Advice to lovers: or, Certain rules of behaviour shewing them how to demean themselves, so as not to miscarry in the grand affair of love. Wherein also the pretty tricks, odd humours, and fantastick carriage of some paramours, together with several pleasant passages relating to amours, and courtship, are observ'd and describ'd. By W. R. Gent.

ADVICE to LOVERS: OR, The Art of Love.

LOVE is so Universal a Monarch, and his Catholick Majesty hath so Large an Empire throughout the World, that there are scarce any but are subject to his Do∣minion, and have felt the Effects of his Tyran∣nick Power; so that not to be wounded by his Dart, fetter'd in his Chains, nor melted in his Flames, is to Live a Wonder: But yet the Re∣sisters of his Charms are not so Prodigious, as the Yielders to them are Miserable and Unhappy; neither do we stand so much astonisht and amaz'd at the Former, as Pity, and Commiserate the con∣dition of the Latter; For to be listed a Souldier

under Cupid's Banner, and not to understand his Martial Discipline, is to be expos'd to the greatest Dangers; whereas a Prudent Deportment in the Camp of Venus, may secure from Perils, and crown our Passion with much Happiness: For either through the Wiles and Stratagems of the subtile Lover, or the Simplicity and Innocence of the credulous Mistress; either through the close Siege of the storming Man, or the too easie surrender of the yeilding Woman, or through other mis∣carriages of both Parties, it mostly comes to pass, that we hear of nothing but Infelicities in the Affairs of Love, of Improsperous Addresses; Neg∣lects, and Slights; with shipwrack't Fames, and Reputation. Whereas a Prudent Behaviour in ••ll circumstances that attend Amours, and a discreet Management of that Passion in all its Intrigues, will prevent Mischiefs, and yield those Pleasures, that are the perpetual Concomitants of such Amo∣rous Entercourses.

Now the Design of these few Lines is to Direct those th•••••••••• •••• ba••k't for Love, that they may not split upon those Shelves, but may have a Prosperous Voyage to the Cyprian Island, and pay their Adorations successfully to the Shrine of the Goddess Venus — In the prosecution of which

Discourse, I shall make mine Address, First, To the Female Votaries of the Blind god; And then Secondly, to the Masculine Adorers of the same Deity.

The First PART.

SECT. I. Of Ladies Behaviour in the Affairs of Love.

I Hope that Blessed Sex will not be Disoblig'd at my Sentiments, if I presume to tell them, That I am apt to think, that they want Precepts concerning the Art of Love; few of them being well instructed in the Intricacies of that Myste∣rious Passion; For generally their Beauty is so Severe, and their Charms so Barbarous, that they for the most part make those Persons the Objects of their Rage and Cruelty, who make them the Idols of their Adorations; and Despise them most, who most faithfully Honour them; striking them Prostrate, by a Darted Frown, who volun∣tarily kneel, as Religious Worshippers of their

Admir'd Deity's; whose Vertues and Integrity deserve kinder Returns, and may challenge the Gratitude of a more Noble Reward: But if not so coy and shy, then they basely yield to the sloven∣ly Importunities of stupid Idiots, who are fitter to be entertain'd with the circle of an Halter, than caress'd with the clip of a kind Embrace, who ra∣ther deserve to imprint a smack on the Rear be∣hind, than seal a Kiss on the Cheeks before.

Now to avoid these and many other Errours, it may not seem Impertinent to lay down some Rules to Demean themselves by, during the time they are Mistresses, and the Objects of Love, and Courtship; as (1). How they should answer, and stand affected to a sincere Paramour. (2.) How to Counter-work the Wiles and Stratagems of meer Pretenders. To (3) shew, whether they should Dissemble the whole Matter, or in some fort acknowledge it; or (4.) Whether altogether avoid and shun Addresses.

II.

