The frontispiece author portrait in this text was originally the frontispiece engraving to Fideles aquæ: or some pious tears dropped upon the hearse of the incomparable gentlewoman Mrs. Sarah Gilly (1661), and earlier versions of the portrait bear the inscription: “The Effigies of M:trs Sarah Gilly.”
Printed captionW: Faithorne sc:sculpsit
A Guide
to
Ladies, Gentlewomen, and Maids:
Containing
Directions of Behaviour, in all Places,
Companies, Relations, and Conditions,
from their Childhood down to Old Age:
Viz.
- As
- Children to Parents.
- Scholars to Governours.
- Single to Servants.
- Virgins to Suiters.
- Married to Husbands.
- Housewifes to the House.
- Mistresses to Servants.
- Mothers to Children.
- Widows to the World, And as
- Prudent to all.
With Letters upon all Occasions,
with several Tales, and The Ladies Farewell.
Whereunto is added, A Guide for Cook-maids,
Dairy-maids, Chamber-maids, and all others that go
to Service: The whole being Exact Rules
for the Female Sex in Generall.
By .
London, Printed for Dorman Newman at the Chyrurgions
Arms in Little-Britain neer the Hospital-gate, and Will.
Whitwood at the golden Lyon in Duck lane, 16681668.
To the truely Vertuous, and my
much Honoured Friend,
Mris. Jane Dean,
Daughter to the Right Worshipfull
Sir Edward Barkham, late
of Totnham, and Wife to
Anthony Dean Esquire.
Madam,
I Presume to dedicate
these my
poore Endeavours,
for the benefit of
Youth, to You, because
A3
you
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you are partly a witness
how I discharged my duty
to those Children commited
to my care, and particularly
to your own sweet
Children, who you formerly
were pleased to trust
me withall for above three
years together.
The continuance of your
kindness to me for my then
love and care to, and for
them, give me confidence
to believe, that if any occasioncasion
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be offered, wherein
I might stand in need of
your testimony for my abilities
in undertaking that
charge, in presenting to all
Young People a Directory
how they should behave
themselves, you would readily
give it me.
I have in my Apology
to the Book-seller, declared
how I came to be of ability
to do it, reciting to him
the grounds of my knowledgeA4
ledge
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in all those Sciences
I profess, and also what
Practice and Experience I
have had in the World, lest
any should censure me, and
think that I speak more than
I am able to perform. I
doubt not but that Judicious
persons will esteem
me for what I have done,
when they have read the
Book, and weighed it well;
and if so, I shall the less
trouble my self what envious
Spirits
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Spirits do or say. I humbly
beseech you to accept it as
a signall of that Honour
and Love I owe to your
worthy and honoured husband,
your self, and sweet
Children: If you resent it
as I desire you will, I shall
believe you do esteem me,
as really I am
Your most humble and
faithfull Servant
Hannah Woolley.
The Authoress
to the
Reader.
Courteous Reader,
I Speak now to green years, therefore you
must not expect a high style. My design
is only to direct Youth, therefore so neer
as I can I will utter what I have to say,
in such Language as they best understand:
For as we must not expect old heads upon
young shoulders, so I may not speak to
them beyond their capacities, for then I
should lose my labour, and they the benefit
I desire.
Although I write after a person of quality
hath already given his Directions,
(which Book I have not yet had the happiness
to view) yet I presume this may
be
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be accepted by them from me, it being an
experimental Discourse from one of their
own sex, and a well-wisher to all Youth.
It is no small disadvantage our Sex
hath, compared with men, whilest they enjoy
the benefit of Free-schools, Colledges,
and Universities, and we like the Violet
must grow in the shade of Obscurity, not
much seen or heard.
I desire only their love and favour for
my Advice, and from you, that you will
not censure, but esteem their and your
Most humble Servant,
Hannah Woolley.
To all young Ladies, Gentlewomen,
and to all young
Maidens whatever.
Ladies and Gentlewomen,
I Have formerly sent forth amongst
you two little Books,
the first called, The Ladies Directory,
the other, The Cooks Guide;
both which have found very good
acceptance from many of you.
This is, A fit Demeanour for young
Ladies, Gentlewomen, and all other
young Maidens whatever.
I hope it will be no less acceptable
to you, than it is pleasant to
me to write it: For I would not
have
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have you partly, but fully accomplished,
which so fast as I can attain
to my self, I shall impart to
you; for so long as we live we
may be learning somewhat of
good, and of benefit both to our
selves and others; which if every
one would endeavour, they would
find very little room for Idle
Thoughts, the Harbingers of all
mischief and destruction. I shall
shorten my Epistle, and fully instruct
you in the ensuing lines, as
to the thing I make mention of at
present; which that you may all
follow them with a due observance,
is the great desire, and
hearty wish of
Your most humble Servant,
Hannah Woolley.
To the
Authoress in Commendation of
her Work.
The Bee extracteth from malignant Weeds
Such Hony as her self and others feeds;
But the Bees Hony doth no further good
Than please the taste, and nourish flesh and blood.
Thou from Parnassus weeds such Hony hast
Extracted, as delighteth the Souls taste,
And doth the Body temper and make fit
To lodge a holy Soul, and harbour it:
Thanks therefore for such hony, my dear friend,
That is so sweet, so lasting, without end.
Another.
To publish forth your Vertues and your Parts
Of Liberal Sciences, or Learned Arts,
Makes me invoke, that learned Muses will
Assist me with their aid, and lend me skill,
Since A8vSince mine is mean, and weak to utter forth
Those rich transparent Vertues, which your worth
Evermore doth deserve, therefore my heart
In your Applauds shall help to bear a part.
Young Ladies, and young Gentlewomen all,
To you I speak, this Volume is but small;
But it contains within it as much worth
As either Art or Nature can set forth:
Here’s that will teach you all the ready way
To Heav’nly wisdom, therefore let me pray
You to peruse and practise what you see
And finde within this Book, and it will be
A benefit for Soul and Body both,
Good Counsel, rare Behaviour; be not loth
To give your selves this Talent, which is more
Richer than Jewels from the Indian shore:
This Mirrour of Women, Map of Goodness hath
Employ’d her Talent, directing Scripture-path,
To teach, and to instruct we all are bidden,
And her rare Vertues from none are hidden.
Hermon Matthews.
A Guide to Ladies, Gentlewomen
and Maids, &c.
First, we are to consider,
that God made all Creatures
to serve him, and how shall
we serve him, if we do not
keep his Commandements,
and how do we keep them,
if we be not obedient to our Parents and Instructors?
Therefore you may see, there is a necessity
and charge laid upon us to observe them;
and what is the duty of a Parent, but to take
care that their Children be well educated,
therefore do they commit them to such persons
as are best able to instruct them, and as
their Purses will afford, some of great quality
entertain a Governess in the House for them,
some put them forth to School, where many
others are boarded: Others dispose their daughters
to wait on persons of quality, those of
B
meaner
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2
meaner rank, to be servants in such places as
they can by their own means, or friends procure;
and to either of these there is a duty to
be performed, which if you please to give me
leave, I shall give you the best Directions I
can.
And if it be questioned by any, why I should
undertake it, I give these reasons:
If Experience may be called A Master, I
may have leave to give my advice, though
there be no tie or command upon me to do it:
Having been exercised in all these several tasks,
(for it is a task, and a hard one too sometimes,
to have any but ones own children to govern)
I thank God I have performed my duty so to
my Charge, as hath been much to the content
both of Parents and Children, and therefore a
double comfort to me. I hope, though you are
not in my eye, as they were, yet often reading
this little book, you may imagine that some
Friend advises you, whose counsel if you think
good to take, may prove of benefit and ease to
you, and now I will begin.
A young Ladies demeanour, or other
Gentlewoman.
I Shall forbear to speak of some decencies in
your demeanour, lest I be accounted impertinent
or detracting from your Parents care
or worth: For to such persons as I now speak
to, there is generally such care taken, and such
example given, that from their very Cradles
they have a civil way of demeanour towards
all, mixt with such sweetness that elder people
many times may learn part of their duty from
these noble Babes, and these are they which
prove the least trouble, and the greatest comfort
and honour to those who have the tuition of
them: Both for easiness of their task, by being
ready moulded to their hands, that they are
like pure Wax, on which they may set any
impression; also by the example of them, others
under the charge of their Teachers, are with
the more facility brought into good order.
And thus it for the most part happens, unless
these Graces chance to be obstructed or
clouded by some refractory or stubborn spirit,
(which so seldom happens amongst those of
noble extractions, that it is as strange and unexpected,
as a great storm upon a Sun-shine
day) but because I have undertaken to say somewhatB2
what
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to you, I will begin with you, where
your Parents leave you, and go along with you
to be your Guide and Servant in the journey
they have commanded you, lest out of their
sight, your green years may be venom’d or in
danger to be so, by any wicked counsel or example
of such, as make it their practice to pervert.
Therefore, if your Parents have committed
you to the care and tuition of any Governess in
the house with you, as many do, out of their
render care to them, not being willing to part
with them further (and some, because it is
mose befitting their quality) if it be thus ordered.
Think with your selves, that this person
whom I must now call my Governess, is one
whom my Father or Mother, or both, hath
entertained to educate me, to lessen their own
trouble, not their care for me, but to testifie
it the more: Therefore if I obey her not in
all things, I transgress my Parents commands,
and abuse their kindness to me, and also displease
God in so doing.
Secondly, Consider with your self, that this
person whom my Parent or Parents have constituted
over me, is such a one as they are confident,
either in their own judgement, or those
who have commended her to be fit in all points
to
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5
to perform this charge, committed to her,
therefore in obedience to them, I must and
will obey her, and follow the examples and
precepts she gives me.
If she deceive you by her too severe spirit,
or harsh way of governing, not allowing you
that freedom of discourse or friendship with her,
as you think your Parents do expect, or desire,
as befitting your quality:
Yet let not your green years be too hasty in
judging her, nor the ill counsel of inferiour
Servants perswade you against her, lest by so
doing, you detract from your Parents good
care for you, but rather bear with patience
her unfit demeanour towards you, till you find
a fit opportunity to impart it to those who
gave her the power. And be sure you speak
nothing maliciously against her, but truly impart
your grief, and you will be sure that they
will either regulate her by their commands, or
remove her from you, be sure therefore that
your complaints be just, lest you should have
one in her stead, who may more justly deserve
your censure, and so make your self unhappy
by your parents fears of having a refractory
childe. Besides, think thus with your self, that
too often complaining makes dull and careless
the Auditor, and instead of drawing compassion,
it creates a Jealousie of an evil disposition.
If your Governess be a woman in years,
honour her the more, if young, you may promise
your self the more freedom with her; for
as it is said, “Like will to like, Youth will to
youth”, yet if I may advise, I would not have a
person too young to have such a charge, for
they will have sufficient to do to govern themselves,
therefore unfit to govern others: For
they have not that maturity and sobriety as
elder people have; neither can they have that
tenderness to their charge, so that though there
be a complyance in some things of mirth; yet
it is more easie to submit to our Elders than
to our Equals.
This I speak by experience, having had too
great a charge in this nature, when I was very
young, and certainly I could not then so well
perform my duty, as since I have, especially,
since I came to be a Mother of Children my
self; and now they are grown up, I have still
more and more tenderness to youth, and can
speak it knowingly, that a mild sweet way is
better than a rigorous, and soft words and
gentle correction, (I mean correction with the
tongue) doth more good than blows: For the
one makes desperate and careless, the other
breeds love and fear.
Ladies, such a one as I have been, I think
not good enough for you, but such a one as I
could
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could be now, I dare wish you. I can with a
greater sense, look back upon my faults, than
I could discern them when I committed them.
Thus much to your Governess in the House,
now to other persons about you.
Be not peevish or froward to your Maid who
is to dress you, but sweetly accept her endeavours,
and gently tell her of her faults or neglects,
which if she be of a good nature and desirous
to please, it will command a diligence
from her, otherwise you will cause her to serve
you only for her own ends, and with an eyeservice;
and while you are making a wry face
in the Glass, she will make another behind
your back, in derision of you, and assure your
self, that all the art which you can use to preserve
your beauty, will not grace your face so
much as one sowre look will disgrace you.
Besides, you give your maid cause to censure
you amongst her fellow-servants, and by that
means bring a scandal upon your self, and dishonour
to your Parents, and to your Governes.
Be courteous to all the servants belonging
to your Parents, but not over-familiar with
them, lest they grow rude and saucy with you,
especially with the men-servants, for such kind
of behaviour many times gives them so much
confidence, that they will be bold to tender
B 4
their
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8
their affections to you: Which if you would
keep them at a distance, they would fear to
think of, with this kind of familiar carriage I
have known several persons ruin’d, therefore
beware of it.
If you can do any servant good in any thing,
as mitigating your Parents anger towards them,
or to present their humble petition for them, be
not slack, for Blessed are they who make peace;
and you shall thereby gain love and honour.
If any poor body sue to you to beg in their
names, that which is not unfit for them to ask,
do not deny them, and God will not deny you
your requests: Do good to all, and turn not
your face away from the indigent, but let your
charity extend to their relief and succour, not
grudging afterwards at the loss of what you
gave them. Be courteous to all people beneath
your quality, but in such a way that they may
know you understand your self, as well as a civility
to them; and that will be a sweet kind of
commanding reverence from them, and give
you the character of an humble and good spirit;
for it is more honour to be good than great:
Majesty mixt with modesty and humility, commands
the affections and service of all; but
pride and imperiousness breeds a scorn and contempt
against the greatest person, even in the
heart and tongue of the meanest Peasant. So
far
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far as God hath blest you with Birth or Fortune
above other, so much the more should
you strive to make your vertues to shine, that
therein you may be observed to magnifie God
for his especial mercies to you; despise not
those who have not so much, but think with
your self, that to whom the Lord gives much,
he requires much from; either wisdom, honour,
riches, or beauty, as God made nothing
in vain, so he gives nothing in vain: Nay, he
doth but lend it to us, and if we make an ill use
thereof, he will take from us what we have,
and give us no more: That person is not to be
trusted, who doth not endeavour to improve
what he is trusted withall, his reward commonly
is nothing but shame and dishonour, and
in the end misery and poverty.
