I am willing to be­lieve you sincere in your Confession. And, for my own Part, I'll strive to forget all that's past, or think of it as a Dream. But you must pardon me, if I am more careful for the future, in observing your Actions; for if you shou'd make an ill Use of my Credulity, I shou'd, in some sort, be guilty. Sir, said my Mother-in-law, Words are too poor to speak my Thanks, but you shall find my Sin­cerity by my Actions. If in the least of all [Page 217] my future ones, you find me erring, I shall expect no Admonition from you, but to be deliver'd up to the Hands of Justice. And that you may have it in your Power to call me to an Account when you please, I shall suc­cinctly tell you which way I deserve the worst of Deaths. She then related what you have read already, concerning her first Husband's Death, but solemnly protested, the Poison was given him by Mistake; for tho' she pro­cur'd it for that Intent, yet she had repented of her wicked Design; and it being put into the Closet by Mistake, among some Cordials, the Nurse gave it her Husband as such; for she was so far from believing that he came by his Death thro' her Means, that she accus'd the Apothecary's Man, and had follow'd the Accusation, if she had not found out the Mis­take. I must own, I had a guilty Commerce with the Apothecary, who left off making his Visits after my Husband's unfortunate End. This Proceeding exasperated me so far, that I often wish'd his Death; and the Devil, to back my Wishes, brought me acquainted with one Burleigh, who us'd to work in the Gar­dens, as Helper to the Gardener, tho' other­wise a Trooper. He undertook the black Deed; and the Day he first knew my Mind, [Page 218] he put me past the Power to recall it, by ma­king an End of the unfortunate Man; for e­ven as soon as I parted with him, I repented of the Crime; and tho' I sought him all the Day after, to prevent the Deed, I never set Eyes on him, till he came to tell me my Com­mands were obey'd. The Concern I felt at the wicked News, cou'd hardly be express'd by Words; but the Wretch, taking hold of my Weakness, made me comply with every thing he desir'd, and even to this Day com­pels me to maintain him.

All the while she was relating her horrid Deeds, my Uncle seem'd perfectly Thunder­struck. Who wou'd think, said he, one Wo­man cou'd be so wicked! Sir, said she, that is not all. Then she proceeded to tell us of her Designs against me; but that, said she, I have long since repented of, as my worst of Crimes.

Well, said my Uncle, I hope by this Con­fession, we shall find your future Sincerity. But what do you propose to do with this Bur­leigh? It was with some Difficulty I prevent­ed his coming here to-day. Tho' I am a­maz'd to find you know any thing of him, said my Mother-in-law, yet I shou'd be much oblig'd to you for your Advice in this Af­fair. [Page 219] Well, said my Uncle, in Hopes of fu­ture Amendment, I have it in my Head to get rid of him, which shall be done to-mor­row, if you'll let me know where to find him. This, Sir, said she, will double all my Obli­gations to you. I'll give you a Direction in Writing. While she was writing the Direc­tion, Betty brought her Mr. Wigmore's Let­ter, which she took and read. Well, said she, I take Heaven to have a Hand in my Conversion, for here's another Convert, which very much pleases me, because I was troubled before how to make an End with him. She then related what had past between 'em. And all her Relations agreed so well with what we knew before, that we thought it a Crime in us, not to believe her Promises for her future Be­haviour.

A little while after, Word was brought us my Father was come home. How, said my Mother-in-law, shall I look upon that dear injur'd Face, without betraying my Guilt? When I was envelop'd in Sin, without Thought of Repentance, I cou'd form my Behaviour as I thought fit, without any Difficulty; but now, I cannot tell how to appear before him, without the utmost Confusion. Pray, said my Uncle, let this be the last Act of Dissembling, [Page 220] and hide from him the Combat in your Mind. Time will bring you to the Tranquillity of Virtue again.

When my Father came to us, he seem'd very much pleas'd with his Diversion. What, said he, you must be idling at home, while I am oblig'd to go abroad to procure you a Sup­per. Well, I have got every Man his Bird. 'Tis your Duty, reply'd my Uncle, to pro­vide for your Family; tho' Billy and I are, at present, Interlopers. Heyday! cry'd my Fa­ther, What's the matter with Jane! (mean­ing his Wife) are your Patients got well upon your Hands, my Dear, that you have not an Opportunity of shewing your Art, you look so melancholy? I am not very well, my Dear, reply'd my Mother, in some Confusion. I am sorry for that, return'd my Father. But as you can cure other People, I hope you know what's good for yourself. Yes, Sir, said she, I have been troubled with it a great while; 'tis a Heaviness of Heart, but I have taken that I hope will cure it. A Heaviness of Heart, reply'd my Father! there's nothing cures that Distemper like a Glass or two of good Wine; nay, I think it a general Cure for all Diseases, and the sooner you take the Remedy, the sooner you'll get rid of your [Page 221] Malady. I think, said my Uncle, that Phy­sic is good for us all, therefore let's have it. While the Wine was gone for, my Father seem'd to caress his Wife, which occasion'd her bursting into Tears. Pray, said he, my Dear, tell me what is it disturbs you. In Truth, Sir, said she, I am not very well, and beg leave I may go to Bed; perhaps Rest may help me. So saying, she took leave of the Company, and retir'd. When my Fa­ther had drank a Glass of Wine, he follow'd her to know how she did, and left my Uncle and me together.

Well, Billy, said he, what think you of Affairs? Do you believe she is sincere in her Protestations? Yes, really Sir, said I, if she does continue it. I am confounded, return'd my Uncle, at what I have heard. If she shou'd be as good as her Word, and let murdering Sorrow make an End of her, I must confess I shou'd be very easy, notwithstanding her Peni­tence. However, we must find out Burleigh to-morrow, and get rid of him: And tho' I am assur'd he deserves an Halter, yet I'll give him a few Pieces to send him into another Part of the World, with all my Heart, and then, sure, she will be easy. I am of your Opinion, Sir, said I; I fansy her Decline of [Page 222] Years will prevent her seeking another Lover. I do not know that, reply'd my Uncle, that itching Folly never considers Years; howe­ver, I believe we have nothing to fear from her; but if we shou'd be deceiv'd, I shou'd never forgive myself. I must own, 'tis but seldom Virtue succeeds Vice, yet such things have been, and therefore may happen again. We have all the Prospect we can desire, in the Confession of her Guilt; for as she was igno­rant of our Knowledge of it, she might have spar'd the Relation, if she had not intended for the future to amend her Life. We had much Discourse concerning her, till interrupt­ed by my Father, who told us, his Wife seem'd very much indispos'd, but he hop'd Rest wou'd restore her. For my own Part, I freely declare, her Death wou'd certainly have griev'd me; but the Content I shou'd have found from the Family's being intirely out of her Power, wou'd have soon wip'd a­way my Tears.

After Supper, I inform'd Betty of all Pas­sages, whose Hopes and Fears agreed with mine, tho' our Hopes, by far, over-balanc'd our Fears.

In the Morning, my Uncle told my Fa­ther, that he and I had a Visit to make, and [Page 223] very possibly might be oblig'd to stay Dinner. Accordingly, we took Horse, but in order to find out Burleigh, who liv'd in an obscure Vil­lage three Miles from my Father's. When we arriv'd, we cou'd perceive him running out of the Back-Door, at the first Sight of us; and I believe wou'd have got away from us, if his Over-haste had not often made him fall in the Stubble. When we overtook him, my Uncle ask'd him, why he made such Haste from his best Friends? Why, to tell you the Truth, Sir, said he, I don't care for conversing with the Devil, for I can hardly take you for any thing else. Why, said my Uncle, were you not afraid of conversing with him, when you made away with Mr. — the Apothecary? for Murder is always insti­gated by the Devil. At these Words, the Fellow fell a trembling, and cry'd out, I am a dead Man! No, said my Uncle, tho' Murder shou'd never be forgiven, and tho' I am no Devil, yet I have sufficient Reasons to assist you in making your Escape; for if you stay Four and Twenty Hours, Justice will lay hold on you, and there will be no other Road to get away, but that of the Gallows. In short, such a Person, naming my Mother-in-law, has discover'd it. Now I wou'd save [Page 224] both your Lives, which cannot be done with­out you fly immediately. Alas! Sir, said Burleigh, whither shou'd I fly? I have no Money, or Friends, or I wou'd be gone with all my Heart. For that, said my Uncle, I'll take care. Go and provide yourself with what Necessaries you have, and then follow me. We were not long before we mounted, and pursu'd our Journey toward Bristol.

As we rid along, my Uncle ask'd him how he cou'd be so inhuman to murder a Man in cold Blood, and one, very probable, almost a Stranger to him? Why indeed, reply'd Burleigh, I had but little Knowledge of him; but, as to murdering him, I can't give it that Name, for I fairly fought with him; tho' indeed that can't be proved, because I am only my own Witness. What d'ye mean by fighting fairly, cry'd my Uncle; is tak­ing a Man's Life, without any Provocation, to be call'd fair? I can't directly argue the Point with you, Sir, return'd Burleigh; but when a Person has equal Arms to his Oppo­ser, and the other fairly runs the risk of Death, I say it can't be call'd Murder, for he always rode with a Pair of Pistols, as I did the same; and I gave him fair Warning; told him, ei­ther he or I had breath'd our last Hour. 'Tis [Page 225] true, he was not very willing to fight, but he found it was to no purpose; and I must own, if he had not, I must of Necessity have kill'd him; but he fir'd both his Pistols, and miss'd me; and I, with one of mine, shot him thro' the Throat. After he fell from his Horse, I drag'd him into the neighbour­ing unfrequented Wood, ty'd his Horse to a Tree in the same Wood, and rid home with my own. The same Day I got leave to be absent a few Days, return'd to the Wood, took the Horse I had left there, and sold him at Chester, with a Pretence I was bound for Ireland; so return'd home on Foot. I must own, I was too hasty in executing my La­dy's Desire, for she never peremptorily bid me; but I was willing to get him out of the way, that I might have her all to my self. I continu'd my Correspondence for three or four Years, and constantly receiv'd an annual Pension. But when she was about marry­ing, she gave me three Years Allowance to­gether, telling me at the same time, that what I then receiv'd was the utmost she cou'd do for me. And, indeed, gave me good Advice. But my Money was soon gone; therefore I apply'd myself to her a­gain, and almost forc'd a Subsistence from [Page 226] her, by threatning to declare what she has now done herself, like a silly Woman as she is. I must own, I often threaten'd a young Gentle­man, who I am assur'd keeps Company with her, of declaring something might en­danger her Life; but I can assure you it was only to fright some Money out of her.

