Page  129

THE ENGLISH Gentlevvoman.

FANCY.*

FANCY is an affecti∣on priuily receiued in by the eye,* and speedily conueyed to the heart. The Eye is the harbin∣ger, but the heart is the harbourer.* Loue con∣ceiu'd at first sight, sel∣dome lasts long. Deli∣beratim must lead it, or else it is mis-guided. Looke before you like, is a good rule; but to like at Page  130 first Looke makes an house of mis-rule. Is he of han∣some personage whom you loue? His proportion is a mouing Obiect to your eye, but his pertion (it may be) will not agree with your state. Againe, admit he haue both these; proportion to purchase your esteeme, and portion to maintaine your estate: his brest is not transparent; his disposition may be crookod; and that will cast downe all that was before affected. Them•stocles being demanded by a Nobleman of Gr•ece, whether he had rather marry his daughter to one rich and euill, or one poore and good; made this answer:

Whence it was, that Portia, the younger daughter of Portius Cato, being asked when shee would betake her selfe to an husband, replyed; When I finde one that seekes me, not mine.

Witty was that young Gentlewomans answer to an inconsiderate Suiter: who with much instancy sol∣licited the father for the affection of his daughter; whereto hauing at last consented; and the Couenants of marriage concluded: this indiscreet wooer vn∣s•asonably imparts his minde to the daughter; who made strange with it, saying, She neuer heard of any such matter: Yea but, replied he, I haue made your father h•rewith acquainted, and he hath already consented; and you may marry him too, answered shee, for you must hold me excused.

There is no time that exacts more modesty of any woman, than in her time of suiting; a shamefast red then best commends her, and the mouingst Ora∣•or that speakes for her. So as Virgil, the very Prince of our Latine Poets, when he should bring in King Lati•us priuately conferring with his wife Ama•a, and T•r•us, to whom in nuptiall bands he was to e∣spouse his daughter: he brings in the young maid weeping, blushing, and silent. Whence is implyed, Page  131 that it becomes not a Maid to speake of marriage in her parents presence, for that were small argument of modesty or shamefastnesse. There is a pretty pleasing kinde of wooing drawne from a conceiued but con∣cealed Fancy; which, in my opinion, suits well with these amorous younglins: they could wish with all their hearts to be euer in the presence of those they loue, so they might not be seene by those they loue. Might they chuse, they would conuerse with them freely, con•ort with them friendly, and impart their truest thoughts fully, yet would they not haue their bashfull loues finde discouery. They would be seene, yet seeme obscured; loue, but not disclose it; see whom they loue, but not bee eyed. This the Poet in the person of a Shepherdesse neatly displayeth:

Now in this Subiect of Fancy, as there is nothing more dangerous than entertaining it without due and deliberate aduice: so there is nothing growes more generally fatall to the indiscreet Louer, than by grounding affection on outward respects, without relation to that inward faire, which onely makes the Obiect of Fancy full of beauty, and presents euery day as a Marriage-day to the party. Neither affluence of estate, potency of friends, nor highnesse of descent can attemper the griefe of a loathed bed. These may play vpon the Fantasie, but neuer giue satisfaction to the Fancy. Wherefore (Gentlewomen) to the end you may shew your selues discreetest in that, which re∣quires your discretion most, discusse with your selues the purity of loue, the quality of your louer; euer reflecting on those best deseruing endowments of his, which either make him worthy or vnwo•∣thy your loue. Affection, though it enter in by the narrow cranny of the Eye, it shoots at the heart; Page  132 which, vnlesse it be seasoned by iudgement, it can not deserue so faire a title. A discreet eye will not be taken with a smooth skinne; it is not the rinde but the minde that is her Adamant.

Iustin• a Roman Maid, no lesse nobly descended, than no•ably accomplished, being married to one more rich than wise, exclaimed against her fate, that folly should hale her to so loathed a bed. And good reason had she to repine, when his groundlesse iealosie made her a tragick spectacle of misery before her time. For seeing her white necke, that obiect begot in him pre∣sently an argument of suspect, which hee seconded with reuenge, to vent the fury of his nature, and pub∣lish to the world the weaknesse of his temper. Let deliberation then be the Scale, wherin you may weigh Loue in an equall poize. There bee many high and consequent Circumstances, which a discreet woman will not onely discourse but discusse, before shee en∣tertain so mysterious and honorable estate. Disparity in descent, fortunes, friends, with other like respects, many times beget distraction of mindes. Whence it was, that Pittacus of Muylene, being intreated by a young man, to afford him his best aduice, in the Choyce of two wiues tendred him, whether hee should marry; the one whereof was equa•l to him∣selfe both in birth and wealth; the other surpassing him in both; Wish'd him to goe along the streets of the City, where children vse to play, and there obserue what they did aduise him. Truth is, inequa∣lity in these, procures distaste; but where there is a difference in the seazure or disposure of the heart, (which should be the firmest and strongest Cement to vnite affection) there ariseth the greatest hazard. Thence is it, Suspition workes vpon •uery light and friuolous subiect; while the other party hunts after opportunity, to surfet on forbidden fruit, and giue her Page  133 suspitio•s Mate iust ground of iealousie. Feed hee may his indigested humour in a iealous pasture, and vow reuenge when hee shall finde an apt subiect, meane time hee becomes inuisibly gull'd, while he deludes himselfe with painted shadowes,