Now the First thing a Lady is to be taught, who is besieg'd by Lovers, is to know a true Ser∣vant from the formal Disguizes, or Counterfeit

Formalities of Hypocritical Pretenders; And in∣deed to give a true Characteristick Note, nay, probable Conjectures of a feigned Kindness; and to distinguish it from a real Affection, is a thing not very Feasible; For so great is the Subtlety and Craft of Dissembling Woers, that they personate Grief, and (with Crocodile-Tears) act a Sorrow, when they are big with Jest, and Pregnant with Scoffs and Laughter. How gloomy their Aspect and full of clouds! how Pale their Complexion! how Mournful their Voice, interrupted with sighs, and repeated Groans! How will these officious Ghosts (like gastly Apparitions) watch her steps and observe her motion; and in the Church, and Theater, nay at every corner, at once both infest and affright her with the horror of their Presence? How will they Dun for Love by importunate style of Courting Letters! and Wheedle out a Kindness by the winning and persuasive Rhetoric of obliging Present! What Passionate Whinings! and silent Dialogues weav'd by the Amorous Entercourse of Mutual Glances! How will they dart, and convey their Sentiments by an expres∣sive Twinckle, and discover their Thoughts by the silent speech of a Languishing Eye! What shall I say of the pompous Festivity of splendid

Treatments, and the Diverting Magnificence of Masquerades; All which are solemn Institutions Devoted to the Honour of their Admir'd Lady: whose Slumbers in the Night are pleasantly sof∣ten'd with charms of Musick; or her Repose di∣sturb'd with the ruder Serenade of Ungrateful Sighs. What Insinuations into the Favour of her chief Attendants, that they may corrupt, and bribe them into a close confederacy? who must occa∣sionally discover how cruelly they are scorch't in the insupportable Flames, and Tormented in the Tophet of Burning Love; how that they value neither Life, nor Fortune, but are ready to offer up both as a Sacrifice for the Favour and Mercy but of one Smile; and that they design nothing but what is Honourable and Vertuous, the utmost of whose Ambition is to converse with her; whose Blessed Company is almost the only Heaven they wish for or desire; the Fruition of whose Pre∣sence but one moment, almost equals the Extasies and the Eternal Transports of the Beatifick Vi∣sion. If she willingly Listens to such Discourse as this, and the Language seems not a little plea∣sing, then there is no Difficulty, but what is alrea∣dy conquer'd, then False Keys and Opiates and Ladders of Ropes are immediately produc't; all

things are represented Facile and Easie, and appear with so good a Face, and Aspect, that to consum∣mate all, there is nothing wanting but her bare Consent. Which if she Denies, and is resolv'd to stand out against the Siege, then they more vigo∣rously attaque her, reinforce their persuasions, and raise such Importunate Batteries, as will force, and compel that Inexorable Fort of her self to sur∣render. Some, when they have Despair'd of Victory, have turn'd the sweetness of their soft Courtship, into the harshness and bitterness of threatning Language, and have pointed their Pa∣negyricks with the sting of Satyrs. Others charm them with the Magick of Spells, and Philters, and by an entangling Potion, have depriv'd them of that Liberty that Nature gave them.

These are the subtle Artifices that Suitors make use of to circumvent their Mistresses: And how can those Innocent Professors of Honesty and Sim∣plicity a void so many Snares in Ambuscado for them? And therefore what wonder if an Harm∣less Virgin be entrap'd by Cupid, when she per∣ceives her self to have been so long ador'd by so Passionate a Young Gallant, who scruples at no Dangers to purchase her Favour?

III.

But that she may not miscarry in her Amours, nor become a Prey to the most subtile Passion; Let her be sure to observe this General Rule, viz.

Not too easily Believe (more than is meet) that she is Belov'd.

'Tis a common Infirmity of Women, presently to apprehend all Discourses of Love, though Dark and Mysterious; and even at first Dash to acknow∣ledg the most Extravagant Commendations: or if by chance they do disown them, yet they do it so faintly and coldly, that seem rather to invite an Address, than reject it; and to add Fuel to the Flame, rather than extinguish it.

In all offices therefore of Civility, and Dialogues of Love, Let her beware of thinking, That any Man Admires her, because he Discourses volubly of the Passion; And if he be Immodest that talks with her, Let a Blush discover her Dislike of his Language: If he speaks Obscurely, and Artifici∣ally of Love, Then let her pretend not to under∣stand him; and when she hath turn'd his Expres∣sions to another Sence, by an Ingenuous Sagacity,

let her decline the subject: But if the Thing be so Plain, that she cannot Dissemble, let her Divert it with a Jest, and interpret all things candidly; for by this means will she purchase the Reputa∣tion of Wisdom and Discretion, and will not so easily be impos'd upon and deceiv'd.

