_Mistress_ Mary _having finished, Mistress_ Dorothy _begins her story,
wherein she relates, that having left her friends in the Country, she
comes to_ London, _and entring to service, lyes with 3 several men, by
whom she was got with Child, and so orders the matter, that all 3 pay
well for it._
I had given very great attention to Mrs. _Maries_ story, and Mrs.
_Dorothy_ (who, with me, had been the only Auditor) told her, that she
had received a great deal of satisfaction; for, said she, though I have
formerly heard many of your particular actions, yet I never received a
perfect account till now. Nay, said Mrs. _Mary_, this account is far
from being perfect, and is only such passages as I could at present call
to mind; but indeed they are the most remarkable, and by them you may
guess at the rest.
I was very well pleased with what I had heard, and being likewise
desirous to be acquainted with the adventures of Mrs. _Dorothy_
requested her to relate them to me, which she did as followeth.
Old friend (said she to me) you have great occasion to love and respect
me, for the great love I have born to you, and your memory; for after
your departure from my Fathers house, I was very much afflicted for your
absence, and I did believe that you intended marriage to me, as you
protested; and though my Father and Mother had often doubted of the
reallity of your intentions, especially, after you had so unworthily
left me, yet I still perswaded them that you would return. You know well
enough, that my Father was not ignorant of our privacy, he having
surprized us in the manner, and you then promised to make me amends by
marriage; but all the satisfaction I received was a Copy of Verses, and
20 pieces of Gold: In the one you expressed your Wit, in the other your
Generosity, for I very well knew that you might have omitted both, and
not have sent either; but I suppose, you were more skilful than I, and
knew that I was with Child by you, and therefore sent that mony to
defray the charge I should be at on that occasion. This piece of
civility of yours did put me into good hopes, that you would return; and
I accordingly perswaded my Father, and Mother; but time convinced me of
my error: and also made it more apparent that I had been sporting with
you; for my Belly swelled so, that my Mother soon resolved me that I was
with Child by you.
I was very melancholly upon this occasion, but my Mother indeavoured to
comfort me (for I being her only Child) she had a great deal of love for
me; and knowing what was pass’d could not be helped, she took order to
conceal and keep the knowledge of my misfortune from being publiquely
known and discoursed of; Wherefore I, at her desire and directions, kept
within doors, pretending a sickness, which indeed was not wholly
counterfeit, in regard I much grieved for your absence. In this
condition I spent my time, till the time of my deliverance from
Childbearing came, and then I was brought to bed of a Boy, which was no
sooner born, but it was taken and carried from me, to a Town three miles
off, to be nursed by a woman, whom my Mother had for that purpose
provided; and this was done to conceal the shame that I should or might
sustain, if it were known that I had a Child, without knowing who, or at
least, where was the Father.
So soon as a Month was expired, I went to see the Child, the sight of
which put me too much in mind of the Father; and I was then again
sensibly afflicted, at his absence; methoughts in that infancy there was
so much resemblance of my beloved deceiver, that I kiss’d the Infant not
only for its own, but for the Fathers sake. I then returned home agen,
and now after so long a time of retirement, I began to recover, not only
my strength, but some additions to my beauty; so that I having had 2 or
3 Suitors, when a Maid, who had forborn visiting me by occasion of my
ilness, they now agen renew their suits; but if I had some dislike for
them before, now I could not endure them in my company, they were such
absolute Hobbinolls. Though I was not satisfied in their frequent
visits, yet my Father and Mother press’d me, not only to accept them,
but also their suit, and make choice of one of them for a husband,
alleging, that you would never return; and it would be not only safe but
necessary, in time to bestow my self. This discourse did much disturb
me, and I was so often troubled with my suiters, and disturbed and vexed
by my Father and Mothers importunity, that I resolved to quit both, by
leaving them, and therefore purposed to go to _London_, that I might not
be troubled with the importunity of my Father and Mother; nor the
troublesome visits of my sweethearts.
In persuance of this resolve, I fitted my self with all necessaries; and
that I might not wholly distract my Parents by my thus leaving them, I
writ a Letter of excuse, & left it for them; & so walking to the next
great Town, attending the coming by of the Passage Coach, and in that
got me a place to ride to _London_.