Seuerall,* I know, are the effects of loue, as are the dispositions of those that loue. Liuia made quicke dispatch of her husband, because shee lou'd him too little: Lucilia of hers, because shee loued him too much. Phoedra fancied Theseus lesse than shee should, but young Hippolytus more than hee would▪ Which effects are vsually produced, when either disparity of yeares breed dislike; or obscu∣rity of descent begets contempt; or inequality of fortunes, discontent. Deliberate then before you marry, and thus expostulate with your selues tou∣ching his Condition, whom you are to marry.

I will beare with his youth, till bet∣ter experience bring him to the knowledge of man. My v•age shall bee more easie, than to weane him from what hee affects, by extremity. Youth will haue his swinge; his owne discretion will bring him home; at least, time will reclaime him; hee shall not finde mee put on a clowdy brow, or en∣tertaine his freer course with a scowle. I must con∣forme my selfe to him, confirme my loue in him, and so demeane mee towards him, that Coniugall duty mixt with all affability may winne him.

His age shall beget in mee more reuerence; his words shall be as so many aged and time-improued precepts to informe me; his acti∣ons as so many directions to guide me; his rebukes Page  134 as so many friendly admonitions to reclaime mee; his bed I will honour, no vnchaste though• shall de∣file it; his Counsell I will keepe, no forraine brest shall partake it. I will bee a staffe to him in his age, to support him; an eye to direct him; an hand to help him; his Substance I will not scatter on a youth∣full Louer: but serue him still, whom I haue vow'd to honour.

Much good may it doe him; this shall not make me proud; my desire shall be, he may imploy it for his best aduantage; I will moue him to communicate vnto the needy, that his riches may make him truly happy. It is a miserable state that starues the owner. I will perswade him to en∣ioy his owne, and so auoyd basenesse; to reserue a prouident care for his owne, and shunne pro∣fusenesse.

His pouerty shall make me rich; there is no want, where there wants no content. This I shall enioy in him, and with him; which the world could not afford mee, liu'd I with∣out him. It hath beene an old Maxime; that as po∣uerty goes in at one doore, loue goes out at the other; but this rule shall neuer direct my thoughts; should pouerty enthrall me, it shall neuer appall me; my af∣fection shall counterpoize all affliction: No aduersi∣ty can d•uide mee from him, to whom my vowed faith hath indiuidually ti'd me. He shall be my Thales. I will by all meanes couer his weakenesse: as I am now made one with him, so will I haue mine equall share in any aspersion that shall be throwne on him.

Thus if you expostulate, your Christian constant resolues shall make you truly fortunate. Your Fancy is on deliberation grounded; which promiseth such success•, as your Marriage-dayes shall neuer feare the Page  135 bitter encounter of vntimely repentance, nor the curelesse anguish of an afflicted Conscience.

THe selfe-same rule which Augustus was said to obserue in his choice and constant retention of friends,* are you, Gentlewomen, to apply to your selues in the choice of your second-selues. He was slow in entertaining, but most constant in retaining. Fauorites are not to be worne like fauours: now in your hat, or about your wrist, and presently out of request. Which to preuent, entertaine none to lodge neere your heart, that may harbor in his brest ought wor∣thy your hate. Those two Motto's I would haue you incessantly to remember; for the vsefull application of them may highly conduce to your honour. The one is that of Caia Tranquilla, which she euer vsed to her royall Spouse Caius Tarquinius Priscus; Where th•• art Caius, I am Caia. The other, that of Ruth vn∣to Naomi; Whither thou goest, I will goe; and where thou dwellest, I will dwell.

There is no greater argument of lightnesse, then to affect the acquaintance of strangers, and to enter∣taine variety of Suiters. These, as they distract the eye, so they infect the heart. Constant you cannot be where you professe, so long as you affect change. Vowes deliberately aduised, and religiously groun∣ded, are not to be dispenc'd with. But say, you neuer vowed: haue you made outward professions of loue, and entertained a good opinion of that obiect in your heart? Againe, are you resolued, that his affection is reall towards you? That his protests, though de∣liuered by his mouth, are engrauen in his heart? Let not so much good loue be lost; insult not ouer him, whom vnfained affection hath vow'd your ser∣uan.

