The Ladies | Page 7

not speak and my hand shaked so in the Combing that I did drop the
comb. And he continuing, "So I asked him how he did and he answered,
'Bravely'; and more I would have said for it is a worthy man, but little
Mrs Deakin passing, that I do call my Morena, I would not be seen
talking to one so scurvily clad, and so incontinently left him standing
and hasted away."
So it passed, nor did I ask him if he hasted after his Morena, for heaven
be thankt that she did pass by, though I thought not to live to say it. But
I will take order with olde Mr Crosby, for olde men be tattlers more
than any woman or is convenient. And so a great escape.
So Sam'l carries me to the Paynter where he sits for his face and very
like it is, yet do not please, he thinking it do make his Eyes too small
and ill-favoured, but I not so, and Lord! to see him sit Smirking upon
Mr Savile since Mrs Knipp hath commended his Smyle! But Mr Savile
the Paynter seeing me did speak in very handsome language, telling

Sam'l he hath a Beauty to his wife worthy that her picture should be
with the Court Ladies' pictures, and much more fine things, harping on
the same string, whereto Sam'l made answer that he would consider of
it. But to see the Vanity of men, when all the world knows that the
sight of a pretty Woman's face is worth all the men that ever were or
will be! So I sat devising how to set myself off if this should be, and
did like well of my Cardinal sattin suit with a chapeau de poil tied
beneath my chin. Or it may be, perles in my hayre, and to borrow my
Lady's if so she will. Fritters for supper, the best I ever did eat, Sam'l
confirming me in this, and he discoursing very high of the corruption of
the times, and no regard to clean living in court or city, and glad I am
that thus he thinks, and do hope he acts answerably, as he should.
27th.--This day, by long promise, Sam'l do carry me to White Hall to
see the Queen in her presence Chamber playing at Cards with her ladies,
and the people looking and crowding upon them. He commending Mrs
Stewart for a great Beauty and so indeede she is, and one I do not
weary in looking on, and do far outshine my Lady Castlemaine as I
well perceive His Maj'tie do also thinke. Her Maj'tie appearing very
comely in a Gown of silver lace, but Lord! how no one takes heed of
her when my Lady Castlemaine is by, which is a great dishonour to a
sweete Lady in her owne Court, and I am much mistook if Her Maj'tie
be not the best Lady of them all, and that not saying much! But strange
to see how beauty sways all and how Sam'l do uphold my Lady
Castlemaine in all things.
Captain Holmes accosted us and very fine in his gold laced suit, and it
is noticeable that Sam'l troubled in mind because he well knows that
Captain H---- hath called me for a Toast and the greatest Beauty in
Town. And this Sam'l likes well of for his own Pride, yet not for me to
know. So saying we must return in Haste, he would bid adieu to the
Captain, but he followed and escorted me very gallant to the Coche, hat
under his arm, and so kissed my hand at parting not once but twice.
Now I know well to make Captain Holmes or any other Captain keepe
his Distance, but Sam'l, thinking all one as himself, in a sadd musty
humour, and yet would not come forth with what ailed him. So I do
Debate with myself if it be not well he should see that Men of court and

Fashion do judge me worth a thought. And I think it be, and so I do
learn my Part.
In comes Mrs. Knipp to play and sing. Very witty and pleasant
doubtlesse, and they very merry. I with Jane, contriving my olde
pettycote with a broade blacke lace at the foot to hide the wear. But
indeede I begin to be full of thoughts considering if I do well in going
to Brampton, when Sam'l alone in Towne do friske and please himself
as he will, Jane confirming me in this. He home with Knipp, returning
in a great Tosse because I did not bid her to sup with us, and do pull his
supper all about the floor, a good hasht hen as ever a man did eat, when