_In prosecution of her Extravagancies, she comes acquainted with a young
Gentleman, with whom she acts several frolicks, occasioned by seeing
Playes acted._
This, continued Mrs. _Mary_ was my beginning, or entrance into my
publick profession, and indeed, I cannot well call it publick, for I was
private and reserved: not admitting any more servants but this one, in
one moneth; and indeed, in the first half year, I had but three, but
they were so bountiful, that I had wherewithal to satisfie my self in
every thing: having in Jewels, and other presents to the value of
100_l._ Neither had I any thing to pay for diet, or lodging, the charge
of that being always born by our _Matrona_, who I found had gained above
60_l._ in mony, for procuration, and assistance in winning me; besides,
a great deal more mony spent at her house in Collations, &
entertainments for me, which were very frequent and costly. The trade
for Maiden-heads falling, the price being so great, I was now forced to
fight under another Banner, and though I did not pass for a maid; yet I
was accounted in the next degree, for I passed as the Mistress, or Lady
of Pleasure, of a Person of Quality, who kept me as a great rarity for
his own dyet; and indeed I did not much deceive my first customers upon
that account; for whereas I went under the notion of belonging to one
Person, I did belong to but three: and I was forced to play my game
pretty cunningly to please them, and not give them suspition of one
another, for they being all introduced into my acquaintance by our
_Matrona_, or some of her Agents, she did help to manage my affairs; and
when she knew I was to accompany, or lye with one of my sweet hearts,
she would tell the other, if he or they desired the same, that it could
not be for the present, for either, I was waiting on my Uncle, or some
other relation, or otherwise employed, that I must be excused at the
present: but against such a time, she would endeavour to procure me to
accompany them; and this was her tale, or mine; when more then one
importuned me with their visits, and by this means did we both gain the
mony, and I, Rings, Necklaces, Watches and new Gowns, and sometimes some
Gold to spend, or play away; but in time these three growing somewhat
weary, or tyred both in their bodies and purses; but especially in the
last, they by degrees left me, seldom visiting me; and when they did,
they would desire their pleasure on free cost, although I could not be
so ungrateful as to deny them, that which cost me nothing, and which I
had equal pleasure in, yet I saw, it was time to look out for other
better customers; and therefore as I told you, I passed as the Mistress
of a Person of Quallity, and was sent for to our _Madonas_ house,
whether I would pretend, I had stolen out, but durst not stay, least my
amorous Master should return and want me: Several Persons I enjoyed at
this rate, and much ready mony was coming to me; for they with whom I
had to do, understanding I was a professed Lady of Pleasure, knew well
enough that I would not be contented to pleasure them without a reward;
and therefore they gave me money. But now the case was somwhat altred,
and I must now pay for my dyet, for our _Madona_, had, as I told you, a
certain custom, or rule: which she walked by, which was this: that at
the first she paid for dyet and lodging as long as the Maidenhead
customers lasted; for all that time she took the mony, and the Woman the
presents, very little mony coming to their hands; and indeed it was not
by our rules thought honourable or convenient, that a price in money
should be given on that account, to the party herself; but when they
came under the notion of a Lady of Pleasure, and Virginity was gone,
then it was accounted reasonable, and indeed necessary, that the Party
her self should receive mony for her better support, and then she must
be at the cost of her own dyet; and this was my cause: And my Companion
and Bedfellow, who had bin in this condition for some time, and had
passed, as I now did, for a private Lady a Merchants wife, and several
other Titles and qualities, was now grown so common, and her face was so
well known to all our _Madona’s_ better sort of customers, that she
would serve no longer in that degree; but must go a step lower; and go
home to our _Madona’s_ own house, and there serve in common, for all
Gentleman customers that came. Thus as I was removed one step lower then
I was, so was she, and it was not long ere I had a pretty young thing
brought to be my companion: and though her Virginity had bin parted with
above a twelve moneth before, (as she confessed to me) yet she was to
succeed me, in my place, and act the part of a Virgin as I had done.
I now began to bethink my self of what I had bin, and what more I was to
be, and run through: I found that I was already at the second degree,
and that in short time, I must follow my late companion to the third,
and be enforced to go home to our _Madona’s_ house, and there prostitute
my self to every drunken fellow that brought mony in his hand; to be
flabbered, tumbled and tossed, as he pleased: this I say went against my
stomack, & I was much troubled at it; nay, I saw that some who had bin
in as high a place and degree as my self, were in bad condition enough;
for there was one, who was my late companions bedfellow before I came,
and was at that time called into the house to make room for me, this
woman being very frolick, and withal negligent of our _Madona’s_
commands: which were to Sweat, Bath, and Purge, and use other remedies,
to drive away all distempers; she I say being negligent, & wanton, and
keeping an open stable for all Horses, gave entertainment to a running
Nag, which so paid her that she was soundly pepper’d, not with a Horse
Pox, but as bad, or a worse disease: which stuck to her so soundly, that
notwithstanding our _Madona’s_ diligence, she was fain to go under the
Surgeons hands. Nay, and those that did Escape this, were in time put to
bad offices, as to attend the rest, and when their money was gone, they
served the Grooms, and Skip-kennels that attended their Masters to our
house.