It were too much incredulity in you to distrust, where you neuer found iust cause of distaste, Yea, but you will againe obiect; we are already by your owne Obseruations sn•ficiently instructed, that Fancy is to be with •eliberation grounded, that loue lightly laid on, lasts not long. Should we then affect before we finde ground of respect? Should wee entertaine a Rhetoricall Louer, whose protests are formal Com∣plements, and whose promises are gilded pills, which couer much bitternesse? No, I would not haue you so credulous, lest your Nuptiall day become omi∣nous. Make true triall and experiment of his Con∣stancy, who tenders his seruice to you. Sift him, if you can finde any branne in him. Taske him, before you take him. Yet let these be sweetly tempred with lenity; Let them not be Taskes of insuperable dif∣ficulty. This were to tyrannize, where you should loue. This was Ompha•es fault, to make her faithfull seruant, a seruile slaue. Alas! shall hee fare the worse because hee loues you? This would induce others, who take notice of your cruelty, to loath you. And make your discarded louer, surprized with an amo∣rous distemper, to reply, as Absal•m to Hushai, Is this thy kindnesse to thy friend? My counsell is, that, as it will be vsefull for you to deliberate, before you take so much as the least Notions of an affectionate Ser∣uant; yea, and to second that deliberation with some probable proofe or triall, that hee is truly constant: so it will be a gratefull office in you, to retaine him in your fauour with a gracious respect; to counte∣nance the improuement of his constancy with a cheerefull and amiable aspect: to banish all clowds of seeming discontent, and to giue him some modest expressions of the increase of your good Conceit to∣wards Page  137 him. Let this be done, till Hymen make you indiuidually one. Then, and neuer till then, may Loue enioy her full freedome. She stands priuiledg'd by a sacred rite to taste that fruit, which before was forbidden. Mutuall respects, like so many diametrall lines, pointing all to one Centre, are then directed to one exquisite obiect; the purity of loue; which produceth this admirable effect: it makes one soule rule two hearts, and one heart dwell in two bodies. Now, I would haue you, when your desires are drawne to this period; to become so taken with the loue of your choyce, as to interpret whatsoeuer hee shall doe, euer to the best sense. It were little enough that you retained a good opinion of him, who stands in so many seuerall ingagements obliged for you. Should your riot bring him into debt; his restraint must make you free. D•rance must be his suit, while better stuffe makes you a Coate. Yea, what Consci∣ence is there in it, but hee should receiue an affable and amiable respect from you; seeing, if your Con∣sci•nce be no Conformalist, he must pay for you?

These respects should perpetually tye you, to ho∣nour him, who becomes so legally ty'd for you. Re∣quite these then with constancy, and retaine this en∣suing Example euer in your memory. Theogena, wife to Agathocles, shew'd admirable constancy in her husbands greatest misery, shewing her selfe most his owne, when he was relinquisht and forsaken of his owne; clozing her resolution with this noble Con∣clusion:

Conforme your selues to this Mirr•r, and it will reforme in you many a dangerous er∣rors. Thus if you liue, thus if you loue: honour cannot chuse but accompany you liuing, much com∣fort Page  138 attend you louing, and a vertuous memory em¦balme you dying.

VVAnton Loue seldome or neuer promiseth good successe;* the effect cannot bee good, when the obiect is •ll. Sense must bee the blinde lan∣thorne to guide her, while shee rambles in the street: for Reason, she leaues her sleeping with the Consta∣ble. What deuices shee hath to purchase her a mo∣ment of penitentiall pleasure? Her eye lookes, and by it the sense of her minde is auerted; her eare heares, and by it the intention of her heart is peruerted; her smell breathes, and by it her thoughts are hindered; her mouth speakes, and by it others are deceiued; by touch, her heat of desire vpon euery small occasion is stirred. Neuer raged Alcydes on Mount Oeta, nor O•lando for his Angelica, more than these Vtopian lo∣uers, for their imaginary shadowes. There is a kind of Spider bred in Pul•a, called Tarandula, which be∣ing of a diuerse nature, causeth diuerse effects; some to dance, some to sing, others to weepe, or watch, or sweat. The soueraignest cure it admits of, is Mu∣sick; while the Patient by dancing, or some other ve∣hem•nt exercise of that sort, expulseth the poyson, & giues passage to his pores of respiration. Many like Creatur•s there be of a malignant nature, but none comparable to a distempered Louer.

Now, that we may vse the method of Art; to cure the effect, is to take away the cause: my purpose shall bee first to discouer those incendiaries or fo∣ments of this inordinate passion, or intoxicating poyson; secondly, the effects arising from them; lastly, the cure or remedy of them.