Therefore, if God hath given you wisdom,
do not boast of it, nor abuse it by exercising it
in putting jests upon those who you think
have not so much, as many do; for by so doing
you give them occasion to affront and abuse
you; or if they are so modest as not retort
to you again, they shew more wisdom by their
silence, than you did in abusing them, though
never so witty in your jests.
I knew once a Gentleman, who thought
himself a great wit, and was indeed so; but
he was so much given to abuse people with it,
that
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that at length in my hearing he was abused
himself by the answer of a meer natural Fool,
which turned so much to his shame, that he had
not one word to say. Another I have heard
my Father speak of, whom he knew, that so
much boasted of his wit, and depended upon
it so extreamly, laughing at others who he
thought had none, that at length he became a
very Fool.
Therefore, if you have wisdom, give God
daily thanks for it, and make use of it in serving
him: For though it be the vain Fancy of some
to think and to say that
Women have no Souls, yet
we have an assurance from
the Holy Scriptures of the
honour our blessed Saviour
gave them: It is said also
that “a vertuous woman is the Crown of her
Husband”; and surely therefore they shall be
blessed also as well as men, if they serve God as
they ought to do, and shall find an eternal joy
as well as the best of men.
Let us therefore strive while we are here to
make our selves worthy of a portion among
the faithfull, lest by unbelieving we make our
selves sure of a portion in Hell.
It is the policy of some men to preswade women,
not to be too learned, nor trouble themselvesselves
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with more knowledge than what will
serve them to manage their houshold affairs,
nor to covet more languages than their native
one. But truly, I have an indignation against
those, and cannot but endeavour the more to
accomplish my self, for it strikes a Jealousie in
me, that they are afraid of our understanding
too much, for fear we should thereby cause
them to lose their Prerogative.
Certainly, God hath given to women as good
natural parts as to men, and if we improve
them, it will be to his honour and glory, if not,
it will be our shame and dishonour. It is wisdom
in a woman to attain to what knowledge
and learning she can; but this we must be sure
of, that we do not boast our selves above them,
but rather subject our selves to be the inferiour
of the two: for God hath given man the preheminence,
and it must be so.
But God did not command them to trample
over us, nor did he forbid us to make use of
that talent he gave us: Therefore, if I may
advise you, being but a woman, you shall endeavour
to learn any thing whatever your capacity
will reach to: And I will tell you also
how commodious it will be to you.
In the first place, Endeavour to read English
well, laudably, distinctly, and without a tone:
If it be the Bible or any holy book, read it with
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as much reverence as may be; and at such times
as when your thoughts are not busied on other
things: those hours you spend so, will confirm
you, that I have some ground for what I speak,
though not the express words, and your frequent
reading those holy things will ingraft in
you your duty towards God and Man.
If you read any Chronicle or History, read
them understandingly, and you will find that
they will be a means of finding you discourse
with some people who delight to hear and to
know the transactions of the Kingdom. If
you read Play-books, or Verses, or the like,
humour them in the reading, or else the Author
loses his humour, and they that hear you their
delight: It would sound very odly to hear the
Bible read like a Play-book, a Play-book like a
Chapter, a Psalm like a Song, or a Song like a
Psalm.
For Languages, if you learn the Latin tongue
you will finde this benefit by it: It will enable
you to know how to speak, and also to write
true English. For, how like a Parrot do they
speak, who know no grounds for what they
speak, or are able to say, from whence any
words is derived? How ridiculous therefore do
many of the vulgar sort of people speak, for
want of learning, misplacing their words so,
that it is a shame to the Hearers. If you learn
the
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the French or Italian tongue, you will find it
advantagious to you in most companies, more
than heretofore; because since these late warrs
our English Ladies being forced to travail into
those Countreys have thereby gain’d it:
And they esteem neither friend, companion or
servant, who cannot speak one of them, so that
those accomplishments are become almost as
usefull as delightfull.
If Queen Elizabeth had not been a good
Scholar, she had never been so well able to
have governed as she did. And although other
women have not the same occasion or necessity
to make use of learning, yet somewhat
in ones life-time requires the use of it. And
besides, there lies hid in learning those things
which are not expressed in the vulgar tongue,
which are chiefly to our Souls good. Thus
much for Scholarship.
Now as to Arts and Sciences, and other accomplishments
of delight; from all which we
may reap benefit.
If your delight be to learn Musick, that will
serve you for a diversion from other things,
which sometimes happen troublesom to one,
and is both delightfull to ones self, and pleasing
to the hearers.
If in dancing, let it be more for the gaining
of a good deportment, and for a recreation
some-
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sometimes, than to give your self too much
over to it, for it is a bewitching action, and
with the too frequent use of it, it becomes an
ensnaring of one into evil company.
As to working with the Needle, it is both
needfull and pleasant, and is commendable in
any woman, for it is time well spent both for
profit and delight.
If you delight in writing, strive not so much
in the curious cut of the letter, as to know
how to write good English, and good language,
and a brief way of writing.
As to the manageing of a House, you must
be very carefull to observe how your Parents
order theirs, which commonly in well-ordered
houses it is thus.
Every Servant, men and women have their
work appointed them, which must be duly
exacted and taken account of, by the Lady or
Mistress of the Family, or by some superiour
Servant constituted by her for that purpose;
certain hours both morning and evening for
publick prayers for the Family, and if any servant
be absent, a displeasure to be shewed them
unless they can give a good account of their
time.
Due hours and good orders for their Table,
with a free way, yet frugal: A competent allowance
for the servants, that they have not just
cause
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cause to complain; nor so much superfluity
as that they may entertain Gossips in corners,
the spoil of servants, and most unsatiate and ungratefull.
Good hours for going to bed, and
up-rising, not turning the day into night, nor
the night into day:
Due times for washing and smoothing up the
Linnen quickly, that it be not thrown up and
down, and be mildew’d and spoiled, and
brought to the wash again: Due mending of
it every week that it may not run to tatters
before it be half worn. A due calling of the
Maiden-servants to their Needle in an Afternoon,
such as else would be idle, and giggling
with the fellows.
To see that the Dairy by kept clean and neat,
and the best advantage made of those beasts belonging
thereto, the Hogs and Poultrey, that
they be kept clean, and fatted in their due
season.
In the Granary, that Corn do not must and
spoil for want of skreening and turning.
In the Stable, that no Horses be kept there
more than their own.
In the Brew-house, that the first wort be not
drunk up by idle people, and so your beer become
so small that it is a disgrace to the Family.
In the Bake-house, that your dough, which
should be for the finest bread at your table, be
not
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not half consumed in making of Cakes: That
there be alwayes bread before-hand for the servants,
for it is a point of ill house-wivery to
eat hot, or very new bread.
In the Kitchin, that there be no necessaries
wanting, nor no waste or spoil made, but that
the meat be salted and spent in due time.
In the Parlour, that the Fire be made, and
the Cloth laid in due time, that the Cook may
not have that excuse for the spoiling of his
meat.
In the Chambers, that every thing be kept
cleanly, and the Beds often turned, the Furniture
often beaten, aired in the Sun, and well
brushed.
Every Saturday an account taken from every
Servants layings out, and every month, once
in a month, a general account of all the expences
of the whole house.
In the Buttery and Cellars, that the Butler
be carefull and saving of the Wine, Ale and
Beer.
Now because Preserving is one of the Arts
I profess to teach, I think it not unfit for any
Gentlewoman to learn, but indeed very fit:
their Tables being often served with Sweetmeats,
which is cheaper to be made than
bought, and more commendable. Some other
things you will meet withall in your observation,tion,
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which are requisite to be known, as this
for one, it will be very good for you, and not
at all dishonourable, if you will learn to understand
the dressing of meat as well as the eating
of it, that another day your servants may be
guided by you, not you by them.
I think in all these things, I have spoken, a
woman may exercise her wisdom, and improve
it, and all these qualities if they can be
attained by one, will not seem too many, if
rightly made use of: Therefore a woman cannot
have too much wit, but many times too
little grace. And that for the most part happens
to those whose Parents in their Infancy
have given them too much to liberty, and let
them have their own desires in every thing
which commonly turns to destruction both of
Soul and Body: For in our youth we know
not what to desire, and when we are elder, we
think our selves too wise to learn, a green twig
will soon bend, but the sturdy Oak who can
move? therefore all you who have carefull Parents,
bless God for it, that you may be trained
up in his fear, and in the knowledge of those
things which pertain to you in this world.
Thus I hope I have given you an ample direction
how to make use of your wisdom.
If God hath made you more Honourable
than others, be sure to return him honour and
C
praise
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Praise for it, and dishonour not your self in
acting any thing that may be unseemly or unfit,
either for your Sex, your quality, or your
person: If God hath given you riches, boast
not too much therein, for we know not how
long we shall enjoy them, for “the Lord gives, and
the Lord takes”, be charitable to the poor, and
labour to know where you may best bestow
your alms.
Spend not too much time in recreation, lest
it turn to vice; and when you see the blind,
the lame or the sick persons, spare something
from going to Stage-plaies, or the like pastimes,
to give amongst them; for although I think it
not a miss sometimes, either to see a Play, or
to act one, yet I hold it very displeasing to
God to be daily at them, as now a daies they
are, and I am sure there was never less compassion
for the poor, than since they were so
much in request.
If you see indigent persons well qualified,
be sure to employ them, for so you will do
God and your selves good service, and they
will be more careful to please you, than those
to whom you must give more for the same
thing doing; be not covetous, nor lavish, but
noble and frugal; despise not the poor, but
help them in their necessity.
If God hath given you beauty, be careful
it
C2r
19
it prove not a snare to you, for the most beautiful
person is most liable to temptation, and
be not proud of it, but when you see a deformed
person, think how soon God can if he please
make you so, either by sickness or by casualty.
Spend not more time in dressing, than in
your closet. And let your attire be more for
decencie than to shew a vanity. Be content
with that skin which God hath given you,
and do not make it an eye sore to others, and
a shame to your self by covering, or glazing
it over when you come from your devotions;
let the effects be seen, by your mild and sweet
carriage to those about you. If any Gentlewoman
serves you, do not despise her for it,
but encourage her in her office by your kindness
and respect to her.
If you find any servant inveighing against
your Parents or Friends; give them no countenance,
but rebuke them; for you may be
sure that if they love not your Parents, they
will never love you.
If your Parents be dead, and you be committed
to the care of others, you owe a duty
and obedience to them in your Parents stead.
If any of you I speak to, be put to School
to board, be careful that you submit your self
in all things which your Governess shall commandC2
mand
C2v
20
you, and be not Refractory to her, for
you being a person of quality, the rest of her
boarders will follow your example; and so
ruine the Gentlewoman intrusted, while She
studies how to serve you in your accomplishments;
combine not with any who would
make parties against her: But employ your time
in learning those Sciences for which you came
thither.
Be courteous to your Masters who come to
teach you, but take heed of too much familiarity,
for there be many of them who make
themselves fortunes out of those Schools. Yet
I do not hold you more in danger there than at
home; for it is the same with your Fathers
servants, if you will give them leave to court
you, if pride may be allowed it is to be used
in such cases; and indeed it is not pride, but
wisdom.
Be kind and liberal to the servants of the
house, and that will make them the more willing
to serve you; go not out of doors without
of the leave the Governess, for fear you be
trapan’d into evil company.
If your diet be not such as you would have
it, consider that the allowance at Schools will
not afford you so many dishes as at home: If
you have that which is wholsom and
cleanly, you cannot expect more, and if there
be
C3r
21
be a just cause to complain, yet be not too hasty
to impart it to others, for fear you do your
Governess more harm than you wish her.
Give her all the respect as may be, even
as much as you would do to your Mother
for she is in her stead, and when you part,
part lovingly; and if she have performed her
duty to you, which in a few years you will
perceive, though not at present; have alwaies
a kindness and respect for her, for God knows
it is so careful and hazardous an emploiment
as it is very seldom rewarded enough, and
that causes so many in it to make so little
conscience, and bend their minds only to make
a gain to themselves. I wish therefore that
every one might have what reward they deserve,
good or bad, and so I desire for this
my advice, for as I friendly give it you, So I
desire your kind and loving acceptance of it,
I think I have spoken all I shall need as to persons
of your quality, now I speak as to the
mean ones, and begin with some of them from
their cradles.
At the latter end of this Book you will
find some letters which may be useful, to guide
you at your first writing: hereafter I will present
you with letters upon all occasions, and also some
pleasant stories to help pass the time away,
which will not be unfit for you.
Ladies, all the favour I desire from you is
that you will please to make good use of me, if
you are desirous to learn any art women usually
teach, I shall be willing to wait on you,
at your own homes, certain daies in a week,
and shall not be unreasonable in my demands.
If you please to enquire for me at Mr. Dorman
Newmans Book-seller, at his shop at the
Chirurgions armes in little Brittain, he will inform
you where to find me.
To all Gentlewomen who are attendants upon
Noble Persons, either for their own pleasure,
or forced thereto by the misfortune of their
Friends, or loß of them.
Gentlewomen,
I presume you have been well educated, yet
there are some things which will be required
from you, that perhaps you hitherto neglected
to learn, for it is a common thing for
people of good estates, because they think they
have enough to maintain their daughters at
home, to slight those arts which they might
learn, as holding them needless, and a charge
to no purpose, others do not learn, because
they
C4r
23
they have not ability: And this is the cause
many times that when they would go forth
to serve, they are forced to demean themselves
to be Chamber-maids, because they have not
the accomplishments of a waiting woman, or
a house keeper; and so whereas they might
live in esteem and be as it were a companion
for Ladies, set at their table, have a command
in the house, reverence from the inferiour servants,
a noble sallary, and fine cloaths, they
are made companions to footmen, and slighted
by every one.
Therefore I would wish all parents, be
their estates never so good, to endeavour that
their daughters may learn whatever opportunity
offers them, for riches hath wings and
flies away, and if death comes and takes away
the parents, though they do leave good estates
behind them, yet many times their children
become miserable, through the unjustness or
carelesness of those intrusted, but if they be
well qualified, that can never be taken from
them.