But now suppose a Man be truly enamour'd, and should be really Tormented with those Affe∣ctions, and be wounded with those Darts, that are wont to perplex and stick in the Souls of Men, What? shall the Rhetorick of his Miseries avail nothing? Will not Lasses at all be mov'd with solemn Protestations, Sighs and Disquietudes of an Anxious Breast, those usual Arguments of De∣voted Affections? Must they thus add an Arti∣ficial Cruelty to the Natural Barbarity and Un∣kindness of their Sex? In answer to this, I must confess, 'tis hard to give rules in this Particular, in regard of Mens different Natures, and Dispositi∣ons; only let Young Ladies always remember, [That Men make greater Professions of Love than Women.]

But it further may be demanded, What? Must a Young Lady make no Returns of Kindness? Will not a spark glowing in the Breast of her Pa∣ramour, kindle a Flame in her Bosom? Must

she Eccho back no Sighs, and make no Reflection of Amorous Groans? When her Courtier advances, must she then retreat? By doing thus, she will wholly deprive her self of that Homage, and Obsequiousness, which Young Gallants are wont to pay to their Mistresses. Must she be so Inhu∣mane as not to give the least Countenance, and Satisfaction to her Importunate Suitor? What? Not one Cheering Look? Not one Amorous Glance of a sheep's eye? No Gomfort and Re∣freshment from obliging Dimple? No Courteous Pressure of Treading Toe? or Private Invitation of Mystic Twitch?

Now by way of Reply to this, Psay, If she smile on any, Let him enjoy that Sun-shine of her Face, to whom she intends to resign up her Dear Self, & to Honour with the Espousals of her whole Per∣son; so that, if sometimes she recreates him with the Pleasure of a Glance, or gratifies him with the Blessing of a dropt Glove, or caress him with other loosely scatter'd Expressions of Kindness, we cen∣sure not her Civility; But if she be Fleering and Gamesome; and too Prodigal of her private Treads and Twinckles; of her secret Squeezes and Twitches, and other Love-Tokens, when no Marriage Noose is e're intended; Her Petulant

Forwardness creates a suspicion of Unlawful De∣sires, and consequently eclipses the Lustre of her Fame.

But however, let her be so Prudent in the Displays of her Civilities, and in giving signs of her Favour, as to take away even the least glympse of Dishonest Hopes.

IV.

Wherefore another Caution to be observ'd by these Objects of Courtship, is,

Not to have too great a Conceit of their Handsom∣ness.

'Tis an Infirmity to some of the Sex, to ascribe too much unto it; who, because they are Attended with Throngs of Admirers, and are honour'd with the Ceremonies of Bare-heads, and Bended-Knees, are reverenc'd with supple Coopees, and Congees, and pelted with the Addresses of Battering Epi∣stles; they think these Foppish Observances to be the Effects of their Features, and undeniable Proofs of their Charming Faces; and therefore are Am∣bitious of a whole Legion of Suiters; and by this means oftentimes take occasion to hop over, and transgress the bounds of Modesty, and degenerate into Impudence, which they Lasciviously express

in their Looks, Words and Gesture; and fancy they are observ'd, and Lov'd for their Bonny Car∣riage; But they are much deceiv'd: For if there be any Mouths that water at them, or any Bellies that wamble after them, the Inclination proceeds not so much from an honest opinion of them, or a vertuous Passion towards them, as from the Dishonest hopes of Easiness of Enjoying them.

Let not a Mistress be so Light and Vain, as to draw the eyes of all Men after her. But let her be so virtuous in her Conversation, so sweet in her Actions, that every Beholder may be her Votary; and then all Filthy Desires, and Smutty Flames will die and vanish. Whosoever is Bless'd with the Love of such a Person, let him sit down satis∣fy'd with the least hint of her Favour; and value the happiness but of one smile, above a Monopoly of all the Felicities of the whole World.

V.

