1. A Tender of Service to the Kings most excellent Majesty.

I Am not ignorant of the great presumption, where­with at this time I give a trouble to your Majesty; Nor can my deserts give me any hopes that the least [...]eam of your love should shine on any thing that in [...]e can be thought a merrit, since I have learned, you [...]ay command in all things, and it is contrary to the [...]uty I owe to your excellent Majesty to disobey in any. [...]ut that your Majesty may know, you have a Subject [...]hat durst be Loyal even in disloyal times, I have now [...]ttempted to arrive at the height of my felicities, [Page 26] which is not onely to be honest, but to be known to be

2. A Tender of service to the Queens most excellent Majesty.

THough I am a stranger to your Majesty, yet since I bear the glorious title of a Loyal Subject, I have hence assurance that your Majesty will vouchsafe to give this boldness a favourable aspect, for indeed I should doubt my own fidelity to my Royal Soveraign, should not your Majesty countenance my duty with an acceptance of my service; let me now onely beg the trouble of a pardon, and I shall for ever study as in du­ty bound, to manifest my self

3. Respects from an Honorable Lady, to the Queen.

IF my passion had not over-ruled my reason, I would certainly have kept my Letters from becoming so mean an object for your sacred eyes, till some com­mandment of your own had put them upon occasion to give them attendance, but the care I have to pre­serve my self in the Honor of your memory, and fa­vour, will not suffer me to continue any longer silent; I therefore most humbly pray your Majesty, to con­tinue your self in assurance even from hence▪ that my devotions are ever aspiring to your Service; which yet I should half suspect to be less perfect, if my incli­nations might not own as great a part of that ambi­tion, as my obligations, but the one accompanying the other, will establish me for ever, in an unchangeabl [...] resolution of being,

4. A person of Quality to a worthy Lady, the one a Pro­testant, the other a Roman Catholick.

THough a sinner of one Religion, I am come to pay my vows to a Saint of another, for I approach to your presence with as profound a reverence as I am ca­pable of bearing to a creature, when your Ladiship is pleased to pardon the presumption of your servants, you excel in goodness; but when withall you descend so low as to admit of their poor desires, for real ser­vices, you exceed your self; I have but little to say, but my h [...]art would easily tell me of enough to do, if my power to serve you were correspondent to my will, yet howsoever I shall be daily praying that you may be as happy as the world knows you to be worthy; and especially that the expenc [...] of so ignorant a life as mine, may one day serve for some straw or stick, to­wards the erecting of that great building; Till then I am prostrate at your feet, and with a fervent zeal shall continue,

5. One Lady to another, with Complements of ex­tream kindness.

WHen neither the place nor the person can make a worthy oblation, that devotion were better mannered which should sacrifice to your memory up­on the Altar of Silence; But yet so much desire I to live in yours, as that I rather choose to appear in this kinde to your trouble, than to suffer any thing like for­getfulness, to seem to entomb those affections of mine to your service; which want not Life, howsoever they are deprived of Lustre, wherewith to crown the [Page 28] estimation which your worth hath begotten in my soul, and will certainly inhabit there, while there is any sence in

6. A Letter of kindness from one friend to another.

YOu may imagine I dream or dote, otherwise I should not speak thus loud, nor thus far off, nor make so long a reach to you still, by the arms of my ill written lines; But I thought once you were near hand, and coming to visit me, when soon after I un­derstood you design'd your self for other ends, which yet put me into such a Valiant choller, as some of them know who were nearest to me, and must bear with my humours; lest I should want them I might be angry with my self; for I can do nothing but in ear­nest, though that earnest, proves commonly as true a nothing, as if I were in jest; pray let me have an ac­count of your health, and of those affairs wherein you may guess my love may say I am concerned, for be assured you shall never be owner of any care, whereof I will not have a part, either by taking; if you will give it; or else by stealing it, if you will not give it, but will needs be the first to offend justice so far, as to hide it from

7. From one Friend to another.

THe express of your goodness hath raised me to a degree of happiness, beyond even mine own power of wishing, and after such heighth of good fortune, this only regret can take hold of me, that you did impose something upon me as disagreeable, as [Page 29] [...]his was complying with the very utmost of my am­bitious desires, that so I might thereby have had the sa­ [...]isfaction of giving you an experience, that I shall ever have an infinite joy in performing any Action, which by the difficulty thereof, may the better serve to express my obedience to your commands, as become [...], Sir,

8. A Lady to a Gentleman, concerning his sick M [...]striss.

I Was too sensible of those troubles which I left with you, not to enquire whether you are eased of part of them, or not; And therefore I beseech you, send me word how the Noble sick Lady doth, whose health I infinitely wish; both for your sake and mine own: Besides that, even the world is concerned, that so excellent a creature, who is so hardly found, may not be so quickly lost. Favor me in this particular, and the Kindness shall make me, Sir,

9. The Gentlemans Answer, to a Lady concerning his sick Mistriss.

I Am infinitely engaged to you for the sence you have of my troubles, and the love you bear to the Life of my Life; she is yet extream ill, and yet so good, that I fear Heaven will deprive us of her Ver­tuous Society. I am so highly sensible of not onely yours and my own, but of the concerns of all that know her, that if there be not health enough in the world for us all, may heaven give her a liberal por­tion of it, though it be abated out of mine; so much I owe to her vertues, and not a little to your self, for your care of her, and Madam,

10. The Lovers first Address to his Lady.

I Am indebted to my Friends for the knowledge of your Vertues, and to your self for the Acknow­ledgements you are pleased to exercise in your remem­brance of me; a person who hath nothing to make him considerable, but what your favourable Opinion thinks fit to allow. And the custom whereby I am made over to misfortune, forbids me the hopes of conceiving that ever I can be so happy as to be admitted into the number of your Servants; which is infinitely desired by, Dear Madam,

11. The Lovers Complemental Letter to his Mistriss.

I Was happy in receiving a Command from you, and shall be proud in my performance, since it is the glory of Kings and Princes to be concerned in your S [...]rvice; Let but one accent fall from your divine lips, and the very windes are ready to convey it, the me­lody of your warbling Voice can charm the Syren to a silence, and compel the Crocodile to spare his dissem­bling sorrows. Dear Madam, the sight of your beauty is sufficient to create fresh blood in withered reins of age, and give a new life to expiring mortals: If you are sad, Angels themselves are so. Pardon my pro­lixity, Divine Lady, I am in a Labyrinth greater than the Cave that enclosed the Cretan Minotaure; 'Tis easier to eat fire and not be burnt, or to cut Diamonds with Glass, than to speak your real Praise; O then how happy am I in your love! That love that gives Speech to a dumb man, that love that makes Ideots turn Orators, and inspires the Age with such admira­ble Fancies, that all people become Poets, onely out of a duty to your Deserts, that they celebrate your [Page 31] Praises, which is a Task too great for them, as it is for, Excellent Lady,

12. The Ladies Return to her servants Lines.

WHen I think of you, I am in a maze, insomuch that I suppose you to be every thing that is good; Majesty is placed on your brow, your Tongue for its eloquence may be Musick for the Gods, your looks are so pleasant and so airy, that Cupid appears there in in his best grace; and when you walk, the earth doth humbly seem to shrink, as being sensible of the weight it bears. But hold, my passion runs beyond the bounds of modesty, Discretion now perswades to give the preheminence to Pallas, not to Cupid, you were pleased to try a Conclusion on my feminine Capacity, and you may believe (upon necessity) I can reverberate accordingly. But, Dear Sir, though I must acknow­ledge my affection is of a large extent, yet (since I have conversed with the Poets) I cannot but admire at the prodigiousness of your Sex in former times; should I believe all to be gold that glisters, I might see my error as well as others have done before; however Sir, I dare not apprehend you to be otherwise than Noble, a little more experience may wipe off all my woma­nish suspicion, for such is my high esteem of your worth already, that I want but little of saying how much I am

13. A Ladies fore-warning her Friend of another Ladies Society.

PErhaps you may pretend that this procedure of your [...] is onely to awaken me, for the better tryal of my faith and constancy; but believe me, it is not [Page 32] safe to jest with edged tools, or to play with fire; Nor is it any ways commendable in you, to associate your self with the wanton Lady, I need not name her, since you know to whom that Epithete belongs. 'Tis true, she is reported to be handsom, there is then the more danger, and wiser men than you have been en­snared with the bewitched Allurements of a strange woman: To be merry with a Lady, or to converse and walk, and use language tending to Courtship, with a Lass that delights to hear her self commen­ded, is freequent with men, and may be born with, when managed with discretion, but to stake your reputation upon so slender an account as to offer Courtship to that same piece of Vanity, argues much fondness, little wit, and less constancy: Let me there­fore earnestly desire you, for the sake of your own fair credit, to forbear these extravagancies, that you may rid me of that suspition which as yet lies heavy upon my heart, I shall then retain the same opinion of you which I have hitherto had, that you are a man master of your self, and too true a Lover to admit of any o­ther sharers in your affections but my self, since our late Contract, and the Truth of a Gentleman, have laid such a lawful Injunction upon you. Pray, if you are minded to cure my distracted thoughts, use some sudden means, lest my distemper grow too violent for a remedy, till then I shall (not rest but) remain

