And now, O young husband, since you are come to the first step of the School to exercise your patience; it is not fit that you should already begin to grumble and talk how needfull it is to be sparing and thrifty; that Merchandising and trading is mighty dead; that monies is not to be got in; and that here and there reckonings and bills must be paid:  O no! you must be silent, tho you should burst with discontent.  For herewith, perhaps, the whole house would be out of order; and you might get for an answer, How! have I married then a pittifull poor Bridegroom?  This would be sad to hear.

Go therefore to School by Pythagoras to learn silence; and to look upon all things in the beginning with patience; to let your Wife do her own pleasure; and to mix hony with your words.  Then you shall possess the quintessence of this Pleasure fully, and with joyfull steps enter upon the folowing.

* * * * *

THE THIRD PLEASURE.

The young couple walk daily abroad, being entertained and treated by all their friends and acquaintance; and then travell into the Country for their pleasure.

If it be true that there is a Mountain of Mirth and pleasure for young married people to ascend unto, these are certainly the finest and smoothest conductors to it; that, because it was impossible to invite every one to the Wedding, this sweet Venus must be led abroad, and shewed to all her husbands friends & acquaintance:  yea, all the World must see what a pretty couple they are, and how handsomly they agree together.  To which end they trick and prick themselves daily up in their best apparel; garnishing both the whole city and streets with tatling and pratling; & staring into the houses of all their acquaintance to see whether they are looked at.

[Illustration:  Folio 52. Published by The Navarre Society, London.]

Do but see what a mighty and surpassing mirth! for they hardly can go ten or twelve furlongs but they constantly meet and are saluted by some of their acquaintance, wishing them all health, happiness and prosperity; or by others invited to come in, and are treated according as occasion presents, wishing them also much joy in their married estate; Yea the great Bowl is rins’d, and about goes a brimmer to the good prosperity of the young couple.  Well, thinks the young woman, what a vast difference there is between being a married woman & a maid!  How every one receives & treats you!  What respect and honour every one shews you!  How you go daily in all your gallantry taking pleasure!  And how every where you are fawn’d upon, imbrac’d and kist, receiving all manner of friendship!  It is no wonder that all womankind are so desirous of marriage, and no sooner lose their first husbands, but they think immediately how to get a second?  Oh, saith she, what a fulness of joy there is in the married estate, by Virginity!  I resolve therefore to think also upon my Bridemaids, and to recommend them where ever there is occasion.