For the first, wee may very properly reduce the prime grounds of this wanton fancy, or wandring Page  139 frenzy to a Catalogue included in these two verses:

On euery of which particular to insist, would en∣large this branch too much; we will onely poynt at them and so leaue them. For the first, sententious Seneca saith, he had rather endure the vtmost of for∣tunes extremitie, than subiect himselfe to Sloth or Sensuality. For it is this only, which maketh of men, women; of women, beasts; of beasts, monsters. This then is to be shunned, if the reward of vertue be to be shared. Secondly, Words corrupt the dispo∣sition; they set an edge or glosse on depraued Liber∣ty: making that member offend most, when it should be imployed in profiting most. The tongue is more effectuall than any Letter; let it be then so •m∣ployed, as it may improue the hearer. Thirdly, Books treating of light subiects, are Nurseries of wanton∣nesse: they instruct the loose Reader to become naught, whereas before, touching naughtines•e he knew naught. A story of the rape of Ganimedes, or of light Lais in Eurypedes, are their daily L•ctures. Plato's Diuine Philosophy, or 〈◊〉 pious Pre∣cepts Morality, must va•le to Alcaeus, or Anacre∣ons wanton Poesie. Venus and Adon•s are vnfitting Consorts for a Ladies bosome. Remoue them time∣ly from you, if they euer had entertainment by you left, like the Snake in the fable, they annoy you. Fourthly, Eyes are those Windowes by which 〈◊〉 enters; your inward house cannot shine, 〈◊〉 these be shut; Obiects they haue of more beauty to take them, than these sights of vanity, which mise∣rably tain• them. Eue looked on the fruit before shee co••ted, coueting shee tasted, tasting she peri∣shed. Thus aspiring to the knowledge of good and Page  140 euill, became to her and her posterity euill. The Eye is a Liuing glasse, but if wee make it a false glasse, it will neither represent vs truly, nor discouer our ble∣mishes freely; but make that seeme faire which is o∣dious and vgly. By this meanes, many good ob∣iects become Eye-soares vnto vs, which, if clearely viewed, would like a soueraigne Eye-bright, restore sight vnto vs. Fifthly, Consorts are theeues of time, they will rob you of opportunity, the best treasure time can afford you, if you suffer them to incroach on you and abuse you. Chuse such then for your Consorts, of whom you may haue assured hope, that they will either better you, or bee bettered by you. Chuse such, whom you may admire both when you see them and heare them: when you see their liuing Doctrine, and heare their wholesome instruction. Lastly, Luscious fare is the fuell of euery inordinate concupiscence. Nothing so much feeds it, nor insen∣sates the vnderstanding by delighting in it. By re∣straint of this, you shall learne to moderate your de∣sires. Whence you may reioyce, yet in him, who is your ioy, if you can liue sparingly, and embrace the meanes that may chastise in you all sensuality: for by your spare life is lust extinguished, vertue nourished, the minde strengthened, the vnderstanding to hea∣uenly things raysed. Yea, abstinence auaileth much for preseruing health of body and length of life. Whence it is said: He that di•teth himselfe, prolongeth life.* Which the profound Stagirian confirmes in these words: To abstaine from riot and superfluity, is the soueraign'st prescription or physicke for the body.*

Now to descend to the second branch of our diui∣sion in this Obseruation; wee might here enumerate those many odious and inhumane effects, which haue and doe daily arise from the violence of this Wanton fancy or Wandring frenzy; and what tragicke euents Page  141 it hath in all times produc'd: but they would seeme relations too full of horror to your modest and time∣rous Natures. Onely let mee tell you, if you desire to be satisfied in subiects of that kinde, our Italian Stories will afford you variety: Where indiscreet Loue clozeth her dolefull Scene with so miserable an Exit, as no Pencill can expresse any picture to more life, than an historicall line hath drawne out the web of their miseries. So as, that ancient Adage might seeme verified: That from slaues and miserable peo∣ple God hath taken away the one halfe of their vn∣derstanding.

Now to cure this desperate malady (though to you the cure, I hope, be needlesse, being free from all such violent distempers;) the best and soueraignst receit is to fortifie the weaknes of your sexe with strength of resolution; that, with incessant deuotion. Be not too liberall in the bestowing of your fauors; nor too familiar in publike conuerse. Presume not too much on the strength of a weake Fort. Make a Contract with your eyes not to wander abroad, lest they bee catch'd in comming home. Treat not of loue too freely; play not wagges with the blinde boy; hee has a dangerous ayme, though he hath no eyes. Sport not with him, that may hurt you; play not with him, that would play on you. Your Sports will turne to an ill iest, when you are wounded in earnest: the Fly may be then your Embleme:

Fly to an higher Sphere: you are yet vntouch'd; this wandring frenzy hath neuer yet surpriz'd you; preuent the meanes, and it shall neuer inuade you. Be not such foes to your selues, as to purchase your owne disquiet. Examples you haue of all sorts, both to allure and deterre you. Pure loue admits no staine. Page  142 Such a fancy is neuer 〈◊〉 to a f•e•zy. If euer then you entertaine any •oue, let it 〈…〉 it a vertuous solace; for all others, howsoeuer they may seene to premise s•me perf••ctory delight, they euer cast vp their last account with repentance.

