Rich. Flecknoe's ænigmatical characters being rather a new work, than new impression of the old.

Character 8. Of a Fine Nice City Dame.

SHe is one your Cockneys call a Beauty, because like a sick Turkey she looks a lit∣tle blewish about the gills, and has a faint white Complexion of the colour of fletten milk. She has no advantage of a brown Coun∣trey Lass, but onely that her complexion is the unwholesomer of the two, and her skin apter to break forth in scabs. She is so dough-bake't, and her complexion so raw, as those who have any minde to her, must have the Green sickness, or be half Cannibals at least. Her Blood is all whey, which she

clarifies with physick still, whence instead of Children she brings forth nothing but Curds and green Cheeses. She is alwayes complain∣ing she knowes not wherefore, and would fain be sick if she knew of what; giving that Phy∣sician more who findes her out a Disease, then others would do thôse who cured them of one. She longs still whether she be with Childe or no, and her chiefest longing is after every new Fashion; which she must have presently, or there starts up a new Disease; and her Hus∣band gives it her, finding by dear experience, the Mercers Book far less chargeable then the Pothecaries or Physicians: so betwixt her being sick and well, he is never quiet with her, nor will she ever be sô until she be in her grave.