DRESS OF THE NEW ENGLAND MOTHERS
_“Nowe my deare hearte let me parlye a little with thee about trifles,
for when I am present with thee, my speeche is preiudiced by thy
presence which drawes my mind from itselfe; I suppose now, upon thy
unkles cominge there wilbe advisinge &; counsellinge of all hands; and
amongst many I know there wilbe some, that wilbe provokinge thee, in
these indifferent things, as matter of apparell, fashions and other
circumstances; I hould it a rule of Christian wisdome in all things to
follow the soberest examples; I confesse that there be some ornaments
which for Virgins and Knights Daughters &;c may be comly and
tollerrable which yet in soe great a change as thine is, may well
admitt a change allso; I will medle with noe particulars neither doe I
thinke it shall be needfull; thine own wisdome and godliness shall
teach thee sufficiently what to doe in such things. I knowe thou wilt
not grieve me for trifles. Let me intreate thee (my sweet Love) to take
all in good part.”_
—JOHN WINTHROP TO MARGARET TYNDALE, 1616.