14. Our Ladies Advice to another, near Marriage.

IT is an unruly Age we live in, and my love hath oc­casion [...]d this trouble to you: I understand there is a Gentleman Mr. A.B. is extreamly prodigal of his pre­tences to you, in the way of Love and Marriage: my Caution is onely this, that you have an eye to your [Page 33] own welfare, build not upon empty promises, for if you once suffer him to please his humour before he is firmly yours, you will certainly forfeit your own Ho­nor. Consider, as he is above you in purse, and the portions of this life, (Beauty onely excepted, for of that Nature hath given you a bountiful proportion) whether his intentions are real or feigned, make him your own, and then if you fall in two, (you may un­derstand the phrase, by observing the occasion) he will be bound by the Laws of God and Nature, to bear a part with you in whatsoever happens. The truth is, I had not taken upon me to give you this admoni­tion, did not report speak loudly of his passion for you, and of his conditional promises to be yours here­after, if you consent to be his first: Such a love hath subtile limits, and more Meanders than a harmless maid can easily discover. It is reported too, that you in­cline somewhat to believe him, and are apt to think he means nothing but what is honorable, yet know this from one more experienced in things of this na­ture than you are, that if he should perform his Vows to you after he hath feasted his appetite, yet such a Breach in your reputation, will continually admit of strange sallies, checks, and opprobrious tearms, as Strumper, Slut, Light House-wife, &c. and what did you afford me, that another man might not have had? and when the glass is once broken, it is not easily ce­mented: Dear Soul, keep heaven about you, and let good thoughts guard your innocency, so shall your Honor be unspotted, and your life happy; which is the earnest desire of

15. A Lover to his false Mistriss.

HAth modesty now forsook thee, that thou durst abuse that affection, that adored thee? did I [Page 34] manifest my self a dotard to gain thy love, and having had a multitude of promises from thee, of constancy and firm affection, darest thee now to admit of an­others flame? Now thou seemest more deformed than ever I thought thee fair, so ugly a Monster is Ingra­titude. By this I do perceive thou didst enjoyn me to smother our affections, onely that thy new servant might not have any occasion to be jealous; I will hate thee for thine own sake, and him, for robbing me, al­though but a trifle; And that my revenge may soar high enough to reach thy Perjury, I will begin with him, and then proclaim thy l [...]nity, and how thou hast disserted me, after a long League of Friendship, after thou hadst past thy Vows to be none but mine, and hast admitted a stranger to thy bosome: Was it for this that I delighted daily to be praising thee? How did I spend my time in making Encomiums upon thy Beauty, Vertues, and thy Person that I once so much admired? I will now study to contradict my own fond▪ opinion, and so decipher thee, that thou shalt seem as odious to the world, as thou dost to me, else let Fate do so, and more to

16. On sending a Book.

THat you may perceive I do not forget you, let this poor Present inform you; it is the Famous Ro­mance, Entituled, Pharamond, and written by the Au­thor of Cassandra and Cleopatra were it not a Piece of great worth, I should not have thought it fit for your perusal; However were it otherwise, I dare assure my self it would not be unwelcome, since to question that, were to doubt of your good will to

17. A Lady to her discourteous Lover.

THere was a time, and that within your own me­mory, that you were pleased to flatter me with the glorious Titles of Divine Mistress, Most Accompli­shed Lady, and what not? Yet to manifest the frailty of all these Expressions, and how little you meant what you so often reiterated, you were lately pleased to give me a flat denial to my poor request. Certainly Sir, I should have been commanded by you in con­cerns of higher moment, and not onely so, but that your slighting of me may be more apparent, you have not bestowed your Visits as you use to do: If I have given you any occasion thus to estrange your self, I should not think you so blame-worthy as at present I take you to be; But that you may see I am not quite void neither of good nature, nor affection, I must needs confess I do somewhat doubt my own deserts, as well as your dis­position, and am resolved to continue, till you shall to­tally renounce me,

18. A Brother, on the occasion of his Brothers not writing.

THough your occasion enforce you to turn Te­nant to your own time, yet I had thoughts that such a trifle as my self, might be admitted into your memory, at some interval or other. It is now four or five Letters you are indebted to me for, however I confess my self so much engaged to you on other ac­count, that I fear you would think you [...] too great a looser, should we but qui [...] score [...] Dear Brother, cast an eye upon your Books, [...] perhaps I ap­pear amongst your Debtors, you will make more of me than a blank, or cypher; which that you may [Page 36] do, I will still bear the badge of your obligations, and when I appear false, let me be cast aside as none of your Coyn, but as a Counterfeit▪ in the mean time, Sir, call me what you please, so you pardon the Errors of this trouble, which I concluded might be more fitly of­fered, than my acknowledgements should be concealed; but I shall sin no further against your patience, onely believe me to be, as formerly,

19. A Gentlemen to a Lady, in his Friends behalf.

THrough an ardent desire to become your debtor, I have attempted to crave a favor of you in be­half of a Friend, whose deserts when once known, will speak both his thanks and commendations; I am ad­vertised by him that there is a Lady, to whose young Beauty you have no small relation, and he having a passion for her, knows not how to gain the favorable opportunity to kiss her hands; 'Tis therefore my re­quest, that you remember me when you see him, and if you can further his resolutions, be assured the ac­knowledgement shall be great, as your civility, and with all observance paid by, Madam,

20. Another to the same purpose.

PArdon me if I tell you, you cannot be just, if you spare your civilities to me, since my affection is such to your service, that I shall ever esteem it the glory of my life, to be employed by your commands; since therefore necessity doth compel you, receive this Gentleman as my Friend, that I may honor your merits, and endeavor to get some for my self, that I [Page 37] may be the more capable of performing those duties which shall become due from, Madam,

21. A Letter of Complements from one Friend to another.

YOu have so well studied the Art how to oblige, and withal how to express your favors, that for my part I am ignorant how to proclaim either my thanks or services without a blush, for putting so harm­less a creature in so ill a habit; Nor indeed shall I ever be able to satisfie my self therein, unless I could tell, with a safe conscience, how to play the thief, and steal your words and actions from your self. Let me now onely adventure to tell you, that it is a kinde of tyranny in you, to make me so much your servant by force, who was walking so fast that way, upon the feet of mine own free will. We have here nothing not [...] wor­thy, but that we all live so fairly in friendship, as if fa­ction were a stranger to our train; As for my self, if I were any thing, the love I bear you would multiply it, and the favors which I receive by you, would dignifie it; And howsoever, the honor of your Commands, if I may hope for them, will give me such a being, as with­out immodesty I will boast of to the universe; Nor shall any soul be found more faithful to any ones com­mands, than mine to

22. An Answer to the former Letter.

I Have been in your debt too long for your last Let­ter, the words whereof were delivered by your own choice hands, as so many fair pictures drawn by an experienced Artist, onely let me tell you, I can discover a little daubing here and there, but as you are [Page 38] my friend, I dare not doubt your ingenuity. Indeed I do not think it possible for entire affection to be more generously express'd, I can but return thanks to you, or rather indeed such an answer, as may better consist of thoughts than words. I must crave your pardon, now I am compel'd to let you know I have scarce time enough allowed me to say how much I am, Sir,

23. The lover to his deliberating Mistriss.

WHy should strange fancies, and indigested hu­niours create a breach in that affection which hath been so often, and so firmly knit between you and I? If I have offered any occasion for your dislike, let me be unpardonable; but if you will give me slights and neglects for my real love, it is you must be unjust: for shame let not any dispute be raised now, just now that we are travelling in the way to our felicity. From whence come these suggestions of yours, that things will look hereafter with a worser face, and that you fear your condition will have an ill change? Do you hold intelligence with heaven? Or can you divine, or dive into the hidden mysteries, or secret cabinet of a Deity? Pray recollect your thoughts, and remember what affectionate promises, nay firm protestations, did not long since pass between us, then, when we called the little Birds, and the listning silent Streams to be witnesses to our Oaths: Remember those silver drops which I so often courted to catch as they then glided from your eyes; if all this shall seem as musick too harsh for your ears, I must take the liberty to exclaim: But I dare not show so much [...]igour towards you, you whom I so much love and honor, I will rather accuse my own merits, or my [...]ortune, since my onely happi­ness is taking wing, and the Life of my Life thinks me [Page 39] unworthy to be beloved; However, my resolution is fixed, do you study to be unkinde, my heart shall ne­vertheless continue either

24. Civil Complements from one Friend to another.

TO be Civil is to be Noble, and both these Quali­ties excel in you, it is therefore needless for me to give you thanks, or acknowledgements for your favors to me, since your generosity will never make me a deb­tor, for what you paid to your own inclination and vertue: I received your Letter in such a time of soli­tude, that my heart bade it most freely welcome; for your lines did not onely pleasure me, but engage me, insomuch that I am hugely desirous to have more such Visitants, after they have taken leave of onely your hand; for by those marks I shall be able to give a shrewd guess at your condition, whether in health or not: Since then it will be such a satisfaction to me to hear from you, I beg of you to engage me once more, that I may use my endeavors to contribute somewhat to your content, for it is the chiefest aspiring hopes of, Sir,

25. A Gentlemen to his Lady, whom he fears would make a New Choice.

WHat Melody can be sweeter Musick, than the simpathizing of our Loves, I am not able to divine, and am apt to believe the point may puzzle your wit, although it be a pregnant one. Then since (at least) I esteem my self in Paradise whilest I am in your favour, wherefore, Oh wherefore doth report whisper to me, that you (whom I ever took to be firm as truth) should now begin to waver in your thoughts to me? Dear Heart, let me not be forgotten in a mo­ment, [Page 40] let not me whom your Beauty and your Vertues have ravished with admiration, become so vainly ex­pensive of my time, as to loose that Jewel, dear to me as my life. I will not, nor dare I believe you can be so unkinde, but shall hereafter tell the erring world you are all goodness, and that there are those Ladies even in this our age, that will not forget their Vows, and know how to be constant in the best, or worst of times, as well as, Most worthy Lady,

26. A rich old Gentleman, to a fair young Virgin.

LEt not my years be an obstacle to your love, since I have those gifts of fortune, that will not onely maintain our affections, and keep the fire of love in a continual flame, but will also afford you all those Or­naments which Art hath designed for the adorning such tender and beautiful Buds of Nature: Besides, though I come not to you with a powdred Lock, or in the mode of a young Gallant, yet know my Girl, my zeal for you can be as hot, and as sincere, as the sprucest Pretenders in the world: and if age doth make me seem in your apprehension, as a withering tree, yet I have Gold will keep its colour, and it is that which in this world is ones best friend. Pray have me in your thoughts, and I shall watch for an opportune season, wherein I may make my self farther known to be, Fairest Lady,

The Answer. 27. A beautiful young Virgin, to a decrepit, rich, old Gentleman.