For this reason do I wish all young Gentlewomen,
not to lose their time but improve it
what they can, and give their minds to
learn whatever befits women, and if they
have occasion to make use of those things,
they will find it a great comfort to them
C4
(if
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24
(if not) it will be no burden to them.
You Gentlewomen, who are already in such
places, as waiting women, or house-keepers, I
have little to say to you; for I presume you
are already accomplisht; (only this I advise
you) that if you are with good Ladies (Religious
and wise) though perhaps they may
have severity in their language to you, and be
hard to please, (and as you think to exact in
every thing) bear with it all, and strive as
much as you can to please, for if you should
leave them to go to others, you are not sure
to find a better Mistress, and besides, it is no
credit, but disparagement for you to change,
also you lose that reward by your going, which
continuing servants likely find either when
their Ladies dye, or that they marry from them:
when you espie their faults, think upon your
own, then consider the difference of persons,
and remember that you are to submit to them
and humour them (not they you) you must
not expect your Mistress to be an Angel, nor
She her Servant to be a Saint, and there are
none under those degrees but have failings.
If your Father hath been a man of good
birth or estate, and this servile life as you
think, beneath you, yet thank God that you
can do something, and be never the less submissive,
for now you are a servant, you must
do
C5r
25
do what becomes a servant: If you are of a
mean extraction, and have attained this preferment
by your ingenuity, give God the glory,
and be the more careful to please.
To you Gentlewomen, who desire to go to
service, and find your selves not fully accomplished,
let me advise you to learn, and I will,
so near as I can, tell you what will be required
from you, in either of these abovementioned
places.
If you desire to be a waiting woman, it will
be expected that you can dress well, preserve
well, write well, both a legible hand, good
language, and good english, cast accounts well,
and carve well, of a modest behaviour, and
courtlike demeanour to all people according to
their degree, humble and submissive to your
Lord, or Master, and to your Ladie, neat in
your habit, loving to servants, sober in your
countenance, and in your discourse, not using
any wanton gesture, which may give Gentlemen
occasion to court you, and thereby lose your
reputation, when once gone, seldom returns
again.
If you would be a house-keeper, it will be
required that you be of a mature and grave
behaviour, able to govern a family, that you
can preserve well, still all manner of waters,
make cakes, all manner of spoon meats, all
kind
C5v
26
kind of Broths, and the like. Carefull in
looking after the Servants, that every one perform
their duty in their several places, that
they keep good hours in up-rising, and going
to bed, that fire and Candle be not wasted, or
other Goods.
That all strangers nobly and civilly used
in their Chambers, that your Master and Lady
be not dishonoured through neglect of Servants.
That no Gossips be entertained by them, to
consume your Masters Good, and to make them
Thieves.
To be first up, and last in bed, to prevent
revelling.
To make Salves and Oyntments to dress
the wounds of the poor about you, and to have
compassion on the sick and indigent persons:
for likely all good and charitable Ladies do
make this part of their House-keepers business.
And for your continuing in your places, I
give you the same counsel, as I gave to the
Gentlewomen before named.
If I can serve you in any thing, if you please
to look back, in the latter end of my advice to
the Ladies, you will know where to find me.
You may, if you please, come to my home, and
learn what you find you want, I shall be very
reasonable with you, and teach you in as short
time as may be.
To all Maidens who desire to be Chambermaids
to persons of Quality.
Maidens,
I Will here tell you, what will be required
of you. You must dress well: In cafe the
waiting-woman be sick, or absent from your
Lady, you must wash fine Linnen well, and
starch Tiffanies, Lawns, Points and Laces, mend
them neatly, wash white Sarcenets, and all such
like things.
Make your Ladies bed, lay out and lay up
your Ladies Night-clothes, see that her Chamber
be kept clean, and nothing wanting which
she requires or desires should be done: Modest
in your carriage, ready at her call, alwayes diligent,
never answering again, but with pacifying
words, loving and courteous to your fellow-servants,
not gigling, nor idling out your
time, not wantoning with men.
An honest and sober man will sooner take
a woman that he sees alwayes about her business,
than she who is continually laughing and
playing amongst men, neither will a vertuous
woman keep such a servant who she findes to
be of such a temper: Be not given to change,
for “a rolling stone gathers no moss”, neither will
you
C6v
28
you gather Money or credit if you run up and
down.
If any of your fellow-servants court you,
have a regard how you shall live, before your
affections be intangled; for there is many times
a joyfull meeting, and afterwards a sad living,
and all for want of discretion in matching.
This is all I have to say to you, and this Item
I would wish others to make use of as well as
you.
To all Nursery Maids in Noble Families.
Maidens.
You must love Children very well, or else
you will be unfit for the charge, you must
be neat and cleanly about them, and carefull
to keep good hours for them: Get their breakfast
and Suppers in due time; let them not sit
too long, but walk with them up and down,
especially those who cannot well go of themselves;
take heed they get not falls by your carelesness,
or if you chance to have such a mishap,
do not conceal it; for that hath been the ruine
of many children. Be not churlish or dogged
to them, but merry and pleasant, and make
pretty pastimes for them.
Keep their Linnen and other things always
mended,
C7r
29
mended, that they run not too fast to decay.
Keep their Chamber neat and clean, and
leave them not alone.
Do not shew a partiality in your love to any
of them, for that dejects the rest: Be carefull
to hear them read, if it be imposed upon you,
and be not hasty with them; consider their
innocency, and set not your wit against theirs:
Do no evil action, nor speak any word unseemly,
lest they imitate you.
This is all I can think of to you.
To those Maidens who desire to be Chamber-maids
to any Gentlewoman, either in the City of
London, or elsewhere.
Maidens,
From you it will be required, that you
wash and starch very well, both Tiffanies
and Lawns, Points and Laces; that you mend
them duly and neatly: That you work Needlework
well, and all manner of Plain-work, or
any other work with the Needle, which is
commonly useds in such houses.
That you wash white and black Sarcenets,
that you dress well, and diligently observe
your Mistresses commands in all things; to be
neat in your habit, modest in your carriage,
silent
C7v
30
silent when she is angry, willing to please
Quick and neat-handed about what you have
to do.
To know how to make all manner of
Spoon-meats, to raise Paste well, to understand
the well-dressing of meat, both of Fish and
Flesh, to make Sauces, garnish Dishes, put up
all sorts of Pickles, to see that every thing be
served in handsomely to the Table, and in due
time, to wait handsomly at the Table, if need
require.
To keep your Mistresses Chamber clean, and
to lay up every thing in its due place, to be
skilfull in buying any thing in the Market, in
case you be intrusted.
All these things will be required from you,
in those places where there is no head-Cook.
You must see also that everything be sitting in
the Parlour or Dining-room before meat comes
in, in case there be no Butler.
In a word, you must take off what care you
can from your Mistress, and be sure to be true
and just in giving account of what Moneys you
lay out, and be as thrifty as may be in every
thing, carefull to overlook inferiour Servants,
that they waste not, nor spoil your Masters or
Mistresses Goods.
If you are thus qualified, and be of an humble
and good disposition, you will well deserve
a good
C8r
31
a good Sallary, and much love. If you be not
thus accomplished, endeavour to be so, and
spare some money from too fine cloaths, rather
than be without these qualifications; for to see
a maid dressed up fine, and not to have good
parts in her, is like a joynted Baby, which is
bought only to look on.
If you desire to be informed, or taught any
thing by me, I shall be ready to do it. This
is all I have to say to you.
To all Maidens who desire to be Nursery
Maids to such persons last named.
Maidens,
I Would advise you to consider the charge
you take in hand, and not to desire it as
many do, because it is an easie kind of life, and
because they think children are soonest pleased;
for if you perform it as you should, it is a great
charge. You ought therefore to be of a gentle
and good disposition, sober in your carriage,
neat in your habit, not sluggish, nor heavy-
headed, but watchful and careful in the night-
season, for fear the children should be ill; that
you keep due hours for their uprising and going
to bed.
And take heed they eat not any things
which
C8v
32
which may overcharge their stomacks. Observe
that they take often somewhat for worms
for the neglect of that oftentimes causes Agues
and Feavours, and so their death.
That you keep them sweet and clean, and
moderately warm. That you duly mend
their cloaths, and keep their Chamber handsome
and clean. That you do not let them sit
dulling, but often be talking to them, and making
pastimes for them; teach them their
Prayers, and to read as they are capable: Not
to keep them too much in their Chambers,
but walk duly forth with them at fit hours.
Let them not drink too much Wine or strong
drink, nor eat too much Fruits.
Be loving and chearful with them, not offering
to box or beat them, as many do, unknown
to their Mistress: For she is no wise
woman who will give you a servant leave to strike
her children, and she is of an ill disposition,
who dare do it without.
This is your duty, and what you ought to
do, and unless you can and will do this, never
undertake it.
To all Maids who desire to be absolute Cook Maides
in good Houses.
Maidens.,
It is a common thing now a daies for maids
of your profession, to aske great wages, when
they are able to performe little or nothing, and
that is both unconscionable and disgraceful, I
therefore tell you what in reason may be required
from you, and what you ought to perform.
You must be skilful in dressing all manner of
fish and flesh, and all manner of baked meats,
all kinds of sauces, garnishing of dishes, all
manner of pickles.
You must raise paste very well, and know
the true seasoning of any thing.
For how can you call your self a Cook if you
cannot compleat a dinner.
You must be careful to set up all things which
are fit to be saved, and to know how to make
handsome and toothsome dishes of them again,
for that will be a great saving to your Master
or Mistresses purse, and a credit to their table,
and to you.
You must be skilful in buying, and true
and just in your accounts, it will be needful
D
therefore
D1v
34
therefore, that you be able to write your own
bills, and not trust to your memory, if you have
a maid under you, be loving and kind to her,
and willing to teach her, and that will be an
ease to you, and a benefit to her.
Be as saving as you can, and cleanly about
every thing, see also that your Kitching be kept
clean, and all things scoured in due time, your
larders also and cubbards that there be no bitts
of meat, or bread lie about them to spoil and
stink.
That your meat do not taint for want of
good salting.
That you keep good hours for youyour meals, for
else it puts a house quite out of order, do not covet
to have the kitchingstuffe for your vails,
but rather aske the more wages, for that will
make you an ill Huswife of your Masters or
Mistresses goods, and learn you to be a thief, for
you will be apt to put that which gos into the
tryed sewet, into your pot; If you cannot undertake
all these things, never profess your self
a cook, but a learner: let me advise you not to
lay all your wages on your back, but lay up for
another day, and in case of sickness, for it will
be more commendable for you to go decently
and clean, than fine: This is the counsel I give
you, which if you will follow, you will have
the benefit of it, and so Adew.
To all Maidens under the Cookmaids.
Maidens,
It behooves you to be very diligent and willing
to do every thing as you are bid, to be
very cleanly; and observe how every thing is
done, that you may not alwaies live like a
drudge, but be able another day, to be a cook
your self.
Every one must have a beginning, and if
they will be ingenious, and willing to learn,
no good body will be unwilling to teach them,
but if they be stubborn and careless, there is
none who will trouble themselves with them;
Therefore endeavour to do well, and you will
find that it will bring you to be loved and
esteemed, give eare to no gossips for they will
undo you, but truly observe those who are
over you.
To all Dairy maids in great Houses.
Maidens,
You must have a care, that all your vessels
be scaulded well, and kept very clean.
That you milk your Cattle in good time, and
D2
look
D2v
36
look well to your Calves, that you waste not
your Cream by giving it away to liquorish people,
that you keep certain daies for chirning,
and make up your butter neatly and cleanly,
that you wash it well from the buttermilk and
salt it well.
That you be careful to make your cheeses
good and tender by well ordering them, and
see that your hoggs have the whey, and that it
be not given away to idle or gossipping people,
who live meerly upon what they can get from
servants, that you provide your winter butter
and cheese in the summer, as in May, and then
again when your Rowens come in, be sparing
of your fire, and be not lavish in giving out,
either milk, butter or cheese.
If you have any fowls to fat, or piggs, look
to them, that it may be your credit, and
not your shame, when they come to the table;
when you milk your cattle, stroke them well,
and in the summer time save those stroakings
by themselves, to put into your morning milke
cheese.
To all Laundry Maids in great Houses.
Maidens,
It will be required from you, that you take
care of all the linnen in the house, save only
points, and laces, and very fine linnen that you
wash it very well, and do it up quickly, that it
may not stink and grow yellow, and go to
the washing again before it be used.
That you duly menmend it, and keep certain
daies of washing, and other daies for the makeing
clean of such rooms as are appointed you.
That you be sparing of your soap, firing
and candle.
That you entertain no chear-women unknown
to your Lady or Mistress.
That you be careful that your tubs and copper,
or whatever else you make use off, be kept
in good repair.
That you rise early in a morning, especially,
on a washing day.
This is your duty, who desire to be laundry
Maids in great Houses.
To all house Maids in great Houses.
Maidens,
It will be required from you, that you make
clean the greatest part of the house,
and so, that you must not suffer any
room to lie at all foul, that you look well to
all the stuff, to keep it well brushed and the
beds often turned: That you do not misplace
any thing, by carrying out of one room into
another, for that is the way to have them lost;
That you be carefull and diligent to all strangers,
and see that they lack nothing in their
Chambers, which your Lady or Mistress will
allow, that your close-stools and chamber-pots
be duly emptied, and kept clean, that you help
the Laundry Maids in a morning on a washing
day, that in the afternoons you be ready to
help the house-keeper, or the waiting woman
in their preserves or stilling.
All this is your duty if you desire to be in
such an office.
To all Maids in the Scullery, in great Houses.
Maidens,
It will be required that you make clean several
of the rooms, that you wash and scoure
all the plate, and dishes which are used in the
Kitchen, also the plates and candlesticks and
close-stools and chamberpots, that you wash your
own linnen, and what belongs to the Kitching,
This is your duty.
To all young Maidens who are desirous to go
to be apprentices, either in Schools
or to any Trade.