I continued for some time in the Inne where the Coachman set me down,
and the rest of his Passengers; but knowing it would be impossible for
me to continue long there, I gained acquaintance with the Maid of the
house, and told my tale to her as well as I thought convenient. She
understanding that I was willing to serve, and wanted a place; and I
acquainting her with my abilities, as that I could sew, wash, and
starch, and do most necessary things required of a servant, She soon
procured me a Place in a house that entertained many Lodgers. I spent a
quarter of a years time very privately and honestly in this service; but
then our house being full of Lodgers, one of them cast a wanton eye on
me, and being well pleased with my face, began to court me very
familiarly; although at first I opposed him, and gave him nothing but
slights and denials, yet he so managed his business by Presents which he
gave me, and making use of all other opportunities that he gained his
will of me, and I again entred the Lists in a loving Combate. He took
many opportunities for enjoyment, not only in the day time, but
sometimes we spent whole nights in our amorous sports; and though my Mr.
and Mrs. did not discover any thing of the matter, yet another
Gentleman, who was also a Lodger, and lay in the next Chamber to my
friends, watching me, found out my haunt; and therefore he (being as
amorous as the other) was desirous of sport, became a Suiter to me upon
the same account. I absolutely denied him, for I thought it was enough
to have to do with one man, and was resolved to venture my self no
further; but he taking the opportunity of the others absence, first
treated me with Wine, then presented me with a Ring; but all this would
not do, till he in plain terms told me, that he knew very well I was not
so hard-hearted to every one; for were Mr. such a one, naming my friend,
there, I would not deny him the curtesie: I at first made strange of
this story, and deny’d it, but he falling into plain terms with me, and
telling me that he had watched me such a night, when I lay with him, I
could not then deny it, neither did I long deny or refuse him what he
desired; so that he likewise took his pleasure with me; and having
obtained his desire at that time, he made bold with me so often as he
listed, when the other was out of the way.
I had now two Bedfellows, so that I could seldom lie alone, one of them
would still bespeak me; but the first of them did not know of the 2d.
though he knew very well of the other: Though I had sport enough with
these two, yet it was not long ere a third man likewise put in for a
share with them, and that was my Masters brother; he was a very pretty
young man, and one whom I could well enough love for a Husband; but he
looked a little higher than to marry a Servant-maid: but as a Mistress
he courted me. Many attempts he made in vain; but time that bringeth
every thing to pass, made me flexible, and I likewise gave him
possession of the thing he desired: he took much pleasure in my company,
and very respectful to me, often presenting me with Linnen and Laces,
and sometimes a Crown or an Angel came from his Pocket, as well as from
the other two, who well fed me with mony, which I still pocketed up: but
as I got mony, so again I got somewhat else, a great Belly, and which
was the worst of my three friends, I knew not which was the Father; but
if I am not mistaken, I believe it was my Masters Brother.
But I was resolved the other two should help to Father it, or else pay
for it; and therefore I soon told them all three, as they had occasion
to deal with me, in what condition I was. My first and oldest friend was
most troubled at it, being as he thought the most concerned, because he
knew not of any else that had to do with me; he was somewhat startled at
it, lest, as he said, his wife should come to know it; for, he was a
married man: and although his wife sometimes came to Town, and would lie
with him; yet he would sometimes before he went to bed to her, take his
opportunity to have his pleasure with me; He, I say was troubled at the
news: but that did not hinder us, in our purposed nights lodging, only
in the intervals we considered what course to take; at length it was
resolved, that he would provide for me, the time of my lying Inn, and
afterwards for the child; and in earnest of the charge, he soon gave me
20_l._ to provide me with necessaryes. I having now done with my first
customer, was resolved to get something out of my 2d: but he still gave
me the hearing, presuming on his knowledge of my having to do with the
first; yet, he would not on this occasion, advance any thing, intending
to shirk off, because no body knew what trade we did drive together.
I perceiving his intention; was resolved to be even with him, and it may
be out-wit him; and that he might not distrust me, I seemed no ways
dissatisfied, but gave him as much freedom with me, as ever; but to
carry on my design, I thought good to break the business to my Masters
Brother; wherefore, I likewise acquainted him with my condition, and
told him in plain terms, that I was with child by him; He could not deny
the fact, nor make any excuse; not knowing of my dealings with the other
two; But he was likewise very much surprized; But I doubting, he might
put me off; I took the opportunity of telling him this news, when we
were in bed together, knowing there I should have time, and conveniency
to discourse it.