YOu are too far distant from me in years, to be ad­mitted into my affections, since you are arrived [Page 41] to the pitch of Dotage, and I yet ignorant of what is Love; However, I must do you so much justice as to commend your discretion, for fishing with a Golden Bait; for believe me, next to Beauty, I cannot imagine any thing to be more taking among mortals, than the glorious name of Wealth: I could be content to keep my Coaches, my Pages, Lackeys, and Maids, but I confess I could never endure the society of a bald pate; How can you think, Reverend Sir, that I should love you, when by the temptations which you offer, you clearly manifest your opinion, that if I should marry, it must be to your Gold, rather than to you: I con­fess a Silver Myne is a pretty toy for a thing of my years to dote on, but I have a childish humour pecu­liar to my self▪ that is, never to humble my affections so, as that they suffer Treasure, as a Load-stone, to draw them to its beck. 'Tis true, wealth will be well­come to me, to maintain my Train, but the Person of that more lovely creature, Man, will ever be more welcome to a Maids Embraces. Can you think me so weak, as to exchange the Flower of my Youth, for a bundle of Snow, or rotten Dirt? No Sir, Gold with a man is good, admirably good, but it is Man that in the School of Love, passes for the principal Verb; for my own part, rather than joyn my self to a meer wedge of Gold, I shall choose to accept of a bundle of Rags, so they have any affinity to a Man.

By this time, good old man, you know my minde; be wise, and wed your self to heaven, and I shall thank you, if in your death, you remember to bequeathe your Gold to

28. A Letter of Courtesie from Friend to Friend.

I Have no kindness for this Letter, for I heartily wish it lost, that you may finde me before it perform the service it was sent for: But you may perceive by its contents (for they are short) that I hope it will not be long ere you make me happy in your company. I am the more easily perswaded it will be suddenly, since I am informed you are about the Equinoctial of your return to Town, and my earnest desire to see you, may convince you that I hold you to be as it were a Sun in my Hemisphere. My occasions compel me to forsake my usual road of being tedious, and must con­clude with that real truth of being, Sir,

29. One Gentlewoman to another in behalf of a Friend.

ERe I had so much good fortune, as to thank you for your former kindnesses, I am opportuned by an honest friend to recommend him to your favor; He hath an humble suit to you, and as he assures me, a very just one, and hath omitted other opportunities, onely that it might pass your hands. Sir, if you have any good will left for me, pray bestow part of it on him, and let the rest plead my excuse for this fresh presump­tion, which if you please to interpret as a desire I have to serve you, you will judge aright of

30. The forsaken Maid, to her treacherous Friend.

IT is my exceeding wonder that you should be one, to make up the number of those that dare to be wicked; Now do I see my folly, when I hugg'd you in my bosom, and believed those Oaths and Protesta­tions, [Page 43] which you have most villanously broke: Now can I call to minde the advice my experienced friends gave me, never to trust to the pretensious of your Sex; Oh! can you see me on my knees, with wet and swoln eyes, and yet not learn to love me, nor hate your self! Or have you no regard to that innocent lamb, as yet but in my womb, which though of a small Volumn, yet it is but your self in a lesser Frame: if you believe, or but think it is not yours, let me be ript up, and then you will perceive each member to bear the true image of your own, and your name is likewise near it, for since you told me it should be called, I wrote it in my very heart. I have nothing more to say, but one­ly to desire you to be so true to your self and me, as to remember and perform your Vow; if not, be so mer­ciful as to rid me of a loathsom life, for if you do nei­ther, my disgrace will be publick, and rather than live your Strumpet, I should esteem it a greater happi­ness (since my misfortunes have brought me to the mi­sery) to die

31. The Lady to her importunate Lover.

SInce you are resolved to be troublesom, I shall likewise resolve to be impatient; let me not be any more perplexed with your impertinent pretences, or assure your self, if my advice be flighted; and you con­tinue as vain as formerly, I have so much interest in those that have worth and honor, as to engage them to correct your insolency, and that not with Fist or Cane, but Weapons less vulgar, and more dangerous, therefore be advised before it be too late, since I am designed for another, and not likely however to be

The Answer. 32. The Lover to his Threatning Lady.

CAn you think I can live, and want your love? Or can you imagine I can fear Death it self, when I am inspired by the thoughts of you? I will not be so uncivil as to tax you with cruelty, or say your heart is made of Adamant, but be assured who ever dares be so vainly proud as to assault me, I have a Sword sharp as his, and a Pistol that barks as loud as his; but if I chance to fall in so fair a Quarrel, my Soul is so entirely fixt to your vertues, that if any chance afterward to in­jure you, or defile your honor, it will appear in your defence, for I have made it my resolution to be, Dear Madam,

33. A Letter of Enquiry, from friend to friend.

I Am designed now to be troubl [...]som to you, but it is onely that I may be satisfied in two points, first I am to tell you, I live as a thing without rest or pati­ence, and shall continue so, till I hear how you esca­ped in the late accident; for I hold my self concerned in all your dangers, and shall readily enlarge mine, so I may contract yours. But if I may suppose (as well as hope) that you are safe, the next happiness that my ambition aims at, is your society; which if I can ob­tain, I may perhaps recover my understanding, and shall thereby be the more enabled to render all acknow­ledgements due from

34. Comfortable Advice to a Friend on the death of a Son, or other near Relation.

I Am hugely sensible of your great loss, and as great grief, and that is it that hath given wing to my [Page 45] affections, thus to advise you, as you are a Christian, not to afflict your self too much, since it was the plea­sure of Almighty God to summon his servant to him­s [...]lf, cast your self into the arms of his Mercy, and he will certainly give you a full measure of Comfort; for it is that is the Fountain of Consolation, nor doth any thing in this poor world happen by chance, but accord­ing to his divine Pleasure and Counsel, sin onely excep­ted; nor is any thing accidental to him, though they seem so to us, for his wisdom hath ordained all things from all eternity: And if a little Sparrow, or a hair of our Head have a share in his Providence, consider then, how such an infinite Power, which is vested with such an infinite wisdom and goodness, can possibly let any thing arrive to any such creature, as for whom he died, which shall not be absolutely good and necessary for him. For Jesus sake, Sir, be your self, or rather petition to him, that in this urgent occasion you may be more than so: God make, and keep you ever hap­py, or make you less miserable than I fear you are now making your self. This is, and shall be the desires and prayer of, Sir,

35. A Tender of Service to a Mistriss.

YOu are the first to whom I ever became bound in the bonds of Love, and hold it as well my du­ty as my interest, no longer to conceal how much I honor and admire you. I had thoughts, Madam, di­vers times to acquaint you herewith before, since it hath been my great happiness to be admitted into your fair presence, but durst not take the confidence till now; if my affections have been too powerful for my discretion, and so compelled me to commit an er­ror, [Page 46] I doubt not your goodness will excuse it, since it was purely out of a sincere zeal to do you service; nor could I dissemble my ambition any longer. Let it suf­fice, Dear Lady, that I am now a prisoner to your Beauty, and from the Bar of Love do make it my suit, that you please to honor me with a favorable answer to these Lines, that you may enable me to make a happy Reply, or otherwise such a one as may be too late esteemed unhappy, as bearing the doleful tidings of his fate, that vows to be

The Answer. 36. A disdainful Lady to her Servant.

I Received your amorous Epistle, and cannot, as I am a Woman, and a Christian, but have so much charity as to pity, though I cannot love you, since it is a duty I confess I conceive to be due to all persons either Sick or Lunatick: but I confess my nature is of another constitution, for you are the first, to my re­membrance, that I ever hated, which now at length I thought good to let you know, because indeed I do not apprehend how you deserve my dissimulation; Let it suffice, I shall study to revenge this insolency, but yet so, as not to honor you with the knowledge of how, or wherein: And as for the felicity which you think you have, in being able to make a Reply, either happy or unhappy, you may choose whether it shall be made, or not: but if it comes to my hands, it shall then be at my choice, whether to be burned, or read, for the sake of a little laughter. But my advice is, that you spare the pains, for it will be but lost labor upon

37. A sick Lady to a Gentleman.

THough I want strength to express my self so amply as I would, yet this may serve to let you [...]ee I do not forget you, though I am indisposed to [...]hink of any: but there is no thanks due from you for this civility, since I do it for my own advantage, for I always finde such a satisfaction in all the respects which I pay you, as that I expect, if not an amend­ment, yet a contentment at the least from the honor which I give my self of saying with abundance of truth, that I am

The Answer. 38. A Gentleman to a sick Lady.