Maidens,
If it be your lot to be in a School, your parents
or friends have provided well for you
if you will but make good use of your time,
you must therefore be careful and diligent to
please your Mistress in all things, and if you
see her wronged or abused by an servant, or
that any of her boarders rail against her, or
combine any thing, you are bound to tell
her of it, that she may by her discretion help it,
of if you do not, you are as bad as they.
You must be at hand to help to lay the cloth,
and to bring in Dinner; and if your Mistress
will give you leave to sit at the Table, you must
give a good example to the rest, by being
mannerly; eat not your meat greedily, nor be
not too slow, for that is as bad. When any
thing is given you, be sure to bow to those
who carve it to you; and if your Mistress doth
you that favour, you must shew the more respect.
Talk not at all at Table, for that is
unseemly, unless it be to answer your Mistress
when she asks you a question. Drink to no
body that you think is better than your self.
Eat not in fear, for it is the best manners
to eat ones meat. When you want bread or
drink, call for it softly.
Fill not your mouth too full, nor drink before
it be well emptied. Put not the whole
piece of bread, which lies at your Plateor
Trencher to your mouth at once; but break
a bit of it.
Put not your Knife to your mouth unless
it be to eat an Egge, or such like thing, which
you cannot eat without it; nor hold your knife
in your hand longer than while you are cutting,
do not gnaw your bones, nor put both hands
at once to your mouth.
Dip not your fingers in the dish for sauce,
for that will render you saucie and liquorish.
If you meet with an hair or any thing unhandsom
on your meat, or that any bit be
unsavoury, through the maids neglect, lay it
by privately, and do not discover it while you
are at the Table, for such things will happen
among the most carefull people.
Leave no scraps on your trencher, but cut
your meat handsomly, fat and lean together,
cast nothing down under the Table, but lay
what cannot be eaten on one corner of your
Trencher.
Let not your fingers be greazie, but wipe
them often.
If you have liberty to carve for your self,
be sure to cut the meat without mangling; not
paring off the brown, nor all the fat, neither
cut that which you think your Mistress, or any
other person above your self doth like.
At your sitting down to the Table, be sure
to make a reverent honour to your Mistress,
and then to the rest of the company, casting
your eye round on them all, and then sit down,
at your rising again do the same, and take your
Plate or Trencher with you, having first taken
up the crumbs round about it with your knife;
if any rise from Table before you, while they
are making their honour to the whole company,
be you sure to bow, as you sit, to
them.
When you have eaten enough, rise and stand
at your Mistresses chair till she have done, then
be helpful to take away all the things. If you
have liberty after meals to walk in the Garden
for a while, abuse not your freedom, by
touching any Fruit or Flowers, nor by staying
there beyond the time allowed; but when the
Bell rings to have them come into the School,
be you one of the first for examples sake, and
so at hours of Prayer, and other exercises.
Omit no time wherein you may learn from
any of the Masters and Teachers of several
works, or any other Art. If you see any body
idle out their time, let it be a means to
make you the more carefull; for perhaps they
have Estates, and need not so much to care,
but if you neglect your time, you undo your
self, for it must be your portion, and by that
time your time is out, you may be fit to be a
Teacher in that School, or to wait on any
Noble Person, or teach their Children, or to
keep a little School your self. Which if you
neglect your time, the best preferment you can
hope for, will be but a common Chamber-maid.
Be courteous and pleasing to all the Gentlewomen,
and ready to help to dress them, and
that will gain you their love, and good Gifts
from their friends.
Be carefull to go well dressed your self, and
if
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43
if you go abroad with your Mistress at any
time, be sure to observe your distance, that
they may know you are her Servant, not her
Companion. Sit not before her, nor before
any of your betters, unless it be at work, or at
meat.
If you have leave to sing a Song, or tell a
story, let it be with modesty; and be sure you
never speak or sing any thing that is lascivious
or lewd, for that will shew an ill and wanton
minde, and favoureth of whorishness.
Yawn not before any one, but if by chance
you do so, be carefull to hold your hand before
your mouth, that they may not perceive it.
Do not blow your nose, nor pare your
nails before any one above your self, nor gnaw
any thing, as an Apple, or such like, unless it
be given you by them, and that you have leave
from them to eat it then. Give nor take nothing
with your left hand, especially to your
betters, and always pluck oft your Glove to
do it.
Never go muffled up with many Hoods
and Scarves into the presence of any Noble
person, nor wear a Mask in their sight. When
they speak to you, observe to answer them
with such language as becomes their quality,
which you may learn from others, who you
hear speak to them.
Use no ridiculous or unhandsom actions,
as tittering your stool or chair, keeping a
noise with your feet, or playing with your
lips, scratching your head, making of faces,
thrusting your feet in the fire, treading upon
cinders, pulling your eyes, gigling or laughing
too loud, leaning on your elbows, or otherwayes:
For all these are rude and deforming.
Spit not before your betters, unless you can
do it privately, with your hand on one side of
your mouth, in the Chimney or some dark
place.
Speak not to any one when they are speaking
to others, and if any one speak to you, be
sure to give attention, and speak nothing else
to them till you have answered to what they
said.
Never come in to a room without making
your honour, and do not make it till you are
quite in the room, and not in the door, as
many do: When you go out of the room,
make your Honours, and do not turn your
back upon the company (if possible).
If any knock at the door of the room where
you are, do not cry out, “Who’s there”, but go
and see who it is; for it is not seemly nor pleasing
to any to deliver their message at or thorow
the door, whatever it be, nor hold the
door in your hand, but either let them come
in,
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45
in, or do you goe out to them.
Pick not your teeth before any one but with
your hand before your mouth, talk not too
loud, nor speak snappishly: Do not backbite
any one, nor be envious or malicious, for that
is from the Devil. If any one do you an injury,
bear it rather than do them any again.
Miscall no body, nor nick-name them, do not
tell a lie to excuse a fault, for that doubles it,
but tell the truth, and though you suffer blame
for it; Truth may be blamed, but never shamed.
If your Mistress or any one else trust you
to go with their Keyes where there is any
Fruit, Sweet-meats, or the like, be not liquorish,
nor meddle beyond your commission, but
rather ask for a little Sugar or the like, than
steal, for fear you never be trusted again. Do
not give your minde to drink too much Wine
or strong Drink, but let it always be a Dainty
to you: For it is not modest for a maid to
drink much.
Let no one see you unready, or with your
hair loose and unbound, or with dirty linnen,
for that is a shame. Alwayes go neat and
handsom on your feet, and not the least hole
in your stockins. Keep your face, hands and
neck clean, lest you be accounted sluttish.
Go not bare-breasted, nor wear any patches,
neither use any thing of paint to fain a beauty.
Use your self to read good Books, and that
will keep ill thoughts out of your minde:
Give not your self to scoff and jeer, nor despise
any deformed creature. For God made us all,
and he can change the greatest beauty into deformity
when he pleases.
Be carefull of what company you keep, and
suffer not men to use any base action towards
you, nor to kiss you, more than for a salute.
Accept no kindness from them at any Tavern
or Alehouse, unless it be in the company of some
good friends; be not over-merry with them,
lest they deem you wanton, and report so of
you, for a womans honour is soon lost, but never
got again.
Go not to Dancing meetings, unless they be
such as your Mistress will allow of. Never stir
out of her doors without her leave.
If you can do a poor body a good office, do
not refuse it; for we do not know what we
may need our selves.
Speak no evil of your Mistress, but if she
chides or strikes you, bear it as a recompence
for your ill doing; and if you hear any one
speak against her, rebuke them for it. Be
courteous to strangers, and in the absence of
your Mistress, do you entertain them civilly,
especially if they be friends or relations to her,
or to any of the boarders, and take business
they
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47
they come about carefully and mannerly, that
you may do her credit in the breeding of you,
and that you may be able to give her a good
account of it.
If you make them drink, let it be brought
to them decently, in a clean glass or cup, setting
it on a Plate, and a fine Napkin to wipe their
mouth: If they desire to walk in the Garden
wait on them, and pluck off such fruit or
flowers as you think you may, to give or present
to them: When they return into the
house, if they will have you sit down with
them, let it be a distance from them; when
they go away, wait on them to their Coach
or Horse.
Be not too often told of a fault, but mend
it, and thank those who tell you of any thing
if it be in a friendly manner.
Be not dogged nor sullen at any time, for
that shews an ill disposition, and hard to be
reclaimed.
When you are sent on any errand, stay not
by the way, and give good heed that you mistake
not your messages.
Be faithfull in any secret which you are
trusted withall, and do not impart it to any
one. If you have any thing under your charge,
as Soap, Candle, Sugar, Fruit, Spice, Wine,
Ale, strong Beer, or the like, be not lavish in
the
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48
the delivering of it out, but let every one
have what is allowed by your Mistress, and
no more.
If you preserve any Sweet-meats at any time,
give not your self to be liquorish in eating the
Sugar and Fruit, but be carefull of both, and in
the doing of them, that you may have credit,
when they are brought forth.
If you be bid to taste of any thing, either for
to know the seasoning of the heat of it, do
not put the Spoon which they should have, to
your mouth, but pour a little into another
spoon.
Be not long in dressing, but nimble, clean and
neat, and never let any thing lye littered about
your Chamber.
Keep your Combe alwayes clean, and do
not wear long Nails, for that is the sure badge
of a Slut.
Wash your face and hands every night when
you go to bed, as well as in the morning, and
that will make your skin the smoother. Let
your Bed be made so soon as you are out of it,
and leave it not open at any time. When
you eat or drink any thing, wipe your mouth,
also when you spit do so too: Do not smack
with your lips when you eat, but hold them
close, that no crumbs fall from your mouth.
Speak not with your mouth full.
Croud E1r 49Croud not neer the fire, for that will dirt
your cloaths, and is unmannerly, but sit or
stand so, that the rest of the company may be
warm as well as you. When you are at work
in the School, do not loyter out your time,
but follow it hard, that you may be a profit
to your Mistress, not a burthen to her. Let
there be no rude or disturbing noise among
you, by quarrelling or loud speaking, for it
best becomes maids to be silent.
When you dance before any company, let
it be with modesty and sobriety. Whisper
not before any company, unless you have an
earnest occasion for it, for fear you make them
jealous that you talk against them.
Laugh not before company, unless they
know what you laugh at, that they may laugh
with you.
Come not in to Dinner after Grace is said,
nor go out of the room again before thanks
be given. Never be missing at Prayers.
Obey the orders which your Mistress appoints
for all things, that may lessen her trouble
and care, for it is very much every one hath
who keeps a School.
When you go to Church, go orderly and
gracefully, not gigling nor talking by the way,
that people may observe you to be modest, and
not rude, when you come there, be mindefull
E
when
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50
when you should kneel, when to stand, when
to sit.
Give heed to what the Minister teaches you,
and do not employ your self in gazing up and
down the Church upon peoples attyre, or ill
gestures: look modestly and soberly while you
are there, not laughing nor whispering, but
remember whose house it is, and what you
come thither for.
When you come home, employ your self in
repeating what you have heard, and in reading
good books.
Lay up your Hoods and Scarves, and pin
up your Gown, that you get no spot nor soil
on it: go not into any dirty or greazy place,
nor lean any where, alwayes be carefull before
you sit down, to look on your seat, for fear it
should not be clean.
If you have leave to go any where, transgress
not the time in staying too long, for that
is a most hatefull quality in any one, and deserves
to be punished with not being trusted
again to go any whither.
If you have Parents or Friends, be sure to
visit them often by Letters to shew your duty,
and never write any thing detractingly of your
Mistress.
If you have any money, be not couzen’d of
it, by the craftiness of any, nor consume it in
liquorish
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51
liquorish things, as Sugar, Fruit, or the like;
but keep it to do your self good, and to purchase
such things as may be usefull to you,
and lasting.
If any of you be put forth to be Apprentices
to any trade, observe all these things as I
have told you, both concerning duty, respect
and manners, as also cleanliness. And be sure
you employ your time in well learning of your
trade, and be very carefull of the House or
Shop in the absence of your Mistress.
Be pleasing to all Customers, and lose none
by your neglect or carelesness. Be faithfull in
your accounts, and do not make away any of
the Goods you are entrusted with, for your
own profit or benefit. Keep all your Mistresses
secrets, and disclose none of them.
These things if you will observe and do, will
bring you to live comfortably and well, and
will be so well pleasing to God, that he will
bless you in all your endeavours; or if he doth
at any time afflict you, he will deliver you out
of it again. I wish well to you all, and I hope
you will have cause when I am dead and gone,
to think well of me.
I cannot think of any thing more to say,
but if you will but truly observe what I have
already said, you will be able to discern when
& where you should omit, or act any thing
E2
which
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52
which I have omitted to tell you of. Thus
beseeching God to bless you, and to guide you
all, I bid you farewell for the present. And
because I will leave none unspoken to, I come
now to speak to the little Children: For if they
be well trained up in their youth, they will
not depart from it.
Children,
I Advise you therefore, that you be carefull
to obey your Parents in all things. That
you rise early in the morning and get ready,
wash your face and hands before your head be
combed: so soon as you are ready, say your
Prayers, then ask your Parents blessing; and
take for your breakfast such as they appoint
you, without dislike or grumbling: be not too
long in eating, but make haste to School, having
first taken your leave of your Parents in
a reverent manner.
Do not loyter by the way, nor play the
Truant, abuse no body by the way, but be
courteous, and mannerly to all who speak to
you. Forget not your Books, nor Gloves, nor
Pocket-handcherfers, take heed of Coaches,
Carts or Horses as you go along. Do not go
rudely along the streets, but handsomly and in
good order.
When you come to School, salute your
Mistress with reverence, and then your Schoolfellows,
and then fall to your book, or work,
or Writing, or whatever else you are to learn.
Eat nothing in the School, for that is not
manners, especially before your Mistress.
Keep no noise nor pratling in the School, to
disturb your Mistress, or any who comes in,
but minde what you are to do.
When you are called to read, come reverently
to your Mistress or to any one whom she
appoints, and do not read with a tone, nor
huddle over your Lesson, but strive to understand
what you read, and mind it well.
Be carefull to spell well, and mistake not one
word for another, and when you have done,
make your reverence and return to your place.