This Talk had brought us to the Town's End. We went directly to my Uncle's Friend, and, by good Fortune, found him at home. My Uncle, in private, declar'd to him the Cause of this unexpected Visit; and the Bargain was soon struck for the Disposal of my Friend Burleigh. My Uncle at parting, gave him Twenty Guineas, for his own Use; but with a strict Charge to his Friend not to trust him out of his Sight. And in three Days after we were inform'd, by Letter, that the Ship set sail on her Voyage to New York.

Now, said my Uncle, I hope we have laid an excellent Plan for raising your Mother's Virtue; and I hope the Superstructure will answer the Basis. I am in Heart convinc'd of it, I reply'd. And indeed my Thoughts were now intirely bent on my lovely Isabella, and the Contemplation of her Perfections produc'd a careful Musing, which my Uncle [Page 227] took notice of. Why how now, William? said my Uncle, What are those wise Thoughts that have ty'd your Tongue up? I hope all Affairs at home are accommodated. Come, let me know the Reason of your Rumination. Sir, said I, my Mind was fixt upon the Com­pany we left behind us in your Neighbour­hood. I hope, reply'd my Uncle, the fair Isabella is not stealing into your Heart? No, Sir, I return'd, I have kept her Image there from the first Moment I saw her Face, never to be defac'd by Years, or Misfortune. Why how now! Youth, cry'd my Uncle; is your Heart susceptible of Love so soon? But I thought as much by your Uneasiness to leave 'em at our last Visit: But come, we'll make 'em another to-morrow; for I must own, I long to be at home too. Indeed, Sir, said I, I freely confess, there lies my Loadstone, and turn which way I will, my Inclinations look that way.

Well, said my Uncle, I must own, I am not against your embarking on the Sea of Love, if I was sure you cou'd arrive at your desired Port, without meeting with Storms in your Voyage. Have you had any Talk with your fair Mistress? Sir (said I) I will never conceal any thing from you, and therefore I [Page 228] shall declare all my Proceedings. I then told him the whole Progress of my amorous Af­fairs. Well, return'd my Uncle, I don't find you have any great Reason to despair. Nei­ther, Sir, said I, can I find any thing to be­get a Hope, especially when I think of the implacable Aversion rooted in the Minds of the Mother and the Aunt, against Men and Matrimony. Indeed, said my Uncle, they have both sufficient Reasons for that Aversion; the one, from the complicated Humours of an ill-natur'd Husband; and the other, from the Ill-usage of a Man unworthy the Name; which, to beguile the Time, I will relate; I mean, the Story of the Aunt, which I learnt from her own Mouth but the last time we were there.

When she had scarce seen Seventeen, she was courted by a Person remarkable for his good Make, and Address, with the Addition of a large Fortune, which in many People, serve only as instrumental to evil Actions. This Man of the World, by the common Wiles, gain'd the Heart of the young Lady, and by his subtle Insinuations, prevail'd upon her to steal from her Relations. His Pretence for it was, his Friends Aversion to the Match; for indeed his Estate might have commanded, [Page 229] as the World goes, a more ample Dowry with a Wife. Blinded by Love, and his Hypocri­sy, she comply'd with his Desire, and stole a­way from her Father. When he had got her Person in his Custody, he endeavour'd to gain his Ends without giving the Priest any Trou­ble; but the Lady, tho' much in Love, ab­horr'd his base Intentions, and, by her Re­sentment, shew'd the Spark had nothing to hope for from that ungenerous Way. He then got into her good Graces again, by de­claring, his Attempt was only to try her; letting her know at the same time, how happy he shou'd be with a Woman of such an impregnable Virtue. In a few Days after this Trial, he marry'd her, and in a Month after the Wedding, told her he wou'd have her go home to her Friends, for he expected his Wife out of the Country, who was of such a violent Temper, every thing was to be fear'd from her Rage.

The poor Lady was dumb thro' Astonish­ment, and many times fancy'd he had a mind to try her Temper, and gave him to under­stand as much. Well Madam (said the base Wretch) I am resolv'd to make the Matter as plain as I can to you. Here, John! (cal­ling to one of his Servants) this, Madam, [Page 230] said he, is the good Man that gave us a Com­mission to go to Bed together, and he is come to take his Leave of you, being to attend a Gentleman of my Acquaintance in his Tra­vels, in the Quality of his Footman; and I believe he is so far from being a Churchman, that he never was in a Church in his Life. I hope, said the Fellow, your Honour will par­don my contradicting you in that, for I have been many a Day in Twenty, one after ano­ther. The poor Lady too soon found the Truth of her Misfortune; and her Rage and Despair, vented in the bitterest Reproaches, had no Effeft on the inhumane Brute. But, instead of giving her any Comfort (finding she made no Haste in leaving him) left her in sole Possession of the Lodging he had taken for that Purpose, where she was forc'd to part with every thing she had of Value, to support her in common Necessaries of Life; and, if her careful Father had not found her out, was resolv'd to part with Life, to put an End to her Shame and Misfortunes. The old Gentle­man took her home; and, to comfort her, gave her his Word he wou'd forget her Un­happiness, being well assur'd of her honest In­tentions. And this is the Cause of the Aunt's Aversion to Men and Matrimony.

[Page 231]I shall own, Sir, said I, I can't well blame the Resolution she has taken. I must declare, I wonder how such barbarous Notions can en­ter the Minds of Men! and if there were not Instances of it every Day, I shou'd think such Relations Fables. How is it possible that the Nature of Men shou'd be so very different! Every kind of the Brute Creation are much the same; but Man sympathizes with every Degree of 'em; and are full as va­rious. A Man had better not be, than to be born with such Appetites; and the Dignity of his Figure only makes him the greater Mon­ster. I own (reply'd my Uncle) your good Sense, at so early an Age, gives me the ut­most Contentment; and tho' Philosophy may be learnt without practising, yet I believe I have nothing to fear from your Conduct.

It was late in the Evening before we came home; and we were inform'd by my Father, that his Wife's Indisposition increa&'d. My Father seem'd so very much concern'd, that he was not very inquisitive about the Journey we had made that Day. We sympathiz'd with him. However, my Uncle inform'd him, that we intended to be gone in the Morn­ing early; and all his Intreaties cou'd not prevail upon him to stay longer. Well then, [Page 232] said my Father, since you will go, I wou'd have you take Leave of my Wife to-night; which was agreed to. A Message was sent to her, to know if it was proper to see us; and she sent Word she shou'd take it kindly. When we came into the Room, my Uncle and I sat on each side her Bed, and neither of us spoke for some Moments. At last, my Mother-in-law broke Silence. Well, Sir, said she to my Uncle, has your Journey suc­ceeded, and am I to number this Day's Work among the many other Obligations I have to your Virtue? Madam, reply'd my Uncle, every thing has fell out, I hope, according to your Desire; for, I am fully persuaded, Burleigh will never come more to interrupt your growing Quiet. He then related the Transactions of the Day to her. Well then, said my Mother, my Mind's at rest, and I hope Heaven will pardon me, as you have done; 'tis all I have now to do, to gain it, for I find I am not long to continue in this World, for the Wounds my Virtue, tho' a Conqueror, has receiv'd, in the sharp Com­bat with overgrown Vice, I find will not be heal'd but by the Hand of Death; therefore, when you hear I am no more, bury my Fail­ings with my Body, in my Grave, nor never [Page 233] think of me, but as a sincere and humble Pe­nitent.

The Behaviour of my Mother-in-law, brought Tears into my Eyes, which she ob­serv'd with a Tenderness I had never perceiv'd in her before. Dry thy Tears, my Child, said she; thy soft Disposition overwhelms me with Confusion. If I survive, I beg you will look upon me as thy own Mother, for my Actions shall ever declare me so. And if Death releases me from this troublesome World, remember me as such in every thing, but thy Grief. I cou'd not return any Answer, my Heart was so overburden'd with Sorrow; which she perceiving, flung her Arms about my Neck, prest me to her Cheeks, and we mingled our Tears together. We continu'd in this sorrowful Employment till my Father came in and interrupted us. Come, said he, no more Grieving; by the Grace of God, a few Days will chase away this Indisposition; and then we'll come and make my Brother a Visit. I must own, I parted with her in the utmost Sorrow, for I found my Tenderness in­crease every Moment; and if the Thoughts of seeing my dear Isabella had not stole into my Memory, I shou'd have been inconsolable in this Parting: But every thing must give [Page 234] way to Love. We also took Leave of my Father over-night, that Ceremony might give us no Hindrance in the Morning. When the Veil of Obscurity was drawn, to let in the chearful Beams of the Sun, my Uncle and I mounted, and pursu'd our Journey. My Uncle, to make the Way less tedious, told me many pleasant Stories; which gave me so much Satisfaction, that we got home before I thought we were half way.