IF I were able to express the Joy which I received from your late Letter, I am confident you would not be ill pleased with mine; yet though the Letter was most freely welcome, as being your Ambassador, I confess when its Errand was delivered, whereby I understood the condition you were in, I could not forbear some passionate incivilities to the poor Paper, but I do not despair of obtaining your pardon for it; for, you ever profess to love kindness, and I am very believing, that you cannot finde more in the heart of any creature than mine. That I may conclude, you may in time be brought to think so, be pleased to follow my Advice; be extream careful to preserve your self this Winter, for the season will not easily assist you towards a speedy Recovery▪ but I hope the prayers of all your friends will, and I want not the consolation of believing that some use may be made of his, who is Madam,

39. The Lover to his unbelieving Mistress.

IT is my unhappiness to love, and not to be belie­ved, what assurance shall I render to satisfie your credulity, if death or danger may convince you, but your commands, and then let your experience be the Judge. Is there that wretch that hath offended you, name him, and make me your scourge, or shall I combat with some furious Lion, or try my strength against an angry Bear? These, or what may seem more dreadful shall be eagerly performed, since for­tune must needs favour those whom your love in­spires; let me but once obtain that, and I shall fear nothing but a surfeit of Joy and Happiness, as being mortal, yet Bright Goddess,

The Answer. 40. The Lady to her Lover.

I Received your late Epistle, which was not with me before I wished it; but give me leave to tell you, I do observe your affection to be but luke­warm▪ for (though I do not delight in great Titles, yet) I know it hath been usual, and is still, for Lo­vers when they have an occasion to express their zeal for a Lady, to give all their adornment [...] that the Art of Words or Memory can adde to a deserving Beauty. This I say onely to inform you, that I can notifie your neglect in this par­ticular, But I will conclude it was either your bash­fulness, or else your subtelty to try my simplicity and love; But for the future pray remove all doubts and assume no more a Counterfeit for liberty of try­ing my patience, when you know I would pull out my own heart did it entertain a thought of alterati­on; fear not me, but do you your self remember [Page 49] those protestations you have so solemnly and devoutly made, and thereby enflamed my affection. Let Ver­tue and constant Love be still your inseparable Com­panions, so may you conclude, I shall esteem you my treasure, and will be no less

41. The Lover to his Mistress, having gained her affection.

BEing overjoyed for the great treasure I am lately blessed with, I could not contain my self till I had wrote to thee, to assure thee once more of the great felicity I enjoy since the happy Contract be­tween thy dear self, and me; I never was really hap­py till now, I had before but a meer glance of Pa­radise, but now an absolute possession; now all my joyes are become acquainted with my sense, before I was onely made up of Fancies and Airy imaginations; I had then but a glimps of those fair flowers, the Roses and Lillies of thy cheeks, but am now happily arrived to the unimaginable pleasure of gathering. My senses are much too narrow to entertain their bounteous flowings, they have fed even to a surfeit, and I have nothing more to fear, than my happi­ness, lest excess swell me till I burst: Then will Cupid be more cruel than before, since when I was out sick of love, and dangers were not so great as [...]ow; But why do I talk of danger? I will fear no­ [...]hing whilst I have thy love to guard me, for by the [...]orce of that, I dare promise my self not onely happi­ [...]ess and safety, but all the blessings that can attend [...] zealous Lover, as I have been and will be, while I [...]ave power to be (my Dear)

42. A Gentleman to his Lady, upon his urgent occasions of taking, a Iourney.

HAd not Christianity tyed me to a stricter rule, I could even curse the severity of my fate, since necessity compels me to be banished from you, and consequ [...]ntly from my self; for let me go never so far distant, my heart will be always in your cu­stody, and the thoughts of your dear Self, shall be my onely consolation. But that I should be thus enjoyned to remove my person from you, in whom consisteth all my comfort and delight, is no small grief to me, especially considering the life I appre­hended in your favour, the Heaven that I discovered in your Smiles, and all those Elizium Joys that a­dorned your countenance; yet since it must be so, be assured, my Dear, Dear, I shall not forget the Vows of my Devotion, and I will be proud to publish your Vertues to the ignorant world, till I become com­pleatly happy in an Experience of your Constancy; nor shall I move in any other Sphere than what your influence doth govern, and will sooner languish to the worst of Deaths, than love any but your Divine self. Thus my (onely Joy) leaving my heart in your tuition, I onely beseech you to be tender of it, for its own, for yours, or for my sake, and in expectation of my happy return, I rest

The Answer. 43. A Lady to her Lover, upon his taking a Iourney.

I Would pour forth as many Curses on my fate as you can invent for yours, but that I have an am­bition to be like you in all things, especially in what [Page 51] becomes a Christian, and a Lover. But since, as you say, necessity doth compel you to take a Journey, (and I dare not doubt the least account of your lips) I must study to be content, and to exercise all that patience Heaven will be pleased to afford my Pray­ers; and since you have honored me with the custody of so great a charge as is your most noble Heart, be confident I shall cherish it as the Apple of mine own Eye, and as a Hostage for my fidelity and your secu­rity, I assign you mine, be equally careful of it, as you honor your self, or me, and I shall be no less stu­di [...]us to declare your worth, than to preserve my own fame, which never can be tainted while I remain, as I have resolved,

44. A crack't Virgin to her deceitful Friend, who hath forsook her for the love of a Strumpet.

NOw you appear so foul, that nothing can be more monstrous; is this the fruit of your Pro­mises, and Vows, was it for this that you so often swore you never spoke to me without th [...] thoughts of a pure love, and ambition to be mine, and that you never let fly an Oath in my presence, but when your heart was enflamed by a fire of Vertue, and that in all your actions, worth was the Load-stone that attract­ed your industry; how comes it then to pass, that you forsake me, ruine my Reputation, and leave me to become the Map of Shame and Ignominy; and not onely so, but with a wretch [...]d confidence glory in your impiety, and think to wipe off all your [...]njurious actions with a slight or careless humor; and this reproach that is like to befal to you as well as me, is occasioned through a lascivious love which you bear to an impud [...]nt Woman; nay, a known [Page 52] Strumpet, whose eyes discover in sparkles the de­ceitfulness of her heart, and whose very smiles are more ominous than the tears of a dissembling Cro­codile; for shame consider, if not for my sake, for your own. What delight or conversation can you enjoy in the company of a lude Whore, wo loves another as well and better than she doth you, or one indeed that hath no real affection for any? I fear the custome of your sinning, hath taken away the sense of your own good, and you are grown deaf, and de­sperate, otherwise you durst not provoke the divine Vengeance, or expose your self to Vertues Curs [...]s, and the scorn of all good men, for the notorious in­juries you have done (perhaps to others but too soon) to

45. The Lady to her slandered Servant.

WHen you were last with me, there passed some circumstance of affection between us both, but having considered the great affair that we th [...]n had under consultation, I must desire your par­don, if I crave leave to recal my forward fondness, since my fortunes and my happiness lie at stake; not that I do utterly determine to abandon all manner of good will for you; but onely that little time may sa­tisfie me concerning some reports of you that have lately reached my ears. Sir, I hope they are false, and in that confidence, I gave neither credit nor countenance to the former, but till I may be convin [...] they are so, 'Tis my request that you shew your love by abstaining from any further visits to

The Answer. 46. The slandered Lover to his Lady.

I Know not how to render you sufficient thanks for that Noble favour, so glorious, and therefore like your self, neither to countenance my accuser, nor condemn me till you had heard my answers; Ho­nour'd Lady, it is not unknown to you, that I dare not do any thing of justice to you, and that I have been ready, and will be so, to lay my life at the feet of your service, so far I am from fastning a falshhood on your fair Honour, that the proudest he that durst do it, shall know I will be ambitious to justifie you, and correct him; and that I speak truth, there need no greater argument than my zeal for you, when I would not allow of the least whispering against you, even then when you were most unkinde to me; therefore Good Madam, continue your wonted worth, and those good thoughts you once had of m [...], and be assured, if I cannot be so happy as to thrive in your estimation, yet through a glory I have to be seen in your service, I will never suffer any to traduce your fame, and if I cannot obtain the Honour of be­ing your servant, I shall be happy in the Title of

47. The Iealous Lover to his beloved.

YOu cannot but understand the extream per­plexities that persecutes the whole frame of my minde; it is occasioned through a cordial love, which I bare to you, to you sweet Lady, why th [...]n will you be so severe to expose me to the hazards of desperation, if you have any love, pity, or reason, give some assurance, at least encouragement, that in time [Page 54] I may be happy, otherwise while I consider your ex­cellent Vertues, the incomparable Endowments of the Divine Soul, I mistrust my own merits, and you thereby become cruel in setting me upon the tor­ments of suspition; O think not that I can retain the Idaea of your Beauty without the hopes of enjoy­ing you, or the absolute ruine and desolation of my self: Dear Soul, it is not the frownings of a Father, or Brother, that I value, but if you frown, or storm, or seem angry, you shoot a dart into my bosom; since your sorrow is my suffering, and your complaints are to me an Agony worse than death; therefore Divine Lady, be like your self, vertuous, constant, and re­solved; give some life to my hopes, remove my jea­lousie, that I may expect to call you mine, and be Master of my own senses, that I may be convinced there shall not need any further expostulation, since I discourse with an understanding Lady, and dare assure the world there are Women in it of worth, vertue, and sincerity, that scorn to be disloyal, as much as doth, My onely Joy,

The Answer. 48. A Lady to her Iealous Lover.

