There was a certain Widow-Gentlewoman, who had but one only Son, who should have been the Staff of her Age. This Son she had educated to the Law, and placed him in handsome Chambers1 in the Temple. But the young Gentleman, instead of studying the Laws of his Country, practis'd the Mode of the Times, and kept the Wife of an unhappy Citizen, made so partly by her Vanity and Coquettry, 'till he was forced to seek his Fortune in the Plantations2, whilst she found hers in the wicked Embraces of this young Gentleman; who hired a very handsome House for her, furnished it genteely, and when he pleas'd, there pass'd his Time, making her his Study, Practice and Diversion. In this guilty Correspondence, they had Children; in particular one, who grew a great Girl, and was put to a Boarding-School, amongst young Gentlewomen of Vertuous Descent.
Now this kind of Life was very grievous to his good Mother, and as it caus'd her to shed many Tears, so it obliged her, from Time to Time, to use many Reprehensions suitable to her maternal5 Affection; sometimes sharp, sometimes soft, sometimes persuasive6, sometimes menacing: But all in vain; for he still went on in the same Road, supporting this Adultress in all her Extravagancies, humouring her in all her Whimsies7 and Caprices, 'till the Diminution8 of his Circumstance, began to call on him for a Retrenchment9 of his Expences. His Lands were mortgaged, his Houses decay'd, his Debts increased, his Credit diminished, Duns attack'd him in every Quarter, Writs10 and Bayliffs follow'd him, Vexations of all Sorts met and overtook him: Nevertheless, her Riot, Vanity, and chargeable Diversions must not be abated11; so great an Ascendant she had got over him, that (according to the Proverb) He scarce durst say his Soul was his own.
One time, being under an Arrest for some Debt contracted by means of her Extravagancy; he sent to her to come and lay down the Money, which he knew she could do with Ease, she having Cash by her, or at least he knew she could raise it speedily, out of those rich Presents he had made her from Time to Time; but she boggled, and made many frivolous12 Excuses, which would not hold Water: At last she plainly refused, unless he would grant her a Judgment13 of all that he had, Real and Personal, Body and Goods, alledging (no doubt) That it was the safest Way to secure to himself a Livelihood14, and balk15 his Creditors16. He depending on the Belief of her Affection, and the manifold Obligations she lay under, comply'd with this Proposal, thinking it a proper Blind or Sham17, to secure himself, and defraud18 others.
This being done, the gay Serpent began to shew her Sting, and treated him with less Respect and Complaisance19. Those Caresses20 and Endearments21, which hitherto had shone in her Looks and Actions, began to be overcast22 with cold Clouds and a careless Behaviour; and, by Degrees, to a disdainful Neglect; scarce containing herself sometimes within the Bounds of common Civility. This Treatment awaken'd him out of his Lethargick Slumber23, opened his Eyes, and made him see all at once the many false Steps he had taken in his Life's Travels: In particular, The Griefs he had given his Mother; the Disgrace to his Education and Profession; and, in short, the total Ruin of his Family, which was like to be extinct in him; and himself become a miserable25 Dependant26 on the Charity of an insolent27 Strumpet. Alas28! what Charity, what Kindness can be expected from such a Creature? For when a Man's Fortune fails, that he can no longer bribe29 her Pride or Luxury, there is no more Kindness to be hop'd for, than a poor Client, when Fees fail, can hope from an avaritious Lawyer. And now he begins to consider how he shall repair or stave off his utter Ruin; which he concluded was no way to be done, but by closing with his dear Mother's Advice, in betaking himself to some vertuous Woman in Marriage. Being thus resolved, he took the first Opportunity to communicate his Thoughts to his Mother, making a Merit of this Necessity, by a pretended Obedience30 to her often-repeated Counsel; assuring her, that he would submit his Inclinations31 to her wise Election.
The good Gentlewoman was transported at this hopeful Change in her Son, and casting about in her Thoughts, at last pitch'd upon this your Servant Galesia; a Person not worthy32 such Esteem33, only favour'd by the Opinion she had of my Vertue and Innocence34. When she propos'd it to her Son, he seem'd as much pleas'd with his Mother's Choice, as she was at his seeming Reformation; and ingaged her to agree upon a Day to come along with her to make me a Visit.