After Dinner, my Uncle ask'd me if I had Stomach enough to pay a Visit to the Ladies? I told him, nothing cou'd be more agreea­ble to me. We were soon ready, and soon on Horseback. When we arriv'd, we found a great many Female Visitors, and Isabella pre­siding over the Tea-Table, as usual: I ob­serv'd a Blush in her Cheeks, when she first saw me; which I interpreted in my Favour at first, as Love's a Flatterer. Yet she took so little Notice of me, during the rest of the Day, that my Uneasiness was very great. The Company staid Supper; and Isabella, to compleat my Discontent, took all Occasions to avoid me. One Lady I took particular Notice of, a Woman about Thirty. She seem'd to have a languishing Sweetness in her Countenance, that discover'd a Temper with­out [Page 235] any Gall. She often took notice of my Sadness, without the Heed of Isabella, or the rest of the Company. I have heard, said she, many Commendations of this young Gentleman's Understanding, which makes me imagine something extraordinary has put him out of Humour. This Speech, I must own, put me into some Confusion; and I thought myself under the Necessity of making a Re­ply; but my Uncle gave me time to recover, by answering for me. A Man, said he, must have a fine Time on't, to give Proofs of his Understanding among so many Female Tat­lers (begging this Lady's Pardon, bowing to the Stranger) but yet I think Billy has made his plain, by holding his Tongue. Women have not Souls capable of edifying by his Dis­course. And I am sure there is nothing learnt by their eternal Clacks, except it gives us an Idea of a Perpetual Motion. We are sure of your good Word, reply'd the Aunt. Yet I am as much concern'd as you are, if the young Gentleman has met with any thing to put him out of Humour. Perhaps, reply'd the Stran­ger Lady, he had rather be in Company more suitable to his Years. I think Isabella shou'd entertain him. Really Madam, return'd Isa­bella, I am not of your Opinion; I have left [Page 236] off Play-things for some time, therefore I ima­gine I shall be as dull Company for him, as he will be for me. You are a little too free with the young Gentleman, return'd the Mo­ther; and, in general, you are all too hard upon him. I have done, Madam, reply'd Isabella, I shall say no more, and ask Par­don, if I have offended him. Their Dis­course was interrupted, by the strange Lady's Husband's Entrance, who came to fetch her home. When she was gone, my Uncle ask'd who she was, for, to the best of his Remem­brance, he had never seen her before. There is something very extraordinary in that Lady's Fortune, said the Aunt; and if it were not so late, Isabella shou'd read her Story, wrote by her Husband, which she has procur'd a Copy of from the Lady's Original. Why then reply'd my Uncle, with Isabella's Leave, we'll trespass upon the Time, 'tis Moonlight, and we shall find our way home without a Candle. I am ready to satisfy you, return'd Isabella, if I once receive my Mother's Com­mands. My Commands are at your Service, reply'd the Mother. Upon that Isabella went out, and return'd immediately, with a Paper in her Hand. This true Story, said she, is call'd, by the Person that wrote it,

[Page 257]When Isabella had finish'd this short true Story, her Manner of Reading was approv'd by every one of the Company, but myself; for I must own, I had not recover'd Spirit enough even to open my Mouth; for I ob­serv'd she cast her Eyes, by turns, on all the Company, but still avoided me.

They were sometimes descanting upon the Story, and every Person gave their Senti­ments; but I was in no Humour to give mine. Immediately after we parted, and as we rode home, Billy, said my Uncle, you seem'd very melancholy all the while you were at my Lady's; you hardly took any Notice of those about you, and your dumb Civility when we parted, spoke your Mind full of some melancholy Thoughts, which I judge were concerning the young Isabella. To deal ingenuously, Uncle (I reply'd) the Car­riage of that amiable Creature almost distracts me, and I find Love strengthens with every Morning's Sun; and tho' I wou'd give all the World for her Esteem, yet her Behaviour to me to-day, raises in me a decent Pride, which Pride will make me shew my Resentments in refraining my Visits.

Pr'ythee, Will, return'd my Uncle, don't appear more a Man in this Boyish Passion, [Page 258] than thou dost in the rest of thy Actions. I intend to part you and your Mistress, next Spring; therefore prepare your Mind accord­ingly, for you and your Tutor shall make the Tour of Europe, for three Years; and by that time you may even forget the Name of Isabella. Nothing, Sir, said I, can make me forget her, or her Usage; tho' her Scorn will touch me nearer than any thing can fall upon me in this World, after losing your Affection. Pr'ythee, have done with this Topic then, said my Uncle. The remaining Part of this Summer, I intend you and I shall make a Journey over most of the cele­brated Places in our own Country, that you may not be, as most of our young Travel­lers are, inquisitive after the Knowledge of foreign Climates, when you are a Stranger to your own. Sir, the sooner you make this Journey (I reply'd) the better; and you cou'd not propose any thing I like so well. Why then, said my Uncle, to-morrow we'll be going, after Dinner; I suppose you have no­thing material to hinder you. Shou'd we not acquaint my Father and Mother with your Intention? said I. No, no matter, reply'd my Uncle, we'll take no Leave of any one, but the Company we have just now left; nei­ther [Page 259] wou'd I do that, but as their House will stand in the way of our first Day's Journey. The Thoughts of seeing Isabella so soon, gave me some Satisfaction, tho' mixt with a great deal of Anxiety.

The next Morning we set out; my Uncle altering his Resolution of dining at home, in­tending to dine at my Lady's. When we came there, we were inform'd the whole Fa­mily were gone to dine with the Husband of Eleanora. This News, and Disappointment of not seeing Isabella, according to my Ex­pectation, almost overcame my Spirits; but I bore it outwardly well enough; and my Uncle seem'd very well pleas'd with my Calm­ness of Temper; tho', alas! he little guess'd the Perturbation of my Thoughts. My Un­cle intended the first Tour as far as Edinburgh, and accordingly pursu'd our Journey, with one Servant only. My Uncle was such plea­sant Company, that I had not Leisure to think of Isabella, till I went to Rest; and even the Fatigues of the Day wou'd hardly prevent my waking all Night. Sometimes I imagin'd Isabella might have some tender Thoughts of me; especially when I call'd to mind her former Conversation with me, and that my sudden Absence might possibly create [Page 260] her some Uneasiness. But then, her late Beha­viour to me, cancell'd those pleasing Hopes. It is needless to describe the Towns we pass'd; but we arriv'd safe at Edinburgh, without any Accident, the once Regal Town of Scotland.

Edinburgh, Ag neda, or Edenburgum, was call'd, in the earlier Ages, Castrum Alatum. It stands on a high Eminence; and the Plan of the City, as it lies, resembles the Skeleton of a Human Figure. The Castle was rec­kon'd, before the Use of Cannon, impregna­ble; and is now of sufficient Strength to withstand a powerful Siege. The Buildings are very strong, and large, compos'd of Free-Stone, and Mortar of a hard Cement, most of the Houses eight Stories high. But as we have many Descriptions of Scotland, I shall take no farther Notice of this City; only it is not very convenient to walk the Streets by Night, without a Person before you, who cries as he passes along, Hand your Haund! Haud your Haund! otherwise you may chance to have upon your Heads something offensive to the Nose, as well as your Cloaths. The Streets, in the Morning, are cover'd over with somewhat, that every one who walks till Ten of the Clock, may very well expect good Luck, according to our old English Saying. [Page 261] Before Noon, so many People walk the Streets, there is not the least remaining of that ill-custom'd Filth.

In many Parts of the Streets stands a Per­son, with a great Cloak to cover his Custom­ers, with another Conveniency, crying, Wha wants me?

After visiting several Places in Scotland, we return'd, viewing the noted Places in Eng­land, in our Way home. Tho', I must own, Curiosity very often took up all my Thoughts, yet my Love was not in the least lessen'd; and the nearer I came to the Place of the Di­vine Isabella's Abode, the more was the In­crease of my Anxiety. My Uncle had not once mention'd that Passion, thro' our whole Journey, till the Morning of the Day that put an End to our first Tour. Now, said my Uncle, I imagine you have some Thoughts of your young Mistress. I intend to dine there to-day, but shall leave the Conduct of that Part of your Life to yourself, and say no more upon that Head. But when you stand in need of my Advice, or Assistance, ask it, and you shall have it, because I am assur'd you will not ask any thing contrary to the Honour of a Gentleman. I return'd suit­able thanks for so kind a Condescension, and [Page 262] chang'd the Subject, because I thought my Uncle seem'd pleas'd to have it so.

We came to my Lady's about Twelve o' Clock, and were told they were Dressing. My Uncle, notwithstanding his Freedom, wou'd not interrupt 'em, but went to rest up­on a Couch in the Parlour. I not being so much fatigu'd, went into the Garden to in­dulge my Thoughts. But what was my Sur­prise, when I found the lovely Isabella sitting by the Fountain, with a Book in her Hand, on which she seem'd very intent; her Back was towards me, so that I came within six Paces of her, before she saw me. At the Noise I made in approaching her, she turn'd about, and upon seeing me, gave a Shriek, and put the Book hastily in her Pocket. Ma­dam, said I, if I had thought that my Pre­sence cou'd have created in your Mind any Disturbance, I wou'd have sooner cut off these Limbs that brought me hither, than have occasion'd it. Last time I saw you, has made me think my Sight distasteful to you; but if you will inform me, that I deserve to be thus punish'd, I have Courage enough to put an End to my Life, if it will be any Sa­tisfaction to you.

[Page 263]No, Sir, reply'd Isabella, I shou'd grieve to be the Death of any thing of the Brute Creation, much more any thing that bears a Human Form. And I am so far from think­ing there is any Bravery in putting an End to Life, that, beside the unrepented Crime, I think it a Poverty of Spirit, and want of For­titude to bear the Ills of Life. Both Brutus, and Cato, were, in my Opinion, proud and pusillanimous, and parted with Life, to rid 'em of their Fears. I cou'd, Madam, I re­turn'd, bear all the Ills of Life, but slighted Love. Young Gentlemen, like you, reply'd Isabella, talking of Love, is like Fools talk­ing Divinity; it will leave but little Impres­sion on the Judicious; and I have formerly told you, this Topic is not proper for you to talk of, or me to hear. Well, Madam, said I, if by covering the Flame of Love, I had any Hope Time wou'd kindle that inno­cent Fire in you, that Thought wou'd give me Ease; and whatever Climate this Body shou'd be in, my Soul wou'd be with you. I doubt not, reply'd Isabella, but your Body and Soul were together in your short Travels, and this new Passion, Love, was laid by for Curiosity. I will not deny, I return'd, but Knowledge is what my Mind is bent upon; [Page 264] but even the acquiring that, does but the more indear the Thoughts of you; and all of your Sex that I see, does but oblige me to make Comparisons, tho' there is none when I think of you.

