Amongst them , I lent my eares first to a couple that had chosen forth the most secret corner in the house , which were not worst fitted for yeares ; for it was a youth of thrée and twentie , that had matched himselfe with a maide of eightéene : hée holding her vpon his knée , with his right hand clasping hers , & his left about her middle , made many proffers to win her fauour , and breathed many sighes to shew his loue , he vowed constancie with protestations , and confirmed with othes the pleadge of his loyaltie ; he shewed her how long he had loued her befor● he durst tel her of his affection , how many iournies he had made with losse of labour , and how many complaintes to the God of Loue not finding any remedie . Hée made her priuie to the many houres he had at sundrie times spent in watching to haue a sight of her , shewing vnto her how ioyfull he were , had he , perchance , but seene any creature belonging to her fathers house , yea were it but the little dog that turned the spit . Many times ( quoth he ) haue I lookt vp to the windowe , imagining I haue séene thy picture engrauen in the glasse , when with long gasing to viewe the true portrature thereof , I haue at last recalled my selfe , by letting my soule sée how mine eyes were deceiued , in expecting that true forme from the glasse , which was onely pictured in my heart . Then would I sorrowe to my selfe , and power forth such passions into the ayre , as my heart , bring ouer loaded with the extremitie they would force , would constraine me to sit downe , ending my spéeche with such sighes , as my breathed sorrowe would no lesse darken the ayre , then a mistie fogge doth obscure the skie . But at last , comming to my selfe , I would returne home , locking vp my selfe within my lodging , a close prisoner by the commandement of loue ; where to passe away the time , I would write passionate lines , amorous ditties , pleasing fancies , pleasant rounddelaies , and dolefull drerelayes . Now would I thinke to winne thée by letters , anon I thought it better to pen spéeches , but suddainely , both misliking mée , I would throwe my selfe vppon the bed , so long thinking which way to obtaine thée , as in the end I should fall into a slumber . Yet amidst my rest , my thoughtes concerning thée were restles : For then should I dreame sometimes thou spakest me faire , repaying my kindenes with swéete kisses , granting my requests and forward to doe my will : but awaking from forth that soueraigne elusion , looking to finde thée , I should féele the bed-poastes , that hard hap , turning my glad heart to a new bread sorrow , which was the more painefull , by how much my dreame was pleasing : at another time , I should thinke , that suing to thée for sauour , thou wouldest bestowe frownes , & profering my seruice , thou wouldst offer skornes . If I sighed , thou wouldst smile , laughing at my teares , and ioying at my griefe , requiting euery kinde demande with so cruell answers , as if thy bitter words could not force me to leaue my suite , thy skornefull farewels should frustrate my wil : offering to touch thine hand , mée thought thou profereds thy foote , and stouping to catch that , being glad of any thing , thou wouldst in a rage fling from me , and leaue the doore barred against me . There should I sit till my téeth chattered in my head , and my heart aked in my bellie : then should I shake for colde , and sigh for sorrowe , when thinking to knock my legges against the ground to get heate , I should kick al the cloathes off me , being in the end constrained to awake through colde . At what time that colde fare would better content me , then the former flattering cheare did please me , being as glad it was false , as I would haue béen glad if the other had béen true . Many like to these did I endure before my acquaintance with thée , not knowing any meanes how to obtaine the same of thée , vntill happely finding thee in a sommers euening at the dore , I presumed to enter parlie with thée , offering my selfe your seruant , which had béen a tweluemoneth your sworne subiect , doubting of your patience , though you séeme to be a patterne of pittie . How and after what order I haue since that time besought your sauour , your selfe shall be my iudge , for I list not to rehearse my dayly shiftes , to shewe my zeale , my manyfolde conclusions to obtaine your companie , my giftes to wooe the seruants , and my presents to gaine your good will . But to be briefe , thereby to come to that I like best , one whole yeare I loued thée before thou knewest me , & thrée more are passed since first I spake to thée : yet then was I as neare as now I am , and now as farre off as I was then . Say therefore swéete , since to stay longer yéelds but little comfort , shall my suite now end with the verdit , You loue me ?