The Day appointed, he dined with his Mother, in order to wait on her to our Lodging35 in the Afternoon: But e'er they had well din'd, a Messenger came to him from a Tavern36 over-the-way, bringing word, that there were Gentlemen had Business of Consequence, and desired to speak with him: Which Gentlemen were only this Adultress, who having got Intelligence of this design'd Visit, came to disappoint it with her alluring37 Cajoleries; making him send Word to his Mother, that he would wait on her another Day; pretending, that the Gentlemens Business ingag'd his Attendance at that Time. Behold38 in this Transaction what Power these Creatures have over Men! Notwithstanding those Reasons he had to abhor39 and detest40 this his false Dalilah, was he again deluded41 by her; so that one may truly say with the wise Man, Whosoever is fetter'd by a lewd42 Woman, is led like a Beast to the Slaughter43, never to return.
Thus Things pass'd quietly for a while: At last he found an Opportunity to come along with his Mother to make me a Visit or two; of which by the Treachery of his Man, and her Vigilance, she (I mean the Harlot) got Notice, and quarrell'd with him about it very sharply, and then again wheedled44, courted and caress'd him, and sometimes with Smiles, sometimes with Tears, besought45 his Constancy, sometimes with Fits, and melancholy46 Vapours, ingag'd his Pity: Then again, with opprobrious47 and violent Words reproach'd his Falshood, reviling48 him for all his broken Vows49; alledging, That her Ruine, Life and Health would all lie at his Door; That for his sake she had cast herself out of the Protection of her Friends, and forfeited50 their Favour and Kindness: That for his sake she had disgrac'd herself in the Face of the World, offended God, and greatly wrong'd her Husband; in all which, she had affronted51 Heaven and Earth, and flown in the Face of her Family, abus'd her Birth and vertuous Education, and wasted her Youth in the Embraces of a perjur'd Wretch52, who now abandon'd her to Grief, Shame and Poverty; with many such grating Reflections, and violent Speeches, wherewith from time to time she persecuted54 him. Which sometimes he endeavoured to moderate by Arguments, sometimes alledging Religion, sometimes Reason, sometimes Necessity, and the Impossibility of doing otherwise: Now cajoling her with the Pretence55 of Sorrow and Regret, and buoying56 her up with Hopes that he found himself not able to leave her; and then again plunging57 her into Despair, by alledging his Duty to his Mother, and the Anxiety of a tormented58 Conscience. Thus they argued this Way and that, from side to side, like a Ship that goes to fetch a Wind, which never sails directly to the Point.
At last the Gentleman resolv'd to be thoroughly59 plain with her, and accordingly told her, without any Varnish60 of Words or Shadow of Disguise, that he was fully61 resolv'd to marry; but that he would not abandon her to Misery62 or Distress63; but would settle such a Pension on her, as might support her in a decent, honest Way of Living; and that he would likewise take Care to provide for her Daughter, in giving her such a Portion as might marry her to some honest Tradesman in a good Station of Life; and with this he charged her to be content, without meddling64 with him in his married State, but live retir'd, vertuously and modestly, and it should be the better for her and her Daughter.
The Creature being thus provoked, fell into violent Words and Actions; told him, That he shew'd his Falshood and Baseness too late, he having put his Person and Fortune out of his own Power, and into hers; wherefore she would take care of herself, by securing both to her own Advantage. Being thus stung to the Quick, he left her House in great Vexation of Spirit: And in the midst of his Fury, went forthwith and shot himself.
This was the fatal End which his Lewdness66 and Folly67 brought upon him! This was the Conclusion of his guilty Embraces! Thus a filthy68 Strumpet shewed herself in her Colours! And thus was he bullied69 out of his Estate, Life, and Honour; his Life lost, his Debts unpaid70, his Estate devour'd by a lewd Harlot! A very fatal Warning to all unwary Gentlemen.
I suppose, Madam, you cannot imagine, that his Death affected71 me much as a Lover, there being but little of that in the Story; but one must have been without Humanity, to be unconcern'd at such an Accident, and not have borne some part in his Mother's Affliction; especially since the good Gentlewoman had pitch'd upon me amongst all her Acquaintance, for so near an Alliance. I could not omit reflecting on Job and Tobit, as if the Almighty72 had permitted some Satan, or Asmodas to persecute53 me in the Persons of all that pretended to love or like me. Which way soever it was, I endeavour'd to be resign'd; this being the Duty of a Christian73 in all Conditions. However, it contributed to make me the more despise the World, with all its gaudy74 Trappings: or, perhaps, with the Fox, thought the Grapes sowre, because I could not reach them. The Truth is, I had found so many Disappointments, that I began to be displeas'd at my-self, for hoping or expecting any thing that tended to Happiness: I thought with Mrs. Phillips,
If with some Pleasure we our Griefs betray,
It costs us dearer than we can repay:
For Time or Fortune, all Things so devours75,
???Our Hopes are cross'd,
???Or else the Object lost,
???E'er we can call it ours.
