_How Moll Dawson was married to Mr. Richard Godwin; brief account of
attendant circumstances._
_December 14._ Dawson left us this morning. In parting, Mr. Godwin
graciously begged him to come to his wedding feast on Christmas
day,--they having fixed upon Christmas eve to be married,--and Dawson
promised he would; but he did assure me afterwards, as we were walking
along the road to meet the stage waggon, that he would certainly feign
some reason for not coming. "For," says he, "I am not so foolhardy as to
jeopardise my Moll's happiness for the pleasure this feast would give
me. Nay, Kit, I do think 'twould break my heart indeed, if anything of
my doing should mar my Moll's happiness." And I was very well pleased to
find him in this humour, promising him that we would make amends for his
abstinence on this occasion by cracking many a bottle to Moll's joy when
we could come together again secretly at my house. In the afternoon Mr.
Pearson's clerk brought the deed of agreement for the settlement of the
estate upon Moll and Mr. Godwin, which they signed, and so that is
finished as we would have it. This clerk tells me his master hath
already gone to London about getting the seal. So all things look mighty
prosperous.
_December 17._ Fearing to displease Sir Peter Lely by longer delay, Mr.
Godwin set out for Hatfield Tuesday, we--that is, Moll, Don Sanchez, and
I--going with him as far as the borough, where Moll had a thousand
things to buy against her wedding. And here we found great activity of
commerce, and many shops filled with excellent good goods,--more than
ever there were before the great fire drove out so many tradesmen from
the city. Here Moll spends her money royally, buying whatever catches
her eye that is rich and beautiful, not only for her own personal
adornment, but for the embellishment of her house (as hangings, damasks,
toys, etc.), yet always with a consideration of Mr. Godwin's taste, so
that I think she would not buy a pair of stockings but she must ask
herself whether he would admire 'em. And the more she had, the more
eager she grew to have, buying by candle-light, which was an imprudence,
and making no sort of bargain, but giving all the shopkeepers asked for
their wares, which, to be sure, was another piece of recklessness. This
business seemed to me the most wearisome in the world, but it served
only to increase her energies, and she would not be persuaded to desist
until, the shops closing, she could lay out no more money that night.
Supped very well (but mighty late) at the Tabard inn, where we lay all
night. And the next morning, Moll's fever still unabated, we set out
again a-shopping, and no rest until we caught the stage (and that by a
miracle) at four; and so home, dead beat.
_December 18._ Moll mad all day because the carrier hath brought but
half her purchases, and they not what she wanted. By the evening waggon
come three seamstresses she engaged yesterday morning, and they are to
stay in the house till all is finished; but as yet nothing for them to
do, which is less grievous to them than to poor Moll, who, I believe,
would set 'em working all night for fear she shall not be fitted against
her wedding.
_December 19._ Thank God, the carrier brought all our packages this
morning, and they being all undone and laid out, there is no sitting
down anywhere with comfort, but all confusion, and no regularity
anywhere, so I was content to get my meals in the kitchen the best I
could. And here I do perceive the wisdom of Don Sanchez, who did not
return with us from London, and does intend (he told me) to stay there
till the wedding eve. _December 20._ Moll, bit by a new maggot, tells me
this morning she will have a great feast on Christmas day, and bids me
order matters accordingly. She will have a whole ox roasted before the
house by midday, and barrels of strong ale set up, that there may be
meat and drink for all who choose to take it; and at four she will have
a supper of geese, turkeys, and plum puddings for all her tenants, their
wives and sweethearts, with fiddles afterwards for dancing, etc. Lord
knows how we shall come out of this madness; but I have got the
innkeeper (a busy, capable man) to help me, and he does assure me all
will go well enough, and I pray he be right.
_December 21._ Sick with fears that all must end ill. For the place is a
very Babel for tradesmen and workpeople bringing in goods, and knowing
not where to set them, servants hurrying this way and that, one charged
with a dozen geese, another with silk petticoats, jostling each other,
laughing, quarrelling, and no sort of progress, as it seems, anywhere,
but all tumult and disorder.