WHen a man bleeds at the nose, and thro•g• aburdance of blood is bro•ght danger of his life,* the 〈…〉 the course of the b•ood a• ot•er way. If 〈…〉 in too vio•ent a 〈◊〉, it is to be •ooled by a t•mpe∣rate expostula••ō with Fancy: or e•se by fixing 〈…〉 vpon some more attracti•e obiect, diuert the course of that 〈◊〉 passion. Expostulate with Fancy, thus you may, safely & freely

These, I must confesse, (Gentlewoman) are promi∣sing arguments of vnfained loue: yet may all these •rre, and consequently leaue you in a miserable Er∣ror. Your True-loue may proue a Iason or a Theseus, and leaue you in the bryers for all your confidence. You say, his Protests haue confirm'd him yours; he hath attested heauen to beare record of his loue. Alas of Credulity! Take heed he play not the part of that ridiculous Actor in Smyr•a, who pronouncing, O hea∣uen! pointed with his finger to the ground. Or like that namelesse Louer, who solliciting a Gentlewo∣mans affection with aboundance of amorous Rheto∣ricke, concluded with this Emphaticall protest; that shee was the onely Mistresse of his thoughts: which con∣clusion being ouerheard by one to whom not long before vpon like protests hee had ingag'd his faith; she replied, Doe not beleeue him, Gentlewoman; the selfe-same Arbour where you now are, might witnesse that he hath made the very like protests vnto me, many times before.

Trialls in affaires of this nature haue euer a truer touch than protests. It is easie for beauty to extort a vow, or a temporary protest; which many times is as soone forgot as made. Let not these then worke on your Credulity.

There be, I know (and so all be that are truly gene∣rous) who, rather than they would infringe their •aith, would ingage their life. But all are not of that noble temper. O•hers there bee, who can tip their glozing tongues with Rhetoricall protests, purpose∣ly to gull a credulous Creature, for the purc•ase of an vnlawfull pleasure; which obtain'd, they leaue them to bemoane their lost honour. With more safety therefore may you suspect, than too rashly affect. It Page  144 will not be amisse for you to reade him, before you chuse him. As thus;

To be short; the blessing which Boaz pronoun∣ced vpon Ruth, shall like a honey-dew destill daily from the lippes of your husband. Blessed be thou of the Lord, my Spouse; thou hast shewed more goodnesse in the latter end, than at thy beginning, in as much as thou fol∣lowest not young men, were they poore or rich. Contrari∣wise, where you find no such demeriting respects in him, who makes loue vnto you; Checke your wilde Fancy by time, lest a remedilesse Checke attend your Choyce.

Couertly knew that vnfortunate Lady how to paint out her griefe, the extent whereof her tongue-tide passion could not relate; When like a fruitfull vine, shee had brought forth many faire and promi∣sing branches to a debaucht husband, by whose pro∣fuser course, her hopes which shee had stored in her numerous progeny, perished, and her selfe through griefe irrecouerably wasted; shee wrote these pensiue lines with a Diamond in her Cham∣ber Page  145 Window, to giue a liuing shadow to her lasting sorrow.

It is not so hard to giue comfortable counsel to the sorrowfull, as to finde a fit season when to giue it. I would haue you, whose more noble parts promise much comfort to your families, giue such attention to seasonable counsell, as you may preuent all ensuing occasions of sorrow. It is the condition of an incon∣siderate person, who neuer foresees his fall, to cloze the issue of his misfortunes with this improuident conclusion;*

It will be more vsefull and benefi∣ciall to you, to checke your wilde Fancy, if any such seaze vpon you, than to giue way vnto it, and con∣sequently vndoe you. Repentance comes too late at Marriage-night. Affaires of such weight and con∣sequence are not to be entertained without due ad∣uice, nor seconded with rashnesse. In one word; haue you plaid a little too long with the flame? Haue you giuen too free accesse to your desertlesse louer? Haue you suffered your heart not onely to thinke of him, but with more intimate respect to harbour him? Lodge him no longer in that roome; it de∣serues a farre better guest. I will not heare you, if you reply, and say; This is a Taske of impossibili∣ty. Continuance of time, with discontinuance of his presence, will easily effect it. Meane time, fixe your eye vpon some more deseruing obiect. Reuenge your selfe of that Conceit, that shall affresh present him to you. So shall the wildnesse of your Fancy be checked; your halfe-lost liberty regained; and your affection Page  146 afterwards planted, where it may be better acqui∣ted; there seated, where it may be more sweetly sea∣soned.

