The Ladies | Page 6

to my Purpose. Yet well begun
is half done. Though but half, as Sam'l shall find.
Our she-cousin Scott did visit me this day with sore complaints of her
husband's humours and constant drizzling, which is more than a woman
can or ought to bear. Therefore I should remember that with Sam'l it is
not so, but a spurt or flame of anger when he will be very high with me,
yet quickly snuft out and friends again. And generally, it is noticeable,
with some little gift for peacemaking, so that I have more than once of
set purpose Baited him to this end. Yet not often. Considering therefore

the husbands I do know, I think Sam'l no worse a bargain than any and
better than some, but shall be better assured in this when I shall come at
his Journal. My seventh lesson today in the secret writing, and progress
made, but it do make my head ake extremely and were it not needful
would not continue on therein.
Comes this day my old Mayd Gosnell that Sam'l and I do call our
Marmotte, she telling me that Jane my mayde is naught and she hath
herself seen her abroade in light company. Yet cooking as she cooks
Sam'l sticks on this and bids me wink my eyes and observe nothing,
and such like are men!
21st.--This day Sam'l his feast for the recovery of his ailment which he
do always solemnly keep with great store of meat and Drink and
company. And this is a great day with him and a troublous one with me,
and to the Mayds also such as would madd a Saint. Yet all said and
done a noble Dinner, enough and to spare, being a dish of
Marrowbones, a legg of Mutton, a loin of Veal, a dish of fowl, being
three Pullets and 24 Larks all in a great dish, a Tart, a neat's tongue, a
dish of anchovies, a dish of Prawns and cheese. His company seven
men (Captain Fenner and both Sir Williams among them) and seven
women and all reasonable merry. But I beseeching Sam'l privately to
eat and Drink sparingly for the pain in his Toe, he do so becall me that
it was ten to an Ace that I did hurle the Spit and the birds withal into
the fire. Yet knowing he would pay dear next day, I said the less and so
continued on, bidding him take his own way and pay for his liking. But
indeed great company and the Dinner well cooked and served and they
did drink my health on it. Also the house very handsome with Plate
displayed and fires where the Company did sit. And the greatness of
living we are come to did make Mrs Pierce's Mouth to water though
she in her flowered Lutestring and liking well of it. So she green and
yellow with spite as I did well perceive. Great Musique after, with
"Great, good and just," and Sam'l at the top of his Tune, and so to cards
and wine. Weary to bed, Sam'l starting up in the night with Nightmare
not knowing what he did, and did so shreeke and cry that the Mayds in
affright did run in, and the Watchmen passing called to know was any
poor Soul murthered within. But this no more than my Expectation, and

so quietly to sleep.
22d.--This day a noble gift of Plate being two Candelsticks and a dish
from Capt Salmon, he looking for favour from Sam'l concerning the
Henrietta shippe that he would have on next going to Sea. Which do
plainly prove to what honour and advancement we are come to be so
courted, and do gladde his heart and mine. Sat long discoursing of this,
and, turning the case, what should fall out but a ring set with an Orient
perle for me, which as not expecting I received with great good will.
Sam'l to the office and I to my lesson wherein very diligent and
commended of olde Mr Crosby, and indeed I am come already to the
reading of many wordes, yet not glibbly. So home, but Sam'l coming
home and I combing his hayre he did say, "Who do I meet this day in
Broade Street but olde Crosby, Mrs Jem's father, that I did think long
dead and buried, not having seen him this year and more, and so to talk
with him."
And, Lord! to see how I did redden, my heart so beating in my bosom
as I could have thought it would choak me, and do even sweat in the
writing of it. For sure it might well be the olde Gentleman would think
Sam'l did know all my father's business and speak thereon. But I could