I'le give thee a Tenement of four pound, per annum and let me go to Land again.

I'd rather lie 'ith Bilbows, then in such a Hovel; it can∣not be so convenient as a Hammaque.

I'le give thee Cheese to Victual thy whole Family for a Twelve moneth, though every soul were Welch.

A whole Tun of Butter to mollifie thy stony Bisket, and twenty new stampt spankers tied up 'ith corner of a Handkerchief.

Your Cheese is mouldy, and your Butter fusty, your old Shop-keepers stick friend.

You may as soon bribe Tempests, or with your entrea∣ties calm rageing Seas, as tempt me.

This was a kind Visit indeed to come aboard, y'are wel∣come to the Masters Cabbin, Captain, were he here himself, I know he'd make very much of you; for he's an old Seaman, and loves one with his life.

Honest Boatswain, thank thee; I read thy kindness in thy eyes, before I heard it from thy mouth.

Noble Captain, once more, welcome; Here's good Wine aboard, and white Bisket, in to the Cook Boy, quickly, Bid him put some Beef in the Stew-pan.

I see it, and I taste it now.

What we have given for such in Algiers.

Nothing, for we had no money, had not you made your Escape, you might have staid as long as I.

I hope we shall be able to requite their courtesies one day. I wear their mark yet.

I believe, you had but little faith in the Hieroglyphick. When they Printed it, that Anchor represented you but slender hopes of your redemption.

No, for each flook of it put me in mind how fast I was moor'd there.

But you took an occasion to Cut the Cable.

Yet I was strong enough to bring the Anchor with me.

I stay'd till mine was weigh'd (I do you reason)

T'other spoonful, noble Captain.

Here's to your boon Voyage.

I pledge you.

Whither are you bound,

For Bermudas.

Would I had never known't !

Had you any great loss on that shoar,

Very few yet, but we keep our Spirits hungry, and they are seeking prey in all quarters.

How goes the Market now?

Noble Captain, pray step upon the Deck, and hold 'em in discourse over a Bottle until I give the word.

'Tis the least service I can do you.

But it is greater it may be, then you think of, what if they should come to search after this old fellow? Then there's a Ship clearly lost, I must tack about to gather wind, or I shall be driven backwards, now let me prove an able Pilot, or my designs sink, where are you, Mate?

No, but to seat you in't if you'l be wise; the last Confe∣rence I had with you has struck a deep Impression on me, and so wrought me that could I see a probability you would perform what then you promised me, you should be free as I, within two hours.

Art thou in earnest?

Were you in earnest when you promis'd me to make me your heir.

Yes, by —

Nay, do not swear, but set your hand and seal to what I write here.

Well Sir, no this is done; I'le be better then my word. I'le let you see, although I am your heir, I thirst not for for your death, I'le save your life, Sir,

Am I design'd to death then?

Without remedy, unless you take my Councel.

Honest Son!

Here will immediately a company of Ruffians come, pretending they are Officers (although in truth they are disguis'd Rogues, hir'd by the Master to sound if you would me seek for the help of any you thought could free you from this prison.

O Villains!

They'l set a face of searching the Vessel from the Keel to the Top-gallant, and it may be they will blurt out some que∣stions to entrap you; but if you speak the smallest word, or think too lewd a Fellow with a butchers knife.

Were ever such things heard of! Twenty per Cent. is no∣thing to't.

Wee'l pair your weazand to the coar without any mercy.

How happy am I that thou art honest I'le warrant 'em. Il not speak a word to 'em, I'le breath as softly as I can too.

They come now, be wise, what would you have? come upon the Quarter-deck here.

The child was in none of those bottles we tasted was it neighbour?

No sure, for the Wine tasted very sweet.

And the bottle did not smell of Chamber-lie.

Pray Mr. Constable lets make haste, for I begin to be Sea-sick.

My Stomack wambles too.

Ah, ah where is he, Mr. Constable?

Oh, there, there, there, neighbours I think none of us can say our prayers, but I am sure we can all run.

What hast they make! there's o•e of 'em tipt over into the River.

It may be he hath need on't.

His Comrades take little notice of it, for they are put∣ting off without helping him. Oh the fellow has got hold of an Oar, and will not part with it, I'le go down to the Forecastle and keep sight of 'em as long as I can.

Are they all gone?

Gone, Yes.

Shall we ashoar?

Yes.