To which long preamble , shut vp with so whot a conclusion , she no lesse prepared herselfe to answere him , then Frier Tuck vsed ceremonies before he song mattens . She cast her eyes vp to Heauen , as if she had béen making her praiers to loue , sighing so bitterly , as I thought hir placket lace would haue broken , then to the matter thus she answered . Alas gentle sir , I must confesse I haue found you kinde , and you haue béen at a great deale more cost then I could wish you had , your suite hath béen long , and my kindenes not much , nor doe I hope you e●pect more at my hands then you haue had , before my friends haue granted their good will . Maidens are modest , and must not bée prodigall of their courtesie : children are bound and cannot consent without their parents counsell : pardon mée therefore I pray you , if I say I loue you not , since my father knowes you not , and thinke not much if I desire you to leaue to loue mée , vntill my mother giue me leaue to like of you . At which time assure your selfe I will bee as ready to performe your will , as they shall be forward to wish me that good , and thus in the meane time , I hope you will rest satisfied . This was a shroade bone for my passionate youth to gnawe on , that being so strucken on the head as his heart aked therewith , thought to ease his sorrowe with this replie . Ah my swéetest swéete ( quoth hée ) Thinke not on thy fathers counsel , séeing a greater friend craueth his deserte , nor let me rest their leasure without pitie , that hath thus long remained constant vnto thée . I loue thée nor for thy fréendes sake , though I loue them for thy sake : nor doe thou lothe me for their pleasure that liues but at thy pleasure . But swéete and soueraigne of my hart , as thy thoughts be not tied to their wils , so let not thy loue be linked so fast to their liking , as their mislike should end my life by remouing thy loue . Say my goddesse , and therewithall as he was procéeding , she cut off the rest with this short answere . I beséech you sir to leaue off your courting , vnlesse you entend some other conclusion then as yet I can gather : for of my faith loue you I wil not , nor consent I dare not without my fréends giue their consents first , and thereupon she thrusted through the throng and poasted out of doores , leauing my passionate louer to say his pater noster alone , where we will leaue them .

What I thought I will tell you , and I hope you will not doubt of the matter , for that Honestie speakes it . One yéeres loue without acquaintance , and thrée yéeres suite to be neuer the néerer : either he was a bad lawyer , or she a monstrous vniust iudge : but be it , both a passionate Asse , and a péeuish wench were well met . But marke his folly and her cunning , he building Castles in the aire and setting trappes in the Sunne to catch the shadowe of a coye queane , was pleased by her , with wagging his bawble , and ringing his bell , while she pickt his pocket and cut his pursse . A proper péece of seruice of a passionate Souldier , and a prettie sleight of a flattering Slut : I would we had more of them , nay why wish I that , since the worlde is too full of such alreadie ? Yet of my honesty , she was as fitte a match for such a foole , as might be found in the worlde . A great deale of fond fancie repaied with a sharpe shorte deniall , and thrée yéeres affection rewarded with an ounce of flatterie , mingled with a pound of discurtesie ? a good cordiall to comfort so kinde a hart . Oh the subtilty of the diuell , that vnder the shadow of obedience , couers the craft of cosonage . It is hotte loue that buildes on fréendes liking , and pestilent affection that relies rather on the mothers loue , then on the Louers loyaltie . Such as stands so curiously on their Parents good will , hauing dealt so craftily without their consent , are worthie by Honesties doome to stand in a Cage , vntill either their fréends good will be got , or her swéet harts licence obtained for her deliuerie . And this is too good , for that the kinde Asse wil too too soone release her : I thinke this punishment would be worse welcome vnto her , namely , that she be bound from mariage , so long as she hath kept him without his answere , which will so pinche her prodigall desire , as either she will forsweare honestie , or neuer commit the like knauerie . Oh there is a companie of minions which delight to haue many sutors , that they may bragge amongst their mates of their diuersitie of louers : they thinke it commendable to haue store of customers . But knewe they so much as I know , they were better to goe once in a fortnight to Greenes Cunnyberries , then to haue such resorte to haunt their companies .