THere be Haggards of that wilde Nature,* as they will by no meanes be reclaim'd; Neither Loue nor feare will cause them stoope to any Lure. Em∣blemes these are to such wayward Girles, whose in∣flexible natures will neither be woo'd nor wonne at any rate. These had rather dye for loue, than bee deem'd to loue. Their hearts are smeer'd ouer with Salamanders oyle, and will admit no heat. They may entertaine Suiters, but it is with that coldnesse of af∣fection, as the longer they resort, the lesser is their hope. They may boast more of the multiplicity of their Suitors, than their Suitors can of any probabili∣ty to be speeders. As it chanced sometime in a Con∣test betwixt two Maids, who comparing one with the other their descents, friends, and Suitors:

These vnsociable Natures, who many times deferre making their choyce, till age bring them to contempt, and excludes them from all choyce, Or Danaë-like, liue immured in their Chamber, til their Fort be vndermined by some golden Pioner; detract much from the relenting disposition of their Sexe. It is their honor to be woo'd & won. To be discreet in their choyce, and to entertaine their choyce without Change. Of such I speake, who haue not dedicated their dayes to Virginity; which is such a Conditi∣on, as it aspires to an Angelicall perfection. Good, (saith venerable Bede) is coniugall chastity, better Page  147 is viduall continency, but best is the perfection of Virginity. Yea, Virginity exceeds the condition of humane nature, being that, by which man resembles an Angelicall Creature. Wee reade likewise, that the Vnicorne, when he can be taken by no force nor sub∣till Engine, will rest and repose in the Lap of a Vir∣gin.

To those onely I direct my discourse, who haue a mind to take themselues vnto the world, and to en∣tertaine their Louer: but it is with such coolenesse, as it driues their dispassionate Sweet-hart into strange extremes. And this proceeds commonly from an ouer-weening Conceit, which these dainty Dam∣sels haue of their owne worth: with the apprehen∣sion whereof they become so infinitely taken, as they can finde none worthy their choyce. Of this disdainefull opinion was that vnhappy Gentlewo∣man, who after many faire fortunes tendred, Sui∣tors of deseruing quality reiected, made her incestu∣ous brother her licentious louer.

A crime detestable euen to Barbarians and bruit beasts. Insomuch as, it is reported of the Camell, that they vsually hood-winke him, when at any time they bring his mother vnto him; which act he no sooner knowes, than hee tramples her vnder his feet, and kickes her to death with his heeles; so hate∣full is Incest euen to bruit beasts, whose natiue in∣stinct abhorres such obscene commi•tures. You, whose discreet affections haue cast anchor, by ma∣king choyce of some deseruing Louer; afflict him not with needlesse delayes; if he merit your choyce, one day is too long to deferre him; if vndeseruing, taxe your owne indiscretion to rashly to entertaine him.

Is it bashfull modesty that with-holds you? I com∣mend it; it well becomes you. Chastity cannot ex∣presse Page  148 it selfe in a fairer Character, than in blushing lines of louing shame fastnesse. Is it consent of friends that detaines you? I approue that too; These rites are best accomplished, when they are with consent and consort of friends solemnized. But if the ground of your delay trench either vpon some future ex∣pectance of better fortunes; or indifferency of affection in respect of your Choyce: the issue can∣not possibly proue well, being built vpon such weake grounds. For, to insist cursorily vpon either of these two; Shall a deceiuing hope of preferre∣ment dispossesse him of your heart, whom personall deserts make worthy of your loue? Looke to it; Such fortunes cannot purchase you content, which are got with an aged husbands contempt. It shewes a seruile nature, to cashiere a faithfull Louer, because he is poorer; and to preferre another lesse desertfull, because hee is richer. This inconstancy cannot suc∣ceed well, because the foundation is grounded ill.

Againe, are you indiff•rent or Luke-warme in af∣fection; in respect of your choyce? for shames sake, what doe you make of loue? Doe you vse it like a toy or tyre to put off or on as you like? Must it re∣semble the fashion? This day in request, and next day out of date? This, indeed, is such a coole and easie-tempered Loue, as it will neuer mad you; yet, trust me, it may well delude you. Fancy will not so be playd with. You will obiect, I imagine, your sto∣macks are too queasie to digest Loue. Why then did you euer seeme so greedily to feed on that, which your stomackes now cannot well digest? Haue you surfetted on the substance? Lay that aside for a while, and bestow your eye on the Picture. Such impressi∣ons haue sharpened the dull affections of many Lo∣uers.

Alexander being much in loue with Apelles, as Page  149 one highly rapt with the exquisitenesse of his art, proposed him that Modell for a taske, which hee of all others, affected most; commanding him on a time to paint Campaspe, a beautifull woman, naked; which Apelles hauing done, such impression wrought the Picture in his affection, as Apelles fell in loue with her, which Alexander perceiuing, gaue him her. It is incredible, what rare effects were sometimes drawne from a Morian-Picture, being onely hung vp in a Ladies Chamber. If such impressiue motiues of affection draw life from a Picture, what may bee conceiued by the Substance? Oris Apollo writeth, that the Egyptians, when they would describe the heart, & fit her with a proper Embleme, paint the bird Ibis: because they thinke that no Creature, for proportion of the body, hath so great an heart as the Ibis hath.