_December 22._ Could not sleep a wink all last night for casting up
accounts of all this feasting and finery will cost us, and finding it
must eat up all that money we had of poor Mr. Goodman, and make a deep
hole in our quarter's rents besides, I fell a speculating whether our
tenants would pay me with the same punctuality they have used to pay old
Simon, with grievous fears to the contrary. For, assuredly, Simon hath
not been idle these past days, and will do us an ill turn if he can, by
throwing doubts before these same tenants whether they should pay or not
before Moll's succession is made sure. And I have good reason to fear
they will not, for I observed yesterday when I called upon Farmer Giles
to invite him to our feast, he seemed very jerky and ill at ease, which
perplexed me greatly, until, on quitting, I perceived through a door
that stood ajar old Simon seated in a side room. And 'tis but natural
that if they find prudent excuse for withholding their rents they will
keep their money in pocket, which will pinch us smartly when our bills
come to be paid. Yet I conceived that this feast would incline our
tenants to regard us kindly; but, on the other hand, thinks I, supposing
they regard this as a snare, and do avoid us altogether! Then shall we
be nipped another way; for, having no one to eat our feast but a few
idle rogues, who would get beef and ale for nothing, we shall but lay
ourselves open to mockery, and get further into discredit. Thus, betwixt
one fear and another, I lay like a toad under a harrow, all night, in a
mortal sweat and perturbation of spirit.
Nor has this day done much to allay my apprehension. For at the Court
all is still at sixes and sevens, none of a very cheerful spirit, but
all mighty anxious, save Moll, who throughout has kept a high, bold
spirit. And she does declare they will work all night, but everything
shall be in its place before her lover comes to-morrow. And, truly, I
pray they may, but do think they will not. For such a mighty business as
this should have been begun a full month back. But she will not endure
me in the house (though God knows I am as willing as any to help),
saying that I do hinder all, and damp their spirit for work with my
gloomy countenance, which is no more than the truth, I fear. The sky
very overcast, with wind in the south and the air very muggy, mild, and
close, so that I do apprehend our geese will be all stinking before they
are eat. And if it pour of rain on Christmas day how will the ox be
roast, and what sort of company can we expect? This puts me to another
taking for dread of a new fiasco.
_December 23._ Going to the Court about midday, I was dumbfounded to
find no sign of the disorder that prevailed there yesterday, but all
swept and garnished, and Moll in a brave new gown seated at her
fireside, reading a book with the utmost tranquillity,--though I suspect
she did assume something in this to increase my astonishment. She was
largely diverted by my amazement, and made very light of her
achievement; but she admitted that all had worked till daybreak, and she
had slept but two hours since. Nevertheless, no one could have looked
fresher and brighter than she, so healthy and vigorous are her natural
parts. About one comes Mr. Godwin to cap her happiness and give fresh
glory to her beauty. And sure a handsomer or better mated couple never
was, Mr. Godwin's shapely figure being now set off to advantage by a
very noble clothing, as becoming his condition. With him came also by
the morning stage Don Sanchez, mighty fine in a new head, of the latest
mode, and a figured silk coat and waistcoat. And seeing the brave show
they made at table, I was much humbled to think I had gone to no expense
in this particular. But I was yet more mortified when Don Sanchez
presents Moll with a handsome set of jewels for a wedding gift, to see
that I had nothing in the world to offer her, having as yet taken not a
penny of her money, save for the use of others and my bare necessities.
Moll, however, was too full of happiness to note this omission on my
part; she could think of no one now but her dear husband, and I counted
for nothing.
However, this little chagrin was no more than a little cloud on a
summer's day, which harms no one and is quickly dispelled by generous
heat; and the tender affection of these two for each other did impart a
glow of happiness to my heart. 'Tis strange to think how all things
to-night look bright and hopeful, which yesterday were gloomy and
awesome. Even the weather hath changed to keep in harmony with our
condition. A fresh wind sprang up from the north this morning, and
to-night every star shines out sharp and clear through the frosty air,
promising well for to-morrow and our Christmas feast. And smelling of
the geese, I do now find them all as sweet as nuts, which contents me
mightily, and so I shall go to bed this night blessing God for all
things.
_December 24._ Now this blessed day hath ended, and Moll is sure and
safely bound to Mr. Godwin in wedlock, thanks to Providence. Woke at
daybreak and joyed to find all white without and covered with rime,
sparkling like diamonds as the sun rose red and jolly above the firs;
and so I thought our dear Moll's life must sparkle as she looked out on
this, which is like to be the brightest, happiest day of her life.
Dressed in my best with great care, and put on the favour of white
ribbons given me by Moll's woman last night, and so very well pleased
with my looks, to the Court, where Moll is still a-dressing, but Mr.