Which indeed was always so with me, not only in this, but in all other Enterprizes and Transactions of Life: I could hope nothing, propose nothing, but I was cross'd or disappointed therein, e'er I could arrive at Accomplishment76. Therefore, Madam, you need not think it strange that I began to believe Providence77 had ordain'd for me a Single Life. Began, did I say? No, rather continued in that Sentiment ever since the Disappointment of Bosvil. And I think here are a few Lines something tending to that Subject:
A Virgin78 Life.
Since, O good Heavens! you have bestow'd on me
So great a Kindness for Virginity,
Suffer me not to fall into the Powers
Of Man's almost Omnipotent79 Amours.
But let me in this happy State remain,
And in chaste80 Verse my chaster Thoughts explain;
Fearless of Twenty-five, and all its Rage,
When Time with Beauty lasting81 Wars ingage.
When once that Clock has struck, all Hearts retire,
Like Elves from Day-break, or like Beasts from Fire,
'Tis Beauty's Passing-Bell; no more are slain82;
But dying Lovers all revive again.
Then every Day some new Contempt we find,
As if the Scorn and Lumber24 of Mankind.
These frightful83 Prospects84, oft our Sex betray;
Which to avoid, some fling themselves away;
Like harmless Kids, who when pursu'd by Men,
For Safety, run into a Lyon's Den4.
Ah! happy State! how strange it is to see,
What mad Conceptions some have had of Thee!
As if thy Being was all Wretchedness,
Or foul85 Deformity, in vilest86 Dress:
Whereas thy Beauty's pure Celestial88,
Thy Thoughts Divine, thy Words Angelical:
And such ought all thy Votaries89 to be,
Or else they're so but for Necessity.
A Virgin bears the Impress of all Good,
Under that Name, all Vertue's understood.
So equal all her Looks, her Mien90, her Dress,
That nought91 but Modesty92 is in Excess;
The Business of her Life to this extends,
To serve her God, her Neighbour and her Friends.
Indeed, said the Lady, the Transactions of thy Life hitherto seem a perfect Chain of Disappointments. However, the Almighty has been gracious in giving thee a Mind submissive and resign'd; for which thou art bound to glorify93 his Goodness, and hope for more prosperous Days for the Time to come. As they were about to proceed in their Discourse94, and look for more Patches to carry on their Work, the Lady's Butler came from his Master, saying, He was about to make a Bowl of Punch, and sent to the Stranger-Gentlewoman for her Receipt, which she was talking of the Night before; which Galesia readily rehears'd:
The CZAR's Receipt to make PUNCH.
Take Three Bottles from Spain, and one from France,
Two from the Rhine, and one from Nance95:
No Water at all, but a little from Roses;
A red-nos'd Sea-Captain, to mingle96 the Doses;
Limons, Nutmeg, and Sugar, with a Toast to float on it;
And a Knot of good Fellows, that will not shrink from it.
With these Instructions, the Butler made his Exit, making a low Bow according to the old Fashion.
The Butler being gone, the Lady desired Galesia to return to her Discourse: To which she readily accorded, saying, After this unexpected Accident of the said unhappy Gentleman, my Mother began to think that Heaven had design'd me for a Single Life, and was a little more reconcil'd to my studious Way; saying, with the Proverb, It is in vain to strive against the Stream; or oppose Providence. Sometimes she regretted that ever she had promoted, or consented to that Proposal, the Business having prov'd so fatal both to the Gentleman and his good Mother, whose Griefs, said she, methinks I feel; which Reflection would sometimes draw Tears from her Eyes. And one Day, my Compassion97 uniting with hers, caus'd me to take out my Handkerchief, and with it fell the following Verses.
The Necessity of Fate.
I.
In vain, in vain it is, I find,
???To strive against our Fate;
???We may as well command the Wind,
The Sea's rude Waves, to gentle Manners bind98,
Or to Eternity99 prescribe a Date;
As frustrate100 ought that Fortune has design'd:
For when we think we're Politicians grown,
???And live by Methods of our own,
???We then obsequiously101 obey
Fate's Dictates102, and a blindfold103 Homage104 pay.