Honestie honours the consent of Parents , but abhorres such loue as is built on their liking , if there be no remedie but that either they shall like , or thou wilt not loue , let him haue thy Fathers good will before he obtaines thy countenance : for doubtles she that will entertaine louers , and repay their courting with kindenes , will care as little for her fréends counsell , hapning on a mate she can fancie , as the horse wil for haye , that hath his manger full of prouender . And what is the cause why so many stande so curiously on their fréends consent ? nought forsooth , but the presumption of a double baite , that being sure of their countenance , they may be assured of an other dinner if their owne likes them not ; or otherwise to haue a hole to hide a For in , for that her owne denne is not secret enough . If her Husband controlle her for any misdemeanour , or reproue her of any dishonest behauiour , then on goes her pantoples , building the reckoning of her honesty on her fathers countenance , so far presuming of his bounden duetie for the match making , as if he kept the keye of her huswiferie . Her long toung vtters large spéeches , standing at defiance vnder the banner of her Fathers defence , and his house must be her Castell to kéepe her from her Husband . This is the commoditie a man shall reap by such a match , and this is their meaning that would couer their rebellion with the cloak of obedience . Is not he wel preferred that is so well married , and how can he mend it ? Marry no way but this , that he which is mated with the like inconuenience , to learne more wit against the next time , striuing in the meane time to please both her and her fréends , since he had so much reason to woo both her fréends and her to be bound to so bad a bargaine .

It is follie ( quoth a wise man ) to be sorrowful for things irrecouerable , and Honestie thinkes it madnes to repent for déedes done , whereof her selfe is culpable : can any man be so witles ( especially in matter wherein wisedome is so much required ) as to doe , and wish vndoone in a moment ? yea d●ubtles , Honestie knowes such , they being the hotte spurres of our age , that thinke euery day a twelue moneth vntill they be married , and after they are matched , euery houre seauen yéeres , vntill they are parted . It was hotte loue that will be so soone colde , some of you will say , but I say , if it bad béen hot loue ( as it was burning lust ) it would not haue béen so soone colde . For whereas the prouerb goes , that hot loue wil be soone colde , it is ment by such affection as wants matter therby to continue longer . For as that is the purest wood which yéelds the perfectest heat , and the purer it is , the sooner it wil be it own destruction , leauing the sitters by without fire , vnles a fresh supply be as néede requires , added ; so wil our hotte loue ( whose kindled affection is come vnto it perfection , the hart being on such a blaze , as euery part of it is on a light flame ) decay ( as reason and nature requireth ) vnles new faggots of kindenes , adde fresh matter for fiering , the supply thereof remoning all suspition of want of affection . How pure the loue is , where there is so light a regarde of proffered kindenes , as my Fathers will or my Mothers leaue must be a Spurre to my liking , let euery one iudge that knowes loue .

But ●n my opinion , as I confesse that the duetie we owe to our Parents , may doo muche where the knowledge thereof bindes to obeye , so must I confirme that loue is a duetie himselfe , b●nding to so great obedience and tying with such strong conuaiances , as he remoues all thoughts of lower dueties : I tearming al dueties lower , for that by commaundement those dueties must be reiected in respect of the louing duetie that a Husband shall require . Now how far my nice Mimon was from knowing this duetie , her coye demeanour and cunning behauiour hath manifested . Yet how happie was my youth at l●st to be rid of such a monster ? And monster may I tearme her in respect of her lewde behauiour ; for was it not much better that her inconstancie should haue béene knowen before he was fast linked vnto her , then it should haue béene found when it had béen incurable ? Doubtles it was a good cause he had to double his orisons vnto loue , for so louingly preseruing him from so pestilent a prittie-bird , I should haue said pricking-burre , or paultry bauble .