Godwin and Don Sanchez, nobly arrayed, conversing before the fire. And
here a great bowpot on the table (which Mr. Godwin had made to come from
London this morning) of the most wondrous flowers I have ever seen at
this time of the year, so that I could not believe them real at first,
but they are indeed living; and Mr. Godwin tells me they are raised in
houses of glass very artificially heated. Presently comes in Moll with
her maids, she looking like any pearl, in a shining gown of white satin
decked with rich lace, the collar of diamonds glittering about her white
throat, her face suffused with happy blushes and past everything for
sprightly beauty. Mr. Godwin offers his bowpot and takes her into his
arms, and there for a moment she lay with closed eyes and a pallor
spreading over her cheek as if this joy were more than her heart could
bear; but recovering quickly, she was again all lively smiles and
radiance.
Then comes a letter, brought by the night carrier, from her father (a
most dirty, ill-written scrawl signed Robert Evans with his mark),
praying he may be excused, as his masts are to be stepped o' Wednesday,
and he must take the occasion of a ketch leaving Dartford for Falmouth
this day, and at the same time begging her acceptance of a canister of
China tea (which is, I learn, become a fashionable dish in London) as a
marriage offering. Soon after this a maid runs in to say the church
bells are a-ringing; so out we go into the crisp, fresh air, with not a
damp place to soil Moll's pretty shoes--she and Mr. Godwin first, her
maids next, carrying her train, and the Don and I closing the
procession, very stately. In the churchyard stand two rows of village
maids with baskets to strew rosemary and sweet herbs in our path, and
within the church a brave show of gentlefolks, friends and neighbours,
to honour the wedding.
But here was I put to a most horrid quaking the moment I passed the
door, to perceive old Simon standing foremost in the throng about the
altar, in his leather cap (which he would not remove for clerk or
sexton, but threatened them, as I am told, with the law if they lay a
finger on him). And seeing him there, I must needs conclude that he
intended to do us an ill turn, for his face wore the most wicked, cruel,
malicious look that ever thirst of vengeance could impart. Indeed, I
expected nothing less than that he would forbid the marriage on such
grounds as we had too good reason to fear; and with this dread I
regarded Moll, who also could not fail to see him. Her face whitened as
she looked at him, but her step never faltered, and this peril seemed
but to fortify her courage and resolution; and indeed I do think by her
high bearing and the defiance in her eye as she held her lover's arm
that she was fully prepared to make good answer if he challenged her
right to marry Mr. Godwin. But (the Lord be thanked!) he did not put her
to this trial, only he stood there like a thing of evil omen to mar the
joy of this day with fearful foreboding.
I can say nothing about the ceremony, for all my attention was fixed
upon this hideous Simon, and I had no relief until 'twas safely ended
and Moll's friends pressed forward to kiss the bride and offer their
good wishes; nor did I feel really at ease until we were back again at
the Court, and seated to a fine dinner, with all the friends who would
join us, whereof there were as many as could sit comfortably to the long
table. This feast was very joyous and merry, and except that the parson
would be facetious over his bottle, nothing unseemingly or immodest was
said. So we stayed at table in exceeding good fellowship till the
candles were lit, and then the parson, being very drunk, we made a
pretext of carrying him home to break up our company and leave the happy
couple to their joy.
_December 26._ Down betimes yesterday morning to find the sky still
clear, the air brisk and dry, and ample promise of a fair day. To the
Court, and there perceive the great ox spitted on a stout fir pole, and
the fire just kindling; John the gardener setting up the barrels of
beer, and a famous crowd of boys and beggars already standing before the
gates. And there they might have stayed till their dinner was cooked,
ere I had let them in, but Moll coming down from the house with her
husband, and seeing this shivering crew, their pinched cheeks yellow and
their noses blue with cold, and so famished with hunger they could
scarce find strength to cry, "God bless you, merry gentlefolks!" she
would have them taste at once some of that happiness with which her
heart was overflowing, and so did with her own hands unbolt the gates
and set them wide, bidding the halting wretches come in and warm
themselves. Not content with this, she sends up to the house for loaves
and gives every one a hunch of bread and a mug of ale to stay his empty
stomach. And Lord, 'twas a pleasure to see these poor folks' joy--how
they spread their hands out to the flames; how they cockered up the fire
here and there to brown their ox equally, with all hands now and then to
turn him on the spit; how they would set their bread to catch the
dropping gravy; and how they would lift their noses to catch the savoury
whiffs that came from the roasting beef.