But perhaps it may be said, That this Doctrine of Love is somewhat severe; in regard it pre∣scribes such Lessons of Coyness, which so confines the Speech, Looks, Gestures of Young Ladies, as that it not only takes away all Hope from their Gallants, but even drives them to the very Brink of Despair: Men desire not those things, that are

impossible to be obtain'd: And though some ••e∣males puff't up with the conceit of their imagina∣ry Beauty, in the first Encounters of Love, are Satyrical in their Expressions, yet a little Familiar Converse with the sweets of that Passion, will sof∣ten their Rigours, and dissolve their Expressions into Courteous Periods. But if Ladies be so Mo∣rose, and Gloomy, as not to clear up sometimes into a pleasant Gayety, either in Speech or Ge∣sture; they will not be ador'd by so many Vota∣ries; but will Discourage the Religion, and Cool the Fervency of their Devour Admirers.

Now in answer to this, I would not have Mi∣stresses take away all Hope: But only frustrate Dishonest Expectations; which a true Gentleman will never cherish: For if Beauty, and Modesty; Candour and Piety, and a numerous cluster of other Perfections, were the Incentives of his Pas∣sion, and the only Magnetisms that drew him af∣ter Her, then it must needs follow, that his Affe∣ctions are Vertuous. And if an honourable Ge∣nealogy, the Reputation of Valour, Learning and Civility, and a Graceful Mein in every Action attended with the Advantage of other Accom∣plishments, are the Things that purchas'd the Ladies Favour, then certainly, the end of this

Love must be of the same Nature and Complexi∣on; that is, most worthy, like the Means that first caus'd it.

VI.

Mens Humours differ according to the variety of Female Tempers: Some, when they observe a comely seriousness, either in a Ladies Motion, or Conversation, have such a veneration for her Phlegm, as that they dare not offer up an obse∣quious Amour, nor presume to discompose the Gravity of her Bum, with the Merry Touch of an extended Hop-pole; wherefore wheeling a∣bout to the Sanguine Lasses, they fall down Ado∣rers of their Inviting Briskness; whose Aiery Fro∣licks enliven'd with the Charms of winning Lan∣guage, do Tempt their Affections, and swell their Hopes, even to strong Expectations of the sweets of Fruition.

Others, to avoid the Snares of Tricks, and Fallacies, do affect those Ladies most, who in the very glance of the eye, in every word and action, are so Transparent, as that their most inward Conceptions are Plain and Legible.

Others fancy those most excellent, whom they find most difficult, and glory in the surrender of that Fort, which to others hath been Impregnable,

and love to hover in Addresses, and Flutter in Courtship about Reservedness and Austerity; Thinking it Honourable to quell a Rebellious, and melt an obdurate Soul with the Irresistable Power and Heat of Love. These Persons too much confiding in their own Wisdom, and suppo∣sing they cannot be deceiv'd, or circumvented, do oftentimes Doat on those Girles, who by their subtil Wit, conceal a thousand snares under an in∣different Aspect: Nay sometimes have a Kind∣ness, and nivel after those, who affect, as a Grace, a scornful Look, Few words, and a little Smile, and that on purpose meerly, to seem to slight an Admirer, and despise the obsequionsness of an Officious Servant.

Lastly, there are others, so Curious, who think none worthy of their Love, unless compos'd of Beauty and Eloquence; Civility and Prudence; and have in them a general Muster, or whole Randezvouz of all Perfections; unless she be the Result of all those Elegancies the Painter bor∣row'd to consummate the Pourtraicture of his most Absolute Beauty.

Though a Young Lady be not admir'd by such Gallants, as make their Addresses for some Disho∣nest Design, yet she will have Servants to celebrate her Worth, and to adore her Vertue.

The Second PART.

SECT. II. How Young Gentlemen should behave themselves in the Business of Love, so as to purchase the Favour and Affections of their Mistresses.

WHosoever undertakes the Task of Love, and is resolv'd manfully to fight un∣der Cupid's Banner, so as to return Triumphant with the spoils of Hearts and Souls of Pillag'd Virgins, must first study to please, and to frame, and accommodate himself to the Inclinations and Affections of them, and so comply with the Beck of his Mistress, as that all his Senses must be Vas∣sals Devoted to her Service; Nay, his very Soul must be her Slave and Lacquey: He must not be so constant to himself, but, if occasion shall serve, must change himself into a thousand shapes.

These are the duties and offices of Lovers; And indeed, what greater Happiness can there be, than for two Souls thus to be govern'd by one Will?