These considerations, I say, made me think of a remedy to take in time;
and therefore I was resolved to order my matters so, as never to come
into our _Madona’s_ house but provide for my self before it should come
to that point; and therefore I purposed to accept of the offers of the
next good customer that came, that would take me from the condition I
was in, and to provide for me; for it was a usual thing, that we had
many offers by several persons to take us away; and keep and maintain us
privately.
I had now every day more variety of servants, then formerly; for now I
had done trafficking for my Maidenhead, I was more free and open, and to
be courted and treated at a cheaper rate; and now I was at my own
dispose, whereas before I was still watched by our _Madona_, or my
Companion, who had it in charge from her, to give an account of all my
actions; and the same charge had I given me over my new-come Bedfellow.
All that was expected from me, was always to be ready at my Lodging, to
come when sent for; but I had this in general, and so had all the rest
of our Companions, not to permit any man to exceed kissing and feeling,
till 3 or 4 Bottles of Wine were first drank.
These, and many other Maxims we were instructed in, which I shal omit,
and only give you an account of two or three frolicks I was a party in,
whilst I professed this quality, and so conclude.
Among other Servants, or Sweethearts, that I had, who were my constant
customers, I had one, a young Country Gentleman; who being heir of a
good estate, was brought up to _London_, and placed in one of the Inns
of Court; but instead of studying Law, he applyed himself to a more soft
and effeminate study: the Art of love and courtship: he had read _Ovid’s
Arte amandi_, at home in the Country, and could repeat many lines out of
it; and he had read some other pieces of _Poetry_; but his fancy was not
drawn to the height, till he had not only read some Comedies, but also
seen them acted; and then he was so taken with them, that he spent his
time commonly, every afternoon, in seeing one acted: he being a guest at
our house (being introduced thither by one of our Hectors) and his
pockets being very well lined with crowns, our _Matrona_ thought me a
fit Mistris for him; and he being a handsome young fellow, I willingly
accepted him for my servant: he being as (I told you) well skilled in
_Ovids Art of Love_, would often make use of several of his expressions,
to perswade me to his embraces.
Though he needed not use these arguments to induce me to permit him to
enjoy me: yet I was well enough pleased to hear his Poetry; and I being
no Novice in the school of love, did withstand him, knowing that the
mind is most eagerly bent on that which is forbidden; and therefore,
like a torrent, it overflows, and becomes more impetuous by opposition;
and I had read so much Poetry as to remember, that,
_She that is willing to love me;
To her unwilling will I be_
And,
_Proffer’d pleasures I defy,
Give me her that doth deny_.
He making use of his Poetry, made me think of mine; and therefore I was
the more coy to him; but still held him in hand, and gave him certain
hopes of an absolute injoyment; This his vayne of Poetry was not only
pleasant to me, but profitable; and he fell into one of the finest
humors that I have heard of; for I attending him to the Play-houses very
frequently, we one day saw a Play called _Philaster_, or _Love lyes a
bleeding_: The Play being done, we went to a Tavern, and there he
highly commended the action, but above all things the womens parts: he
was very much pleased with _Arethusa’s_ constancy and love to
_Philaster_: but that which tickled him most, was _Megera’s_ acceptance
of _Pharamon’s_ Courtship; for though she were a great Court-Lady, yet
she accepted his gold which he presented her, and was so kind as to
attend his pleasure in his lodging. Now said he to me, though I have
tendred you my service, and am willing to make you a present of all I
have, yet I cannot induce you be so kind to me.
I now, hearing him at this point, was resolved to accept him & his
present, (for, though he had been some days in my company, yet he had
bestow’d nothing considerable upon me) & therefore I told him, that it
was true, the Lady _Megera_ did accommodate Prince _Pharamond_: but he
did first present her with somwhat that was considerable, to induce her
to it; and though I had a very great respect for his love, yet there was
somewhat more then love to be tendred, as he might now very well
understand by this late passage.
My yonker (who I suppose had never tasted woman, but with his Mothers
Chamber-Maids, or some such Creatures, knew not what belonged to Women
of my profession) being now awakened, as it were, out of a dead sleep;
quickly drew 5 pieces of Gold out of his Pocket, and made a present of
them: You may be sure I was not coy, nor cautious in receiving them; but
quickly put them up; and, for the present, thanks was all I returned,
delaying him in his desires, till we came to our _Madona’s_ quarters;
where we had a plentiful Supper: And I having now acquainted her how I
had dealt with my Young man; it was thought reasonable that he should
have a nights lodging for his Money; neither did I refuse it, but agreed
to all he asked me, and I so well pleased him, that I perswaded him out
of a Diamond Ring worth 5_l._ more.