BVt to come to my second couple , which were seated opposite to these in an other corner , being a lustie widdower that was courting a gallant wench , both of them being highly beholding to nature for her liberall skill in their making , which were thus placed . She was set down ouerlooked by him standing before her , hauing ●ne of his hands leaning on her lap , and the other resting on the w●l , hauing therby ( as I gesse ) the more libertie to vse his pleasure , in bestowing kinde kisses and louing fauours : so he wa● seated , and thus he began to sue . Faire Maide ( quoth he ) I know my experience to be greater then your practise , for that I haue tried , rules me by reason : hauing loued and liued with my loue , vntill by the fates I was bere●ued of that fruit , so well liked I of my last losse , as my former good hap bréeds an assured hope of the like good fortune , that being a helpe to further my will , and a meane to make a now choise : which change , what good it shal yéeld , your selfe shall challenge , whose good reporte hath bound me to commence my deserts , to receiue their censure by your doome . To boast what I am were frinelous , for that your fréends are alreadie priuie to my estate , and to say how well I loue you were booteles , for that women loue to trie ere they trust , yet vnles I should say more then I haue saide , I should séeme to say nothing : though to say more then is spoken already were ●éerely foolish For thus stands the case , I haue made choise of you for my second wife , and haue already your fréends good will , there restes therefore nothing but a confirmation of your duetie , in agréeing to that they haue confirmed : thus conuning to a full point , he closed vp his period with a brace of smirking kisses , which wrought with his Louer , as a strong pyll dooth with a sore sicke patient : namely , they forced her to answere him thus threwdely . The assurance of your good fortune Sir , hath made you highly beholden to her deitie , that dauncing in the morrice of good matches , you should be led by her to so good hap : but belike it was ouer good to continue long , either her kindenes being ouermatched with your vnconstancie , or your good happe ouer ruled by fortunes cruelty : They euer change and lightly neuer but for the worse : which the rather séemes so vnto me , by the sure knowledge I haue of your second choice , that is so far vnequall to your reported first match , as I know your liking would not remain long , or my misliking would come too too soone ; because I am not able to follow what you● first wife hath performed , and you will be vnwilling to beare with the wants your second choice must be enriched with . But peraduenture I mistake your meaning , for where as I thinke you sue to haue me to your second wife , you seeke but to haue my good wil to liue with my fréende , 〈◊〉 good s●r my duetie ( as you say ) must not gainsay their pleasure , nor will I for that matter , but with all my hart if you haue their licence for your boord , haue my good will to obtaine your bed there also , for their house is at their owne commaundement . Then doubt I not ( replyed he ) to haue you for my bedfellow . But that doubt I ( answered she ) for that I know the contrary . Why dare you ( quoth he ) to disobay your Fathers commaundement ? No ( sayd she ) so it be for my commoditie . It shall be both for your profite and prefe●ment . Make me to beléeue that ( quoth she ) and then peraduenture it may be a bargaine . Why woman ( said he ) I deserue your better . Take her ( answered she ) and I will not be matched to your inferiour . Why then I sée you do scant loue me ? I vse it not ( quoth she ) and yet I sweare I will mocke you , rather then marrie with you . With which being highly displeased , he bestowed thrée or foure crabbed tearmes , being liueries of his cholerick long toung , and so departed .