'Tis certain, Suiters adapt their studies, thoughts and endeavours to the Fancies and Humours of their Mistresses; But if their officious obsequious∣ness is not visible enough, They must make them so publick and manifest, that the Lady cannot but understand them, cannot pretend to be ignorant of them; but yet it must be done so modestly, that nothing may be diminish'd of her Esteem or Ve∣neration. My meaning is, If the Lover be so shee∣pish and Bashful, that he is asham'd to speak, yet let him not fear to write; And, if he be wise, be∣fore he transact any such thing with a Woman, let him be sure that he do not offend in it. All Women desire to be ask't and intreated, though they resolve to deny the Favour. Now in trying whether he shall have a repulse or not, let him do it either by Word or Letter so modestly and wa∣rily, and withal so doubtfully, that she may have room and scope (if she please) to pretend and dis∣semble that she understands nothing of Love in the case; and so by this means, if there be any danger, he may excuse himself, and say he did it for some other end; namely for that enjoyment of that Communion and Familiarity, which ought to be cherish't amongst Friends; But he must not affirm it so religiously, but that afterward he may deny it,

if, what he does be receiv'd a Pledg, and Testimo∣ny of his Kindness.

II.

For those that are too Rash, and Bold, at the first Adventure do usually, by their abrupt Blundering into the sacred presence of their Mistresses, make their Prayers Ineffectual, in regard their Impu∣dence very much disobliges, who pretend Love without the Ceremony and Preface of their offici∣ous Civility.

'Tis more Convenient therefore rather by Signs and Proofs, than by Words and Letters, to signifie their Passion.

One Sigh attended with respect and awful Fear, is a more certain Token of Affection, than Curio∣sity of Eloquence in a Flood of Words. Besides, the Eyes are the truest Nuncio's, which will faithfully perform an Embassy from the heart; For these will kindle a Flame in the Breast of her that is so much ador'd; For the visive rays, being darted into her eyes, never rest till they arrive to her heart, where mingling themselves with the blood and spirit, do at length infect them, which being a little warm, and assimilated to the Agent, receive the impres∣sion of the arriv'd Image: And thus whilst the sparks of Beauty through the casement of the Eys,

do mutually light upon each others hearts, the wisp of Love begins to blaze, whose Vestal Flames will never die, being nourish't by the Fewel of never-failing Hope.

So that, we safely affirm, [That the Eyes oftentimes are the Authors and Dispensers of Love] especially, if they retain a Natural, Majestick sweetness; or a pleasant Blackness; or a chearful caeruleousness; or lastly, have such piercing glances, which dive, and enter into the very Recesses of the Soul. The Eys (like expert Souldiers) lie in ambush; and if the composure of the other Parts be Uniform, and Decorous, they entice Spectators, and inveigle them at a distance; whom, as they nearer approach, they wound with their Darts, and fascinate with their Charms; and that chiefly when they mutu∣ally stare with Direct glances; For in that plea∣sant encounter (as distemper'd Opticks corrupt the sound one) they mutually partake of each others Natures.

And thus you see how by this way, a Lover may twinckle out his Inclinations and Desires, and dis∣cover the Grumblings of his Gizzard to his Dear Lady. But now, if these Betrayers of Love are not artificially manag'd, they will be apt to blabb, by an untoward Goggle, the Disorders and Per∣turbations

of an enamour'd Soul, to those from whom we would have them conceal'd; Cupid will be likely enough to peep out of these crystal win∣dows: Let a Prudent Lover therefore (as time and place shall require) tye up his Looks, and not suf∣fer them to straggle and rove unseasonably: What though a Prospect of her Beauties, be a Refresh∣ment and verdure to his Soul, and Sight, yet let him divert his Pigs-neys from the luxury of that Look, which may in the least proclaim the Hanckerings of Love.

But is it not more Prudent to do all things open∣ly, and in the eys of the World? Is it not better to Bill in open view, and to Toy it in publick, where there is witnesses of your Friskings, than to smack it in the dark, and to be jumbling in hugger-mug∣ger behind the door? For the Freeness and Pub∣lickness of these Actions, will take away the suspi∣cion of all Love, seeing 'tis not regarded whether they are seen or not; whereas a sly Colt, that loves to Lecher it in a corner, will, give occasion of Jea∣lousie. Besides, by denying nothing, but by pub∣lick professing of all, the Jolly Lover hath the Li∣berty to Bow and Complement; to meet and chatt with her without the least suspicion; where∣as these Privileges are deny'd to Privateers in Love.