I am the more particular in my relation, of my acquaintance with him:
and the means of our closing, by seing a Play, because of the advantages
I gained on him afterwards by the same occasion: for the next day we
again going to see a Play, it happened that it was the _Siege_ of
_Rhodes_, and then he was as much taken with _Roxolana_, as he had
formerly been with _Arethusa_, and highly commended that part: I
perceiving his fancy, told him, that I supposed he would be very glad to
imbrace _Roxolana_ in his Arms; Yes said he, that I would, though it
were at the expence of 20_l._ well said I, give me the money, and I will
so order the matter, that you shall receive that satisfaction; nay said
he, but I doubt you will be offended thereat; no said I, it will be as
much to my content, as yours. He hearing this, without any difficulty,
agreed to give me 20_l._ which was sent me that evening, I told him the
next day, that in one weeks time, he should receive the content he
expected, and to heighten his expectation, I refused to let him lye with
me in the mean time.
In this weeks time I so ordered the matter, that I got a Taylor, and
other persons who were used to make the habits for the Players, to make
me a habit in all things like to that of _Roxolana_; this being done, I
acquainted my young Gentleman, and told him that for his better
satisfaction, he should see the so famed _Princess_ at our quarters,
where he might have more freedom, then at any other place; he was
herewith very well contented; he habiting himself in the richest garbs
he had, and a large Colation was provided to treat his expected
Mistress; all things being thus fitted on his part; I put on the
provided habit: and instead of his expected _Roxolana_, entred the room
where he was: I was attended by two or three, who bore up my train, and
had set my self out with so many Jewels, both good & counterfeit: and
was indeed in all things so like the _Roxolana_ he had seen, that he
doubted not but I was the very same and was much surprized at the
matter; and although my face was as lovely as hers, yet I had added
somewhat thereto to appear more beautiful.
Our _Matrona_ seeing him somewhat amazed, went to him, and rouzing him
up, asked him, why he did not salute me; for said she, though her habit
is not _English_, yet you see she is of this Country, and will admit of
the ordinary salutes. He being now quickned up, approached me, and gave
me the ordinary salutations, which I accepted, and at his request I sate
down by him. Well, said our _Matrona_, hath not Mrs. _Mary_ performed
her promise with you. Yes, said he, to admiration: and if before I
desired this Ladies Company at the first view; I am now much more
pleased than I expected; and as I have a very great esteem for this
Lady, and intend to continue it, yet that shall be no prejudice to Mrs.
_Mary_, whose great love and kindness to me in this particular action, I
shall always remember, and largely requite: Well Sir, said I, and what
love you bestow on her shall be very acceptable to me, and I shall
indeavour to retalliat the same.
My young man had not till now heard me speak, and, though he did, he
could not distinguish me by my voice, so great a difference was there in
my habit, from my ordinary dress, that he did not so much as suspect it,
but, hearing me speak with so much affection for Mistris _Mary_; he
replyed; that since I was so much a friend to her, he was the better
satisfyed in what he had desired; and, he wanted nothing to content him,
so much, as her presence. Well, said our _Matrona_, if that be all, you
may have that satisfaction quickly: nay, and you have it already; for
she is in this Room: He hearing her, looked earnestly about; and though
he gazed much in my face, yet he could not discover me; but my greatest
business being now done, our _Matrona_ could no longer forbear, but fell
into a very great fit of laughter, and so did the rest of the company;
neither did this make him sensible of the matter, till our _Madona_,
taking him by the hand, caused him to take me by mine; and told him,
that if he desired Mistris _Maryes_ company there, he had it; for she
was the same party with that Lady, and had only put on that habit to
give him the content and satisfaction he desired.
Although at first he could not credit what she said, yet looking again
earnestly upon me, he discovered the matter; and then he said, _Ah
Madam, I did not imagine that you could be guilty of so pleasing a
fallacy; but I am very well satisfied therein, and am now more glad that
you have found out this way to please me, than if I enjoyed the very
party her self_.
To this I answered, _That I hoped I should as well satisfie his desire
in enjoying that_ Princess _whom I represented, as if he had in his
Company the same person who acted that part at the Theatre; for, said I,
it is only her habit that makes her appear so like a_ Princess; _and I,
being now in the same dress, may as well pass as she; and as for face,
and other parts, I shall not give her any preheminence, neither, I hope,
will you, if you look on me with an impartial eye_.
My friend was very well satisfyed in what I had done and said, and now
coming more near to me, we fell to our Collation with much freedom. I
was attended by several whom I had appointed to that purpose, and
demeaned my self so Majestically, that as they all told me, I might very
well pass for the very person whom I did represent; and my Gentleman was
so extremely well pleased, that I thought he would have lost his eyes in
gazing at me. Our Collation being ended, I and my attendants danced, and
spent much time in such kind of divertisements; but I saw that my friend
was impatient till bed time came, that he might have me, his beloved
_Princess_, in his arms: we were waited on with all manner of state, and
had Musick attending us, not only all the time we were up, but also when
we were in bed: they being placed in the Chamber adjoyning to our
lodgings, where they played for two hours space after we were retired.
The strength of imagination was much, for as my bedfellow imagined that
he had a _Princess_ in his arms so I conceited my self to be little
less: great was the pleasure, I received from, and gave to my bedfellow,
for we were both in the flower of our age, he being about twenty, and I
eighteen, we had both equal desires, and thought of nothing but
pleasure: we banished all other passions, to make way for that of love
according to the Poet.
_Fair_ Venus _never goes to Bed,
To those that are with sorrows fed._
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