I have at this time found one to my mind.  And went forward with his chat in these sort of terms.  But the Maid denied him, saying, that she had no mind at-all to a Souldier, because it was one of the poorest and miserablest sort of levelihoods; their pay being but very little, and they were seldom advanced, &c.  He on the other side commending & approving a Souldiers life to be the merriest, resolutest, & absolute easiest of any that was under the Sun; because that neither hungrie care, nor finical pride did any waies take place by them, but that they, on the contrary, were alwaies merry, never admitting sorrow into their thoughts.  ’Tis true, said he, our pay is but small; but then again, all what the Country people have, is our own; for what we want our selves, we get from them:  we never take care for to morrow, having alwaies something fresh, & every day new mirth.  Riches, Sweetheart, doth not consist in multiplicity of Goods, but in content; & there’s no one better satisfied than a Souldier, therefore you shall alwaies see an honest Souldier look plump and fat, just as I do:  but Drunkards and Whore-masters fall away miserably, &c.

In short, the Maid begun a little to listen to him (and so much the more, because that very morning she had a falling out with her Mistris) and told him, she would take it into consideration.  He answered her again, what a fidle stick, why should we spend time in thinking? we are equally matcht:  a Souldier never thinks long upon any thing, but takes hold of all present opportunities, and it generally falls out well with him.  But she drawing back a little, he saith, ah my dearest, you must take a quick resolution.  Behold there, yonder comes a Cloud driving towards the Moon:  I’l give you so much time, till that be past by; therefore be pleased to resolve quick, for otherwise I must go & seek my fortune by another.  For a Soldier neither woos nor threatens long.

Upon this she considered a little, but before the Cloud was past by the Moon, she gave him her consent; and he gave her his Tobacco-box for a pledge of marriage; and desired something of her in like manner for a pledge; but she said she had nothing:  howsoever he persisted so strongly, that in conclusion she gave him her Garter for a pledge of marriage.  He was contented with it, and taking his leave, went unto his Comrades; and told them what had hapned to him, shewing them the Garter.  Whereupon he that had laid the wager with him, askt, who it was, what her name was, and where she dwelt, &c.  And being told by another, that it was a handsom, neat, and very well complexion’d Maid, By my troth, said he, I wish I were to give four Cans of Wine that I could light upon such another.  Well, see there, saith the first, if you will give four Cans of Wine, I will both give you the Garter & the Maid too into the bargain:  It was done but by Moonlight; so that she’l hardly know whether it be me or another.

Hereupon the agreement was concluded, the two first Cans of Wine were spent, and the Garter was delivered to him, and every one charged to keep it secret.