WHat occasion have I given you to retain any evil or doubtful thoughts of my love or mode­sty? it is true, and probably you have heard it, a Gen­tleman lately was pleased to bestow a visit on me, nor could I do less than afford him a civil salutation. Sir, I am not ignorant of the severity of the Italians exer­cise, but we are now in England, where the practice of humanity acquaints us with the true use of con­versation; I know too, that Love is always season­ed with a smack of Jealousie, however your own wis­dom, [Page 55] and the confidence I thought you had of me, [...]ight inform you, that an uncorrupted heart is Can­ [...]on proof against temptations as well as slanders: But to satisfie you, if you dare rely on my word, here passed not a Syllable between us, which a Di­vine, or you your self might not have heard, other­wise be confident, if there had been no limits to the bands of respecting you, I should yet have had a re­gard to my own credit, and neither have given ear to immodest parley, or any undecent carriage. Be from henceforth confident of my Loyalty, for in a little time it shall convince you, that I love you truly, and with so sincere a resolution, as to be, Sir,

49. Civilities from one Lady to another.

MY Ambition is still to continue in your favor, yet that may prove as importunate as it is un­just, because I never could deserve it, yet I have no power to frustrate the effect of that whereof you war­rant the Cause which occasions my admiring of your worth. And since you have been pleased to assure me of your friendship, and your favour, I can do no less than offer my service, which shall ever be in readiness to attend your Commands: I have had some young Gallants with me of late, who promise more Visits, and have sent some Complements; by the next I hope to be better furnished with somewhat new, to accom­pany what I have so often said, and shall perpetually, that I am, Madam,

50. A Gentlemans request (for a sum of Money) to his Friend:

ACcuse me not for my Ambition to be still in your favour, since by that I freely beg what I would not ask, nor care to receive from any body whom I do not onely affect, but extreamly honour; The urgency of my occasions have prevailed with me, to send this messenger to you for the sum of, &c. onely for one moneths time, at the expiration of which, you shall be certainly paid. Sir, you may well wonder, how I that deserved so little, can so con [...]i­dently desire so much; but my unwillingness to for­feit my word with one Friend, hath put me to en­gage it to another. This suit if you will please to grant, you will infinitely oblige me, however if you deny me, I should be ungrate [...]ul and unworthy should I disown those engagements which have otherwise made me sufficiently

51. A Lady to a Gentleman, on his Recovery from a Fit of Sickness.

BY your favour, which is a great one, I have met with the good News I hoped for; I mean your Recovery from those dangers your late Sickness was said to threaten. I had the unhappy intelligence from one whom I knew to be just in his reports, and I was therefore bound in Honour as well as Consci­ence to believe him: But now you are well, I am safe, and not in so much danger of being frighted by the mis-reports of others. Here are now so many [Page 57] about me, and they cha [...]ting at all once, that I can with difficulty write one word of sense, however my heart like a Carryers horse, trots in the old path and pace, and cannot be distracted from resolving, nor my hand from expressing that I am, and shall be ever

52. The Recovered Gentleman, to the afore­said Lady.

MY indisposition hath been double, the want of health and your good company, which hath been most particularly desired; since my inclination invites me to take a pleasure in your Society, your Letter was extreamly welcome, you may believe me, Madam, for you cannot but know with what respect I have continually adored your favours, in recom­pence for all I have received, and what I may not de­spair to hope for, I will serve you Madam, if I can not onely from one end of the world to the other, but from this very day, to the last of my life, and shall de­fie all your commands, if they shall dare to exceed my inclination and resolution to obey. I will not crave your pardon for not writing till now, since the King, if he will be just, cannot punish me for not performing impossibilities; nor will you, I know, be so unmerciful now I want the use of my own hand, to deny me an­other mans. But though I have been his Debtor for it hitherto, I will make hard shift to subscribe my self now, and ever, Madam,

53. The Lover to his Mistriss, upon his fear of her entertaining a new Servant.

WHat can there be to compose an accomplish­ed minde, that you want? Beauty, Generosi­ty, a Noble Birth, solid Wisdom, affable Demeanor, insomuch Lady, that you are truely the Center where all the Graces meet, and you do not onely approach absolute Perfection, but enjoyn all others to a high and fervent Observation; nor can I boast of any respects I do you, since your Vertues command more than I am able to wish, and it is my glory, and I e­steem it the pride of my life to justifie my souls de­sire to serve you, and an honour to my Bondage, that I may be accepted for your slave. Command me then most Excellent Lady, but withal remember that your Commands be love; for without love I can have no life, nor do I value death so I may bear your love with me to the grave; Yet, my Dearest Lady, let me not be mistook, though I am happy in being your subject, yet, like a Soveraign Prince, I cannot endure a Competitor; The feud being much alike between Rivals for Love, and those for Kingdoms; I have more of man in me, to brook anothers Claim, especially any presumptuous hand to seize my right. Let me beseech you then, for Humanity sake, and Vertues, for yours and mine, to use a circumspection, lest you betray your Vertue to Corruption, or my small stock of Valour to irrecoverable dangers. For be assured, if my hopes are frustrated either by your will, or ignorance, I will defie the world, you, all women for your sake, and my self; but if any daring Arm shall stretch it self out in violence to your Ho­nor, I will in duty force it to retire, or make it pe­rish in the extension, and be extreamly happy if my best bloud may be expended in the service, since I [Page 59] have vowed to entertain the Resolution of being, Madam,

54. A Fair young Virgin, to an old Rich Miser, whom her Guardian did design should Wed her.

FOr I must ever acknowledge the truth of that old Proverb, that says Age is honorable; for all that, give me leave to tell you, though I am under the tui­tion of another, yet I am Mistriss of my own affecti­ons; and in truth, neither your wisdom, your gravi­ty, no nor your riches can charm me to affect you; Sir, be so much your self as to desist from your suit to me; be in charity with the world, and in love with Heaven; build Hospitals, that you may merit the prayers of the poor, and spend not your precious time in dotage upon a Woman; for to be plain with you, I will sooner wed my self to a Nunnery, or some loath­som Goal, than become your Bed-fellow, and shall ever have a greater estimation for a Wiseman in Rags, than a Fool in his Richest Trappings; if you visit me, or send to me any more, I shall conclude you trouble­som and frantick; be advised then, since you know the minde and resolution of, Sir,

55. The Ingratiating Gentleman to his angry Mistriss.

I Beseech you to consider, I cannot live unless you love, then be so merciful as to save what your frowns are able to destroy; if you imagine my Hus­bandry will be pro [...]use, your love will teach me to be frugal: Do you mistrust Incontinency? love will quench those flames; Do you fear I may be guilty of [Page 60] extravagancies, love will teach me to be solid; Are you afraid of want? love is content with a little, and stu­dies things that are impossible, it overcomes all doubts and intricacies, and facilitates things that are most dif­ficult. Be not then so credulous to the whispers of Calumniators, though these suggestions are buzzed into your ears, yet consider whether there be any ground for such like Jealousies, or the ends of those that raise them, onely to poison my Reputation and my Happiness; let my honest and real Assertions be weigh­ed in the ballance of your serene Judgement, that I may be admitted into your favour, or else know my doom, and die quickly, that Fame may do me so much honor and justice, as to Record me, Divine Lady,

56. A Gentleman of good Birth, but small Fortune, to a worthy Lady, after she had given a d [...]ial.

HAd I not apprehended some small spark of en­couragement, as it seemed to issue from your gracious acceptance of my affections, I had certainly [...]orborn to have put you to this second trouble, or my self to a fresh presumption, as knowing such Divine Stars of Beauty are to be beheld with more than an ordinary Veneration. Excellent Lady, I humbly beg of you, nor to reflect upon my Confidence, nor star­tle me with my inequality of Birth, lest the sense of losing you, send me to Hell with terror. My pre­sumption hath this Apology, it is more ease to reach to the lofty Bough, than to stoop to the humble straw; and when a man attempts things Noble, though he fail in his designs, it is a glory to under­take them. And though, Madam, you are truly great as well as good; yet Histories will tell you, there have [Page 61] been Queens, and Persons of highest Honor have cast their smiles on such whose accomplis [...]ments might claim respect. For my own part, I may and dare say it without ostentation, my Birth is not base nor mean, and my affection nobly loyal: Oh let not my fears sug­gest to me that some other by an intrusion will deprive me of my Souls Treasure, your love, a Happiness that I would purchase with any thing more dear than liber­ty or life; Oh be not then so severe as to say, Honor forbids you to affect me, though you could like my person, there is death in every accent of such a sound; But if you do resolve for a servant more meritorious than my self, you will ease my torments by giving me to understand so much, since I intend not to trouble you with any more lines, but resolutely to fall, Ce­lestial Lady,

57. A Lover to his Mistriss, who had lately entertain­ed another Servant to her bosom, and her bed.

I Am now arrived to that pitch of Learning, as to understand the Vanity of your Se [...], you have in­comparably well proved, that though men can put a bridle into the nostrils of wilde Beasts, out-do the Craft of Serpents, and dive into the most hidden se­crets of Nature, yet the industrious thing called Wo­man can out-do him, and confound his noble under­standing. From henceforth therefore I will shun your Sex as the infectious poison of a Pestilence; Now could I curse my Credulity, my self, and all Women for your sake; was I not fore-warned by the example of a wicked Helen, that occasioned the deso­lation of famous Troy, by that of Eryphile, Cleopatra, Messelia, Panthea, Rhodopis, and many others? but why [Page 62] should I trouble my brain to sum up Examples, when each woman is a Plague her self to all but those Adul­terous Lechers that bear Hot-houses in their bodies, and Stoves in their boyling blouds. I perceive my love was not sufficiently immodest for you, I have been too cold in my Amours, therefore it is you slight me, and entertain some Monster of a more able back; whom (not unlikely) your roving wanton eyes have discover­ed from your window to bear some heavy weight, and not shrink his well-made Joynts under his ponderous load; may you enjoy him, but may you receive the rewards due to your Adultery and Perjury; for be assured Heaven hath continual supplies of Vengeance for such abominable offenders; And that it will be just to you, and your deserts, is not onely the desire, but the belief of

The Answer. 58. The Lady to her Lover, in defence of her own Innocency.