If you work, do it cleanly and well, though
you do the less, and do not waste your silk or
thred, but keep such things in Papers and in
a box, do not lose your Needles, nor break
them willingly to be idle.
Sit upright at your work, and do not lean
nor loll, for that will make you crooked. If
you write, be carefull you do not blot your
Paper, but write well and true after your Copy.
Do not spoil your Pens, not spill your Ink,
nor spot your cloaths with it, nor dawb your
fingers.
When School is done, take your leave of
your Mistress, and of the rest of the company,
and go home without idling by the way, or
gaping on any thing. When you come into
the house, seek out for your Parents, and give
them an account of your time spent at School,
be not absent when they go to dinner, but
present when Grace is said.
When you sit down at the Table, make
your reverence first, both to your Parents,
and to the rest of the company.
Pin your Napkin so, that it may save your
cloaths, and take what is given you thankfully.
Talk not at the Table, unless you be asked a
question. Eat not your meat greedily, nor fill
your mouth too full. Smack not when you
eat, nor drink with crumbs in your mouth,
but empty it well, and wipe it before you
drink.
Let not your fingers be greazie, but wipe
them often: make no mammocks of your meat,
but eat fat and lean together.
Call not for any sauce, or any dainty thing.
Do not put both hands to your mouth at once,
nor gnaw your meat, but cut it handsomly.
Keep your knife clean wiped.
Keep your Nose clean, and do not sit down
to the Table with dirty hands.
When you have dined, rise from the Table,
and
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55
and take your Plate or Trencher away with
you; make your reverence to your Parents,
and to the rest of the company, and then wait
on them till Grace be said, not daring to stirr
out of the room before.
Then go to School, and behave your self
as before, till it be your time to come home.
Then if you have any time to play before
Supper, let it be spent, not in rudeness, but in
some pretty pastimes.
Sit not before your Parents, nor any of your
betters, unless they bid you, or unless you be
at meat, work, or writing.
Tell no tales of the Servants or others, for
that will cause a great deal of anger, and make
them to hate you.
Tell no lies, but alwayes the truth, and that
will be a means to gain your pardon, and
make all people love you.
When you go abroad with your Parents or
Friends, behave your selves mannerly, that
you may not be taken notice of for rude and
unmannerly children, for then no body will
care for your company.
Take heed of stealing any thing, or being
liquorish in eating things which you should
not. Do not cry, or be peevish and fretfull, but
speak for what you would have quietly: when
Supper is done, go to bed quietly, and be sure
E4
to
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56
to say your Prayers first. Make no rude noise
in your Chambers, to be heard of your Parents
or any other.
Do not gape with your mouth, nor stare,
nor make faces, nor frown, nor scratch your
head, nor no such ill action.
If a poor body beg of you, tell your Parents,
and get something for them.
If money be given you, do not spend it all
at once, but save it and lay it up.
Eat not too much Fruits, nor that which
is not ripe, for that will breed worms, and
cause surfeits.
Do not read Ballads, or Books which have
lewd words in them, and be carefull you keep
all your books without tearing, or dogs-ears
in them.
Keep your cloaths clean, and without greazy
spots, for else it will be a shame to you, and
discourage your Parents from giving you any
good ones.
If you observe all these things, God will
bless you, your Parents and Friends will love
you, and every one will desire your company,
and it will bring you to become good women,
whereas, if you neglect your duty, God will
surely punish you, and you will be a discomfort
to your Friends, and a grief to them, and you
will be brought to shame and misery, and come
to an evil end.
Be sure to get the Church-catechism by heart,
and observe it well, and that will teach you the
ground of your duty to God and man, and also
Gods Commandements, which you must be
carefull to observe and keep.
When you go to Church, do not laugh nor
talk, nor point at any body, but minde what the
Minister says to you, for he speaks to all, both
young and old.
Do not despise old people, but honour them,
and think that you must one day be old your
self if you live so long. Mock no one when
they speak, nor repeat their words after them.
Despise nor the lame, nor the blinde, lest God
make you so. Be not proud of fine cloaths, or
any thing else.
Now because I would have you to have
some Recreation, and to better your reading,
by often using it, I will shortly cause some
little books to be printed for your delight,
wherein I will put some pleasant stories, and
pretty Songs, such as will not harm you to read.
As you grow up in years, look back upon
my advice to elder ones, and follow what may
be most suitable to your condition.
This is as much as I can, or need to say to
you. These things also remember, to come
when you are called, speak when you are spoken
to, and shut the door after you.
So as neer as I can, I have spoken in full
to all young people, what concerns the main
part of their education, for other accomplishments,
I shall impart to them hereafter, if I
finde this my advice to be acceptable to them.
I now proceed to give advice to grown persons.
Of young Maidens demeanour to Men.
Let your carriage be alwayes very modest
and sober, not laughing nor whispering,
before any men, for that will cause them to
think, that your talk is of wantonness, or derision
of them.
Be not unwilling to let any man salute you
in a civil way, nor turn your self away from
any such; for that is a very great rudeness in
any woman, and an affront to the man. Be not
full of talk before them; nor silent when they
desire to discourse civilly with you; for the
one will render you too bold and confident
the other foolish or ill bred.
If they offer to speak lasciviously to you, or
offer any too familiar or uncivil action to you,
be not afraid then to rebuke them with severe
language in a modest way, for fear they think
you like that demeanour; for silence gives
consent.
Do not accept of all kindnesses from them,
as going too frequently abroad with them, to
any dancing or merry-making, to any Plays,
or the like, but be sure you have the leave of
your Parents or Friends with whom you live;
and be sure to have the company of some good
Friend, or mature woman with you, that your
actions may be witnessed, and that you may
be guided by their sobriety, how to behave
your self.
Of Maidens Demeanour to their Suitors.
Be carefull you never entertain any man in
that way, without the advice and counsel
of your Friends, for fear lest your affections
be too hastily engaged to one, unfit for you
to match with, either for Birth or Estate, for
Marriage is the most serious thing to be considered
of, it being of the greatest concern to
you, as to your happiness or unhappiness in
this world.
Entertain no more than one man at once
in this nature, and carry your self so to him,
that if there should be an occasion of breaking
off those intentions between you, it may not
be a blemish to you, by his reporting that you
were too fond, or too familiar with him.
Do not accept of any gift from any one but
himself, nor keep any other man company,
but he whom you mean to make your Husband,
lest you thereby cause a jealousie in him.
Do not cause him to expect much money
on you in Junketting, going to Playes, or the
like, lest you be thought by him to be lavish,
or liquorish, and of a gadding or wanton humour.
Be not too coy in your carriage to him, nor
too free, for men commonly do not esteem a
woman who is too soon won, and do hate a coy
one.
Of Womens behaviour to their Servants.
If you find you have a faithfull Servant, let
her know that you are sensible of it, by your
loving and kind acceptance of her fidelity, and
encourage her to continue so, by your milde
and good language to her, not peevishly
finding fault where little or none be committed,
but gently reprove her when she
doth amiss; For there are none of us without
faults.
If you find that you have an evil or unfaithfull
servant, and that you cannot by your good
counsel or gentle rebukes, reclaim; never fret
nor
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61
nor vex your self with her, but let her know
her errour, and give her lawfull warning to
leave you, and be not forward in giving too
ill a character of her, but rather be silent, that
your good counsel may afterward be cause
of her amendment. Do not keep back the
wages of any one; for the Labourer is worthy
of his hire.
Be not too angry with your Servants, neither
let them have their wills to waste and lavish
out your goods, lest thereby you impair your
Estate, and gain the repute of a careless and
undiscreet woman.
Suffer them not to spend all their wages on
fine cloaths, but advise them how to lay out
their money to their advantage, and to your
credit.
Be carefull that they go duly to Church,
come duly to prayers in the Family, and that
you hear them read sometimes.
Of Womens behaviour or demeanour to
their Husbands.
Be alwayes carefull to remember what you
promised him in your marriage; and let
him finde it by your carriage to him at all
times, in honouring him above all men, in
obeying
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62
obeying him in all things; in loving, nor keeping
company with none but him: In being
quiet and peaceable with him, not being angry
when he is so, but appeasing his anger with
milde and sweet words, that he may see you
are angry and displeased with your self when
you have given him cause of offence; or if he
seem angry when he hath no just cause, yet
bear with it patiently: for remember, that he
is your head, and that you are commanded by
God to be subject to him.
Be carefull to keep your House in good order,
letting all things be in readiness when he
comes in to meals, that his affairs be not hindered
with staying beyond this time, nor he
disturbed by your neglect, or driven by such
means to hate his own house, and to choose a
Tavern, or such like place sooner than it, and
so waste his Estate in company, because he can
have no content at home.
Be kind and loving to any Friends he brings
home with him, and to all his Relations, that
he may finde your love to him, in your respect
to them.
Be decent and cleanly in all things, and let
your habit be such as may please him.
Suffer no servant, or any one else to make
stories, or tell any thing detractingly to you
of him, but rather hide his faults or infirmities
than
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63
than discover them. Alwayes take them for
your greatest enemies, who perswade you
against him, and those for your greatest friends
who counsel and advise you to love and to
please him. “Those whom God hath joyned together,
let no man put asunder”: And cursed is he
or she who parts them.
Breed up your children in as much or more
obedience to him than to your self, and let
them not shew any rudeness or misdemeanour
before him.
Teach them how to shew an awefull reverence
to him, and keep them clean and decent
that he may delight in them.
Let him see your love to him in your care
for them, for that is a great part of the womans
duty, to look well after her children, and
to see that they be well educated, and that they
do not idle out the precious time of their
Youth.
Be carefull to manage what Money he doth
trust you with, to his credit, and your own,
abusing not the freedom you have of his Purse
by being lavish, nor be not niggardly in your
House-keeping.
A Widows behaviour or demeanour.
If God hath blest you with a Fortune, take
heed you be not made a Prey of, by the
cunning wiles of any man, who waits to make
himself a Fortune by matching with you; but
if you marry again, let it be with some advantage
to you; and be not too hasty or unadvised,
lest you be thought too soon to forget your
former husband.
If God hath blest you with children, be carefull
of their education, and consider that your
care must be now doubled for them, and be
heedfull how you match again for their sakes,
lest you thereby prove their undoing.
If you resolve not to marry again, let your
life and conversation be such as that you may
be an example of good to younger ones, in a
holy and Religious life, loving, kinde and carefull
for or to your children, loving to your
friends, charitable to the poor, and helpfull to
all who are in need; that so you may while
you are here, by the well spending of your
time, make your self sure of an eternal happiness
in the World to come: which that we may
all do, let us alwayes crave Gods assisting grace.
Here followeth an Example of such
Letters as are fit for those Persons
to write to their Friends, whom I
have spoken to, every one according
to their quality, and by the Answers
which they write to them again, they
will be enabled to write better the
next time.
From a young Lady to her Father.
My Lord,
Since it is your Lordships pleasure that I
should be absent from you, I willingly obey
it, but sure I cannot think this place is more
advantagious to me for my Education, than
my continuing at home, and I believe your
Lordship is sensible of it. But I rather think
you do it to wean me from that fondness which
F
you
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66
you and my Lady Mother use to shew to me,
and to learn me to know the want of it, to
understand the world against I go into it, and
to teach me my duty to you both whiles I
am absent.
I will therefore make the best use of my
time, and strive to accomplish myself whiles
I am here, that you may not be at a new
charge for me again.
I dare not bragg too much of my proficiency
in any thing, but my endeavours shall not
be wanting, because I will not willingly deceive
you, nor wrong my self, nor discredit
my Governess, who loves me so well, and
takes so much care for me.
Thus with my most humble duty to your
Lordship, and to my Lady and Mother, craving
blessing from you both, I take my leave
and remain,
1667-03-22March 22.
1667.
My Lord,
Your Lordships most obedient
Daughter and Servant,
Fra. B.
The Superscription,
For the Right Honourable,
and my dear Father,
the Lord B.B.
Present.
From a young Lady to her Mother.
Madam,
Since your Ladyships absence, my Sister Elizabeth
hath not been well. Doctor D.
says, it is only Worms; he hath given her
some Physick, and now she is reasonable well
again. I have sent all those things your Ladyship
commanded me, by the Carrier. Nurse
would fain have another new Coat for her
little Master.
I have no news to write, but that the Lady
L. is brought to bed of a Son, which is a great
joy to all the Family. Dear Madam, be pleased
to make as quick a return as you can for your
business, for we cannot be happy without you.
Thus with my humble duty to my Lord Father,
and to your Ladyship, craving your blessing,
I kiss your hands, and begg the esteem of
being
Madam,
Your Ladyships humble, and
most obedient Daughter,
S.M.
The Superscription,
This
For the Right Honourable, and my
dear Mother, the Lady M.N.
at her Lodgings in, &c.
From a Knights Daughter to her Father.
Sir,
I Should much forget my self, if I should
neglect my duty to you or thy Mother, but
I have not yet wisdom enough to express it;
but I presume your goodness will accept the
will for the deed. I shall endeavour, as I grow
in years, to grow in goodness also, which I
shall the more readily attain to, if you please
to assist me still with your Prayers, Blessing,
and love, and my prayers shall never be wanting
for your long life and happiness among us.
My Unkle and Aunt, and Cousins, are all well,
and present their service to you and to my
Lady Mother.
Sir, so soon as you please to send for me, I
shall most willingly wait on you, in the mean
time be pleased to accept the humble duty of
Sir,
Your most obedient Daughter,
M.M.
This
For my dear and honoured Father,
Sir T.M. Knight and Baronet,
at his house at, &c. present.
From a Knights Daughter to her Mother.
Madam,
I Think very long to see my dear Father and
you, and shall esteem it a great happiness, if
you will please to give me leave to wait on
you: Yet I am not so weary of London, as I
am desirous to ask your blessing; I know I
do not want it at this distance: but personally
it is the greater cordial. I can find nothing so
pleasing to me here, as your company will be
to me in the Countrey.
Therefore I begg, that it may be your
pleasure speedily to command me down: In
the mean time, I begg the blessing of my Father
and you, and that you will accept the
humble duty and prayers of,
Madam,
Your Ladyships most obedient
Daughter and Servant,
D.S.