A shame goe with him , thought Honestie , whatsoeuer she thought , and with all such Louers ; louers ? with a halter , lubbers I may better tearme them . What monstrous matches are such as are shuffled vp after the selfe same order ? Suppose she had beene fearefull and durst not to haue resisted the receipt of what she lothed , imagine she had béene foolish and could not haue iudged of affection ? thinke she had béene forward , and would haue béene glad of any one ? alas poore wretch , I pittie the supposition , what should I haue said to the confirmation ? I know assuredly she should haue sighed whatsoeuer I had saide , and mourning should haue béen her companion , what ere had béen my communication ; he would haue daunst with her portion , while she had drooped through want of affection ; he would haue loathed her company , for that she was not a dayly commoditie ; her life should haue béen like the hacknies that are at euery mans commaundement for the hire , and her ioy as momentary as the florishing gréene grasse in Iuly . Pitifully should she haue liued , punished by him without pitie , and this is my reason of the possibilitie ; for that it is most likely he loued her not , & how well any body vse them they loue not , let them speake that suspect not . Now that he loued her not , may be proued both by his kinde of wrong , careleslye suing vnto her , peremptorily vsurping her Fathers authoritie , which was a band to lye her to obedience , though a bad meane to obtaine her curtesie . For affection is not to be limitted , nor loue to be compelled , but contrarily , hatred followes feare , and feare fore-runnes mislike , and how we loue those we regarde not , iudge they that woo and obtaine not ? But this custome is too common and ouer cruell , namely , a wooing of fréends , and a constraint of loue , I would not say , compelling , but for feare it shoul● haue been taken for compelling . Were Honestie a Iust●●e , they should either lye in the stockes a fortnight , or marry her I would match him with , which should séeke a wife after this order . I thinke verily he would rather stay his stint by the héeles , then be bound to the other inconuenience ; and yet he could finde in his hart to binde another to the bad bargaine . This is charitie , yea & neuer a whit of honestie , being so farre from ciuilitie , as the Millers craft is from true dealing . Now truely truly , to deale as we would be dealt with , is sent to the hedge a begging , and neighbourly loue is made a hacknie , being so worne to the bones with séeking a good Maister , as his skinne will hang on the bush shortely .

I haue heard a reporte of a passing kinde man , that complained of his wife at a Sessions , for pissing a pot full , iudging thereby she was dishonest , and that same man shortly after burying his wise , sued to a maide , after the manner aforesaid : he had obtained her fréends good will , and were at a point for the Maidens loue , yet on a time she was troubled with the head-ake , at his being with her , whereof he so misliked , as in the morning he went to the Phisitions to haue their opinions to what disease it coulde turne , and vpon their reporte left her . I am assured I haue erred in no point , vnlesse I haue mistooke the last , putting the Phisitions opinion in the roome of his owne bad meaning ; it was no disease indéede that misliked or misled him , but it was of the Fathers pursse , not of the Daughters head : well she was well prouided for in missing of him , and if he sped any thing the better , let him boast of it , but Honestie can iudge no better of the remnant of his companions , then his action giues the verdict of him , which is as bad as may be .

But to another that hapned on one that had the too thanke , with whom he would not matry for feare the hollownesse of her tooth should corrupt her bre●th , and so annoye his colde stomack . It was colde indéede , and I would such stomacks might be heated with redde hotte gold , as chéerfull as scalding leade . Well to a third , he liked her parents wel , for that they were honest & godly , and as well of the maiden , because she séemed modest : to be bréef , he could find no faulte in either of them , onely his feare was that the Daughter would be somewhat shrewish , for that she had a long nose , and thereupon gaue her ouer . If her nose had béene long enough , I think ●he might haue smelt a knaue , but I am assured she knew● a churle , and so let her claime him wheresoeuer she sées him . Yet one more of the same stampe , and so we will leaue them . This was a wooer in graine , who had gone so far , as they were at next doore to he askt in the Church . The wedding apparel was bought , the day appointed , yea and I may tel you , many of the gesse bid , only there was no assurance , for that he abhorred : but it fortuned that before the day there dyed a rich man that left a welthie widdow , to whom he made so secret loue , as he wonne her good will within a fortnight after the death of his predecessour : well , notwithstanding to saue his counterfeit credit , and preserue his hypocriticall honestie , he resorted dayly to his olde swéete hart , with whom vpon some smal reason he fel at ods , vsing her so vnkindly in spéeches , as he drew teares for sorrow . Glad of this , though turning his earnest into iest , he called her vnto him , in the presence of many of her Fathers seruants , then swearing that if the tooke him not about the necke & kissed him , he would neuer marry with her as long as he liued . Which the yong Gentlewoman refused to doe , partely for that he had iniured her highly , but the rather least such fondnes should séeme immodestie to the seruants : vpon whose denial , in a great fume he slung forth of the doores , and in a rage as if of spight , within one fortnight after he matcht with the widdowe aforesaid . But to tell you what a life she lead with him , were to hunt from the purpose , yet assure your selfe it was so bad , as the world iudged this maid neuer better blest then in not being bestowed ne cast away vpon him .