Is the Boat ready?

Some three or four months hence it shall be to set you a shore in America.

Yes, I did so.

You talkt another kind of Language then.

Yes, but my meaning was the same as now.

Why, did you make me hope, but to despair?

Truth, there was much necessity for it, which you'l be apt to believe, when I tell you when these Searchers came aboard, Page  58 I fear'd they had made some discovery of you, by some words you might let slip; wherefore I did apply that promise finely guilded for a preventing Pill.

Thou hast not only then deluded me, but lost thy self by't, if thou dost not yet perform it look but what an estate, I make thee heir of at least an hundred thousand pounds.

There take your meat again, do not I know men in ne∣cessity are alwaies prodigal of promises? but once escap'd the storm, the Saint to whom they vow'd is laught at.

Well, Heaven thou art just! for when I made

Noble owners, welcome aboard, now Sir you may beat your bargain with them, the old man and I have been bartering for his liberty, by the Mass he bids high.

Would you be out of the Ship?

Yes any where else.

Why, be but patient till we come to the Ocean; wee'l fling you over board, and tie a good Cannon Bullet about your neck instead of a Gold Ring in your ear.

Or what think you of being turn'd loose in a half Tubb, or a Wash-bowl, like a baited Cat.

Yes, you shall have your freedom— but you shall serve for it some fourteen years among the flax-dressers in the Summer-Islands, exercise will get you such a stomack, Sir.

Is there no hope of ransome?

Yes, by sneaking out of the world to take a Nap with your Forefathers.

Any.

He that is so precipitate in signing any, in my opinion resolves never to keep any, though he huddle on now, hee'l put on his spectacles, I fear, when he should perform 'em.

There's a necessity in believing him, yet still I doubt.

Do not, who knows his space, dyet may have caused much mortification? shall I read 'em to you?

With all my heart.

Gentlemen I thank you, and I beseech you let a friend of mine be welcome to you in her, noble Captain, be pleased to come into the Cabin.

Ha, boy! is he buried; if he be, they have not laid weight enough on him to keep him under ground, for I am he boy.

Ha, is the Devil so well pleas'd at a Usurers Burial, that he comes in person to defray the charges, bless me! I see his Cloven foot now, sure he cannot run as fast with that as I with mine.

How now, the boy is fled too? it seems then I am dead and buried, and bring my own Ghost to fright 'em, this is very pretty. I have a fine Daughter in the mean time, that this con∣spires against me, well, I will prosecute my adventure, and since you have made me an Inhabitant of the lower Region. I'le ramble through every Room, and play some fair Tricks among you.

Sir, I beseech you check these swelling Torrents of my amazement, lest the Lawless Flood pull up my sences by the roots; Why, do you deny to accept that duty you have hither∣to smil'd on, when e're I tender'd?

Sweet Mrs. send for a Cunning Man.

Good Mrs. Isbel, hide me under your Petticoats, that the Divel may not find me, they say he dares not peep under a Maids Coat.

Are you Lunatick?

What strange Monster have your fancies been brought to Bed of?

O Lord Mrs. he leapt in the Key-hole, he has got Fire∣brands instead of eyes.

I, and he draws a great Chain after him▪

Is not the Monkey broke loose?

I will believe now? Now he's playing his pranks in the Kitchin, hee'l be in the Closset among

What should that noise be tro?

Ten to one but the Cats are shewing Christmas gambals.

Spare me, I beseech you good Mr. Belzebub.

Fear not t'approach me, for I am yet alive, rumour was somewhat too hasty to kill me, and some of my friends over pious to bury me before I was cold, but I forgive all.

What Miracle's this? The Emblem of an Apostate? The Spirit tun'd flesh.

This is comfortable News, I'm sure it makes the Spirits return to my flesh.

I'm afraid still, prithee Thomas Chear me up.

Madam I now at length present him to you, whose sha∣dow I did represent—

Sir, you are welcom.

Do you know me now then?

Sir, I hope this Gentleman your Friend, hath ex∣plain'd that to you.

How's this? are not you my Son in Law, Sir,

No indeed, Sir I only attempted your conversion in my Friends behalf.

But you were my Daughters Bed-fellow in his behalf.

Very likely.

Well then my true Son in Law, welcome, I will not fail a Syllable of my promises.

Use Exercise, as playing at Cards, or Shuttle-Cock, do any thing rather than be idle; and at night when you undress your self against the fire, chafe in three or four short pithy prayers and the deeds done.