I Do not a little wonder at the frenzie of your crackt brain, since you dare thus confidently to call my love and modesty in question, and onely for the civil Entertainment which in honor I was obliged to afford a Friend; whence come all those dreadful and satyrical Expressions that you imagine are now too good for one that but lately you pretended to love entirely, and spared not Vows and Imprecations to create a credulity in me? Certainly the Furies were your Dictators when you wrote; I will grant you that a Lover may be allowed to be a little jealous, it is but the overflowings of his affection, but I hold it not sit he would be mad, ranging mad, as I fear you are. Sir, believe me, your intelligence is false, and [Page 63] innocency can with safety stand all the Assaults of a slanderous Tongue: P [...]ay recollect your thoughts, and punish my Accuser, that my worth may not lie longer under the burthen of a Calumny: Be less suspi­cious, and assure your self I shall be ever loyal, though now I write in passion, so far I dare engage, since I al­ready finde it is my chief content and happiness to be thought worthy of being, Sir,

59. A Lady to him whom she affects.

I Should have been happy if Heaven had given me merits to deserve your affections, since I hold it no great difficulty to afford you mine: But that we may discourse with a little freedom, I will borrow so much time from my other Affairs, as to meet you at, &c. onely I shall give you this Caution, that as I am a Virgin, you will shew your self so far a Gentleman as not to offer any thing that may savour of incivility; pardon me, that I lay such an Injunction on you, it is not that I question you are otherwise Noble, but onely what is commonly expected from a Maiden, that hath a respect to her own modesty and credit, and may therefore very well become, Sir,

The Answer. 60. A Lover to his Amorous Lady.

I Do so well understand my respects to you, that (pardon my boldness if I say) your care was some­what needless. Lady, it is you that I adore, and can you then imagine I would injure you, you that I would gladly make my own, and be proud of such a Pur­chase? Again, my Birth is not so base, as to tyrannize [Page 64] over Ladies, especially you, the best of Ladies; when the Skie puts on her bespangled Garments, th [...] glittering Stars, I will expect you with all the reve­rence and submission due to your noble Merits, from, Divine Lady,

61. The Affected Lover to his Mistriss.

WE read and understand by the industrious help of History, how stones have danced after Am­phion to the Theban Walls, that the Mountainous Ossa, and the lofty Pa [...]chaya likewise danced to the Odris­sion Lyre, that Dolphins forsook their wilde Natures, when they heard the melody of Arions Harp, hum­bling their backs of scales, to bear him from the vio­lence of Neptune, and his angry waves. It is the [...] be­neath a wonder, if the world stand amazed at your voice; should the fierce Tyger, or the raging Boar but hear you speak, they would change their unbridled natures into the modesty of devout Adorers: One accent from your delicate and incomparable lips, are sufficient to give life to a dying man, and to revive into Childe-hood the chil and cold clods of Age. One smile of yours can work more miracles, than Esons Experience found in Medeas Bath. How happy am I then in your love! I am nothing beneath the great Monarch of the greatest Empire, and may I fall from all Fortunes, to my absolute ruine, when I forget to be, Most Honored Lady,

The Answer. 62. A Lady to her Affected Lover.

YOur large Commendations, and liberal Expressi­ons towards me, do certainly assure me that your affection to me is real; yet though I cannot requi [...]e your courtesies with a reprehension, I think I ought in justice to give you this Cautionary Information, that though you may think as you say, others may be of another minde; and some Critick may chance to finde those faults in your Rhetorick, which you that see with the Multiplying-glass of Love cannot perceive; Therefore lest you forfeit your wisdom, forbear these Hyperbolies hereafter, since the reciprocal tryals that have passed between us, do sufficiently declare the mutual coherency of our affections: Let me implore you to be more reserved in this point, if you respect my love, or me, for what need such lofty lines, that sa­vour so much of flattery, when you know I hyve made it my resolution to be

63. A Lady to her despairing Lover, who had deserted his suit at the first Repulse.

I Have expected either to have seen or heard farther from you, but I perceive you are but a raw Soul­dier, and but lately engaged under Cupids banner, o­therwise you would not have given over the Skir­mish for a small Repulse; For though I can afford you a room in my heart, and all th [...] love that is there is for you and your worth, yet you might well tax me with lenity, or suppose me extream forward, should I yield at the first summous, without having the least experience either of your love, or loyalty; But be confident (for I dare write more than I durst speak, [Page 66] since this Paper cannot blu [...]h, though I may) I have had a very high respect and honor for you, since the first moment that made me happy with your presence; I suppose a word to the wise may be sufficient, if you have a kindness for me, you perceive I am ready to go out of the road of a Maidens modesty, onely to meet with you: Be not so much like your Sex, as to slight me, now you have that thrown upon you, which with so much ardency you seemed to court before; for I can judge of Justice as well as Love: but if you will favor me with your company, or at least a line or two, you will not onely give me abundance of satisfaction, but engage me to be Sir,

64. A Gentleman to a fair Lady, whom he acciden­tally discovered at a Window.

JUstice and Honor kiss your Hands, and so far plead my Cause as to tell you, you are obliged to shew me favor, since for your sake I have undergone the vehement tortures of an expecting Lover, but now being grown impatient, I have taken a resolution to be rather importunate than bashful; for my nature is too high to suffer me to stoop to, or flie from any at­tempt that hath the countenance of what is Noble: Fairest Lady, my Ambition is to visit you, if my love may prevail with you to afford me so great an honor, and I question not (since Heaven delights to be lo­ved, and you like one of its Inhabitants journeyed here for a small space, appear Angelical) but you will be in condition as in beauty; For if the Divinity of your Person lay a charm upon my senses, it is but Ju­stice that you endeavor to recover me before my Di­stemper render▪ me incapable of any remedy; how­ever [Page 67] it shall be my glory, if I cannot live your ser­vant, that I can die, Lovely Creature,

65. A sick Lady to her Lover, enjoyning him to forbear his Visits, she being infected with the Small-Fox, or some other Malignant Distemper.

I Am now become a Prisoner to my Chamber, and though it were charity in you to bestow your Visits, yet my own sense of justice informs me I ought to con­tinue close, since that fate that hath befallen me, may else be so spightful as to seize on you: it is a Distem­per that hath used a violence to my whole body, and hath not spared my face; lest therefore I become your wonder, I conjure you by all the love you have, or ever had for me, to absent your self for some time, till you may see me with more safety and convenience; for if you should venture your person, now mine is in some danger▪ my grief would be augmented, since I know it is more wisdom to hazard the one half of my Estate, than all, and if I must lose my self, I would not have Death to be so triumphant as to possess my second self, and to glory in his Conquests so far as to make me a Bankrupt: You will do well to let me hear from you, at least send your Prayers in my behalf to the Heavenly Throne, for so it becomes a Christian and a Friend, and you will therein do justice to your self, and Sir,

Yours in sickness, or in health.

66. The fearful Lover, to his supposed un­constant Mistriss.

IT is now most apparent to me, that there is no credit to be given to a Woman, have not you and I [Page 58] confirmed so strong a League of Love and Friend­ship as was possible to be done, yet you can forget all your Promises, your Vows, and sober Protestations, as if they were but as so much winde, and might be broken as soon as made. This you have most perfidi­ously done, and under the pretence of fear that your Misfortunes are drawing nigh, as if you had discreti­on enough to chalk to your self the way to your Feli­city, or as if you held a Correspondence with Wi­zards that could divine what the effects of our loves should be; if I must be slighted now at last, when I thought to be most happy, yet at least pray let me not be forgotten, that you may justly say you were once loved by a real Friend, and if it be my Misfor­tune to be deprived of you, may you meet with one whose affections may be sincere as mine, that would be, Madam,

The Answer. 67. A Lady to her fearful Lover.

YOur downright railing against our Sex, seems to me, onely as the heat of your passion, which I will favour with the construction of your love. But I cannot but extreamly admire what Devil it should be should enflame you with so much fear and Jea­lousie: I Remember all those Vows and Protestations that passed between us, and you shall know, I dare not to be so wicked as to tempt Heaven and Venge­ance, so as to break my least promise to any soul alive, especially with you; Be therefore wise, and more resolved, you might have forborn your taint­ing language of my chalking out a way to my felici­ties, or holding a correspondence with Witches, or of Taxing me point blank with perfidiousness be­fore [Page 59] you heard my answer; such usage would tempt many a Young Maiden to scorn and forger love: when I see you next we may discourse farther on this Sub­ject; tell then and ever be confident, I am

68. A Wife to her Extavagant Husband.

CAnst thou open thy eyes and not fear lest every one that sees thee should revenge those Adulte­ries and lascivious actions of thine, wherewith thou hast brought upon thee the Curses of a chaste Wife, with her dear and innocent Babes? doth not thy Conscience tell thee there is an everlasting Law-giver fits in triumph against the day of Vengeance, to Judge such perverie sinners as thee? Or dost, thou imagine that those strict duties (commanded from the beginning) were but matters of Policy, or that position of Man and Wife being one flesh, was meerly breath and Exhalation? surely it is so esteemed by Atheists and prophane Livers, but I fear to the Eter­nal horror of thy Soul, thou wilt [...]oar in the pit of everlasting perdition, from whence it is difficult to get Redemption; Therefore be no more foolish, but call to minde how thou hast mispended thy most pre­cious time, endeavour to redeem it, and open the eyes of thy understanding; that thou mayest repent, and sin no more, lest a worse th [...]ng happen unto thee; Consider the lips of a whore are sweet as Ho­ney to the taste of fools, but in her heart is the sting of Scorpions; yea, the Poyson of Aspes lie under her lips; wilt thou then adventure the stinging, when there is no Cataplasm for the sore? wilt thou forget the Vertuous Wife of thy bosome, for a Strumpet that is not onely disloyal, but impudent? darest thou de­ [...]pise thy Children, those gifts of the Almighty Pro­vidence, [Page 70] resembling Olive Branches about thy Table, those Buds of the Divine Blessings promised to the good man; wilt thou run and wallow in the loathsom sink of Lust, and carnal Bruitality? thou that mayest trace the fair Walks of Contentment with honest and chaste Embracings! Oh, be more advised, Let the Contract of your Nuptial Vows prevail with thee, I conjure thee return to the pleasant Springs of our A­mity, that I may wash thee clean again with the tears and kisses of a loving Wife, that thou mayest see thy children flourish, and that I may no longer be as my present condition renders me,

The Answer. 69. A Lover to his Distempered Lady.