This is all very well, thinks I, but how about our geese and turkeys?
will our tenants come, or shall we find that Simon hath spoilt their
appetite, and so be left with nought but starved beggars for our
company? However, before four o'clock an end was put to these doubts,
for some in waggons, others on horse, with their wives or sweethearts on
pillions behind, clasping their men tight, and the rest afoot, all came
that were asked by me, and more, and pretty jolly already with ale on
the road, and a great store of mistletoe amongst them for their further
merriment. And what pleased me as much as anything was to find all
mighty civil to Moll--nearly all offering her a Christmas box of fresh
eggs, honey, and such homely produce, which she received with the most
pretty, winning grace, that went home to every heart, so that the
hardest faces were softened with a glow of contentment and admiration.
Then down we sat to table, Moll at one end and her husband beside her;
Don Sanchez and I at t'other; and all the rest packed as close as sprats
in a barrel; but every lad squeezing closer to his lass to make room for
his neighbour, we found room for all and not a sour look anywhere. Dear
heart! what appetites they had, yet would waste nothing, but picked
every one his bone properly clean (which did satisfy me nothing was
amiss with our geese), and great cheering when the puddings and
flapdragons came in all aflame, and all as merry as grigs--flinging of
lighted plums at each other, but most mannerly not to fling any at Moll
or us. Then more shouting for joy when the bowls of wassail and posset
come in, and all standing to give three times three for their new
mistress and her husband. Hearing of which, the beggars without (now
tired of dancing about the embers) troop up to the door and give three
times three as well, and end with crying joy and long life to the wedded
pair. When this tumult was ended and the door shut, Mr. Godwin gave a
short oration, thanking our tenants for their company and good wishes;
and then he told them how his dear wife and he, wishing others to share
their joy and remember this day, had resolved to forgive every tenant
one-half of his quarter's rent. "And so, Mr. Hopkins," says he,
addressing me, "you will think of this to-morrow."
At first I was disposed to begrudge this munificence--thinking of my
accounts and the bills I should have to pay ere rent day came again; but
on second thoughts it rejoiced me much as being a counterblast to
anything Simon could do against us. For no tenant, thinks I, will be
fool enough to withold payment when he may get his quittance to-morrow
for half its value. And herein was I not mistaking; for to-day every
tenant hath paid with a cheerful countenance. So that this is very good
business, and I am not in any way astonished to find that our subtle
Spaniard was at the bottom of it, for indeed it was Don Sanchez who
(knowing my fears on this head and thinking them well-grounded)
suggested this act of generosity to Moll, which she, in her fulness of
heart, seized on at once. (Truly, I believe she would give the clothes
off her back, no matter what it cost her, to any one in need, so
reckless is she in love and pity.)
_December 27._ Don Sanchez took leave of us this day, he setting forth
for Spain to-morrow, with the hope to reach his friends there, for their
great feast of the New Year. And we are all mighty sorry to lose him;
for not only hath he been a rare good friend to us, but also he is a
most seemly gentleman (to keep us in countenance), and a very good
staunch and reliable companion. But this comprises not all our loss, he
having, as I confess, more wit in his little finger than we in all our
bodies, and being ever ready with an expedient in the hour of need; and
I know not why, but I look on his going as a sign of coming evil; nor am
I greatly comforted by his telling me privily that when we want him he
shall be found by a letter sent to the Albego Puerto del Sole, Toledo,
in Spain. And I pray Heaven we have no occasion to write to him.
To-night at supper I find Moll all cock-a-hoop with a new delight, by
reason of her dear husband offering to take her to London for a month to
visit the theatres and other diversions, which put me to a new quirk for
fear Moll should be known by any of our former playhouse companions. But
this I now perceive is a very absurd fear; for no one in the world who
had seen Moll three years ago--a half-starved, long-legged, raw
child--could recognise her now, a beautiful, well-proportioned young
woman in her fine clothes; and so my mind is at ease on this head. When
Moll was retired, Mr. Godwin asked if I could let him have a few
hundreds upon his account, and I answered very willingly he shall. And
now setting aside enough to pay all bills and furnish our wants till
next quarter day, I am resolved to give him every farthing left of the
rents paid yesterday, and shall be most hearty glad to be rid of it, for
this money do seem to scar my hands every time I touch it; nor can I
look at it but my heart is wrung with pity for those poor tenants who
paid so gleefully yesterday, for surely their quittances will hold good
for no more than spoilt paper if ever our roguery is discovered.
_December 28._ This day Moll and Mr. Godwin set out for London, all
smiles and gladness, and Moll did make me promise to visit them there,
and share their pleasures. But if I have no more appetite for gaiety
than I feel at this moment, I shall do better to stay here and mind my
business; though I do expect to find little pleasure in that, and must
abide by a month of very dull, gloomy days.