This
For my dear and Honoured Mother,
the Lady G. &c. present.
From an Esquires Daughter to her Father.
Sir,
I Cannot be satisfied to be at such a distance
from you; yet I shall force my self to stay
during your pleasure. I thank God, I am in
a good School, and with good people; for my
Governess is very kind and loving to me, the
Servants pleasing; and all the Boarders seem to
like my company.
I could wish you would be pleased to remember
my Governess with a Present: For
she hath many sent her, and I cannot abide,
that they who are beneath me in quality,
should be above me in their civilities, and I
presume you would have me of that minde:
If you please to spare it, I think nothing would
be more acceptable to her than a piece of Venison,
because her Sister is to keep her Wedding
here next week. Thus with my humble
duty to you and my Mother, I rest,
Sir,
Your most dutiful and
obedient Daughter
N.S.
This
For my dear Father, Charles S. Esquire,
at his house at, &c. present.
From an Esquires Daughter to her Mother.
Dear Mother,
You gave me order, in your absence to visit
my Godmother, which I have done.
She entertained me very nobly, and sent me
home in her Coach: She presents her service
to you and to my Father.
I have spoken to the man concerning the
Wooll, but he is loth to give so much. Nan
hath made six very good Cheeses since you
went to London: But I fear the Cream doth
waste sometimes, for I hear that Thomas doth
sit up late with her some nights.
I hope the next return, that I shall send you
some very fat Chickens. Thus with our humble
duty presented, heartily wishing for your
company, I rest,
Your most dutifull and
observant Daughter,
D.B.
This
For my dear Mother
Mris. D.B. at, &c
present.
From a Gentlemans Daughter to her Father.
Sir,
My Unkle would desire you to send up
that Writing which you have of his,
because he cannot finish his business without
it. He desires also that you will give order
to William, to turn out his Horse to grass,
and that you will lend him your bay Gelding
to come down on, which will be about a
fortnight hence.
My Cousin John is coming over from
France; they say, he is very well accomplished,
both for the Language, fencing and dancing.
Thus with my Unkles service, and my
duty to you and to my mother, beseeching
your blessing, I rest,
Sir,
Your most obedient Daughter,
N.A.
This
For my dear Father
Mr. D.I. at his
house at, &c.
present.
From a Gentlemans Daughter to her Mother.
Dear and honoured Mother,
I Think very long to see you and the rest
of my Friends, therefore I beseech you to
give me the honour and pleasure to return to
you again.
The Company here are very kind to me;
but one dayes felicity in being with you, is of
more content to me, than a month any where
from you.
My Gown is now made, and all the rest
of my things are bought, and I want only a
command from you to make me happy,
which I shall not be till I may daily see you,
and crave your blessing on my knees; that is
the greatest ambition I have, and is the humble
desire of me who am
Your very dutifull and
most obedient Daughter,
S.S.
This
For my dear Mother
Mris. S.S. at her
house in, &c.
present.
From a Gentlewoman who waited on a
Noble Lady, to her Aunt.
Dear Aunt,
Since the death of my Father and Mother,
and the want of your dear company, I
could not fancy I should have been so happy
any where as I finde my self with my Lady:
for indeed she is very kinde to me, and is better
pleased with me than I deserve, and causes
all her servants to give me good respect.
The House-keeper also is my very good
friend, and is willing to impart any thing to
me. I desire you will please to write a Letter
to my Lady, and give her thanks for her
love and favour to me, and that will be a
means to continue it to her, who is and
will ever be,
Your most observant Neece,
K.D.
This
For my dear and honoured
Aunt, Mris. S.M. at her
house, &c. present.
From another Gentlewoman who waited on
a Noble Lady, to her Mother.
Dear Mother,
Since it is my ill fortune to be deprived of
your company, I count my self happy that
I am in this Noble Family: And it is my fault
if I do not attain to some accomplishments
while I am here which I wanted before, and
which I think I shall delight in, and that is
in learning the French Tongue, and playing on
the Viol, (both which my Lady sayes she will
be at cost for, it I will learn them) and I think
I shall begin the next week if I will.
Her Honour hath given me two good
Gowns, since I came, and a white Sattin
Wastcoat. She hath no fault, but that she sits
up late at nights, which is usual for all great
persons. This is all I have to trouble you
with at this present, save only to present my
duty, crave your blessing, and a Letter speedily
from you to make me happy, who am
Your most loving and
obedient Daughter,
L.O.
This
For my most dear Mother,
Mris. S.O. at her
house, &c. present.
From a Gentlewoman who was House-keeper
in a Noble Family, to her Mother.
Dear Mother,
I Find that the greatest happiness is not alwayes
where there is the most plenty, neither
is any company like the company of a dear and
tender mother. But since sad fate hath made
you a Widow, and me an Orphan, let us give
God humble and hearty thanks that he hath
so provided for us, that we want nothing but
the company of each other.
I bless God I have a very good Lady, and
the place is very beneficial, though the charge
of it be great, for the care of every thing lies
upon me; but yet the kinde acceptance I find
sweetens it very much. I beseech you to let
me hear from you by the next return.
Thus with my most humble duty presented
to you, and my love to my Sisters, I rest
Your most dearly loving and
obedient Daughter,
C.A.
This
For my most dear Mother,
Mris. A.A. at her
house, &c. present.
From another Gentlewoman, House-keeper in
a Noble Family, to her Kinswoman.
Dear Cousin,
I Could wish I had the happiness to have
you in the house with me, and if you please
I shall endeavour it so soon as my Ladies
Woman doth marry (which will be shortly)
for I know my Lady will as soon entertain one
upon my commendation as any: I pray let
me know your minde concerning it, I do assure
you, you cannot be with a better Lady,
for though she gives but Ten pounds the
Year Sallary, yet she makes it more than as
much again in Gifts, if they please her. Besides
it is as well a governed Family as is in
England: For my part, so long as I do serve,
I will not leave her, if she will give me leave to
be her servant. Thus with my true affection
and service to you, and my love to all who
cares for me, I rest
Your respective Kinswoman,
J.B.
This
For my esteemed Cousin Mris. D.J.
at her Fathers house at, &c.
present.
From a young Maiden, Chambermaid to a Noble
Lady, to her Father and Mother.
Dear Father and Mother,
I Should account my self much happier if I
could hear from you, but I fear you are not
in health, because it is so long since I had a
Letter.
I know you would be satisfied how I like
my place, and truly I have no cause to dislike
it; for my Lady is a very good woman, only
a little hasty; but I consider that she bears
with faults in me, and I have more reason to
bear with hers.
The waiting woman is very kind to me,
and apt to excuse things when my Lady is angry.
My Lord is a very good milde natured
man, and doth not love to hear my Lady
angry with any one.
I beseech you not to be silent any longer.
Thus with my duty presented to you both, and
my love to my Brothers and Sisters, I rest
Your most dutiful Daughter,
H.M.
This
For my dear Father, Mr. J.M.
at his house, &c. present.
From another, who was Chambermaid to
a Lady, to her Mother.
Dear Mother,
But that it is your pleasure, I should be
abroad to gain some experience in the
world, I could not content my self with my
being, though indeed I have but little cause to
find fault with my place; for I think it is as
good as most are; and if I were at home, I
must not be idle, nor I do not desire it: but
I account my Sisters more happy than my
self in seeing you every day; if I could do so,
and be here too, it were a double happiness.
I find that one is not sensible of a Parents love
till they are absent.
I beseech you to let me hear from you
speedily: I hope my Lady will give me leave
to come and see you at Easter. Thus with my
duty to you, and love to my Sisters, and to all
my Friends, I remain
Your obedient Daughter,
A.L.
This
For my dear Mother
Mris. A.L. present.
From one who was a Chambermaid to a
Gentlewoman, to her Mother.
Dear Mother,
You desired in your last, to know how I
like my Mistress; I confess she is a very
good woman, but something hasty, and indeed
I have a great charge to look after,
for all the Plate is in my charge, and if there
be any of it lost, she tells me I must make it
good again. I will endeavour what I can to
please her, because it was a place of your providing,
and I know it is no credit for a servant
to change.
Dear Mother, my Mistress hath given me a
Tabby wastcoat, which is too little for me,
therefore I have sent it to my Sister Anne. I
desire when you kill a Hog, you will please to
send me a few Puddings, and I will make a
Present of them to my Mistress. Thus with
my duty to you, and love to my brother Edward,
and to my Sisters, I rest
Your obedient Daughter,
A.N.
This for my dear Mother
Mris. A.N. at her
house, &c. present.
From another who was a Chambermaid,
to her Aunt.
Dear Aunt,
I Give you many thanks for the token you
sent me, and I thank you for your love in
providing me so good a Mistress. I thank God
I please her very well, but I impute it more
to her goodness than my desert, my Master
and she both are very kind to me, therefore
they shall not want the best service I can do
for them.
I believe it would be very pleasing to my
Mistress, if you would please to write to her,
and to take notice of her kindness to me; she
is now big with childe, I hope the time of
her lying in will be of some benefit to me.
Dear Aunt, make me so happy as to let me
hear from you as speedily as you can. Thus
with my duty presented to you, I rest
Your affectionate Neece to
love and serve you,
P.K.
This
For my dear Aunt Mris. E.K.
at her house, &c. present.
From a Nursery Maid to her Mother.
Dear Mother,
If I had taken your Council, I had never
undertaken so great a charge as to be among
Children, but I confess, I thought there had
been much more of pleasure in it than is, but I
find now that it is a place of meer trouble and
little pleasure; however I will endeavour to
stay out my year, and then I shall be loth to
leave my charge, because they are so sweet conditioned,
but truly the care and fear I have
with them, forces me to it.
If you can against that time enquire out
some Chambermaids place for me, I shall be
glad. Thus with my duty to you, and love to
all my Friends, I rest,
Your loving and
dutiful Child
M.P.
This
For my dear Mother Mris. M.P.
at her house, &c. present.
From another Nursery maid to her
Mother.
Dear Mother,
I Know it is your desire to hear of my well
doing, and I shall therefore tell you my
condition,
I thought to be with Children had been the
easiest place to perform, but now I find it is of
too much care for me, which makes me the
more considerate of your former trouble with
us. The Children are very good and the place
beneficial enough; but the charge is so great,
that I do not find my self able to perform it,
I shall much rather (if you please) endeavour
to find out some other place, where I may have
less care, although my works may be greater.
Thus desiring to hear from you; with my duty
to you, and my love to my Brothers and
Sisters, and to all my friends, I rest,
Your obedient Daughter,
J.C.
This
For my dear Mother Mris. G.C.
at her house, &c. present.
From any ordinary servant to her
Father and Mother.
Dear Father and Mother,
I Think very long to hear from you, how
you do, and whether you received the
tokens I sent or not.
I could wish my Sister were neer me, but
truly I hear of no place as yet, which I can
wish her too.
It is a fine thing to talk of a good place, and
of great wages, but they are not so easie to
come by.
I thank God I have as good as any one
of my deserts can expect, but if I had better
accomplishments I might live better, for I am
forced to undertake a great deal of slavish business
because I can perform no better, I wish
therefore that I had not neglected my time
while I was young. Thus with my duty to
you both, and my love to my Sister, I rest
Your dutiful daughter,
S.H.
This
For my dear Father J.H. at his
house at, &c. deliver.
Another ordinary servant to her Mother.
Dear Mother,
I Thought when I was at home that I had
too much work, but now I find I have
much more, yet because I think it may lessen
your charge, I am content. I thank God I
have a good Mistress, but a great deal of work,
and find it must be so, if I will serve.
I should be glad to hear of Yours, and my
Sisters good health, as also whether my Aunt
Ann be yet marryed, and how my Cousin John
doth. I pray at your best opportunity be pleased
to send me as much of your home-made
Serdge as will make me a Petticoat, for it is
very deare here, and doth not last so long.
Thus with my duty to you, and to my Aunt,
with my love to my Sisters, and to my Cousin,
I rest
Your obedient daughter,
P.S.
This
To my dear mother,
P.S. at &c.
Another ordinary servant to her Aunt.
Dear Aunt,
We have had so much sadness in our
house by the death of my Master, and
so much trouble in removing, that I have not
had time as yet to answer your kind Letter, I
thank you for your token, and desire to be remembred
to my Cousin Elizabeth, if you will
send her up, I think I have got a good place
for her with my Mistresses Sister; but she must
resolve to take pains, for she keeps but one
Maid. If I can assist her in any thing I will;
as for my place, I have a good Mistress and
good wages, but I do not want work, nor must
they who will go out to serve. Thus with my
duty to you, and love to my Cousins and to all
my friends, I rest,
Your most loving Cousin,
B.L.
This
For my dear Aunt S.L.
at her house,
deliver.
From a young maiden an Apprentice in a
School, to her Mother.
Dear Mother,
Since it pleased God to take my Father away,
you could not have shewed a greater care
for me, than in providing me so good a place
for my education as I find this to be.
I make no doubt but by that my time is out,
I shall be able to deserve well. My Mistress is
very kind to me, and doth allow me sufficient
time to learn whatever the rest do. I wish
you were able to put my Sister Dorothy here too,
that she might not be a drudge another day.
Thus with my duty to you, and my love to my
Sister, desiring to hear from you, with my
hearty prayers for you, I remain
Your most obedient Daughter,
D.N.
This
For my dear Mother, Mris.
D.N. at her house, &c.
present.
From another young maiden at School,
To her Aunt.
Dear Aunt,
I Give you humble thanks for your love and
care of me, in procuring so good an opportunity
for my accomplishments: I shall be
careful to obey your commands in making the
best use of my time, that I may be a comfort to
you, and a credit to my Mistress.
I am very much obliged to my Mistress for
her love and kindness to me, I desire you will
please to send me a little money to buy some
silk for my work, which my Mistress hath given
me leave to do for my self. Thus with my
duty and service to you and to my Uncle, and
my love to my Cousins, I rest
Your most affectionate Neece
E.G.
This
For my dear Aunt Mris.
M.G. present.
From a young Maiden who was an Apprentice
with one of a Trade, to her Mother.
Dear Mother,
Since your departure I have strived to content
my self, but truly it was a very hard
matter for me to part with you.