Well, Sir, reply'd the Fair One, we'll leave this Discourse, that I may not provoke any more Compliments, and desire to know the Progress of your sudden Journey. Sud­den indeed, I reply'd, for my Uncle did not take a Night to consider on't; but if you had felt one Particle of the Sorrow, if we may so divide it, that I felt, when we were disappointed of seeing you, in our first setting out, you wou'd have some Motion of Pity. Must every thing, cry'd Isabella, smiling, administer to this youthful Folly? In me, I reply'd, 'tis a Whirlpool, that swallows every thing that comes near it. Well, no more Similies, nor no more Love, return'd Isabella, but the Account of your Journey. Well, Madam, said I, you must be obey'd. I then gave her a Description of every thing curious we had observ'd in our short Tra­vels, with which she seem'd very much pleas'd. I am convinc'd, said Isabella, that all young Gentlemen that travel, do not make the same Improvement; or rather, many do not im­prove [Page 265] at all, but bring home greater Fools than they carry'd with 'em; I mean, those that go into foreign Countries, for I take yours to be no more than a Journey, as we call it. But I believe, by this time, my Mother and Aunt are dress'd, therefore it will be very proper for me to wait on 'em. Dear, Madam, said I, relieve my Torments, and say you do not despise me. I shall say no more at this time, reply'd Isabella, than that I must wait on my Mother; therefore come along, and hold your Tongue. Upon this I led her by the Hand, and had not an Opportunity of speaking to her in Return, because there were several Workmen in the Garden wou'd have heard our Discourse. As we were hurrying a­long, the Wind blew her Petticoat upon my Spur, which, stooping to untangle hastily, I prick'd my Fingers with the Rowel, and they bled very much; searching my Pocket for a Handkerchief to wrap my Hand in, I re­member'd that I had left it in my Hat in the Parlour, when we first came in. Isabella, up­on that, took hers out, and gave it me, and at the same time let fall a folded Paper, she drew out with the Handkerchief, unseen by her. I took it up without Observation, by letting the Handkerchief fall upon't, and [Page 266] secretly convey'd it into my Pocket. When I came in to my Uncle, he was fast asleep; upon which, I stole out again, not seeing the Ladies in the Parlour. As, soon as I came to a convenient Place in the Garden, I took out the Paper I had found, and when I had o­pen'd it, perceiv'd it was the Letter, and Song I had formerly sent her; and by being much worn in the Folds, I imagin'd with a pleasing Satisfaction she had often perus'd it for my Sake. At the Bottom of the Letter, I found these Lines of the Poet:

Those Lines I remember'd very well in the celebrated Play of Tamerlane: But the follow­ing Verses, as I cou'd not charge my Memory with, I fancy'd were of her own Com­position, [Page 267] and seem'd as an Answer to the others:

I had the Vanity to imagine, the last Lines very much concern'd me; which cer­tainly wou'd have made me lose my Senses with Joy, if a Doubt had not arose, that some other might be meant. The Thought of that kept the Balance even with Hope, and sometimes seem'd to weigh heavier.

I was upon the Rack of Thought, when a Servant came to acquaint me the Ladies were dress'd, and in the Parlour. After the ordi­nary Salutations, the Mother and Aunt be­gan to rally my Uncle, for going his Jour­ney without taking Leave of 'em. Why re­ally, reply'd my Uncle, I think it the best [Page 268] way to avoid Impertinence, for I hate your formal Parting. However, you are such eternal Gadders, there's no finding you at home; for we did you the Honour to call upon you as we set out; and, that we may spare ourselves some Trouble, we shall now take our Leaves for one Month more; for we shall set out upon another Tour to mor­row. Why this is doing Business indeed, re­ply'd the Aunt! You'll fatigue the young Gentleman too much. Fatigue! return'd my Uncle; sure if I am able to bear it, he very well may. But my chief Reason of this sudden Journeying is, to shew my Nephew some of his own Country, before he begins his Foreign Travels, that he may satisfy the Curiosity of any Person that wants to be in­form'd, when he's abroad. Pray, when do you intend he shou'd begin his Foreign Tra­vels, as you call 'em, said the Mother. Ev'n as soon as he has finish'd his Home ones, re­turn'd my Uncle. At this, I observ'd Isa­bella's Colour to change, and rising hastily, to hide her Concern, threw up the Sash, and look'd out of the Window, unobserv'd by any one but myself. The Joy I felt was al­most without Bounds, and I stood in need of the utmost Art to conceal it. There were [Page 269] several Discourses, pro and con, upon young Gentlemen's Travelling; but my Mind was so full of the happy Extasy I had conceiv'd, that I took but little Notice of either. Well, said my Uncle, what you Women say upon these Subjects, is but whipt Cream, all Froth, and nothing substantial. But how must we employ ourselves till Dinner, for I can't walk? What think you of Ombre, or Quadrille, said the Aunt? With all my Heart, a Game at Ombre, reply'd my Uncle. But that won't employ us all, said the Mother. Isabella com­plain'd of a Pain in her Head, and therefore was unfit to make one; and for my Part, I declar'd I did not understand the Game. So the Mother, the Aunt, and my Uncle, sat to it. Isabella went up into her Chamber, and carry'd with her the Object of my Adora­tion. When she was gone, I went into the Garden to feed upon Contemplation; and, in my own Imagination, thought myself the happiest Creature in the Universe. But my Satisfaction did not last long, for, walking upon a Terras that overlook'd the Country, I saw a Coach and Six stop at the Gate. There came out of it an elderly Gentleman, follow'd by a young one about Twenty, as I guess'd; and before I cou'd make any [Page 270] Judgment of 'em, two Fellows that were at work under the Terras-Wall, who did not see me. were observing the Coach. Adso! said one to the other, There's young Lady's Suitor, Sir Eustace, and his Father, com'd again. I had not Power to stir, at this un­expected Knowledge, and remain'd a consi­derable time like one thunderstruck. A thou­sand Resolutions crouded into my Mind, and all to the destroying of my Peace. My Ri­val was hated with an immortal Hatred, be­fore I knew him, and his or my Death was fix'd as irrevocable as Fate. The Perturba­tion of my Fancy work'd so violently, that my Strength fail'd me, and I fell, almost Senseless, upon a Grass-Plat, where my fee­ble Limbs had unknowingly carry'd me. When the Hurry of my confus'd Thoughts was over, they gave me absolute Despair. I was assur'd an Hour before, she lov'd, and Hope had flatter'd me, that I was the happy He; but now I as surely thought, my Rival was the Object of her Wishes. Why then, thought I, why shou'd I endeavour to de­stroy one, whom she wou'd wish shou'd live? that will not be the way to gain her, but ra­ther make her loath me. Death seem'd to me the only Friend; yet, thro' a Principle [Page 271] of my Faith, I cou'd not put an End to Life. I only wish'd for Death, without the Thought of separating Soul and Body.

Long I lay in my Confusion of Thought; till at last I beheld the divine Isabella in the Garden, looking about, as for something she had lost, which I imagin'd to be the Paper I took up. She was within two Paces of me before she saw me, she was so intent on what she was about; and when her Eyes encoun­ter'd mine, she started back, as tho' she had beheld something baneful to her. Well, Madam, said I, must I ever be the Object of Horror to your Eyes? and must you always start at the Sight of me, as if you saw the Form of one rise from the Grave? A little Time will take this Bugbear from your Sight, I hope, for ever. I know, I can never deserve your Love; and yet I cannot bear to see you make another happy. For Heaven's sake! cry'd Isabella, surpris'd, what is it moves you so? Why do you lie stretch'd on the Ground, and look as if some Distraction had seiz'd you? Come, give me your Hand, and let us walk; have a Question to ask you, which I expect to be truly resolv'd in. Have you found any Paper of Writing, since you came into the Garden? There, Madam, [Page 272] said I; and wou'd to Heaven I had never seen it! (giving her the Paper) there, take it. I must own, I cannot blame you. Love is not to be forc'd; 'tis a free-born Child of the Mind. I only think the young Gentleman is compleatly bless'd. I am sure, I shou'd be distracted with the mighty Joy, in such Re­turn of Love.

Well, Sir, said Isabella, this Freedom I can forgive, because I see something extraor­dinary has ruffled your Temper. I doubt not but you have read these Lines (pointing to the Letter) that were writ on the Blank Leaf; 'tis the Thought of a young Gentle­woman, a Neighbour of mine; I liking the Lines, transcrib d 'em. I was under some Concern, I own, for the Loss of the Paper, because the Ballad that you sent me was along with it, and I promis'd her to copy it, and send it back this Evening.

I soon perceiv'd, by some Confusion in the Utterance of these Words, that what she said was to disguise the Truth, and that Thought stabb'd me to the Heart; tho' her Civility to me, seem'd tender enough, yet I imagin'd that was only to blind me, and prevent any farther Enquiry. While we both were in great Confusion of Thought, we perceiv'd [Page 273] Sir Eustace coming down out of the Hall, in­to the Garden. To let you see, your Suspi­cions are unjust, said Isabella, (for I had in­form'd her what I heard one of the Work­men say) I'll instantly avoid the Person we see coming. With that she went into a pri­vate Walk, and opening a Door that led into another Garden, took me by the Hand, and pull'd me in after her, then shut to the Door again. I must confess, this Proceeding be­gan to revive Hope, that, 'till then, seem'd quite expir'd. This Condescension, said I, does, indeed, something ease my Heart, but yet will not cure my Pain. That young Gentleman, no doubt, comes here to make his Addresses to you, and coming thus pub­lickly attended by that elderly Gentleman, which I suppose to be his Father, tells me he has the Approbation of your Mother and Aunt.

I will not deny, reply'd Isabella, but that Sir Eustace pretends to be my Lover, and my Mother and Aunt do not discountenance him. But they have more Tenderness for me, than to force my Inclination. And you more Duty, I reply'd, than to contradict 'em. No Sir, return'd Isabella, I am satisfy'd they never will impose any one upon me for a Hus­band; [Page 274] or shou'd they endeavour it, tho' Duty is very prevalent with me, yet in that one on­ly Thing, I wou'd dare to disobey.