II.
Were it not so, I surely could not be
Still Slave to Rhime, and lazy Poetry:
???I, who so oft have strove
???My Freedom to regain105;
And sometimes too, for my Assistance took
???Obedience, and sometimes a Book;
???Company, and sometimes Love:
???All which, still proves in vain;
For I can only shake, but not cast off my Chain.
III.
All this, my Fate, all this thou didst foreshow,
???Ev'n when I was a Child,
???When in my Picture's Hand,
???My Mother did command,
There should be drawn106 a Lawrel Bough107.
Lo! then my Muse108 sat by, and smil'd,
To hear how some the Sentence did oppose,
???Saying an Apple, Bird, or Rose,
Were Objects which did more befit
My childish Years, and no less childish Wit.
IV.
For then my Muse well knew, that constant Fate
???Her Promise would compleat:
???For Fate at my Initiation109
???Into the Muses110 Congregation,
As my Responsor promis'd then for me,
???I should forsake111 those Three,
Soaring Honours, vain Persuits of Pleasure,
???And vainer Fruits of worldly Treasure,
All for the Muses melancholy Tree,
E'er I knew ought of its great Mystery.
Since, O my Fate! thou needs wilt112 have it so,
Let thy kind Hand exalt113 it to my Brow.
To which my Mother reply'd, I think, Fate would be more kind to set a Basket, or a Milk-pail, on thy Head; thereby114 to suppress those foolish Vapours that thus intoxicate115 thy Brain: But if there be a fatal Necessity that it must be so, e'en go on, and make thyself easy with thy fantastick Companions the Muses: I remember, continued she, I have been told, that one of the ancient Poets says:
Thrust Nature off, with Fork, by Force,
She'll still return to her old Course:
And so I find it in the whole Course of thy Life. And, as thou sayest in this Poem, thou hast tryed divers3 means to chase away this unlucky Genius that attends thee; and, I am sensible, out of a true design'd Obedience to me: But since it will not do, I shall no more oppose thy Fancy, but comply and indulge so innocent a Diversion. As I was about to return her my Thanks, a Gentleman that had married our Kinswoman, came in.
As Galesia was about to proceed, the Lady rang for a Servant; and bad him go to her House-keeper, and tell her to get a Dish of the Welsh Flummery ready, which Galesia had taught her last Night, and set it in an Arbour; and when 'tis cool, said she, to call us. And now, continued the Lady, give me the Receipt, for it shall make a Patch in the Screen, as well as does that of the Punch. To which Galesia readily agreed.
The Receipt for Welsh Flummery, Made at the Castle of Montgomery.
Take Jelly of Harts-horn, with Eggs clarify'd,
Three good Pints116 at least; of Cream, one beside.
Fine Sugar and Limons, as much as is fit
To suit with your Palate, that you may like it.
Three Ounces of Almonds, with Orange Flow'r-Water,
Well beaten: Then mix 'em all up in a Platter
Of China or Silver; for that makes no matter.
The Lady was pleas'd with the Receipt, and bad Galesia return to her Story, of the Gentleman that had married her Kinswoman.
The Unaccountable Wife.