It hath been observ'd, That where there hath not been glowing the least spark of Love, there hath broken out the whole Element of that Pas∣sion; which was only kindled by a bare Report. A common Bruit hath tickled so much the Fancy of some Women, that they have been smitten by Hear-say. Fame plays the part of an Amorous Courtier, whose Rhetorick is more prevalent than the melting Expressions of the most Passionate Gallant; and she hath been more prosperous in wooing, and hath kindled more Love, than their Personal Addresses; so that Rumours are so far from cooling the Fervours and Heats of Love, as that they Fan the Embers, and blow them up into a great Combustion.

IV.

But how many Gallants always keep the Love and Favour of their Mistresses? Certainly, by the same means they first obtain'd it, namely, 1. By Pleasing them. 2. By being Obsequious to them. And, 3. By offering no occasion of offence.

'Tis hard to advise in this case, in regard those that are troubled with the Simples, and are not very Judicious, do fall into a thousand Errours; which, although they seem Light, and Tri∣vial perhaps to others, yet do much exasperate

and vex the Women. Those Men are most ob∣noxious to them, who are possess'd with greater Ravings of Love, than others; who as often as they meet their Adored-She, do break out into such Extremities of Grief and Sorrow as that they are always expressing it with the odd solemnities of wringed hands, and shaken Noddles; of wreath-Chops, and Antick Grimaces; who require such strange and difficult Things, that they are render'd Contemptible, and Odious, even by their clinging Importunity.

Others, unjustly Jealous, are so severe against those they suspect, that they will not allow their Ladies so much as to speak, and look or leer upon them: By which Madness and Folly they do not only incense the Women, but make them twitter after those, whom before they minded not: That Fear that Firks, nay Torments a man's Soul, lest his Mistress should twine about the Limbs, or min∣gle with the Embraces of another Man; I say that Fear doth insinuate that his Person is more Vertu∣ous, and more Deserving, than himself is: And the more he doth Detract from another, the less he's Believ'd, by his Mistress, though he speaks Truth; Nay, she conceives a greater Opinion of his worth, and thinks within her self, that the Gen∣tleman's charms are the more Attractive

V. Let our Suiter therefore have a care that he do not be∣spatter and Disparage his Rival.

'Tis an old Proverb, If thine Enemy be in the water up to the middle, Lend him your hand to help him out; but if he stands up to the Chin, set your Foot on his Head to thrust him in. Some deal with their Rivals so; who pretend Friendship till they have an oppor∣tunity mischievously to prevent them. When they can handsomly Defeat them, then neither Calum∣nies and Reproaches are spar'd, nor Subtlety and Art are omitted, whereby they may craftily De∣ceive them. But I would not have our Gallant to deal in Stratagems, nor so degenerously to Tri∣umph over his Defeated Competitor; If he would glory in the Frustration of his Counsels, and in the overthrow of his Designs, Let him endeavour to do it, by the offices of Love, and Atchievements of Valour; by Obsequious Insinuations, and by worth and merits; by the contempt of those Fol∣lies, and Dis-ingenuous Methods, which Impru∣dent men fall into, and do frequently use.

Some do Accost, both in Discourse and Letter, in Rhetorical Flourishes; other Braggadochio's do nothing but Trumpet out their own worth,

and are always pratling their own Praises. A Third sort does blabb that inconsiderately out, which oftentimes proves Prejudicial to them, as those Ridiculous God-heads, who are always say∣ing, [I could never find a Woman yet that Lov'd me;] whereas all the World knows, that they are scarce good enough for the mannerly Dogs to hold up their Legs against, and civilly to piss upon. Many, to render their Rivals Odious, do usually draw them in such a character, viz. That Fellow is the happiest Fool in the World; For though he is not endow'd with the Charms of Beauty, nor with the Gravity of Pru∣dence, nor Resolutions of Valour, nor eurich'd or adorn'd with any other Excellency, yet all the Women in the Coun∣trey stick up their Tails and gad after him; and are at Cuff and Kick for the Enjoyment of Him. Thus whilst they spit their venom, and envy his good Fortune, and though he is in no wise taking, yet the Women suspect some hidden Vertue to ly Dormant in him.