Such and of the same sorte are these money-woers , that sue first to the Father to saue labour , for spéede they will , and if they misse in one place , they knowe another where they will practise . And how can it be iudged otherwise , séeing their meaning in vsing that meane importes no lesse : for thinke they , if I haue the Fathers good will , the daughter will be easilie wonne , and if I misse of his , I saue that time and labour , in suing to the maide , besides the giftes I should bestowe . Ha ha , I haue him by sent , and what thinke you of him ? in faith no otherwise then Honestie beléeues . You smell a Foxe , I and a ranke one too , whose breach is so stainde with this gilding matter , as it may easely bée iudged what muck hée loues . Alas good hearts , that are coupled with such bad mindes , this is loue ? true , but what loue ? couetous loue , hatefull dissimulation , hipocriticall affection , and what not that is contrarie to the swéete soueraigne loue , which sues for kisses and not for co●ne , which craues the heart & nothing e●se ; for with it al she hath is his , and he that wil looke for more , I would he had a halter , and he shall not want it in hell , howsoeuer he spéedes here . Fie fie , mariages for the most part are at this day so made , as looke how the butcher bies his cattel , so wil men sel their children . He that bids most shal spéed soonest , & so he hath money , we care not a fart for his honestie . Well it hath not béen so , and I hope it wil not be long so , & I wil assure you , loues common-wealth wil neuer florish vntil it be otherwise . Why , it is a common practize to aske the father what hée will giue with his childe , and what is that differing from cheapening an Ore ? And it is as common , that if she be fat , it is a bargaine , but if leane , she must stay another customer . Out alas what loue is this , in faith if I might haue sped better in another place , come to notice after I haue bought your daughter , she shall pay for it , or I will make dice on her bones . Apittifull partenership , where there is no greater loue , and how can but one of them be vndone ? He will vse her ill , because he loues her not , and shée cannot loue him for not vsing her well ; for whome we feare we hate , and what then ? Hée will practise her ende , she will wish his death , and while they liue together , it will be so full of heart breakings through quarrels and contentions , as woe to them both , I and to the third too , that was so forward to make so bad a matche . But howsoeuer they two spéede , I am assured shée will spéede worse , as for hir husband , he will not want ercuses to defend his knauerie , and hir Father must beléeue him , because of hir former credit giuen vnto him ; so that contented she must be , how discontented so euer she liues , and beare it she must , vntill her hart breake , which happie day must ende her miserie , and set my craftie wooer at libertie .