It is the Bird of loue must be the Embleme of your heart. It is neither picture nor posture can content her. Much lesse these inferiour pictures, which we call m•neyes: which are so farre from satisfying the affe∣ction, as they are onely for the Mold or Worldling: whose grosser thoughts neuer yet aspired to the knowledge of loues definition. As then, the precious stone Diacletes, though it haue many rare and excel∣lent soueraignties in it, yet it loseth them all, if it be put in a dead mans mouth: so Loue, though it bee a subiect so pure, as none of a more refined nature; so firm•, as none of a more holding temper; so hot, as none of a more lasting feruour: yet becomes her splendour darkened, her vigor weakened, her feruor cooled, when she is in a cold brest entertained. Re∣semble, rather, the Iuniper-tree, whose coale is the hottest, and whose shadow is the coolest: be hot in your affection, but coole in your passion. If you finde any thing which cooleth loue in you, remoue it; if any thing which vrgeth passion, quench it: contra∣riwise, Page  150 feed in you loues heat; but represse in you all passionate hate. Take into your more serious thoghts, a view of his deserts whom you affect: increase the conceit of them by supposing more than hee expres∣seth. The imagination of Loue is strong, and works admirable effects in a willing subiect. Yet in all this, let not one straid thought wrong your Mayden-mo∣desty so much, as to suggest to you a straine of light∣nesse: Other Closet-treaties you may entertaine safely and freely, without touch of modesty. As to thinke of the honour of that State, to which you are approaching; the mutuall Comfort from that my∣sterious vnion arising; how griefes will be attempe∣red by one anothers suffering; how ioyes will bee augmented by one anothers sharing. These thoughts cannot but well become you; nor otherwise chuse than with a pure affection inflame you; nor receiue lesse than free acceptance from you.

Thus may that Loue, which seem'd before to haue beene as chilled, by these modest motiues bee cheered. That day no blacke Cloud should by right sit on your faire brow; no cold dampe seaze on your heart. You haue got one whom a sacred gage hath made yours; with a cheerefull requitall render your selfe his. This cannot choose but highly please the pure eye of heauen, to see that Mysterie so sweetly solemniz'd, which was honoured by Christ, with his first Miracle on Earth.

IN this last branch of our Obseruation,* wee are to propose an attemperament of both those indispo∣sed Fancies before mentioned, and deseruedly taxed. First, the wildenesse of the one; secondly, the coolenesse of the other: by seasoning them both with an indif∣ferent temper▪

Page  151 In a Vine, wild and luxurious branches are to bee pruned, that such as are free and kindly may bee bet∣ter cherished. In the spirituall field of your heart, is neuer to be expected any fruitfull increase of vertues, till there be weeded out of it all the thornes of vices. The difference betwixt a Wise and wilde Loue, is this: the one euer deliberates before it loue; the other loues before it deliberate. The first question that she askes, who wisely loues:

Next question shee askes, are of a lower siege: Thus beginnes shee that loues wisely, with goods inward, and ends with outward; whereas, shee that loues wildly, beginnes with outward, and ends, or else neuer remembers the inward: Next question shee askes, must be neare the same verge: Hee cannot but deserue my loue. Wherein shee sayes well, for in very deed hee could deserue little else. Now as the former, seldome bestowes her selfe, but where shee findes content; so the latter, seldome or neuer, but either she with her Choyce, or her Choyce with her falls into contempt. The rea∣son is, this wilde Girle neuer cares for more than to Page  152 be married. If she may but see that day, it accompli∣sheth her content: though shee haue but one Comi∣call day all her life. Yea, it is as well as can be expe∣cted from her hands, if she attaine that style without some apparant soile. Such as these I could wish, to pre∣•ent the worst, they were married betime, lest they marre themselues before time. Albeit, moderate re∣straint, seasonable aduice (presupposing some seeds of grace to worke on) haue wrought singular effects in many of these wilde-ones, who afterwards became graue and modest Matrons.

To you then, kind-hearts, am I to recommend some necessary cautions, which carefully obserued, may make you wiser than you thought of; and cause you haue a tender care of that, which before you had ne∣uer mind of. Your brests are vnlock'd, your tongues vnty'd; you cannot loue, but you must shew it; nor conceiue a kinde thought, but you must tell it. The Index of your hearts you carry both in your tongues and eyes; for shame, learne silence in the one, and se∣crecy in the other. Will you giue power to an insul∣ting Louer, to triumph ouer your weakenesse; or which is worse, to worke on the opportunity of your Lightnesse? Doe not; rather ramme vp those portells which betray you to your enemy, and preuent his entry by your vigilancy. Keepe home and stray not, lest by gadding abroad, you incurre Dinahs fate. You haue Consorts of your owne sexe to passe time withall; their society wil teach you to forget, what is better forgot than kept. Let not a straid thought be∣tray your innocency. Checke your madding Fancy, and if it vse resistance, curbe it with restraint. It will doe excellently well, if you forbeare to resort to pla∣ces of publike meeting; till you haue drawne vp and seal'd a Co•enant with your eyes, to see naught that they may not lawfully couet. These, when they wan∣der, Page  153 they breed in the heart, a dangerous distemper. Lastly, addresse your imployment euer to something that is good; so shall your fantacy finde nought to worke vpon that is ill. This shall afford you more li∣berty, than the whole worlds freedome can afford you.