This Gentleman, said Galesia, had married a young Gentlewoman of Distinction, against the Consent of her Friends; which she accomplish'd by the Help of her Mother's Maid-Servant. To say the Truth, though her Birth was very considerable, yet her Person was not at all agreeable; and her Fortune but indifferent: her Parents, I suppose, thinking, that more than just enough to support her, would but betray her to an unhappy Marriage. In short, married she was to the foresaid young Man, whose Person was truly handsome; and with Part of her Fortune he plac'd himself in the Army, bestow'd another Part in furnishing her a House, and so liv'd very decently; and notwithstanding her indifferent Person, he had Children by her, though they did not live long. Thus they made a pretty handsome Shift in the World, 'till a vile87 Wretch, her Servant, overturn'd all; as follows. This Servant, whether she was a Creature of her Master's before she came to her Mistress, is not known; but she became very fruitful, and had every Year a Child; pretending that she was privately117 married to an Apprentice118. Whether the Wife knew the whole of the Matter, or was impos'd upon, is uncertain; but which way soever it was, she was extremely kind to this Woman, to a Degree unheard of; became a perfect Slave to her, and, as if she was the Servant, instead of the Mistress, did all the Household-Work, made the Bed, clean'd the House, wash'd the Dishes; nay119, farther than so, got up in the Morning, scour'd the Irons, made the Fire, &c. leaving this vile Strumpet in Bed with her Husband; for they lay all Three together every Night. All this her Friends knew, or at least suspected; but thought it Complaisance, not Choice in her; and that she consider'd her own Imperfections, and Deformity; and therefore, was willing to take no Notice of her Husband's Fancy in the Embraces of this Woman her Servant. But the Sequel opens quite another Scene: And now I come to that Part of the Story, where he came to my Mother. His Business was, to desire her to come to his Wife, and endeavour to persuade her to part with this Woman; For, said he, she has already Three Children living, and God knows how many more she may have: Which indeed, Madam, said he, is a Charge my little Substance is not able to sustain; and I have been using all Endeavours to persuade my Wife to part with her, but cannot prevail: Wherefore I beg you, as a Friend, Relation, and her Senior in Years, to come, and lay before her the Reasonableness of what I desire, and the Ridiculousness of her proceeding120. Good Heaven! said my Mother, can you think thus to bore my Nose with a Cushion? Can you imagine me so stupid, as to believe your Wife can persist in such a Contradiction of Nature? It is impossible a Wife should oppose her Husband's Desire in parting with such a Woman. Madam, reply'd he, I beg you once more to be so good as to come to my Wife, and then condemn121 me if I have advanc'd a Falshood. Well, reply'd my Mother, I will come; though I doubt not but upon due Inspection122, the whole, will prove a Farce123 compos'd amongst you, in which your Wife is to act her Part just as you between you think fit to teach her; which she, out of Fear, or some other Delusion124, is to perform. But he averr'd again and again, that, without Fraud or Trick, the Thing was as he said. In short, my Mother went; and there she found the Servant sitting in a handsome Velvet125 Chair, dress'd up in very good lac'd Linnen, having clean Gloves on her Hands, and the Wife washing the Dishes. This Sight put my Mother into such a violent Passion, that she had much ado to refrain from laying Hands on her. However, she most vehemently126 chid127 the Mistress; telling her, That she offended God, disgrac'd her Family, scandaliz'd her Neighbours, and was a Shame to Woman-kind. All which she return'd with virulent128 Words; amongst other Things, she stood Buff in Favour of that Woman; saying, That she had been not only a faithful Servant, but the best of Friends, and those that desir'd to remove such a Friend from her, deserved not the Name of Friends, neither did she desire they should come into her House: All which she utter'd with such an Air of Vehemency, that there was no Room left to doubt of the Sincerity129 of her Words; but that all proceeded from an Interiour thoroughly degenerated130. All which my Mother related to me with great Amazement131: But withal, told me, that she would have me go to her on the Morrow; and with calm and friendly Words, endeavour to persuade her to Reason; for, said she, I was in a Passion at the disagreeable View; but you, who have naturally more Patience than my-self, pray put on the best Resolutions you can to keep your Temper, whatsoever132 Provocations133 shall occur. Thus instructed, thus resolved, I went next Day, hoping that a Night's Repose134 would calm the Storm my Mother's Anger might have rais'd. But when I came, I found it all the same: Though I took her apart, and with the utmost Mildness, persuaded her, and us'd the best Reasons I could think on to inforce those Persuasions135, yet all was in vain; and she said, We all join'd with her Husband to make her miserable, by removing from her, the only Friend she had in the World; and passionately136 swore by Him that made her, that if we combin'd to send the Woman away, she would go with her. I would try that, reply'd I, were I in your Husband's Place: At which her Passion redoubled; and she, with violent Oaths, repeated her Resolution; desiring, that her Friends would meddle137 with their own Business, and let her alone, to remain in Quiet in her House, and not come to give her Disturbance138. After these uncouth139 Compliments, I left her, carrying with me the greatest Amazement possible. After this, the Husband came to us, and ask'd, If we did not find true what he had told us? Indeed, replied I, true, and doubly true; such a Truth as I believe never was in the World before, nor never will be again. In this Case, said he, What would you counsel me to do? Truly, said my Mother, it is hard to advise; for to let the Woman live there still, is not proper; nor can your Circumstances undergo the Charge: And if your Wife should do as she says, and go with her; I should in some Degree be accessary to the parting Man and Wife. I would venture, said I, for when it comes to the Push, I warrant her she will not go. Hereupon the Man said he would try; and accordingly, hired a Place in a Waggon140 to carry the Creature into her own Country; hoping, as I suppose, that his Wife would have rested herself contented141 with him, when the Woman had been gone; but instead thereof, she acted as she said, and went along with her.