Why look you, Madam, to let you see how far I am from a desperate Inamorato, I promise you faithfully I will never trouble you with this Sugar Courtship while I live, if on these terms you please t'accept my Visits, they shall be frequent.

Most willingly, for I affect your Conversation.

Well Thomas, I remit your errours; but have a care you prove true to me hereafter.

Else may my Pigs ney, here forsake her Trusty Thomas!

Lo're your Top-gallant, you must stick here Sir.

I do so, Sir.

Withal, I here make restitution too,

A son that six and twenty years ago was stol'n from you by some whom I employ'd; a Crime I hope heaven hath forgiven; if you cannot, here do I wait my doom: (Nay do not stand so like a Page  68 Statute, 'tis a truth I publish.) This gentleman an Infant was brought to me in his Nurses Arms, about his Neck this Whistle which I have kept like Meleagers brand.

This Act of yours Cancels my anger.

You are kindly charitable.

The Brother and Sister are very intimate, and loving al∣ready; small kindred are not taken notice of.

Sister Excuse me, If I lay claim to my new Priviledge, I fear I have assisted an exploit will shame us both. Nay do not blush but tell me, Did Hazard e're enjoy you?

How do you like the new revived Gentleman?

In truth, he looks like a fine Fellow to make a Husband of.

Sister, I am much taken with your free Confession, Could I now find a way to disanul the former Match, would you receive my Friend into your Bosom, that's the only means to save your good Name, people will talk else.

Brother, let me see how, least my fame will suffer, And I will fix on that.

Sir, A word with you,

I will requite your plainness, Sir, in Specie. Were she now Teeming with a litter of seven; nay did she con∣firm the miracle of that Lady who brought three hundred sixty five at once, I would not quit her cause, I would not loose the money I have long suffer'd for; but knew I how to compass that, and then be rid of her, she should to grass to Night.

Will you compound, and take one half?

You tempt me shrewdly, how shall I be secur'd of it?

It shall be paid you instantly.

'Tis done then, I'le to travail again; Come give me your hand.

I, with it pawn my Faith to you.

Me thinks, I have driven a very good

Cozen your pardon, heark thee Haz.

Now your pleasure with me?

What think'st thou of my Sister? how dost like her?

Faith I like her very well.

What if I made a Match betwixt you two?

Faith I believe one of us would be content to forfeit our earnest, thou hast not a mind to have her hang'd hast thou?

No certainly, but if I could lay level at the troublesome fences of the Law, what wouldst thou say?

I'd say thou wert an excellent Pioneer.

Wouldst marry her?

Yes Fait, for we have both had the best tryal of liking one another, 'tis true I have had her before hand but that's but being my own Cuckold.

What mean these Whispers?

Sir they concern you much, you must have another Son in Law.

Where must I find him?

In this Gentleman—Manly (whatever was pretended to, he never enjoy'd my Sister, till last night she was a Virgin.

I'le be sworn she was for Mr. Manly.

Then take your choice, there is a Marriage without Consummation; here's a Consummation without a Marriage.

If Manly be contented, I am; for that way which ren∣ders my Child an honest Woman.

Sir, he must be contended; He has been above seven years away beyond Sea, and has never Writ her word he was alive; so that in Law the Marriage is void.

Then take her hand she's yours by my Consent.

And what is more, by mine. This way my honours safe, but by the other nothing but discontents and endless quarrels could have insu'd. I hope Sir, you will not judge the worse of my Vertue by what has past between us.

I was in fault not you, but 'twas a fault, so fortunate, that I can ne'r repent it; pardon me for what is past, and for the future all my wild follies and debaucheries I'le leave and place my hap∣piness alone in you.

And to encourage your conversion I'le give you Twen∣ty thousand pounds with her, and five times as much that I have in store for you Son.

Thomas you look as if your mouth were big with some request or other.

Me thinks he simpers as if he had a mind to be Married to Morrow.

Truly Sir you read my Thoughts, for I am as they say, a young beginner, and fain would save the Charges of a Dinner.

'Tis granted.

Thank your Worships. Isbel set back your appetite some Four and Twenty hours, and then you shall have your belly full.

'Tis a great matter to forbear so long, when a Womans Stomack's up, but I'le endeavour.

Send for a Noise of Fidlers quickly.