Well, Madam, my Destiny, I find, has mark'd me for unhappy, for Title and Riches must prevail. I have told you before, re­ply'd Isabella, that Fortune I despise, and Title can no more make a Man Good and Virtuous, in my Opinion, than a good and virtuous Man can make a Title. A King can give Honour, but not Honesty; yet, like the Sun, it shines upon Weeds that are often admir'd for their eminent Worthlesness. Your Sentiments of Honour, divine Isabella, I re­ply'd, are so just, that inspires me to ask you one Question, and hope an Answer. What is it, return'd Isabella, in some Confu­sion? Am I to hope, said I, or despair? I wou'd not have made the important Que­stion so abruptly; but the Time of my De­parture is so short, and my Unhappiness of not seeing you so often as my impatient Heart desires, will, I am assur'd from your Good­ness, stand excus'd, whatever your Heart can say, for, or against me. Why will you Press me, reply'd Isabella, now? I have (I re­turn'd) told you my Reasons already. Think, ere you answer me, for my whole Peace of [Page 275] Mind depends upon't; and if I am banish'd from your Presence now, with cold Despair, I am assur'd I cannot survive it. No Love was ever more pure than mine, or stronger. A distant Hope of once possessing you, wou'd arm me for all Dangers; and I cou'd wait patiently an Age of Torments, if in the End I shou'd be blest with your consenting Love. Do not surmise my Passion, youthful Folly; 'tis rooted in my Soul so deep, that no Storm of Fortune can ever shake its Foundation. If you cannot love, freely declare it, as you wou'd your Vows to Heaven; I shall only blame my Stars, not you; and take for ever from your Sight, an Object hateful to him­self as well as you.

Hate, reply'd Isabella, is not in my Na­ture; and since you press me to declare my­self, the Person you saw me fly from, never shall have my Heart; and be assur'd, if you remain ever constant, I shall, no doubt, in time, be willing to reward that Constancy. This Declaration, continu'd Isabella, blush­ing, is much more than I so soon intended to let you know; and what Constructions you put upon it, keep it a Secret from the whole World: Let not your Uncle, whom I know you can hide nothing from, be acquainted [Page 276] with the least Syllable. This, from a Per­son of Isabella's Character, was enough to raise me from the Dead. I said all an im­patient loving Heart cou'd suggest; and was so extravagant in my transporting Joy, that Isabella check'd me, telling me, I shou'd cer­tainly discover something extraordinary had happen'd to me, if I had not a Heed to my Eyes and Tongue. Before we parted, she open'd all her Soul to me, telling me, her Passion did not seem so violent as mine, but more lasting.

In short, never was a Man more happy than I thought myself. However, Prudence oblig'd us to part, tho' I cou'd have liv'd for ever in her Company. She gave me the Key, to let me thro' the same Way we came in, while she went another Way; first com­manding me not to shew the least Resent­ment to the young Nobleman, if we shou'd meet. I reply'd, I knew so well the Nature of his Disease, that, if he truly lov'd her, he had now a Title to my Pity. We left each other, with a Promise to meet in the Afternoon again, in the same Place, if an Opportunity offer'd.

When I had parted with the divine Isa­bella, I went up the Walk with the utmost [Page 277] Contentment in my Heart; tho' I endea­vour'd to conceal it in my Countenance as much as possible. Upon the Terras I met Sir Eustace, whom I saluted, and pass'd him; he return'd it indeed, but with too much Pride, as I thought. However, I pass'd on, and took no farther Notice of him. When I came into the Parlour, I found the old Gentleman, with the two Ladies and my Un­cle, playing at Quadrille, and Isabella read­ing in the Window. Immediately after, Sir Eustace came in, and finding Isabella, exprest abundance of of fulsome Joy at the Sight of her. I must own, I was oblig'd to make use of all my Philosophy, to keep my Temper, and shou'd very hardly have done it, if Isa­bella had not rally'd him with so much Wit, as in the end, gave me a malicious Satis­faction. I observ'd, all the Company seem'd as well pleas'd, only the Gentleman that came with him; but he being something deaf, cou'd not understand every thing that was said.

When Dinner was serv'd in, Sir Eustace plac'd himself next Isabella, and was conti­nually helping her to such Quantities, that wou'd have serv'd her a Week. I observe, Sir, said Isabella, you wou'd have me eat for [Page 278] the whole Family; or, if you imagin'd every body in Company had as good a Stomach as you suppose me to have, by your loading my Plate, they might rise ready for another Din­ner. However, I am oblig'd to you. You mistake the Gentleman, reply'd my Uncle, he's a young Cannibal, he only fats you as we do Chickens, in hope of feeding upon you. Sir Eustace took what my Uncle said, as a very good Jest, and laugh'd heartily; saying, if he shou'd feed upon her, she wou'd go very much against his Stomach. At the End of his ridiculous Jest, he laugh'd so im­moderately, with his Mouth full, that he sputter'd it in my Face. I wou'd the Gentle­man, said I, had taken an Opportunity of laughing when his Mouth was empty, I shou'd have been the more oblig'd to him. Harkye, young Gentleman, reply'd Sir Eu­stace, you were told before I was a Cannibal, and I can assure you, I often eat Youngsters that are too forward. Really, Sir, said I, very calmly, I can't see that prodigious Sto­mach in your Countenance, or any thing there, wou'd make me afraid to meet you any where fasting.

The Company laugh'd to see his Uneasi­ness at my Reply, but he gave me no An­swer. [Page 279] Isabella, I observ'd, seem'd much con­cern'd at what I said, and, with a Look with her Eyes, told me, I shou'd carry the Jest no farther. Well, Sir, said I, without jesting, I mean no Harm; if you make any farther Constructions on my Words, but as a Jest, you go beyond my Meaning. This molli­fying Speech seem'd to raise his Anger more. A Jest has often cost the Maker his Life, re­ply'd Sir Eustace, and such young Gentlemen as you, shou'd remember the Smart of the Rod, and curb their Tongues for fear of a Whipping. Sir, said I, I presume your vo­racious Cannibal's Stomach is not quite ap­peas'd, therefore I'll take a Walk in the Gar­den, for fear you shou'd fall foul on me in an improper Place; saying this, I arose, and taking my Hat and Sword out of the Win­dow, went into the Garden.

The whole Company arose to stop the Ba­ron, who offer'd to follow me. My Uncle began to be very much disturb'd, upon my Account; and, as he told me afterwards, did intend to follow me. But, thinking to oblige me, he desired the Mother to send Isabella af­ter me. When she came up to me, she began to reproach me with my Conduct, telling me, if I had any Hope or Desire to gain her Heart, [Page 280] I must conceal my Passion from all the World, and this Proceeding will betray the Secret; if not on your Side, said she, tenderly, I fear my Concern will. Those Words have Force enough to restore me to my Senses, were I in the Grave, said I; and after this Confes­sion, that makes me the happiest of Mortals, even Blows shall not make me draw my Sword, if you desire it. No, said Isabella, I know what Men of Honour shou'd bear; and I shou'd despise the Wretch for being a Coward. Yet, Madam, I reply'd, Cowar­dice can no more be help'd, than the Tinc­ture of a Skin; 'tis rooted in the Nature, and known Cowards, like Fools, shou'd be pity'd. Certainly, no Man wou'd be a Cow­ard if he cou'd help it, reply'd Isabella; but when I say I shou'd despise a Coward, I ima­gine to myself, the Man that has true Cou­rage, has every other noble Qualification, that will make him deserving; as on the con­trary, a Coward Soul inherits every weak Failing, and is as incapable of doing a wor­thy Action, as the Man of Spirit is of doing a mean one. I shall ever submit my Actions, to you, Madam, said I. Then, said Isabella, immediately return, and be reconcil'd to the hot Spark within, whom the more I know, [Page 281] the more I despise; and I fansy that Decla­ration won't displease you; but I'll have no Reply now. Nothing more but this, said I, you promis'd me a Meeting in the Afternoon, which I fear will be a difficult thing to bring to pass. Do you start Difficulties, reply'd Isa­bella? Never fear, I warrant we'll bring it about. The same River that runs thro' your Garden, runs thro' the Bottom of ours, there­fore I'll propose Fishing. We'll go first, and the Man shall take us two over to an Island in the River, and return. My Mother does not care to go into a Boat, and the rest of the Company, I suppose, out of Complain­sance, will stay with her. But I fear, Ma­dam, the young Spark will come to inter­rupt us, said I. Why that's all we have to fear, reply'd Isabella; but as soon as he comes, we'll return; and that, I hope, will give you some Satisfaction. Do but consider my Tem­per, and you'll find this is enough to make you easy. This I can do, without Suspicion from any one; for none of my Family sus­pects either you or me to be in Love. There have so many Accidents odly concurr'd to­day, that I will no longer conceal it from you. First, your sudden Departure, then this Rival, and the disagreeable Quarrel. [Page 282] Tho' your Rival is the main Motive, join'd with your Foreign Tour, which I understand by your Uncle, is for three Years. But I'll say no more now, in the Afternoon we shall have a better Opportunity. As soon as I came into the Dining-Room, Sir Eustace met me, with a constrain'd Smile, and told me, he was sorry any Uneasiness had been crea­ted by Words utter'd without Thought, and shou'd, for the future, be willing to have more Acquaintance with me. I shou'd have con­sider'd indeed, there is some Difference in our Years, said he; therefore I own myself the Criminal, and ask Pardon for what's past. Years, said my Uncle, do not always imply Age or Understanding; for some at Fifteen have the Discretion of Thirty; and Fifty-Five, in a good Constitution, is an abler Man than Five and Thirty; I mean, continu'd my Un­cle, smiling, some Men are younger at Sixty, than others at Thirty. That is a Compli­ment, reply'd the Aunt, we may very rea­sonably suppose, design'd for yourself. How­ever, let's have no more of 'em; we'll make an End of our Dinner, and drink a Cup of Oblivion, and then all will be well again. Meaning Tea, I suppose, reply'd my Uncle, where every Cup is broaching new Scandal, [Page 283] and we shall have so much Noise, and so lit­tle understood, that it will put me in mind of the Confusion of Babel.