This Transaction was so extraordinary, that every-body was amazed at it; and when they had been gone some time, there arose a Murmuring, amongst Friends, Neighbours and Acquaintance, as if he had made his Wife away; and when he told them the Manner of her Departure, they would not believe him, the thing in itself being so incredible.
But we will leave him to make his Party good, as well as he can, amidst the Censure142 of his Neighbours, the Threats of her Friends, and the Ridicule143 of his Acquaintance; and follow the Travellers, into the Country whither they were gone.
They arrived safe at the Woman's Father's, where they found as kind a Reception as a poor Cottage could afford; and a very poor one it was, there being no Light but what came in at the Door, no Food but from the Hands of Charity, nor Fewel but what they pilfer'd from their Neighbours Hedges.
Now what this unaccountable Creature thought of this kind of Being, is unknown, or what Measures she and her Companion thought to take, or what Schemes they form'd to themselves, is not conceivable: But whatever they were, the discreet144 Neighbourhood put a Period to their Projects; for they got a Warrant to have them before a Justice, in order to prevent a Parish Charge; there being two Children there already, which they had sent some time before; and now two helpless Women being come, they knew not where the Charge might light, and therefore proceeded as aforesaid. It happen'd as the Constable145 was conducting them to the Justice, with a Mob at their Heels, that they pass'd by the House of a Lady of Quality, who looking out of her Window, saw in the midst of this Throng146, this unfortunate Wife, whom she immediately knew to be the Daughter of her Friend; knew to be the Child of an honourable147 Family. It is impossible to describe what Amazement seiz'd her: She call'd out to the Constable and other Neighbours there, bidding them bring that Gentlewoman to her, which they immediately did. This good Lady, out of Respect to her old Friends, a worthy Family, bid them discharge her, telling them, That her-self would be bound that she should be no Parish Charge; so took her into her House, treated her kindly148, and offer'd her all she could do on such an Occasion: For all which she return'd the Lady but cold Thanks, and begg'd her Ladyship's Assistance to convey her to London along with the other Woman, who, she said, was the truest Friend in the World. The Lady knowing nothing of her Story, with much Goodness provided for her Departure, together with her Companion. In this manner, loaden with Disgrace, they came back to London, to her Husband, from whom, no doubt, she found Reproaches suitable to her Folly.
Long it was not, e'er Death made a true and substantial Separation, by carrying the Husband into the other World. Now was the Time to make manifest, whether Promises, Flatteries or Threatnings had made her act the foresaid Scene: But it appear'd all voluntary; for when he was dead, her Friends and Relations invited and persuaded her to leave that Creature and her Children, and come to live with them, suitable to her Birth and Education. But all in vain; she absolutely adher'd to this Woman and her Children, to the last Degree of Folly; insomuch, that being reduc'd to Poverty, she begg'd in the Streets to support them. At last, some Friend of her Family told the Queen of the distressed149 way she was in; and in some Degree, how it came to pass, that neither her dead Husband nor her Relations might be blameable. The Queen, with much Goodness, told her Friend, That if she would leave that Woman, and go live with some Relation, she would take Care she should not want; and withal sent her Five Guineas, as an Earnest of a Monthly Pension; but notwithstanding, this infatuated Creature refus'd the Queen's Favour, rather than part with this Family: And so, for their Support, begg'd in the Streets, the Remainder of her Days.
Sure, said the Lady, This poor Creature was under some Spell or Inchantment, or she could never have persisted, in so strange a manner, to oppose her Husband, and all her nearest Friends, and even her Sovereign. As they were descanting on this Subject, a Servant came and told them, that all was ready in the Arbour; and that the Gentlemen having finish'd their Bowl of Punch, were attending their coming, to share with them in a Dish of Tea, and Welsh Flummery.
Accordingly, the Ladies went thither150, where they were saluted151 with a most pleasant Consort152 of chirping153 Musicians, whose wild Notes, in different Strains, set forth65 the Glory of their great Creator, exciting the whole Company to certain Acts of Joy and Thanksgiving: Amongst which Quire, none seem'd so harmonious154 as the soft Strains of the delightful155 Philomel, whose various Notes ingag'd every one's Attention; insomuch that the Lady call'd to her Page, to sing that old Song, the Words of which held due Measure with the Tunes156 and different Changes of the Nightingale.
