And because Peggy & her Mistris, do in this manner, as it were, like a Jack in a box, jump into each others humour, the good woman may take her rest the better; for she hath caretakers enough about the house.  And if the husband, coming from the Change or other important affair, seems to be any waies discontented, that all things lies stragling about the house, & are not set in order, presently crafty Peggy finds a fit expedient for it with complaining that her Mistris hath had such an insufferable pain in her head and in her belly, that it was beyond imagination; & also she could get no ease for her, unless she had prepared her some butter’d Ale, and a little mul’d Sack; and this is the reason why all things were not so ready as they ought to have been.

Herewith the good mans mouth is stopt.  If he begins afterwards to speak with his wife concerning th’unnecessary Chair-women; his answer is, prithee Sweetheart, don’t you trouble your self with those things, leave that to me, I’l manage that to the best advantage; men have no understanding about house-keeping; & it is most proper for a woman to have the governance of her Maids.  And also Sweetheart, if there be now and then occasion for a semstress or a Chair-woman, they are things of so small importance, that they are not worth the speaking of.

Now, if he will have peace and quietness at home, this reply must give him full satisfaction; and tho he be never so patient, viewing all things at a distance; yet the maids behind his back, that their Mistris may more then overhear it, dare call him, a Tom Peep in the pot, or Goodman busiebody.  And before dinner is fully done, he must hear Peg asking her Mistris; Mistris, wont you please forsooth, to go by and by and give Mistris Moody a visit, or discourse a little with Madam Elenor?  As long as you have nothing to do, what need you ty your self to any thing?  Pray tell her that story that the North Country Gentleman related, which you laught at yesterday so heartily.  Madam Elenor will admire at it.  And I’m sure she hath something that she will relate unto you.  Herewith the good Mistris begins to get a drift, and away she goes with Peg out of dores.  Let it go then as it will with the house keeping.

This is also no small pleasure, when the Mistris and the Maid alwaies agree so lovingly together! then the husband need not go any more out of Town to please his wives fancy; for she can now find pleasure enough by her old acquaintance sweet Mistris Moody, and courteous Madam Elenor.

Do but see now, O Lovers, what multiplicity of roses, and thistles there are in the very Porch of the Wilderness of Marriage; you may think then what the middle and end must be.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  Folio 54. Published by the Navarre Society, London.]

THE FOURTH PLEASURE.