I found the Company were not rightly in Humour, yet I perceiv'd, with some Satis­faction, that I was not the Occasion; even the old Gentleman that came with Sir Eustace, appear'd concern'd for his Behaviour. After we were risen from Table, the Company di­vided into Parties, all but my Uncle, who went to take his usual Afternoon's Nap. The deaf old Gentleman singled me out, and led me into the Garden. Said he, I have the Misfortune of having but an ill Hearing, yet I heard enough to know my Son was much in Fault. Youth, Fortune, and Title, make him too presuming. I have, with the best Advice I am capable of giving him, endea­vour'd to soften his too turbulent Temper; but, I fear, 'tis rooted too deeply in his Na­ture, ever to be eras'd. Honour shou'd be tack'd to Nobility; yet, I find Mankind so deprav'd in their Nature, that the more Power they have, the greater Propensity they have to do Evil, which shews, to the Judicious, Riches and Titles ill plac'd. But as Nobili­ty can be no more inherited than Virtue, so, in my Opinion, he is noble that has noble In­clinations. [Page 284] I shou'd not talk to one so little advanc'd in Years, in this manner, as I do to you, if I had not been inform'd by my Lady, of a ripe Understanding in so early an Age. I expect no Reply in the Complimen­tal Way; I only beg you wou'd forgive my Son, and, for the future, know me for your Friend. I shou'd desire your Conversation, but my Infirmity will not admit of it, there­fore I shall take my Leave of you. Upon this he went from me, and left me full of Re­gard for his right Way of Thinking.

While I was musing upon what he said to me, Isabella came down the Walks, follow'd by a Servant with Fishing-Tackle. Come, Sir, said she, as she past me, you are to teach me how to catch Fish, for as yet, I am but a mere Bungler. With all my Heart, Ma­dam, I reply'd. When the Servant had put us over to the Island, Isabella said to him, John, I desire you wou'd bring over no Stran­gers. No, no, Madam, John reply'd; if you'll be pleas'd to tell me when I shall wait on you, to bring you back, I'll lock the Boat on the other side, and be out of the way till then. Do, said Isabella, and fetch us a­bout an Hour hence. When John was gone, I fell at the Fair One's Feet, and gave her [Page 285] Thanks for this surprising Condescension. What Words, divine Isabella, said I, shall I use to express my Gratitude! but there are none that will speak the least Part of what my Mind feels; you have rais'd me from the Bottom of Despair, to the Summit of Joy; and when my Heart forgets this Good­ness, may I be for ever miserable! Your Protestations I believe, return'd the divine Isabella, raising me from the Earth, and I will freely declare, if you ever shou'd prove false, the Knowledge will break my Heart. I was going once more to fall at her Feet, but was interrupted in my exalted Bliss, by a Noise we heard at the Boat.

Sir Eustace missing us in the Garden, and being inform'd by the Aunt where we were gone, follow'd us. But John had made the Boat too fast for him to undo, without his Assistance. But in the Bustle he made to un­loose it, he tumbled into the Water, and by that time I came to the Water-side, he was sunk to the Bottom. All other Passions flew immediately from my Breast, but Pity, and when I saw the Danger he was in, I threw myself into the Water, and, by good For­tune, caught hold of a Shoulder-Knot he wore, and brought him to the Island, with­out [Page 286] any Appearance of Life. When I had dragg'd him on Shore, with the Assistance of Isabella, I held him up by the Heels against a Tree, where he disgorg'd the Water he had swallow'd, and fetching two or three Groans, he came to himself; tho' so faint, he cou'd not stand; and for want of proper Reme­dies, we were in Fear he might not survive the Accident, for we were too far from the House to make 'em hear us. I therefore pull'd off my Coat and Waistcoat, and swam across the River to the Garden, and inform'd the Family of the Accident; but John was no where to be found. The Difficulty we had to get the Boat loose, took up so much time, that Sir Eustace was almost perish'd with Cold, ere we cou'd bring him Assistance; and Isa­bella's Fear had almost put her in the same Condition. It was with much Difficulty, by pouring Cordials into his Mouth, that we brought him once more to his Senses. He was put to bed; but the Fright, and the Water he drank, threw him into a high Fe­ver. The Hurry of my Spirits, and being so long in my wet Cloaths, gave me a great deal of Disorder; and, having no other Cloaths to shift me (for my Uncle's Servants were gone home with our Equipage) I was [Page 287] oblig'd to go to Bed too, but had the Satis­faction of being laid in Isabella's Bed; and, what heighten'd that Satisfaction, I was strip'd of my wet Shirt, and, by the Mother's Or­der, had one of Isabella's Shifts put on me. The Joy took away all Thoughts of my Dis­order; but it cou'd not hinder a strong Fever seizing me, to the utmost Concern of all the Family. The Father of the Nobleman ex­press'd more Concern for me, than his Son, giving me all the Encomiums due to the most consummate Virtue; that maugre the Distaste I might have justly conceiv'd against his Son, I had hazarded my own Life to preserve his. I must own, the Action gave me a great deal of Satisfaction, and the Praises, tho' no Ad­dition to Pride (for that's a Failing I hope I shall ever be a Stranger to) yet pleas'd me, because I had done what many of my Age wou'd have neglected, or refus'd.

The following Day, my Fever abated, but Sir Eustace seem'd worse and worse. I was griev'd I cou'd not have an Opportu­nity of seeing the Divine Isabella alone, du­ring my short Illness. But I had the Happi­ness of receiving a Letter from her, which she put into my Hand unobserv'd by any one. But the Joy I felt in reading the following [Page 288] Lines, had more Force than any of the Doc­tor's Prescriptions towards my Cure.

I wish'd my Indisposition had continu'd longer, that I might have had the Satisfac­tion of being under the same Roof with my dear Isabella. But my Health return'd, and I was oblig'd to go home to my Uncle's, with­out conversing in private with her. How­ever [Page 289] the Contentment of my Mind appear'd in my Face, and my Uncle several times took Notice of it, yet I conceal'd, accord­ing to her Desire, even from him, the Rea­son of it.

When we had been at home a Week, my Uncle told me we shou'd make another Tour the next Day; and I gather'd by his Dis­course, that we shou'd not make any more Vi­sits to Isabella's Mother, till we came back, which wou'd not be in six Weeks. The Heart-breaking I felt, almost kill'd me. I did not doubt, but I cou'd have gain'd Leave to make a Visit alone; but I knew I must then have discover'd more than Isabella wou'd like. I cast about, several Hours, how to send her a Letter without Suspicion; but, to my Mortification, cou'd not pitch upon an Expedient. But while I was perplexing my Brain to no Purpose, I had the unexpected Joy of seeing her Coach stop at the Door; and before I cou'd recover myself from the pleasing Confusion, she enter'd, with her Mo­ther and Aunt. But understanding my Un­cle was in the Garden, the Mother and Aunt went to him, and left the divine Isabella alone with me in the Parlour. The sudden Sur­prize had ty'd my Tongue fast, and it was [Page 290] some time ere I cou'd speak a Word. All I cou'd do, was to fall at her Feet with the utmost Transport of Joy, which was in­creas'd by her raising me, and putting her Lily Hand round my Neck, pressing my Head close to her Bosom. I spoke at last, but such wild incoherent Speeches, that gave her more Satisfaction, she told me, than if I had utter'd Volumes of regular Nonsense, vulgarly call'd, Love. But when I told her of our intended Journey the next Day, her amiable Countenance was overclouded with Sorrow, and ere we cou'd recover ourselves, my Uncle, her Mother and Aunt came out of the Garden; but before they enter'd the Room where we were, Isabella told me she had provided a Place where we might send Letters to each other, without any Suspicion; she wou'd seek for an Opportunity after Din­ner to inform me, and if that shou'd not hap­pen, she wou'd contrive to let me know by a Line before to-morrow Morning.

After Dinner, Isabella and I were engag|'d, much against our Inclination, to make up a Set at Quadrille; and, to add to our Morti­fication, we were oblig'd to part without any further Opportunity of Converse. How­ever, I was forc'd to keep up a chearful [Page 291] Countenance, that my Uncle might not su­spect the Chagrin I felt. The Night prov'd as disagreeable a one to me, as the Evening; and I cou'd not get any Rest, till it was al­most time to rise. As I was dressing myself, my Servant told me there was a Boy at the Door, had brought me a Present of a Brace of Partridges; I order'd him to come in; when I ask'd him from whence they came, he told me he had a Note in his Pocket wou'd inform me. As soon as I receiv'd it, I soon knew the dear Character to be Isabella's. When I had dismiss'd the Boy, I open'd the Note, and found the Contents as follows:

The Pleasure this little Note gave me, was partly taken from me, in that I did not de­tain the Boy to send an Answer. Yet, upon second Thoughts, I imagin'd it wou'd be sa­fer to carry one myself. I was soon deter­min'd, wrote one, and went to the House, and was there before the Boy, who, I suppose, might loiter by the way. This Woman was a Tenant of the divine Isabella's, and had for­merly been her Nurse; she cou'd not be said to love her Mistress, but rather doated on her. This Creature was the Picture of Ho­nesty; and she was so well assur'd of her young Lady's Conduct, she made no Scruple to tell me, the Letters I wou'd honour her with, shou'd faithfully be convey'd to the proper Hands. Why then to begin, said I, there's one, I don't care how soon it was where it shou'd be. I don't think it proper till after Dinner, reply'd the good Woman; for tho' I am ever welcome at my young Landlady's Mother's, yet, as I have not been come long from thence, I think it will not [Page 293] be quite so well to go so soon. I agreed with her in that Particular, and took my Leave: first making her a handsome Present; for tho' those sort of People may continue un­corruptively honest, yet it is as well, when it is made their Interest to be so.