He knew not what to say, and indeed was very cold with me; and I was
forced to help him out, for he was then a Suiter to a young Gentlewoman,
and was fearful that this business would hinder his fortunes; and though
he loved me well enough, yet he was unwilling to marry me: for that
would prove so disadvantagious to him: he supposing that nothing but
marriage would content me, was much troubled, and could not tell what
answer to give me: wherefore I was forced to break silence, and told
him, that as I loved him, so I would shew him sufficient proofs of it;
for I would not that my love should ruine him, as I knew it would, if
the world should know what had passed between us; and though nothing
could satisfie me but marriage; yet I could be content to wave that, and
propose somewhat else of satisfaction; nay then, said he, if you will be
so kind to me, propose your own terms, and take them; I hearing him thus
generous, it was not long ere we concluded upon terms; which were these,
that he would give me 20_l._ down to bear my charges in the time of my
Lying-in, and if the child lived, he would give 50_l._ more to any
person whom I would appoint to take the child, and provide for it; these
terms I was well enough satisfied with, only I considering that he would
hear of my lying with the other, because I intended to discover that to
him, and have his assistance therein, and then I doubted he would
suspect me, and it may be refuse to pay the 50_l._ when due; therefore I
was resolved to have him seal a Bond to me, for payment of it: and I
urged him to do it out of this consideration, that he was to be married:
and though he now loved me well-enough, yet when he had a Wife, he would
happily slight and forget me, and so refuse or neglect to pay it. He was
content to hear my arguments: and though alwayes protesting a
continuance of his love to me, notwithstanding all the Wives in the
World; yet he consented to give me Bond according to my desire.
Thus every thing being agreed on, we again renewed our pleasures, and
spent that night, as we had done many before. But morning being come, I
arose, and so managed my affairs, that I that day had a Bond Sealed to
me for payment of 50_l._ to be paid in 6 months; I also within few dayes
received of him the 20_l._ he had promised me.
Thus did I order my matters with my first and last Customers, and I gave
them their wonted satisfaction of Lying with me so often as they
pleased; and so I did to the other my middle Customer; but do what I
could, I could not bring him to any considerable Composition; and though
he were the best able, yet he offered me the least, and intended to come
off with a trifle; however I gave him his wonted freedom with me, but
purposed ere long to be even with him, as I was.
For one night being in bed with my Masters Brother; I having very well
pleased him, he talked of his little _Hans in Kelder_, the Boy in my
belly, wishing very well to it, not in the least doubting but it was of
his own begetting, and using many words to that purpose: well Sir, said
I, it is very true, it is yours, but if I would have been as free with
others, as I have been with you, it might have had more, if not another
Father; and thereupon I proceeded, and told him how that I had been
often importuned by Mr. such a one, his Brothers Lodger, and my 2d.
Bedfellow. Well replyed he, I am the more beholding to you, that you
have accepted of me rather than him; but though I am not at all
dis-satisfied in what I have done, I wish he had been the Father, for
your sake as well as mine, for you may compel him to marriage, or else
get a considerable sum of money from him. As for marriage, said I, I
doubt I should hardly draw him to it, but some monies I might get of
him, and would yet, if you will but consent to it, and assist me
therein. To this he answered, that in any thing I should desire, he
would not be wanting, and therefore he bid me propound the way, and he
would not fail in his assistance: I then told him, that I knew but one
way to do it, and in that I must play the disloyal wag with him, to do
that which I had no mind: for that matter, said he, you shall have my
consent, and I think I guess at your meaning, which is, that you must
agree to let him ly with you; wherefore since it will be so advantagious
to you, let him do it; for I am sure he can do me no great wrong, for
notwithstanding what he can do, the Child will be all mine, of my own
getting.