The SONG.
???It was on a Day,
???When the Nymphs had leave to play,
???As I walk'd unseen,
???In a Meadow green,
I heard a Maid in an angry Spleen,
???Complaining to her Swain,
???To leave his toiling157 Vein158,
And come and sport with her upon the Plain.
???But the silly Clown
???Lay delving159 of the Ground,
???Regardless of her Moan,
??????When she cry'd,
Come away, bonny Boy, come away.
"I cannot come, I will not come;
"I cannot leave my Work undone160."
And that was all, this silly Clown could say.
II.
???Thus vexed161 in her Mind,
???To see him so unkind,
???To Venus she went,
???In a Discontent,
To get her Boy, with his Bow ready bent162,
???To take a nimble Dart163,
???And to strike him to the Heart,
For disobeying her Commandement.
???Cupid then
???Gave the Boy such a Bang,
???As made him to gang
???With the bonny Lass along.
??????When she cry'd,
Come away, bonny Boy; come hither.
???"I come, I come, I come."
And so they gang'd along together.
The Company were all pleas'd with the Lad's Performance, in which he imitated the Nightingale to Admiration164. Thus they diverted themselves, 'till Chariots came to carry them out to take the Evening Air.
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chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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plantations
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| n.种植园，大农场( plantation的名词复数 ) | |
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divers
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| adj.不同的；种种的 | |
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den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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5
maternal
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| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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6
persuasive
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| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
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7
whimsies
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| n.怪念头( whimsy的名词复数 )；异想天开；怪脾气；与众不同的幽默感 | |
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8
diminution
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| n.减少；变小 | |
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9
retrenchment
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| n.节省，删除 | |
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10
writs
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| n.书面命令，令状( writ的名词复数 ) | |
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11
abated
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| 减少( abate的过去式和过去分词 )； 减去； 降价； 撤消（诉讼） | |
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12
frivolous
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| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
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13
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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14
livelihood
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| n.生计，谋生之道 | |
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15
balk
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| n.大方木料；v.妨碍；不愿前进或从事某事 | |
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16
creditors
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| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
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17
sham
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| n./adj.假冒(的)，虚伪(的) | |
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18
defraud
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| vt.欺骗，欺诈 | |
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19
complaisance
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| n.彬彬有礼，殷勤，柔顺 | |
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20
caresses
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| 爱抚，抚摸( caress的名词复数 ) | |
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21
endearments
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| n.表示爱慕的话语，亲热的表示( endearment的名词复数 ) | |
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22
overcast
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| adj.阴天的，阴暗的，愁闷的；v.遮盖，（使）变暗，包边缝；n.覆盖，阴天 | |
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23
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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24
lumber
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| n.木材，木料；v.以破旧东西堆满；伐木；笨重移动 | |
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25
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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26
dependant
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| n.依靠的，依赖的，依赖他人生活者 | |
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27
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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28
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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29
bribe
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| n.贿赂；v.向…行贿，买通 | |
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30
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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31
inclinations
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| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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32
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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33
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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34
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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35
lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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36
tavern
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| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
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37
alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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38
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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39
abhor
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| v.憎恶；痛恨 | |
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40
detest
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| vt.痛恨，憎恶 | |
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41
deluded
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| v.欺骗，哄骗( delude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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42
lewd
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| adj.淫荡的 | |
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43
slaughter
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| n.屠杀，屠宰；vt.屠杀，宰杀 | |
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44
wheedled
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| v.骗取（某物），哄骗（某人干某事）( wheedle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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45
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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46
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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47
opprobrious
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| adj.可耻的，辱骂的 | |
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48
reviling
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| v.辱骂，痛斥( revile的现在分词 ) | |
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49
vows
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| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
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50
forfeited
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| （因违反协议、犯规、受罚等）丧失，失去( forfeit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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51
affronted
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|
| adj.被侮辱的，被冒犯的v.勇敢地面对( affront的过去式和过去分词 )；相遇 | |
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52
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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53
persecute
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| vt.迫害，虐待；纠缠，骚扰 | |
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54
persecuted
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| （尤指宗教或政治信仰的）迫害(~sb. for sth.)( persecute的过去式和过去分词 )； 烦扰，困扰或骚扰某人 | |
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55
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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56
buoying
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| v.使浮起( buoy的现在分词 )；支持；为…设浮标；振奋…的精神 | |
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57
plunging
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| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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58
tormented
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| 饱受折磨的 | |
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59
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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60
varnish
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| n.清漆；v.上清漆；粉饰 | |
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61
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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62
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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63
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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64
meddling
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| v.干涉，干预（他人事务）( meddle的现在分词 ) | |
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65
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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66
lewdness
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| n. 淫荡, 邪恶 | |
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67
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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68
filthy
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| adj.卑劣的；恶劣的，肮脏的 | |
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69
bullied
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| adj.被欺负了v.恐吓，威逼( bully的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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70
unpaid
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| adj.未付款的，无报酬的 | |
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71
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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72
almighty
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|
| adj.全能的，万能的；很大的，很强的 | |
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73
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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74