The next Day my Uncle resolv'd we shou'd make a Visit to my Father and Mother, and I was of the Opinion it wou'd be highly pro­per, as well as a Desire I had to see how the Family went on. When we arriv'd there, we found every thing according to our Wishes. There was such a Harmony between my Fa­ther and my Mother, that my Father told my Uncle, smiling, his Wife's late Illness had mended her Temper prodigiously, and he wou'd not have her be indispos'd in the same manner again, for ever so much; for if, said he, she shou'd, and be better in propor­tion, she wou'd be too good for him, and only fit for Heaven. We found every thing so much to our Liking, that we took our Leave of 'em with a great deal of Satisfac­tion; and my Uncle told me, as we were go­ing home, that Miracles were not ceas'd, for there was an ill Woman mended.

The next Day we set out on our intended Progress, and met with nothing extraordinary [Page 294] in our Course; only one Thing I thought was odd enough. In a small Village, near the Sea-Coast in Sussex, as we were at Church on a Sunday, with a full Congregation, a Man came to the Church-Door, and cry'd out, A Wreck! A Wreck! The Congregation im­mediately unbuckled their Devotions, and were crouding out as fast as they cou'd, tho' the Parson had not gone thro' half his Ser­mon. When the good Man found they were going to leave him to finish his Sermon by himself, he call'd to 'em with an audible Voice, desiring his Audience to hear one Word before they went: Upon his earnest Entrea­ty, most of 'em turn'd about to hear the one Word. When the Parson found they seem'd willing to hear him, he cry'd out, Pray, good Folks, let us start fair! and upon that, prest to the Door with all the Expedition he cou'd, and, in a few Minutes, my Uncle and I might have robb'd the Church, for there was not a Soul to hinder us. The Oddity of the Thing very much surpriz'd us, tho' it often made us merry afterwards. Well, Will, said my Un­cle (when the Church was empty) we may as well say our Prayers at home, as stay here by ourselves. What, Sir, said I, have you no Curiosity to see the Proceeding of this wild [Page 295] Congregation? Why, I cannot say but I have, reply'd my Uncle; let us get our Horses and follow 'em. When we came to the Gentleman's where we lay, a Friend of my Uncle's, we found the House as empty as the Church; for they were all gone upon the same Design, and my Tutor, with our Servants along with 'em, as we suppos'd. So we were forc'd to be our own Grooms, and follow'd 'em. We cou'd not well miss our Way, for we saw People from all Quarters running before us. When we came within Sight of the Sea, we cou'd perceive several Vessels labouring to keep from the Shore, with all their Art and Industry; for the Wind was very high, and blew right ashore, as the Sailors term it. But what Horror had I in my Mind, to see in what Anxiety the Wretches on Shore were, for fear they shou'd escape, and save themselves. At last, one of 'em bulg'd upon the Rocks, and split in Pie­ces, at which Sight the Barbarians (for I can term 'em no less) gave a Shout, and threw one another down for Eagerness, who shou'd be foremost, not the least regarding the poor unfortunate Wretches plung'd in the Waves. But my Uncle and I, with my Tutor, and our Servants (that were there before us) gave [Page 296] 'em all the Assistance we cou'd, and with much Trouble, and some Hazard, sav'd Five out of Eight that were in the Vessel; tho' with many a hearty Curse for our Pains; for it seems they cou'd not make the Vessel a Wreck, if there were any of the Crew alive. However, the inhuman Brutes fell to se­curing every thing as fast as ever they cou'd, while we carry'd the poor Shipwreck'd Wretches to the next Village, to give 'em some Refreshment. The Vessel was a French­man, laden with Wine, which they brought to exchange for Corn, the common Custom of all the Sea-Coast contiguous to France; which may prove a pernicious Custom, if the Produce of Grain shou'd ever fail us in England.

We took our Leaves that Evening of my Uncle's Friend, who, in my Opinion, seem'd very glad to be rid of us, for he was as bu­sy about the Wreck, as any of the rest. A few Miles farther, a Dutch Vessel was cast a­way, and all the unhappy Sailors drown'd. Our Road lying through the same Place three Days afterwards, several People had sold Part of a new Fount of Letter, of the Greek Al­phabet, at a Penny per Pound, as waste Me­tal, when perhaps the Purchaser had paid [Page 297] fifty times more for it. What Brutes are these Wretches! Had they been their own Countrymen, it had been the same. What Horror must it be to the poor Sailors, when having weather'd many a Storm, and perhaps escap'd from their Enemies, to come in Sight of their native Country, and perish for want of timely Assistance from their Countrymen, who wish for nothing more than their Deaths. What can the worst of the Savage Kind do more? Nay, I have been inform'd, that to make a Vessel a Wreck, they have often murder'd the poor Sailors that have been struggling for Life, lifting their Hands in vain for Succour, to those that have prov'd their Murderers. We ought not to condemn the Heathenish Indians, that serve the Europeans in the same manner, who do it from the Love of Liberty, who ima­gine (and not unjustly) that the Europeans come to enslave 'em. These Reflexions cast a Melancholy upon our whole Company for some time after, and the Diversity of new Objects cou'd hardly wipe away the Thoughts of the other. When my Uncle ask'd a Far­mer in that Neighbourhood, how he cou'd be so inhuman to feed on the Loss of his Fellow-Creatures? he answer'd, if it were not [Page 298] now and then for such a lucky Hit, he shou'd never be able to pay his Landlord his Rent; besides, Custom had made it natural to him, and he cou'd not call that a Crime, so generally follow'd by all his Neighbours. All we cou'd say, cou'd not make him think of leaving off so profitable a Perquisite, as he was pleas'd to term it. Which put me in mind of those excellent Verses of Wal­ler's.

Some few Days after, my good Tutor was attack'd with a violent Fever, which we imagin'd he had got by endeavouring to save the poor shipwreck'd People, tho' we were all as much wet with the Billows of the Sea, as he was. This Accident stopt us at St. Ed­mund's-Bury in Suffolk, several Days, and tho' my Uncle spar'd no Cost for his Reco­very, yet the good Man expir'd, to the great Grief of us all. We bury'd him decently, tho' privately, not without wetting his Grave [Page 299] with my Tears, for he was a Person that deserv'd, and had a great Share in my Friend­ship.

After his Funeral, we set ourselves forward for Home; and for my own Part, with a heavy Heart; and my Uncle seem'd very much griev'd, because he ever express'd a great deal of Satisfaction in trusting to him the Conduct of my Youth in my Tour of Europe. Yet the Imagination of my Travels being retarded for some time, gave me some Plea­sure, because I shou'd have the Happiness of seeing my dear Isabella longer. When we came home, Betty inform'd me my Mother-in-law had made her a Visit, and express'd such a Horror at my former Treatment, that they did nothing but weep all Day. She made her several Presents, and seem'd very much pleas'd at her Settlement in my Un­cle's Family. But the Idea of my charm­ing Isabella took up all my Thoughts, and fatigu'd as I was, I sent her the following Let­ter, as soon as I dismounted.

The next Morning I receiv'd an Answer to mine; which gave me more Joy, than a Mariner receives after escaping a dangerous Tempest, and no Hope left for Safety.

As we were going the next Day to dine at Isabella's Mother's, my Uncle receiv'd a Let­ter from a distant Relation, which he gave me to read:

After I had read the Letter, my Uncle told me, it was from a Person he cou'd very well confide in, and his Recommendation was sufficient to him; however, Billy, said my Uncle, you shall see the Gentleman, for this is your Affair: If you can't like him, I won't force him upon you, no more than I wou'd do a Wife. Well, Sir, said I, to­morrow will decide that; tho' I am apt to [Page 305] believe I shall like him as well as you do. I am glad to find he is not a Man in Years; for they are generally so ill-natur'd, the Pre­cepts they teach us favour too much of Se­verity. And very often, reply'd my Uncle, Youth borders too much upon Levity. However, I have told you, more than once, that I shall leave you to your own Discre­tion.

When we came to the House, we found the Company together in the Parlour, and the Cloth laid ready for Dinner. I am glad you're come, said Isabella's Mother, for we are oblig'd to dine very early, because, after Dinner, we are to make a formal Visit to a Neighbour Lady, but we shall leave Isabella to entertain you. You may imagine, I felt no little Joy, when I understood Isabella was to be left behind; and the Freedom of my Humour had almost betray'd my Content­ment, for I was rally'd both by the Mother and Aunt. Nay, my Uncle cou'd not help having a Fling at me. Why, good Ladies, said my Uncle, don't be too hard upon my Nephew; do you imagine a young Lad past Fifteen, cares a Fig for Womens Company looking hard towards Forty. No, no, it's very seldom Youth and Age can agree, except [Page 306] Youth is very sober indeed; or Age is not tinctur'd with its old Distemper, Peevish­ness, with a Hatred of all Mirth. Ay, but (I reply'd) we find nothing of that in this good Company; there's none here forgets they were once young. Very true, return'd the Mother, your Uncle, I believe, imagines he is as young now, as he was thirty Years ago. Pray speak for yourself, Madam, re­turn'd my Uncle, you are as unwilling as I am, to be reckon'd in the Catalogue of Old. Why sure, reply'd the Aunt, my Sister has not quite so many Years over her Head, as your Worship! No, nor so much Expe­rience neither, return'd my Uncle. Dinner coming in, ended this Dispute. And after it was over, the Mother and Aunt went to their several Chambers to dress; and my Un­cle went to sleep in the Summer-House; so I was left alone with the divine Isabella. We said all our young Hearts conceiv'd, and I thought myself the happiest of Mortals. But when I touch'd upon my Absence for so long a time, she begg'd we might do something to divert that terrible Thought; for if she gave herself leave to look into her Breast, she was assur'd, such a Torrent of Tears wou'd fol­low, that her Sorrow wou'd be taken Notice [Page 307] of by the Company, and perhaps the Cause of Grief surmis'd, if not in reality found out. Therefore, said she, to divert the Thought, let us play a Party at Picquet. My Uncle, Madam, I reply'd, will not forgo his After­noon's Nap, for any thing, therefore we must play by ourselves. Before we had play'd out one Game, the Ladies came down, and the Coach being ready, drove away to their Visit.