VI.

But how may the Mysteries of Love be best conceal'd?

Answ. By avoiding all Occasions which may Discover them.

The First of which, is Affecting too great a Se∣cresie, so that Men will not Trust, confide in, or

give credit to any Body, and hereby think so close∣ly to lock up all things; wh••reas 'tis the ready way for the disclosing of them.

For seeing every Lover desires to have the in∣ward Sentiments of his Soul to be declar'd to his Mistress, he is therefore upon necessity forc'd to make broader signs, than if he had committed the Business to a Faithful Friend; and those Tokens that proceed from a Lover breed greater suspici∣ons, than those that are carry'd by a Messenger; and because 'tis natural, curiously to pry into others Business: wheresoever therefore is sprung the least Jealousie, there will not be omitted the least opportunity of Enquiry, which when once found out, you cannot imagin how pleasant 'tis to divulge and blab it. But now these Inconveni∣ences do not happen, when the Passion is commu∣nicated to a True Friend, who can counsel, and assist, and would prevent those Errours, which a Blind Lover would blunder upon, and can cover all things, and foresee Futurities, which a Doating Paramour hath no Prospect of, and can participate of his Affections either of Grief, or Pleasure.

Another Herald that proclaims Love, is Female Ambition joyn'd with Cruelty. For all Women do covet to be follow'd, and (as it were) to have

their Tayls tag'd with a long Train of Lovers; altho (like Cupid's Martyrs) they are calcin'd into Ashes by Amorous Heats, yet doth that Sex wish earnestly their Resurrection, that they might again exspire in the midst of Flames. And though Women love to have a Thump on the Breast with that Pleasant Dart, yet do they insult and Tri∣umph over the Miseries of their wretched Para∣mours; They ••either altogether revive their Drooping Souls with Dawning Hopes, nor whol∣ly Damp their Spirits with Black Despair, but hold in suspence, and poyse their Passions and Desires; which sometimes they Discourage by the invectives of a Threat, and sometimes invite with the Flatteries of a Reward, whose Behavi∣our (sinally) is so Tyrannical and severe, that one obliging Nod, and one Gracious Leer must be thought the sweetest Morsel of Happiness that was ever tasted.

There are some Women, who, if they can wheedle Men into an Opinion [That they are Be∣lov'd] will, by an unequal Division of their Fa∣vour, stir up such Emulations in the Breasts of their Servants, that they fhall to scuffling for the Title to an intire Inheritance of a Smile or Kind∣ness: When they have Lull'd them into that

Persuasion, then with their ambiguous Language do they shake their Hopes, and stagger their Be∣lief, and wound them with the Pretences of Love to others; Hence follow Quarrels, Animosities, and open Murder.

There are others that think it not sufficient to raise Tragedies among Rivals, but after the Pu∣ling Lover hath us'd all the Arguments imagin∣able of Love, Fidelity and Obsequiousness; and after he hath been encourag'd by all the signs of Mutual Kindness, I say, after all this, other are some who will accuse (without any reason) of In∣differency, and coldness in the offices of Love, will invent new Jealousies and Suspicions, and there∣upon are ready to kick them out of Doors; And then the Miserable Creature is forc'd to begin afresh with new signs, and as if now just entring upon his Slavish Servitude, he hath his daily Perambulations about the Streets; and if his Mi∣stress chance to appear in publick, he Tantonies after her, wheresoe're she Figs, and dare not shirk so much as one Glance, to bestow or throw it any otherwayes. And now Behold his Fresh Tears, and New Face; his New Religion, and New Perjuries.

Now all these Tragical Affections are as obvi∣ous

as the Sun, and are more easily Discover'd by others, than by the Authors of them; and, when once taken notice of, are always the Objects of a thousand Eyes.

But now, when Women perceive a Calamitous Lover so terrify'd by their Tyranny, as that he begins to retreat, and is almost ready to bewray his Breeches, and to give up the Ghost for Fear, then they begin to caress him with some Baits of Kindness, and endeavour to revive him with the Cordial of pretended Love, lest he should throw aside his Desires, and so they be Depliv'd of the officiousness of an obsequious Servant.

FINIS.