Now to you, Coy ones, whom either coldnesse of na∣ture hath benummed, or coynesse hath made subtill to dissemble it. You can looke and like, and turne ano∣ther, way, where you like most. No obiect of loue can take you, till it ouertake you. Be not wise too much. True affection cannot endure such dissimulati∣on. Diuide not him, whom you loue, into such ex∣tremes: you may be modest, and spare a great deale of this Coynesse; It is the rule of Charity to doe as you would be done to. Now, would it content you to be entertained with disdaine, where your deserts merit acceptance? Rectifie this then on your selues, which you would not haue done by another to your selues. It is an ill requitall, to recompence fancy with contempt, or constant loue with disdaine. This were to incurre ingratitude, a vice so odious, as no age could finde euer ought more vnciuilly impious. I do not moue you to be too open-hearted, or if so, not too liberally to expresse it; this were no discouery of fancy, but folly. So conceale your loue, as your louer may not despaire of all hope to obtaine your loue. In∣different Curtsies you may shew without lightnesse, and receiue them too in lieu of thankfulnesse. I leaue it to your discretion to distinguish times and places; for these may either improue or impaire the oppor∣tunity of such like Curtsies.

Doe not immure your beauties, as if a iealousie of your owne weaknesse had necessitated this restraint. There can be no Conquest, where there is no Contest, Conuerse with loue; conceit with your selues whom Page  154 you could like. This your cooler temper may admit, and st••l retaine that liberty which is fit.

•alconers vse many meanes to make their Hawks sharpe; they begin with short flights, till weathring bring them to endure longer. Pigmalions image recei∣ued no• life in all parts at once; first, it took warmth, after that, vitall motion. Is loue coole in you? let a kindly warmth heat that coldnesse. Is Loue dull in you? let a liuely agility quicken that dulnesse. Is loue coy in you? Let a louely affability supple that coy∣nesse: So, in short time, you may haue a full rellish of loues sweetnesse.

Now wee come to the attemperament of these; wherein we are to extract out of grosser mettals some pure Oare, which wee must refine, before it can giue any true beauty to this specious palace of loue. Draw neare then, and attend to what of necessity you must obserue; if euer you meane to deserue HER loue, whom you are in Ciuility bound to serue.

In Sicilia there is a fountaine called Fons Solis,* out of which at Mid-day, when the Sun is nearest, flow∣eth cold water; at Midnight, when the Sunne is far∣thest off, sloweth hot water. This should be the liue∣ly Embleme of your state (Gentlewomen:) who, now after those cooler vapours of your frozen affection dispersed, those lumpish and indisposed humors di∣spelled, and those queasie risings of your seeming coy∣nesse, dispossessed; haue felt that chaste amorous fire burne in you, which will make you of shamefaste Maids, modest Matrons. When the heat of passion is at Mid-day, I meane his full height, with those, to whom faith hath engag'd you, and loue, before the hostage of that faith, confirm'd you; then are you to resemble the quality of that fountaine, by flowing with col• water of discretion and sweet temper,* to allay that heat; lest it weaken those you loue, by gi∣uing Page  155 way to passion, which patience cannot chuse but loath. Againe, when heat is farthest off, and proui∣dence begins to labour of a lethargy; when seruants remit their care, neglect their charge, and the whole family grow out of order, through the coldnesse of a remisse Master; resemble then that fountaine, by flowing with hot water; win and weane these whom loue and loyalty haue made yours, with warme con∣iugall teares, to compassionate their neglected estate, and by timely preuention to auert the fate of impro∣uident husbands.

Or thus,* if you please, may you make your selues gracious Emblemes of that fountaine: Doth the Sun shine at Mid-day, and in his fullest height on you? Do the beams of prosperity reflect brightly on you? Flow with cold water; allay this your heat and height of prosperity, with some cooling thoughts of aduersi∣ty, lest prosperity make you forget both the Author of it, and in the end how to bestow it. Againe, doth the Sunne shine farthest off you? Doth not one small beameling of prosperous successe cheere you? Flow with hot water; vanquish aduersity with resolution of temper. Desist not from labour, because fortune seconds not your endeuour. To conclude, as your wild fancy (if you were euer surpriz'd of any) is now re∣ctifi'd; your coolenesse heatned; your coynesse bani∣shed; so conforme your selues to them, whom one heart hath made one with you, as no Clowd of aduer∣sity may looke so blacke, no beame of prosperity shine so cleare, wherein you may not with an e∣quall embrace of both estates, beare your share.