I like my Mistress and my Trade very well,
and I hope she likes me as well. I shall endeavour
to employ my time so as it may be
for my Mistresses profit, and my own benefit.
We have great custom, and I now begin to
know how to serve them. I beseech you to
let me hear often from you. Thus with my
humble duty to my Father and to you, with
my love to my Sisters, and to all my Friends,
I rest,
Your loving and most
obedient Childe,
S.P.
This
To my dear Mother Mris.
S.P. at, &c. present.
Another from a young Maid an Apprentice,
to her mother.
Dear Mother,
You know when you were last here, my
Mistress promised you that she would
impart all the secrets of her. Trade to me,
that I might be able to set up of my self: I
beseech you to write to her, to put her in
mind of it; for you know I have now but a
year and half to serce, and it is time that I
understood how to manage my business.
I think long to hear from you, and to know
when I shall have the happiness as to see you.
Thus with my duty to you, and my Unkle
and Aunt, and my dear love to my Brother,
I rest,
Your most dutifull Daughter,
N.C.
This for my dear Mother Mris.
N.C. at her house, present.
Postscript.
I beseech you not to forget to send to knowwhether my Stockens be done or no, because I have
need of them, and also my cloth from the Weavers.
From a Childe to her Mother.
Dear Mother,
I Am glad to hear that my Father and you,
and all the rest of our friends are well: I
beseech you to remember my duty to my Father,
and my love to all my friends.
I would fain have a Cake of my Nurses
making, and some money to buy me a Joynted
Baby, if you please.
My Unkle sayes, that when I come down
he will come with me and see you: I think
long to see you, for I am now weary of London.
I have seen all the fine sights as are to be
seen since I came, and my Unkle hath bought
a fine Cabinet for me, for my Closet. Thus
with my humble duty to you, and love to my
friends, I rest,
Yours in all duty and service,
B.A.
This
For my dear mother,
Mris. B.A. at, &c.
present.
Another Childe to her Aunt.
Dear Aunt,
My mother desires to be remembred to
you, and would be very glad to see you.
she hath not been well, else she would have
writ to you her self, but now I am fain to be
her Scribe, therefore I hope you will excuse
it, for this is the second Letter that I ever writ.
My mother commanded me to tell you, that
the Taylor will have forty shillings for your
Gown. Your Watch is not yet mended, else
my mother would have sent it to you. My
Cousin Anne was married last Thursday to her
old Love; she dined here yesterday, she presents
her service to you, and so doth her husband.
Thus with my duty to you, desiring
you will favour me with a line or two from
you, I rest
Your most affectionate Cousin,
W.J.
This
To my dear Aunt, Mris. W.J.
at her house at, &c. present.
I forgot to tell you, that we have lost the
little Dog, and the two tame Pigeons are dead.
The Authoresse her Apology to her Friend,
wherein an Accompt is given of her
Life and Abilities.
Madam,
I Hold it very fit, that I should make my
Apology to you for this undertaking; for,
if it proves not so acceptable as I desire, your
self must bear part of the blame, because you
were pleased to put me upon it. Yet I have
taken as much care as I can that your good
opinion of me may not be wronged, in deeming
me worthy to instruct.
For I have ingenuously, and with as much
brevity as I can, laid down those rules which
all young Women (even from their Cradles)
should and must observe. And if it may be
thought amiss, or too much, that I speak to
some at the estate of women: You may be
pleased to excuse me so far as to let them
know, that I speak to them only who are not
yet accomplished, and out of a reall desire I
have to assist any who will apply themselves to
me: As for those who need it not, I have nothing
to say to them, only to beg their favourablevourable
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94
construction of this my advice, and if
it seem to them not so fully explained, or so
well penn’d, and put in order, as some others
might have done it; yet because I have a good
intention in the publishing of it, it may finde
favour I hope from any who is not censorious.
Good will ought to be commended now
a dayes, because it is become a dainty in our
Land. And indeed, the little care which is taken
in this World for the female kinde, and
the misery I have known many young Ladies,
Gentlewomen and others suffer for want of accomplishments,
and the pity I have for them,
hath caused me for these ten years to endeavour
some way, how I might impart those
parts which God hath blest me withall to
others: for if I could possible infuse into any
one, or every one, all those Arts which I am
Mistress of, I should not fear a loss by it, but
a treble gain, both Honour and Content.
Now Madam, if this my poor endeavour
may prove acceptable, I shall be really thankfull
to you, for advising me, and shall account you
my good friend, as I desire to be esteemed
theirs; and I am confident, that if any will
make tryall of me what I am able to perform,
and will resolve but to spend now and then a
few hours with me, they will then believe
that
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95
that I am their reall friend: And as I have said
before to some of them, I shall be very willing
to wait on any Noble person at their own
houses, or suffer meaner ones to come home
to me; provided, they give me a reasonable
gratuity, such as may not be an undervaluing
to those things I teach.
Now for what I can do, I shall here recite
to you; and I desire you will not think me
tedious, because it is necessary that I give you
this account.
- I can work all manner of Works which is
to be wrought with a Needle, also Transparent
works, Shell-work, Moss-work, also cutting
of Prints, and adorning Rooms or Cabinets,
or Stands with them. - All kinds of Beugle works, upon wyers or
otherwise. - All manner of pretty toyes for Closets.
- Rocks made with Shells, or in Sweets.
- Frames for Looking-glasses.
- Pictures, or the like.
- Feathers of Cruel, for the corners of beds.
- Preserving all kinde of Sweet-meats, both
wet and dry. - Setting out of Banquets.
- Making Salves, Oyntments, Waters, Cordials,dials;
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96
healing any wounds that are not very
dangerous indeed. - Knowledge in discerning the symptomes of
most Diseases, and giving such remedies as are
fit in such cases. - All manner of Cookery.
- Writing, casting up Accounts.
- Washing black or white Sarsnets.
- Making sweet Powders for the Hair, or to
lay among Linnen.
All these, and several things more, which I
cannot at present name, I shall be willing to
impart to them, who are desirous to learn.
Now if any one desires to be satisfied how I
dare undertake to know all these things, and
think that I speak more than I am able to perform;
I shall satisfie both them and you, how
I attained them.
First, Take notice that after fourteen years
old I never was taught one stitch, and most
what I do now, is all from my own fancy.
I was at the age of fourteen entrusted to
keep a little School, and was sole Mistress of it
my self.
This I continued till I was seventeen, then
a very great Person in this Kingdom, seeing
my delight in works, and knowing that I had
some knowledge in the Italian tongue, and had
been bred to sing, dance, and play on several
sorts
H1r
97
sorts of Musick, she was pleased to entertain
me, and to give me the government of her
Daughter. In this place, I learned the ground
of my Preserving, and Cookery; by my observation
of what others did, not by an imposition
on me. I learned there to know the
Court, and a fit demeanour to all persons. For
my writing, I taught my self out of a threepenny
coppy-book, and exercised it in writing
down receipts still as I gained them, and in several
other observations. From this place, I
went to another very great Lady, where I
spent seven years, and was at first Governess to
three of her Daughters, afterwards her Woman,
her Stewardess and her Scribe; there I lived in
great esteem and respect; I preserved all, I
writ, and edited all her letters, kept the accounts
of all which was spent in the house,
received and paid all.
There I bettered my skill in dancing, attained
some knowledge in the French tongue, and for
reading of several English Books, I was her
daily Oratress.
There I exercised carving, and entertaining
of company at the Table, and in all places.
There I learned the grounds of my skill in
Physick and Chyrurgery; the way how to
order a house, and all offices belonging to it;
gained the knowledge and esteem of the most
H
of
H1v
98
of the Nobility and Gentry of two Countries,
then I marryed an eminent School-master who
had interest in the same persons I had, by educating
their Children.
The time I was his Wife, I had occasion to
make use of all these qualities I have named,
most in my own house, and the rest, I used
among my neighbours and friends.
I have been acquainted with the dispositions
of very many Children, having had sometimes
above threescore under my care.
I have been the Mistress of many servants,
whom I have been a means of their now well
living in the world.
I have been exercised in all manner of griefs,
which can be imagined, both by loss of my Parents
when I was young, loss of Husband,
Children, Friends, Estate, very much Sickness,
loss of Employment, scandalous Imputations,
several abuses, and hinderance in undertakings,
an unsetled condition for these eleven years
past.
All which, I think it somewhat necessary to
declare, that my enemies may be ashamed of
their actions to me, my friends pitty me, and
strangers love me for what I am able and willing
to teach. And now I am marryed again,
I do desire all people should take notice that
my intention is, to settle my self in some convenientvenient
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place, and honestly to gain a competency,
and do here really profess that I do not
more desire my own gain, then I do the good
of all young people, which that I may be a
means of, I humbly crave Gods assistance, to
what I intend and endeavour; thus craving
your pardon, I remain,
Madam,
Your very much obliged
Friend and Servant,
Hannah Woolley.
Of a Maid who lay in Bed one and twenty
years, and then got up, and went to be
Marryed.
A Young man having made love to a maid
for a long time, and had engaged her affections,
promising to Marry her; he afterward
by the perswasions of some, forsook this Maid,
and marryed another; which she hearing of,
presently betook her to her Bed, and in one and
twenty years never stirred out of it longer than
it was making, and gave her self over so much
to melancholly, that she cared not for any ones
company, but lay like a senseless Creature.
It fortun’d in this time, that this former
Suitor of hers, did bury his Wife, and being
much troubled at her sad grief for him, he
went one morning to the house where she
was, and sent up to her to know whether he
might have leave to visit her; she consenting
to his desire, he went into her Chamber, and
finding her very much cheered at the sight of
him, he asked her whether she would now
marry with him? She replyed “yes”: “get up then”
said he, “and make you ready, and I will carry
you
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you behind me a Church”, which she willingly
did: so they were Marryed that day, and lived
many years together. This was very true.
How a great Marquess in France most cruelly
revenged himself upon his Lady for her falsity
to him; and his revenge also upon her Lover.
In France there was a great Marquess who
belonged to the Court, having a very beautiful
Woman to his Lady, caused her to live at
distance from the Court, being jealous of her.
It fortuned one day, that his Marquess and
another Lord in the Court fell out; this Lord
calling the Marquess Cuckold, it raised such a
jealousie and indignation in him, that he could
not rest till he had proved whether his Lady
were true or false; he therefore presently went
to the King, and humbly craved his Majesties
leave to go to see his Wife, not having visited
her in divers moneths: the King, not knowing
his jealousie, nor the affront which had been
offered him, forthwith gave him leave; he then
presently took several of his men with him,
well armed with Swords and Pistols, and made
all the speed as might be on his Journey; and
taking fresh horse by the way, he soon arrived
H3
at
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at his house; where, when he came, it being
late in the Evening, his Lady was in bed.
He coming up into her Chamber, she seemingly
rejoyced to see him, so he made haste to bed,
having before he went in, charged his men to
stand for some hours at the door of the Chamber,
with their Pistols ready charged, and their
Swords drawn in case he should call.
After a whiles discourse with his Lady, and
finding that she was big with Child, was in
a great rage: “How now” said he, “are you with
Child and I not seen you for so many months
past? where is the man who hath done me
this injury and dishonour? and threatened to
kill her if she would not tell him where he was.”
So she in great fear least she should dye by
his hand, confessed that he was in the house,
and in what Chamber he lay, but besought him
humbly, that he would not kill him. He nothing
regarding her words or tears, arose hastily
out of his bed, leaving her on her knees,
came forth from his Chamber, locked the door,
put the Key thereof in his pocket, he commanded
his men to attend him; and going up
to the Chamber where his Rival lay, he commanded
his men to break open the door, which
done, he went in, and strangely surprised the
Gentleman. “Arise” said he, Who seeing him in
this posture, and his eyes full of indignation,
thought
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thought it was no boot to lye still, or to say
much, he got up, and fell upon his knees, humbly
beseeching his pardon, for the wrongs he
had done him. But the Marquess would by
no means hear him, but presently shot him
with a Pistol, then took his Sword and run
him through his bowels, then ript him open
and took out his heart, and holding it in both
his hands, he bit it bit by bit, and spit it out of
his mouth again, till he had bit it all, then leaving
this sad spectacle, he took his men down
with him, and went to his Ladyes Chamber,
and bade her arise; she in a great trembling
arose and fell upon her knees, humbly beseeching
him to spare her life, and to have a regard
to the Child she went with (if not to her.)
But he would not at all hear her, but told her
she must dye, and asked her which she would
chuse, to dye by Poison, by the Sword, or by
the Pistol? she answered, that if she must dye,
she had rather be poysoned. Then he took a
Potion which he had brought with him, and
gave it into her hand, telling her that she should
be her own Executioner, so she drank it up,
which assoon as she had done, he took a Pistol
and shot her on the fore-head, which strook her
quite dead: he then ript her open with his
Sword, and took out the Child.
This done, he returned to the Court, and
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told
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told the King what he had done, and wherefore,
and humbly asked the Kings pardon, and
leave to quit the Court; which the King
granting, he retired himself in his own Countrey
where his estate was; not caring to live
neer any of his own rank and quality, but
among his Tenants, where he behaved himself
with a friendly carriage to all.
After some time, he being weary of living
unmarryed, He going often to recreate himself
in a Town, not far from his House, chanced
to see a beautiful and comely Maid, with whom
he fell deeply in love: Her Parents were of a
very mean quality, having no lively-hood but
what they got by teaching little Children to
read. Notwithstanding the Marquess valued
not that, but went very often to visit her, and
Courted her highly, but her Parents believing
not that he intended to make her his Wife,
humbly besought him that he would forbear
their house; for said they, “your Grace can have
no thoughts towards our Daughter, but to
Court her to be your Mistress only (and not
your Wife) and although we are poor, yet
we value our Childs honour above any riches
in the world;” yet for all this he went as often
as before, and protested reality to her, but they
being in a fear of the contrary, resolved to send
their Daughter to a friends house in the
Countrey
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Countrey from him; but the Maid believing
him to be real in what he pretended, and being
ambitious to be a great Lady, she gave
him private notice, that on such a day she was
to depart in the stage Coach; Which when the
Marquess heard of, he came that day to the
Town, watched when she should come to the
Coach; and when they were ready to depart,
he came to the Coach-man, and desired him to
stay a little, till he spake to one in his Coach,
and he would content him; Her Parents standing
by were much moved, and besought the
Coachman to go.