gaudy
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| adj.华而不实的；俗丽的 | |
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75
devours
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|
| 吞没( devour的第三人称单数 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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76
accomplishment
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|
| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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77
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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78
virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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79
omnipotent
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| adj.全能的，万能的 | |
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80
chaste
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|
| adj.贞洁的；有道德的；善良的；简朴的 | |
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81
lasting
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|
| adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持 | |
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82
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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83
frightful
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|
| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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84
prospects
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|
| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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85
foul
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|
| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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86
vilest
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|
| adj.卑鄙的( vile的最高级 )；可耻的；极坏的；非常讨厌的 | |
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87
vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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88
celestial
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|
| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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89
votaries
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| n.信徒( votary的名词复数 )；追随者；（天主教）修士；修女 | |
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90
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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91
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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92
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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93
glorify
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| vt.颂扬，赞美，使增光，美化 | |
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94
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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95
nance
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| n.娘娘腔的男人，男同性恋者 | |
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96
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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97
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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98
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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99
eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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100
frustrate
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| v.使失望；使沮丧；使厌烦 | |
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101
obsequiously
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102
dictates
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| n.命令，规定，要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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103
blindfold
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|
| vt.蒙住…的眼睛；adj.盲目的；adv.盲目地；n.蒙眼的绷带[布等]； 障眼物，蒙蔽人的事物 | |
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104
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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105
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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106
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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107
bough
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| n.大树枝，主枝 | |
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108
muse
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| n.缪斯（希腊神话中的女神），创作灵感 | |
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109
initiation
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| n.开始 | |
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110
muses
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的第三人称单数 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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111
forsake
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| vt.遗弃，抛弃；舍弃，放弃 | |
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112
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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113
exalt
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| v.赞扬，歌颂，晋升，提升 | |
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114
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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115
intoxicate
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| vt.使喝醉，使陶醉，使欣喜若狂 | |
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116
pints
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| n.品脱( pint的名词复数 )；一品脱啤酒 | |
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117
privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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118
apprentice
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| n.学徒，徒弟 | |
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119
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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120
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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121
condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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122
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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123
farce
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| n.闹剧，笑剧，滑稽戏；胡闹 | |
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124
delusion
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| n.谬见，欺骗，幻觉，迷惑 | |
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125
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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126
vehemently
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| adv. 热烈地 | |
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127
chid
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| v.责骂，责备( chide的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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128
virulent
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| adj.有毒的，有恶意的，充满敌意的 | |
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129
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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130
degenerated
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| 衰退，堕落，退化( degenerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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131
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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132
whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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133
provocations
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| n.挑衅( provocation的名词复数 )；激怒；刺激；愤怒的原因 | |
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134
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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persuasions
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| n.劝说，说服（力）( persuasion的名词复数 )；信仰 | |
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136
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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137
meddle
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| v.干预，干涉，插手 | |
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disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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uncouth
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| adj.无教养的，粗鲁的 | |
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waggon
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| n.运货马车，运货车；敞篷车箱 | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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142
censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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143
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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constable
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| n.(英国)警察，警官 | |
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146
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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147
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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148
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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151
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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consort
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| v.相伴；结交 | |
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153
chirping
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| 鸟叫，虫鸣( chirp的现在分词 ) | |
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154
harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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156
tunes
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| n.曲调，曲子( tune的名词复数 )v.调音( tune的第三人称单数 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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toiling
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| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的现在分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
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158
vein
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| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
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delving
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| v.深入探究，钻研( delve的现在分词 ) | |
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undone
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| a.未做完的，未完成的 | |
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vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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162
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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