When they were gone, I cou'd not refrain opening my whole Soul to Isabella, who felt the Pangs of Parting as sharp as myself, and her lovely Face was all bedew'd with Tears. We were so long in this tender Scene of Parting, that my Uncle had finish'd his Sleep, and was coming towards us. Isabella at the Sight of him, was oblig'd to retire to hide her Tears; and I was forc'd to have Recourse to Otway's Orphan, to have a Pre­tence for the Gloom that was settled upon my Countenance. Why how now, young Man, said my Uncle, when he enter'd, what all alone, and melancholy? Yes, Sir, said I, I never can read the last Act of this Play, without being sensibly touch'd with the Ca­tastrophe. Pr'ythee read Comedies then, said my Uncle, for I will not have you sad. [Page 308] Sir, said I, I can't find many Comedies fit to read; for those that are good, I have read so often, I'm as well acquainted with them as the Authors, or Actors in them. What's become of the young Lady, said my Un­cle, have you not Rhetorick enough to keep her here? So it seems, Sir, said I, for she is retir'd. Well then, said my Uncle, since we are alone, and the Time short we shall be together, let me give you a little Advice before we part; for it is not an Improbabi­lity, when we part, we may part for ever. I find, Sir, said I, you intend to increase my Melancholy, for if I thought that, by my Consent, we wou'd never part. Never the nearer Death for talking of it, neither, re­turn'd my Uncle. But what I am going to say to you, I wou'd have you often think on, to strengthen your Mind in Virtue.

When you have chang'd your Climate, don't change your Nature, but always think England your native Country; and not like some young Gentlemen that I know, who return with a Contempt for their own Coun­try, with their Understandings like a Fool's Coat, patch'd all over, and nothing of the Ground seen. Never stay long at a Place; for even Rome, with the Help of Books [Page 309] which describe their Antiquities, may be seen in three Months, as well as so many Years. Converse with elder People than your self, for their Knowledge will increase yours; and do not, as I know some of our Countrymen do, because they are brought up in the Pro­testant Religion, avoid all Conversation with the Clergy abroad; for when I travell'd, I found among all their Holy Bodies, Men of the profoundest Learning and Judgment, who never attempted to make me a Prose­lyte, or gave me any Uneasiness about my Religion. I wou'd have you go into all Companies, but take care of being too parti­cular. Make no Intimates, but as many Friends as you can. The French have too much Levity, the Spaniards too much Mo­roseness, the Italians too much Jealousy, and addicted to overmuch Pleasure without Mirth; the Germans, tho' learned, love the Juice of the Grape too well; and the Dutch are all Men of Business; tho' there is no general Rule without an Exception. Always live soberly; for as you will be frequently chang­ing Place, a spare Diet will best agree with your Constitution, and will learn you never to be disappointed, If Heaven shou'd af­flict you with Sickness, take my Method. [Page 310] Send for the most eminent of the Profession, tell him your Stay in that Place is but short, and agree with him for such a Sum when you are thoroughly cur'd. This Management, will make it his Interest to set you upon your Legs as fast as he can. You must hire a Native Servant at every Place you intend to make any Stay at. Give him good Wages, but trust him not; let him know as little of your Affairs as possible; and keep him igno­rant of your next Station, and the Time you intend to set forth; for some of 'em, I have prov'd, are Confederates with Robbers, and are as inquisitive after Foreigners, as some Foreigners are after new Fashions. The Va­riety of Dress (I mean Fashions) is what I abhor; yet you must put yourself in the Garb of every Place you make any Stay at. It will not only prevent your being gaz'd at, but will ingratiate you with the Natives, when you take their Habit upon you. Hear much, and speak little. Be not too intimate with the Feminine Gender; for an Intimacy there, too often creates Discontent and Trou­ble. Be very cautious in making Acquain­tance with your own Countrymen, for most of 'em now-a-Days enter into Society, to en­ter into all the fashionable Vices of the Places [Page 311] they go thro'. Be like the industrious Bee, suck Honey from every Flower, and contemn the gaudy Weeds that bloom and flourish to no Use. Avoid all Quarrels; but if you shou'd unhappily fall into one, behave your self with Courage and Resolution; and if you shou'd succeed, don't let your Sword hang the looser in its Scabbard. A Man of true Spirit will be as cautious how he draws his Sword, as he wou'd be of treading in the Dark over Heaps of Ruins. Be cau [...]ious of every one you deal with, for in many Places they make it a common Practice to over­reach Foreigners; and the fairer their Looks, often the fouler their Hearts. Whenever you come to have your Equipage examin'd by Officers of the Customs, make a handsome Present beforehand, which will either prevent their giving you any Trouble, or at least will prevent their tumbling your Things, which often proves of more Damage, than the Pre­sent you make 'em comes to. When you go by Sea, as you must, to arrive at several Places of Italy, bargain with the Master of the Vessel before you imbark; but pay him not before you arrive at the End of your Voyage; nor then, till all your Things are brought to your Lodgings, to answer your [Page 312] Bill of Parcels; and be sure you have two drawn at the same time, one for the Master, and the other for yourself. When you are to imbark, if you can, get a Recommendation from the last Place you leave; or, if you can­not, enquire out some Englishman (for there is no fear of finding 'em at all the noted Places) and beg he wou'd recommend you to some Native of the Place, where you may reside; for I have often made it my Observation, to have more Respect shewn me, when I took up my Quarters at one of the Natives, than when I did at one of my own Countrymen's. Tho' it is possible I may get you several re­commendatory Letters. One I am sure of, from the worthy Person that we receiv'd a Letter from this Morning concerning your new Tutor; he was Envoy at Florence two Years, and has a good Acquaintance in seve­ral Courts of Europe. Now, said my Un­cle, giving me a Paper, here is written the Heads of what I have been speaking, which I wou'd have you read over once a Week. And I desire I may hear from you all Op­portunities, with a succinct Account of every thing worth Notice you see abroad. It will serve to kill some Part of your Time that may hang heavy on your Hands. Besides, it will be acceptable to me.

[Page 313]We had several other Discourses on the same Subject; but we were interrupted by the Arrival of the Mother and Aunt. They got into a Chat, no way agreeable to me, of their Visit, which gave me an Opportunity of looking after my dear Isabella, who I had observ'd some time before, to go into the Garden. I found her in a by Summer-House, bathing her lovely Cheeks in Tears. When she saw me, she strove to dry her Eyes, but freely confess'd, the Thoughts of Parting had rais'd that Sorrow in her. She told me, va­rious Objects and Climates might alter my young Heart, and wipe her out from thence. It was with much Persuasion I cou'd settle her Mind to talk of any thing else; and tho' it gave me unconceivable Transports to see the Strength of her Love, yet it was neces­sary we shou'd have some time to settle our future Correspondence by Letter. When that was finish'd, I took my solemn leave of her, not without shedding Tears at our tender Se­paration. But poor Isabella's Grief quite overcame her, she fainted in my Arms. The tender Proof of her Heart, however, gave me some Uneasiness, left we shou'd be disco­ver'd, for it was some time before she came to herself. When we had compos'd ourselves [Page 314] as well as we cou'd, we were troubled to find a Means or Pretence for Isabella's Tears, for there was no concealing her Grief from the Company within. At last she told me, she wou'd make 'em believe a Bee had stung her Hand.

We went, with some Confusion, into the Parlour where they were sitting. Isabella was soon discover'd to have been weeping. When she was ask'd the Cause, she told 'em, as she went to pluck a Rose, a Bee, conceal'd, had stung her. I thought you had more Philoso­phy, reply'd my Uncle, young Lady, than to shed Tears for Pain. Truly, Sir, said she, I shall never be so much a Stoick, to think Pain is all Fancy, for I am sure I feel it still. Well, reply'd my Uncle, you find, young Lady, the sweetest thing sometimes conceals a Sting. However, your Pain will not hold, you long, there is a Balm to cure it; Honey, and a little Time, will soon ease you, I war­rant you. A while after, my Uncle order'd me to take my last Leave of the good Com­pany, which I did, with ten thousand Pangs. But as I prest my Lips to those of my dear Isabella's, I found 'em tremble so much, that I fear'd a Discovery; yet she bore it out­wardly very well; but did not come out to [Page 315] see us to the Coach, tho' no one took Notice of it but myself. 'Twas well the Dusk of Evening was approaching, for the Concern in my Countenance was not to be conceal'd; however, I compos'd myself as well as I cou'd before we came home.

The next Morning, the Gentleman that was to be my Tutor, arriv'd; and I must confess, I took an Affection to him at first Sight. His Countenance pleas'd me, as well as his Beha­viour; and my Uncle seem'd as well pleas'd as myself. He was not above Five and Twen­ty, and tho' young enough for a Tutor, yet we found him old in Experience and Under­standing, and answer'd fully the Character the Letter gave my Uncle of him. My Uncle was so well assur'd of his Abilities, that he resolv'd we shou'd begin our Journey in two Days. In the mean time I wrote several Let­ters to my dear Isabella, and receiv'd Answers so tender and passionate, that my Heart felt all the Joy it cou'd desire; but that Joy was lost in the dismal Thoughts of being separa­ted from all my Soul held dear, so long.

At length the Day came we were to set out. My dear Uncle wou'd accompany me to Do­ver, where we arriv'd. But the Weather proving a little boisterous, he wou'd not let [Page 316] me imbark before it was settled, tho' the Ves­sels set Sail, as not regarding it; however, as it was his Tenderness and Good-Nature, I comply'd with his Desire, tho' there was no apparent Danger.

The Sight of the Cliffs of Dover, put me in mind of those Lines in King Lear, of our inimitable Shakespear:

The next Day, the Weather prov'd so calm, that the Sea look'd like polish'd Glass; or, as the Sailors say, so smooth, you might throw Dice upon't; therefore my Uncle, after ming­ling our Tears, gave me leave to embark, with my Tutor and one Servant; and we left the British Shore behind.