YOu are now more cruel in your Sickness, than I ever found you in your Health, it was a severe Command you sent to me; what though you are sick, if I do not see you, I shall be so too, and perhaps may go out of the world before you: I understand your indisposition to be great, and that your Disease hath abused you to your face, but I hope you understand me so well, as to conclude my love doth not consist in outward forms, I have reason to command my pas­sion, and by that I am perswaded it was a Vertuous Cassandra, not a Fair Hellen that I courted, a spirit that was truely noble, not the thin skin of a fair fea­ture; however I am confident the beauty of your Person, as well as that of your Minde, cannot be sub­ject to a ruine by any sinister Accident: Time that undertakes to wrestle with all things mortal, may give it a trip hereafter, and then our souls shall enjoy a blissful Union to Eternity: Dear Soul, recal your Mandate, and give me leave to be happy once [Page 71] more, for till I see you, I am in continual pain, how­ever I have this consolation, that I can be

70. A Lady to her Servant, that for some private reasons concealed his Birth and Fortunes.

MY Ambition hath been of so long a growth, that now it is become too big to be conceal­ed; therefore I beseech you, if you have any respect for a young Lady, satisfie my request, which is onely that I may better know you, and be better known to you. You seem to be a Gentleman every way com­pleat, if I may receive your Character, though from your own mouth, I shall believe it as an Oracle, for I perswade my self you are truely Noble; if your in­tentions are as I have reason to believe, and that you bear any kindness towards me, you will not deny this reasonable civility; nor can it be thought discretion, but rather a strange extravagancy in me, to receive your affections, or to pledge my own, unless I can have [...]ome account of your worth, more than what I have [...]ead in your visage, which I confess is sufficient (if our [...]onditions may correspond) to entitle me, Sir,

71. The absent Lover, to his supposed uncon­stant Mistriss.

I Dare not rashly condemn you, but pardon my love, if I take upon me to inform and to advise [...]u; There are those that whisper strange things [...]ncerning you, as that you afford your self more li­ [...]rty than is consistant with the modes [...]y of your [...]; and that at unseasonable times you have been [Page 72] seen to accompany such persons, whose conversation is sufficient to render you weak and scandalous: I know, Madam, report is commonly a Tatler and a Li­ar, nor dare I entertain a lose thought of one whom I so dearly love, I cannot think my self lost to your Me­mory, but my fears make me apt to hearken to any thing, wherein there is any use made of your name [...] impute it as I do, to my distraction, not your defects, but withal be so circumspect, that the mouths of slan­derous people may be stopped, that envy it self may by seeing your Vertuous disposition, arrive to the same happiness that I enjoy, which is, to love and admire you, which I shall ever do while you have vertue, or I have power to be

72. A Gentlemans advice to his Mistriss, how she should blinde the eyes of her watchful friends.

I Perceive thy Guardian, who is no Friend of mine [...] doth not onely watch me, and all my words an [...] actions, but hath his Emissaries to do the like, an [...] there are those that do assure me, the Servants an [...] charged to slip behinde the Hangings, and to watc [...] who they are that shall visit thee; my advice there [...]fore is, that always in his presence we seem as strangers and counterfeit our looks, that we may thereby per [...]haps allay the heat of his Jealousie, but remember when thou seest my brow full of frowns, as if I had resolution to be angry, it is but a Copy of my coun [...]tenance, and that originally I am as I shall be ever [...] happy, and therefore thy most pleasant friend, belie [...] it for a play, not a truth, and if thou dost but act t [...] part as well as I, it shall not be long ere Hymen sha [...] draw the Curtain, and discover to all the world, th [...] in spight of either their care or envy, thou art min [...] [Page 73] in the interim be assured, I shall in Love and Loyalty continue as an unmoved Rock,

73. A Gentleman to his new Mistress, upon his re­linquishing an old one.

HAving lately had the happiness to see you, I am now withdrawn from my designs of marrying with another, I cannot deny but some treaty was had concerning that affair with, &c. but your excellent beauty hath put a stop to my career, and hath made me ambitious of meriting your favour, and that you may not think me wavering, since I have left one that I might finde a better; be assured, Madam, I will never enter into the bonds of Matrimony with any but your incomparable self. I had not perhaps took this pre­sumption upon me, if I had not had some encourage­ments, or if I had not at least fancied as much, when I was lately where you were. I beseech you, Dear Lady, pardon this rudeness, and give me the oppor­tunity to wait upon you, that I may verbally and really give you a farther testimony of the love and honour I [...]ave had for you, since I made it my resolution to live and die

74. A Captious Lover to his Vertuous Lady.

I Did perswade my self that you were absolutely re­solved to be mine, and that no perswasions or al­ [...]urements could prevail with you to vary from your [...]orm [...]r thoughts, but I now finde you are as change­ [...]ble as your Sex, and it is easier to hold a slippery [...]el by the tail, than to finde a Woman that is true and [...]onstant. Had I given you any occasion, you might [...]ave had some pretence for your frequenting the com­pany of the young Gallant, or admitting him into [Page 74] your Society, but my affections have been unspotted, and never had so much as a small flaw, or mote in them till now. Now, that you like an unjust, and wanton, if not lascivious piece of Vanity, have given occasion to no small number that observed your be­haviour, to talk and besmear that fair reputation that you before enjoyed, which was the main motive that spurred me on to conclude our Contract. And since that time I have took you to be mine, and therefore may with the more freedom reprove you, and advise you. I shall now say no more, but expect you should satisfie my disturbed thoughts, by giving me an ac­count of what passed between you, and then hoping you will be more reserved for the future, you may still conclude me as bfeore,

The Answer. 75. A Vertuous Lady to her Captious Lover.

I Am apt to believe it for a certain truth, that Cupi [...] and Iealousie are inseparable Companions, and tru [...] love is oftentimes mixed with suspitious fears, but [...] is my wonder, that you who are a man of reaso [...] should so flatly condemn me before you hear what m [...] offence hath been. Sir, give me leave to tell you, have now a fair occasion to mistrust your demean [...] hereafter. The Gentleman that was in my compa [...] deserves rather your acknowledgements for his nob [...] deportment, than your extravagant censure: but pe [...]haps you will absolutely conclude me idle, for bei [...] so much as seen with any man, since I was design to be yours onely, however you may do me the [...]stice to consider there were others of my Sex [...] me, nor had I been in his company, had not the i [...]portunate intreaties of the rest prevailed with [...] [Page 75] Besides, though I am in election to be your wife, I hope you do not intend to make me your Slave, but will [...]llow me a reasonable conversation with persons a­bove the reach of a Calumny; I beseech you Sir, be [...]atisfied with this account, and take this for a certain [...]ruth, I will hence forward forget the hopes of being a [...]ride, before I will cast you into such another hell of [...]ormenting Jealousies, but shall study to render my [...]elf as shall become, Sir,

76. A Lover in Commendation of his Mistriss.

I Was sufficiently amazed when I beheld your per­son, and the beauty of your outward shape, inso­much that I concluded Nature de [...]igned you for her Store-house, wherein all her Rarities and Novelties were dispersed and intrusted; I looked, and as I looked, I admired, but having afterwards attained to under­ [...]and the vertues of your minde, I could not then but [...]early perceive what a rich treasure of precious Jewels were inclosed within the fair Casket. Since which [...]ime, I have been proud of mine own judgement, and think the better of my self for fixing upon so glorious [...] object. This is not flattery, but justice; and as you have set my affections on a flame, it is as just that you should study some way for satisfaction, since I am [...] thought, word, and deed,

77. A Ladies thanks to a Gentleman for a civility lately received.

I Should be a stranger to Worth and Honour, should I be so far unacquainted with the Generosity of our Nature, as not to understand it to be truly Noble [Page 76] in all things, it studies to do courtesies, and hates to receive acknowledgements, yet I must be so upright to my self, as to own your late civility for a most noble favor, which I confess I received with some kinde of amazement, as being my self so much undeserving; and lest my services should be beneath my wishes, if I can have your acceptance, my endeavors cannot be unrewarded, for that alone will render them con [...]iderable; And if I can be happy in any thing, it must be in proclaiming to the world how much I am, Noble Sir,

78. A Gentleman to a sick Lady.

I Am so happy as to sympathize with you in your want of Health, my minde assures me, you cannot be distempered by any bold Disease, but I must be so too, you have this evidence for it, since I have had an extream fit of discontentment from the time I last saw you: Now I am somewhat amended, my indis­position is a little qualified, which gives me encou­ragement to hope, as I do desire, that your condition is the same, otherwise, rather than you should want a Companion in your misery, I would choose to be ill again; That I may therefore be fore-warned of my own Misfortunes, be pleased I bes [...]ech you to let me understand how you do, and withal make me happy by receiving some Commands from you, since it is the glory of my life to appear, Madam,

The Answer. 79. A sick Lady to a Gentleman.