Thus much for my second corner , and now to my third couple , which were ciuilly seated on a benche together , they being the one a batcheler , and the other a widdowe , which was wooed by him after this like order . It were follie forséeth ( quoth he ) to vse circumstances , since you are so well acquainted with the like practize : but to leaue them and come to the matter , which is ( as I thinke ) the best meane to please vs both , you shall vnderstand that vpon the good reporte your honest life hath deserued , I haue conceiued so good liking of you , as I should thinke my selfe happie , if I should spéede no worsse . I thanke you ( answered she ) for your good will : but surely Sir , I thinke you haue deceiued your selfe . For peraduenture you imagine , or it hath béen vntruely reported , that I am the woman , which indéede I am not , namely ritche , for that my deceased husband made some showe to the world , but if that bée your thought , I assure you , you are deceiued . You mistake my meaning ( replied hée ) for it is no such matter ; I respect not so much your wealth , as I doo your matronlike modestie , my selfe is young , and I haue a trade , and am , I thanke God , of my selfe able to maintaine a woman . But I doo rather desire to match with your like then with a younger , for that you knowe better , both what belongs to a man , as also to vse thriftely what I get . And moreouer my selfe is not so young , but that I am meeter to match with a widd●we then to marrie with a maide , and would be most glad , if it might be my good happe to speede with you . I cannot tell ( quoth she ) what your good speede may be ; I knowe you not , and therefore I hope you will giue me leaue to enquire of you , which done I will send you your answere by such a day , in the meane time I wish you well .

I mary , Honestie , & what then ? no marry these , forth she went to her broker to will him to search after his substance , vsing that manner which vsurers can best disclose , which is their practise in putting forth their money . This was a passing commoditie , for what better then a ritche widdowe ? but that foolish enquirie spoyled all : had shee thankt him heartily , desired farther libertie , and had made search into his estate secretly , shee had shewed her selfe the wiser : but so bluntly to saie , giue mee leaue to enquire of you , shewed as bad bringing vp , as might bee possible . But tut , I like her the better , because she could not dissemble , for she alas did but followe the common trade , dooing with the ape , but what she had seene done before her . She had heard her husband instruct his prentices to make a profit , and she thought she might trie the same for her own good . I would shee and others knewe what was good for them , they would then rather respect the man then money . But this couetousnes spoyles all , though I would I had more , is too much in our mouthes , for followed she not the greedie desire of adding muck to much ? might shee not as well haue liued with this man , that had a trade as good , yea much better then her husbands was , as shee did before with him ? Shee had no children , suppose she had , they were prouided for well , and what greater charge woulde this haue brought ? he had a care to liue , or else hee would haue sought to loue without respect ; for who knowes not that she is as able to satisfie a mans desire , that hath little , as she that hath much , if we onely regarde pleasure ? Take this on Hone●●ies credit , that hee that buildes his loue on such reason , as hauing little , hée will chose one that hath somewhat , wil proue a better match vnto thée , then him that brings mountaines . Beware when lou● is vpholden with maintenance , if the heart remembers , I am thus much beholden vnto her , shée loued mée or else shée would neuer haue matcht with me , she made me a man , being before worse then nothing , how much better might she haue done , if she had not béen led with affection , and such like : It will also remember the duetie this kindnes requireth , euen like for like , least the worse crie shanie of him . How happie should parents be , were this in their rememb●●nce at their mariges making ? how blessed should their children be , if the like practises were vsed ? and what a florishing commonwealth would that be , where equalitie of birth ( which alwaies should bée regarded specially on the mans side ) should bée linked to abundance , whereby the number of gentle beggers should be decreased , and the misgouernement of wealth will be auoided . One man should not haue his cofersful , and twentie want it that better deserue it . How many able men should we haue ( if this were vsed ) to serue and set forth men for the princes seruice ? where now I am but one man , and I am bound but to my stint , to finde one mans charge , though I haue fiue mens liuings . But no more , this is too serious for Honestie , & I meruaile how I fell into this vaine , since I studied to bee pleasant . What , thinke you , did my widdowe after her search of enquirie , for you must thinke that the b●tcheler longed for his answere ? Marry though she was not afore in her spéeches , yet shée proued no lesse in her dooing , for now shée kept her house as closely as hée dooth his holde craftely . She mislikt of the man , for what cause gesse you , if you knew as much as I knowe , you would sweare , not for lack of honestie , or because he was vnthristie . But wil you knowe whie ? he had not the hundreds lying by him , as the reporte went shée had left her , and therefore shée thought it néedeles any one should lose so much labour , as to fulfill her promise in carrying his answere . Yet if that were all , it were well , I and it had béen well for him ( for the sauing of shoo lether ) if she would haue spoken with him at his comming to fetche it : But my widdowe would not be within , or else she was busie : and thus was his kindenes requited . Now ●●e of the diuell , is this a méete reward for affection , nay suppose it be no more , the good will was it well requited ? Me thinkes that if his dog had come , h●e deserued better entertainement then to haue béen beaten away , and shee had dealt better if shée had sent himselfe away with a crabbed answere , then so vn●anne●ly to vse him by sléeueles ercuses . And well it were if shee had no more fellowes , but out vpon them , there are too many such , whose coye nicenes e●presse their mischieuous fondenes , for speake they will with any man that come , vnles a Herald fore runnes the sewtor .