Then the Marquess did earnestly intreat her
Parents to hear him speak a few words (which
they consenting to) he desired them to send
for a Scrivener, which they did; so the Marquess
willed the Scrivener to draw a writing
presently, wherein he made the half of his
estate in Joynture, this being done, and signed
with his hand and seal, to be made sure to the
maid. Now said the Marquess to her Parents, I
hope you do believe that I mean to make your
Daughter my Wife, I pray you to let her come
out of the Coach.
So they commanded her to come forth, and
he took her, and was marryed to her presently,
which was a great joy to her Parents and
Friends.
They lived long together, but had no Children;
at length he dyed, and left her also the
other half of his estatcestate, to testifie his love to
her, for her love and faithfulness to him.
Of a Lady in France who intended alwayes to
live unmarryed, and how she was forced afterwards
to marry, to save her reputation.
A Great Duke in France, being of great
Authority in those parts where he lived,
Having a very brave Lady to his Wife.
This Dutchess loving extreamly any vertuous
person; it chanced that she took a very
great affection to a Lady who belonged to her,
because she found her (though but young)
yet so truly vertuous and Religious, so modest
in her behaviour and so good, as that if this
young Lady should dye before her, the Dutchess
did intend she should be Canonized for a
Saint.
It chanced that there was a Gentleman of
great quality which coming from some other
parts, upon some business to the Duke; seeing
this young Lady, and finding her temper, that
it was very much reserved, and that she did
from time to time shun all mens company,
never
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never at all conversing with them, he studied
in his mind what plot he could devise, whereby
he might get her to be his Wife, for he was
extreamly in love with her, so he found out a
poor old Woman, whom he thought he might
corrupt with money, and told her his desire,
and gave her a fee to promise him to tell him,
when he should ask her, What Linnen, under
Petticoat, Stockens, and all such things this
Lady should wear the next day, which she did
accordingly, giving him an exact account of
all, then, two or three dayes after, He finding
the Dutchess alone, and knowing her esteem for
this young Lady (“Madam” saith he) “your
Grace is extreamly mistaken in this young
Lady; for she is not so vertuous as your Grace
takes her to be.”
The Dutchess being much amazed at his
speech, asked him what reason he had to say
so; he told her that to his knowledge she was
not so chaste as she took her to be, and if she
please to hear him, he would tell her Grace
some tokens of it; The Dutchess desired him
that he would: “on such a day”, saith he, “I lay
with her, and because your Grace shall know
that I speak truth, I will inform you what
Linnen, and other things she wore then, which
how should I know, unless I had been neer
her”; so he told all the particular things which
this
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this young Lady wore, as the old Woman had
imformed him; which when the Dutchess
heard, she believed, and was filled with much
indignation against this poor innocent Lady;
who awhile after he was departed came into the
Dutchesses presence as she used to do, She was
no sooner come in, But the Dutchess frowned
upon her and commanded her out of her presence;
the young Lady being strangely Surprised
at the great alteration, humbly besought
the Dutchess that she would let her know
wherein she had offended her Grace.
With that the Dutchess went to her, and
gave her a Box on the ear, and asked her how
she durst be so impudent as to say any thing,
knowing her self guilty of so soul a crime.
The sweet Lady wept exceedingly, and still
besought that she might know her crime;
then the Dutchess told her who accused her, and
every particular of what he had said; the young
Lady then besought on her knees, that this Gentleman
might be sent for, and that he might say
these things before her face, that she might vindicate
her self; at her request he was sent for.
So when he came, The Dutchess turned to
him, saying, “Sir, did you not tell me that you
had lyen with this Lady?” He replyed “yes. And
is it not true said the Dutchess?” “No” saith he
“Why then saith the Dutchess did you so much
wrong
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wrong her, and cause me to have an indignation
against her, and to use her so cruelly as I
have done?”
The young Lady weeping all this while,
the Gentleman was grieved much to see her:
“Madam”, saith he to the Dutchess, “I must crave
her pardon and yours, and do ingenuously
confess, that I do love and admire this Lady
above all women in the world, and seeing her
temper to be such, as that she would not admit
the least of discourse with any man, I devised
with an old woman who is daily in her
Chamber, to tell me what she wore next her,
that I might seem to tell the truth: This I
have done, meerly to bring me to the happiness
to be in her company, and to speak with
her: And now, if she will forgive me this
great injury, and will love me as her husband,
I will presently marry her, and make her
amends, if I can, with shewing her all the love
and honour due to a vertuous woman. I therefore
most humbly beseech your Grace, that
you will plead for me to her, that I may obtain
my desire.”
The Dutchess seeing his reality, perswaded
the young Lady to consent, who though she
could not at present love him, yet she consented
to have him, for fear lest her reputation
should be blemished in the world by the reportport
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which he had raised: So they were married,
and lived prosperously and happily together.
All young Virgins may take heed by these
examples, who to keep company withall,
how to love, and whom to love, and to be sure
to be faithfull to whom it shall please God to
allot for them, and not to take any Husband,
without the advice of their friends; for here
they may finde the happiness, or unhappiness it
brings them to, and here they may finde, that
how circumspectly soever we walk, yet we can
hardly avoid scandal.
If women would consider, how tender a
thing their Honour is, there are many (certainly)
who would have more care to keep it.
Of a Parson, who being perswaded to marry,
went and wooed a young Maid, and buried
her after they had been married awhile, and
then married a Sister of hers.
A Parson having a good Benefice, and living
long time unmarried, a friend of his perswaded
him to marry, and asked him why he
did not? “Because” saith he, “I think no one will
have me”: “Why”, saith the other, “did you ever
try?” “No”, said he, “but if I knew any who I
thought would be fit for me, I would venture.”
Saith the other man, “there is a Gentleman,
naming the place where he lived, hath several
Daughters, of whom I believe you may take
your choice.” “I”, said he, “and I will go and
see.”
The next day he took his Horse, and rode
towards this Gentlemans house, and meeting
him in the Yard, “Good morrow Sir”, said he,
“you do not know me, but I hear that you have
several Daughters who may make good wives,
and I am come to take my choice amongst
them, if you please.”
The Gentleman having formerly heard of
him, and knowing that he was rich, “With all
my
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my heart”, (sayes this Gentleman) “if you please
to walk in, you may see them altogether”: So
he brought him in, where they were all in a
room together.
“Good morrow Gentlewoman”, said the Parson,
“how do you do this morning? I am come
to choose a wife amongst you with your Fathers
leave”: with that he steps to one of the
eldest, and saluted her; “What is your Name”,
saith he? “My Name is Elizabeth” said she: “Can
you love me”, said he? The maid was strangely
surprized, and blushing, said, “I do not understand
you Sir; I would marry with you”, said he:
“Can you love me? for I am in earnest, and I
have your Fathers leave”: So her Father standing
by, bade her, that if she liked him, to consent,
which she did. Then turning to another
of her Sisters, “And what is your Name”, saith
he? “My name is Mary”, said she: “Well”, said
the Parson to their Father, “I will go fetch a
License, and we will marry to morrow”: “You
shall be welcom Sir”, said he. So away went
the Parson, but by that time he came to take
forth a License, he had forgot Elizabeth whom
he had chosen, and put in Mary: The next day
he came to her Fathers, and asked for his
Mistress, so they called Elizabeth to him.
“Good morrow Mary”, saith he, “I am come
to take you for my wife”: “My name is Elizabeth,
beth
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saith she, “Mary is my Sister”: “Then I am
mistaken”, said he, “for I have put Mary into
the License, and it is all one to me which of
you I have; I pray call Mary hither”, said he:
when she came, “Come Mary”, said he, “will you
go and be married, for I have put your name
into the License, and I like you as well as I do
your Sister”: Her Father willing her to go with
him, they were presently married, and came
to Dinner to her Fathers.
Soon after dinner, “Come wise”, said he, “it is
time for thee and I to go; I pray”, saith he, “let
a Pillion be set on my Horse quickly, that I
may carry my wife home”; which done, and
having desired her Fathers blessing, they went
their way. When they came home, he called
his man, “John” said he, “prethee take my Horse,
and when you have set him up, come in to me”;
so bringing his wife into the Kitchin, “Come
wife”, saith he, “I believe thou art cold, sit neer
the fire; John”, saith he, “bring the black pot
of strong Beer hither, and warm it, for I believe
my wife is dry”: John did so; “Here wife”, says
he, “I drink to thee”; she pledged him, but
said nothing, wondering at her homely entertainment.
“John”, saith he, “bring hither the
cold meat was left yesterday, and my wife and
I will sup together”: So John brought a joyned
stool, and spreading a course dirty Napkin
I
thereon,
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thereon, he brought forth a wooden Platter
wherein there was piece of cold Beef, a little
piece of course Pudding, with some Carrot and
Turnep, then he brought some course brown
bread, and set them to Supper: “Come wife”,
said the Parson, “I pray eat, and then we will
go to bed”: When they had supped, he called
his man to light them to their Chamber,
where was but a homely Bed, and course
Sheets; but all this while she said nothing:
The next morning about four of the Clock, he
called her, “Come wife”, sayes he, “we must rise,
and I will go to my study, and thou shalt go to
spin”: So when they were up, he brought her
into the next room to his study, where a
Wheel and Flax was ready for her, “Sit thee
down here”, saith he, “and spin till it be dinner
time, and then I will go down with thee”:
at Twelve of the clock he called her; “Come
wife”, said he, “I think it is time to go to dinner
now.”
So when they came down, “John”, said he,
“bring the cold meat hither, that my Wife and
I may dine.” So John brought the same again
as he had done over night, and in the same
manner.
After they had dined, “Come wife”, said he,
“we must up, thou to thy spinning, and I to my
study.” She patiently bore all this, but was
much
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much troubled in her mind, fearing she should
not be happy.
When she had spun about one hour, he came
forth of his Study, and seeing her sit with so
much patience, “Art thou not cold, sweet-heart”
sayes he: So he called his Man to bring up a
great Faggot, “kindle it quickly, John”, says
he, “for my wife is cold”: Then he took her by
the hand and kissed her very lovingly, and
caused her to sit down by the fire.
Then he took the Distaste with the Flax
from the wheel, and threw it into the fire,
and so by degrees all the Wheel: All this
while she said nothing, but wondered in her
self what he would do next: When all were
burned, he took her by the hand, and kissed
her again, saying, “Come my dear”, said he, “I
have tried thy patience sufficiently, and I find
thou hast a great deal; now”, saith he, “I do
assure thee, none shall enjoy more from a husband
of so small a Fortune than thou shalt.”
He then delivered her a bunch of Keyes, and
shewed her the Trunks, Chests and Boxes, to
which they belonged, and bad her open them,
which she did, and found there fine Linnen,
and Plate, and handsome Furniture for Beds;
at which she was much rejoyced, and thanked
him.
From that time forward they lived happily
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together,
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together, but had no Children; she dying,
and her Sister Elizabeth being yet unmarried,
he took her to be his Wife, and lived lovingly
with her for many years; but surely he did not
do well to marry two Sisters: Therefore I
give you caution.
We may find by this, what an admirable
vertue Patience is: For had this woman been
otherwise, it is very like she had made her self
unhappy, whereas now she made her self one
of the happiest Women. I wish all Women
would take example by her.
How a Gentleman marryed a very good Woman,
But being possest by some Gossips against him,
she grew very unquiet with him; and how he
reclaimed her.
A Gentleman being as he thought, Marryed
to a very good and vertuous Woman.
She being but young, was perswaded
by some Gossips that he kept company too
much, and that he spent too much Money,
which so changed her carriage to him, that
instead of that love and duty she had formerly
shewed him, she now fell to abusing him, calling
him Rogue and Rascall; which he perceiving
was like to continue: she being one
day in one of these ill humours; he called his
man to him, and commanded him saying, “put
this mad Woman out of doors and shut the
gates; for if your Mistress comes while she
is here, she will be angry, Why will you let
her come in?”
The man did as his Master bade him, and
shut the Gate after her, at which she was sorely
troubled, and went and complained to her
brother now she was used; her Brother
knowing her spirit, and believing that her
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husband
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husband did it only to reclaim her, wished her
by all means that she should return and humble
her self to him.
So she came back and knocked at the Gate,
her husband hearing that it was she, went himself
to the Gate.
“Who is there” said he? “It is I sweet-heart”
said she, “Who” sayes he, “my Wife?” “yes my dear”
said she: so he opened the gate speedily and let
her in, and finding her to be very humble, he
kissed her saying, “I was afraid it had been the
mad Woman again; for here was one in thy
absence came in and abused me, and I caused
her to be shut out of the gate, for fear thou
shouldst come and find her here”; She understanding
well what he meant, was much ashamed,
and from that time became a very good
Wife.
You may see by this whether mildness and
humility, or whether frowardness and refractory
spirits prevail most, and which is best.
How a Lady being made sure to one, and was
forced by her friends to marry with another;
and what a sad effect it wrought.
A Lady having made her self sure to a
Gentleman whom she dearly loved, her
Parents forced her to marry with another;
but she still bore such affection to him she
would have had, that her Husband grew very
jealous, and one day caused him to be killed:
Which done, he brought home his Heart, and
bade his Cook make a dainty dish of it, the
Cook not knowing what Heart it was, did
so; and when it was at the table, his Lady
with others, eat heartily of it, when she had
done, there being but one bit left; “how did
you like this meat sweet-heart”, saith her Husband;
“very well” saith she; “it was Mr. V’s Heart”
said he.
“Was it” said she? “it is pitty one bit of it
should be lost, it was so good.” So she took a
bit of bread, and dipped it in the dish, and eat
it clean up, and within a few hours dyed.
We may learn by this how sad a thing it
is to Marry with those we do not love, and
to bear any love to any man besides a Husband,
for this caused her husband to be guilty of
murder, and caused her a sudden death.
Finis.
Finis.
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