MY distemper leaves me, but all in vain, since I cannot be throughly well till I see that you are so, I could once willingly have dyed, because I cannot live to requite your kindness: but now I begin to be past all hope of dying, for death came towards me so fast, that the very joy thereof, hath wrought in me a recovery. Sir, my health consists onely in the ability which I hope suddenly to have, that I may visit you; since you will not be so favorable as to prevent me by coming hither, but whether to come to me, or I to you, I hope you will not deny me the honor to own what I have hitherto profest, to be still, what I was be­fore, and will continue, Sir,

80. A Husband to his Lasc [...]vious Wife.

HAst thou forgot all goodness, that thou da [...]est lift up thy adulterous eyes to behold the Chri­stal light? Hast thou no sense of thy own filthy de­formity? Dost thou not know the world brands thee for a Whore, a notorious Strumpet? Art thou not sensible how thou hast made me become a scorn and by-word to all that know me? Not that the cre­dit of an honest man can be dashed by the infidelity of a Strumpet: but so it is, that the corruption of the times have created a custom, to set the Wives sins upon the Husbands forehead; thy children are either hated or pityed by all, and I my self dare not look upon them, lest I permit my fears to whisper to me [...]hy Whoredoms, and their Bastardy. Our Relations, [...]nd those that were formerly our bosom Friends, do [...]ow forsake us, crying, they will not accompany [Page 78] themselves with such as belong to the house of shame, or that tread the paths of incontinency, consider these things and [...]epent, lest thy impenitency do farther pro­voke Divine Justice, and Heaven pour forth Venge­ance as a reward for all thy impieties, and withal re­member, this is the advice of, Monstrous Woman,

81. A Gentleman to his Friend, returning thanks for sending him a Book.

I Would have rejoyced to have had an opportunity to serve you before you sent me that ingenious Piece, Entituled, The Lives of the Statesmen and Fa­vorites of England since the Reformation: But I am now bound to make it the business of my life to render for all an humble and hearty acknowledgement, both for your own sake, and for the Gifts; for though nothing could be unwelcome to me that you should send, yet I know not what could have been more welcome, ex­cept your self, who I know not how to requite, but must proclaim you a Noble Friend, and a charitable Gentleman, and shall multiply my wishes for your prosperity, since you have without merit of mine, bound me for ever, Sir,

82. A Gentlemans request to his Friend for a sum of Money.

LEt me not be held no Friend, because I send to borrow money, I had rather want that, than lose your love; but Sir, if you shall think fit to par­don my boldness, I desire your patience so far, as to measure the length of your Purse-strings, since a pre­sent and urgent occasion puts me on this strange ad­venture: [Page 79] The sum is but five pounds, which shall be paid within a moneth, if you dare take my credit; for the assurance, and for interest you shall have my thankful acknowledgements. Thus not doubting of your civility in this case, I rest as ever,

The Answer, 83. A Gentleman to his Friend that sent to bor­row Money.

OUr Friendship would be held by a slender thread if a five pound weight could snap it. I have not thought fit to pardon any bolddess, but do esteem my self happy in that I have a Purse or strings to serve you, your credit is sufficient, and therefore I have sent you the sum required, and shall expect no other interest, than the like courtesie (if you think it one) when you shall be troubled by

84. A Lover to his Mistriss.

I Am now in love with my own eyes, and wit, for were not the first exceeding good, they could not endure the lustre of your Beauty, and I am apt to believe the latter may be sharp, since it hath so exact a Character of your worth. Be more just to your self and me, than to think I flatter you, look into your self, and then you will wrong neither, and when you finde I have done you right, call not my affection in question for making the discovery, since it is my duty to serve you and truth in all things honorable; But if by commending my own services, I am so presumptuous as to exceed your pleasure, let your pity seal my pardon, since my default was onely the [Page 80] effect of love, and I shall doubly be engaged to be Madam,

The Answer. 85. A Lady to her Lover.

YOu do well to love your own eyes, and wit, and I will own the first to be good, and the latter sharp, but if they both w [...]nt together as you place them, your brains might be on the out-side of your head, and then if you prove mistaken, blame your self, your eyes, your wit, and not me: But that I may be just to you, where there is no fault, there is no need of pardon, though the worth of ones affection oftentimes appeares more in words than in reality, however if you will take the liberty and trouble to commend me, I must and will claim the priviledge to subscribe my self, Sir,

86. A Gentleman to his Rival.

IF you understood what an Honor I have for the accomplished Lady, you are pleased to a [...]ord your Courtships too, and what a reciprocal return I have for my affections, you would either out of civility or judgement cease to be so ridiculous, as to endeavor to rob me of her, whom her Parents and her self hath blessed me with; And though perhaps she out of a Maiden modesty, will assure you it is not so, yet I can justifie as much, and make it apparent to your own judgement; besides the time is drawing near when our wishes will be consummated, and then, you, and that part of the world that know her, may learn whether what I have now said be a truth or [Page 81] fable; Couzen not your self, she hath a notable waggish wit, and uses it onely to make you her sport: Sir, be wise, and think not with ease to attain to a happiness that I have tugged for; you are a Gentle­man whom I have known, nor are your Relations strangers to me, were it not for that reason, I should not have brooked your visits to her hitherto, to the disturbance of my quiet: But from this time re­member I have desired and warned you to forbear, as you cherish your safety and reputation, that so we may continue friends, for be assured you cannot finde out a more ready way to provoke my wrath, than your perseverance, which will occasion me to proclaim my self, Sir,

87. A Virgin to her Parents, that would have her matched to one whom she cannot love.

I Beseech you, let the Rules of Nature be so preva­lent with you, as not to marry me to the man whom you design, but if you do resolve that I shall marry, let it be to one that I shall love, or to my grave: be not over-ruled by the thought of Avarice, lest you become inhumane to your own bloud, and make me

88. A Gentlemans first Address to his Mistriss.

YOur feature is so glorious, that I must needs ac­knowledge I do verily believe Nature hath not one Piece of Art that she can more boast of, nor is there any Lady under Heaven to whom I owe a greater reverence, were your affections but corre­spondent to mine, I would vie for happiness with the proudest Prince under the bright Canopy of the Ce­lestial [Page 82] Orb, but without your love, I cannot live, which will be a sufficient evidence, that you are the efficient cause of my ruine: Madam, I humbly implore your favor, make me your adopted servant, and use me, and what is mine, as yours, for I account no glory greater than that of being, Lovely Lady,

8 [...]. Another to the same effect.

PArdon the presumption of a stranger, that having lately lost his heart, makes an enquiry for it of one who is composed of nothing but what consists of In­nocence and Vertue, and from thence I have this con­solation, that knowing it is in your possession, I que­stion not but you will be noble to it, either for love or pities sake [...]: Dear Lady, give me leave to pay my vi­sits to it, and if I may be so happy, let me accompany it, by being registred among the chief of your adorers. I confess my encouragements are small, having attem­pted nothing yet that might make me capable of your smiles, and being acquainted onely with your worth; yet such is the over-ruling power of your Beauty, that though my eyes were but once blessed with a sight of your peerless Perfections, my soul immediately be­came a Captive to your Vertues; and being now at your disposal, I shall hope to finde you merciful, that I may not languish in an adverse fortune, since you are naturally tender, and I am, fair Nymph,

90. A Courteous Lass to her Paramour, who had gotten her with Childe.

I Am now constrained to con [...]ine my self to a reti­red life, such is the fruit of our late daliance, that [Page 83] I am become obvious (and without your company shall be odious) to all that see me, and like your self, the Babe in my womb is continually exercising it self in an activity that affords me but little rest. You cannot forget your promises to marry me, ere you could prevail with me to satisfie your pleasures; Sweet Sir, let your stay be short, for prolixity is dan­gerous to both our Reputations, I languish till you come, and till then, and ever shall remain, My Dear Soul,

91. A Gentleman to his (once scornful, but now) Affectionate Mistress.

YOur sighs and flatteries are not prevalent enough, since I have now disposed of my resolutions so firmly, as that they are beyond the power of either of us to recal. Nor am I one of those puny Lovers, that think it reasonable to lay my love at your feet, after it hath so inhumanely received your slights. I once loved you too well, but now have so opened the eyes of my understanding, that I can more plainly see my own worth, and your frailty. You are now so kinde as to make vows of love to me, and I am so little an infidel as to believe you, and therefore since you have a love for me, I conjure you by that love you bear me, that you trouble me no more, but henceforth study to for­get that I ever was so much as.

9 [...]. A Kinde-hearted Gentlewoman to her boasting Favorite.

HAth my love to you deserved no better than your scorns? did I receive you to my embraces through my weak belief of your treacherous Vows, [Page 84] and do you requite me with the ruine of my Reputa­tion: Degenerate Monster, can you be so sottish as to think you do not wound your own fame, when you strike at me, will not all men abhor you? and though they permit you a hearing, yet esteem of you as one of Natures Prodigies. But to be more plain with you, be so wise as to forbear your foul reproaches, lest you receive a Pistol, or a Ponyard, from some one or other that may be sensible of your unworthy usage to, Base Wretch,

93. The Lover to his inconstant Mistriss.

YOur love was once my Paradise, nor did I e­steem my self happy in ought else, but now per­ceiving your Ambition hath betrayed your Honor, and corrupted your affection towards me, give me leave to tell you, since you can forget to love, I can as easily forget to sigh, and from this minute shall disown you for being the object of my delight, since I think it not at [...]l difficult to finde a Mistriss of more worth and constancy. May you possess a Hus­band equal to your deserts, I wish you no greater Plague.

Farewel.