In my opinion , and it shall bée grounded vpon reason , such widdowes are worthie to sit while their bréeches growe to their seates , as refuse to answer all conuners of what degrée soeuer , and because I promist you reason , th●● shall be it . Who knowes not that whosoeuer su●s for the like match , winneth a thousand incombrances with his good spéede , for he that knowes not that care shal be mingled with his best contentment , shall fall into a pitte before he beware of it . And who , were it not for his soules health , would imbrace such an inconuenience for a little commoditie ? I and the best mariage , is but a little commoditie , in respect of the continuall carking that comes with it . If then , as who saies it is otherwise , a man makes so great suite for so small hearts ease ( respecting the earthly pleasure ) deserues not he a good countenance , or at least a welcome that longs for so bad a bargaine ? In my iudgement , and it shall ●umpe with mine opinion , that woman ●● much more beholden to the man that would match with her , then to her parents that haue brought her vp ; for they did what ere they did , of duety , & this doth what might be vndone of mere deuotion . Why , thinke the best you can , thinke for your selues , suppose one that hath nothing comes to craue your loue , did he only respect your wealth without his owne welfare ( and hée that thinkes to haue welfare without dealing wel with you , he reckens without his hostesse , and shal finde a new bil of charges ) had he not much better to hazsurd the taking of a purse by the high way ? Yes doubtles , for were hée by that means brought vnto miserie , he might haue death at his cal , to rid him from extremitie : but now being grieued vncessantly , he may séeke for death , but méete with the diuell , hope for an ende , but féele the want of it continually . Yet come we to one further point , imagine some men that bée ouer-unruly , desire to haue accesse into your companie , if you knowe them for such companions , I would holde you vnwise to admit them into your presence , but shall your hart but say , I suspect without trial , you cannot out-runne the crime of want of descretion . It is best therefore , you that feare such resorte , to harbour your selues , during the time of the heate of the market in such places , as the countenances of your protectors shall preuent suspect , and disparage the practise of such vndecent behauiour ; or otherwise to appropriate vnto your houses such helpes as shall bée likely to forestall the like mischiefe . That euery one may bee answered is Hone●●ies meaning , for vnles they bee , they haue not their due , nor doo ●ou shewe your selues to de inriched with that cur●esie , which wi●dowes descretion dooth challenge . For let me tell you , and ensure as many as knowe it not , that a man shall finde more pleasure in lying in the campe , being dayly threatned with the bullets of his enemie , then in lodging with a wise , vnles his wisdome be the greater . And I knowe you looke for my reason , then for this cause , for that their vnconstancie bréedes more feare then the shot brings hurt , and their tender heart will craue more gouernement to content them , then the other will aske forecast to preuent the danger they bring with them . For a stéele coate resistes the harme of a musket , but what garment shall out stand her threatning of the horne ? That man amongst Souldiers is counted accurst , that is strucken with a great shot , and that husband thrise blest among married men , that is not continually wounded with some misdemeanor , or other , he shall espie in his wife ? well , I say no more , because I am a batcheler : but Honestie must speake the trueth , or shame will follow him .