He being so free to it, and agreeing to all things according to my
desire, we resolved that I should permit my second Sweetheart to ly with
me; but I should so order the matter, that he should take us in the
manner, and then we would agree to act the rest very well. I now having
laid my plot very well, and orderly, I appointed my time when I would ly
with him and agreed to leave the Chamber door open, that he, rising
early the next morning, might (pretending some business) enter the
Chamber, and find us in Bed together. Our plot being thus laid, and my
2_d._ Sweetheart desiring it, I promised to come to bed to him about
midnight, which I did; but my Masters brother knowing of my design, was
resolved to have the first carving of me, and that he should only have a
butter’d Bun; and therefore caused me to ly with him all the former part
of the night; but midnight being past, he permitted me to proceed in my
adventure. I was expected by my Bedfellow, and accordingly entertained;
but I minding the design I was about, awaked early in the morning, and
so ordered the matter, that my Bedfellow likewise threw off his
drowsiness to encounter with me in our nocturnal pastime, which when he
had done, I began to discourse him, reasoning the cause with him, and
desiring him to resolve me what he would do for me in that condition I
was, and what provision he would make for me. He gave me indifferent
answers, and I grew passionate with him, and on a sudden the Chamber
door opened, and my Masters Brother entred the room. I seeing this, left
off speaking and crouded my self close down into the bed, as if
pretending to hide my self; but he coming boldly on, bid my Bedfellow
Good morrow, and asking him a question, came nearer the Bed side, and
drawing the Curtains, said, what have you a Bedfellow? No said he, not
I; surely said the other you have, for I am mistaken if I did not hear
some other tongue than yours; the other deny’d it, but he knowing well
enough what he had to do, soon found out where my Petticoats lay: _How_,
said he, _surely you have a Bedfellow, and that a female one_; the other
being thus surprized, knew not what to say: Wherefore my Mr. Brother
proceeding, said, _surely I should know these Coats, for, if I am not
mistaken, they are our Maid_ Dorothys. I finding my self discovered, now
appeared, and in the first place beg’d his pardon, and _that he would
not acquaint my Mr. and Mrs. with it_. He seeming very angry soundly
rated me and my Bedfellow, and said he, _this is not the first time that
you two have lain together, for I have long suspected you, and have
watched you_. _Truly Sir_, said I, _it is true this Gentleman hath long
known me, but I pray you make no more words of it at present, and for
modesties sake leave the Chamber, and I will anon satisfie you further
in every particular._ My Bedfellow likewise requesting the same, he very
civilly left us, shutting the Chamber door after him. My Bedfellow was
much surprized at this sudden accident, and I seemed to be so; and
quickly getting my cloaths, arose and left him, retiring into my own
Chamber, leaving him to consider it.
I having now done my business, by having a witness of my lying with him,
was bold with him, to know what I should do in the case; _for_ said I,
_my Masters Brother will certainly acquaint my Mr. and Mrs. with our
actions, and then I must leave the house, and whither to go, I know not,
nor who will entertain me_. He argued that the other, my first
Sweetheart, must provide for me; to this I told him, _that I believed,
that he would do somewhat for me, but he had a Wife, and could not do
what he listed, whereas he on the contrary was a single man, and rich
enough_; and he still endeavouring to put me off, and lay all upon the
first; I in plain terms told him, _that if he continued to say so, I
would wholly deny my dealings with the other, and though he should
avouch it, yet he would not be believed, he being himself a party
guilty, as could be proved by my Masters Brother; and therefore it would
be judged by all, that he, and he alone, was the Father of the Child,
and would be forced to marry me, or at least provide for me and the
Child_. I having told him my resolution, left him to consider of it, and
then my Masters Brother came to him, and he and I together so ordered
the matter, that he gave me 20_l._ down, and gave me bond to pay 50_l._
more at the Birth of the Child. This, said Mrs. _Dorothy_, was the first
of my adventures.
_And this shall be the last I shall relate to you in this part,
referring the prosecution of hers, and others adventures, to a third
part._
_FINIS._
* * * * * *
Transcriber’s note:
Every attention was paid to retaining the spelling and punctuation of
the original, with a few exceptions, noted below.
On occasion, obvious printer’s errors have been modified; e.g. the
repetition of words or syllables at line breaks.
The spelling has been left intact, except where there are obvious
printer’s errors, or where a more conventional spelling is employed in
every other instance. Minor inconsistencies in punctuation have also
been corrected, without further mention.
The cover image has been fabricated and is placed in the public domain.
On p. 223, the Latin quotation from Petronius includes the name
‘Aerisium’, which, in the following translation is given as ‘Acresius’.
The entire passage from ‘It can make knees bow...’, including the
citation from Petronius, seems to have been cribbed from Owen Feltham’s
_Resolves: divine, morall and politicall_, where ‘Acrisium’ appears.
Feltham died the year our volume was published, and his _Resolves_ was a
very popular in the day and continued to be republished into the 19th
century.
The following table summarizes the issues encountered, and their
resolution:
p. x inclina[na]tion Removed.
p. 10 they found the contrary to [to] their cost Removed, line
break
repetition.
p. 33 of such as [as] should live Removed.
p. 38 Dicision _sic._
‘Division’
p. 42 Water to Wat[a/e]r, Corrected.
p. 57 transpla[n]ted Added.
p. 73 conclude wi[l/t]h the Poet Corrected.
p. 130 socie[t/i]y Corrected.
p. 131 set [own by and] ancient _Patrico_ _sic._ ‘down by
an’
p. 204 this Mys[s]tery Corrected, line
break
repetition.
p. 214 them as[ ]soon Added.
p. 223 A[c/e]risium Corrected.
p. 365 acquaintance, [tance] Removed, line
break
confusion.
p. 376 I [I] seeing this Removed, line
break
repetition