Page:A Treatise concerning the Use and Abuse of the Marriage Bed.djvu/259

 Tom. But, what if she should have more Children of her own, Jack? What then?

Jack. No, no, ware Hawk; that's my Business? I'll take care of that.

Tom. What, you will have a Wife pass'd Children then. Is that it?

Jack. Yes, yes, that's it indeed. But I would not have a very Old one, neither.

Tom. I don't think that's a lawful Marriage, Jack.

Jack. Why so? pray.

Tom. Why, where do you read, that any of the Ends and Reasons of Matrimony is to pick out a Wife, only for her Money? that is not taking a Wife, Jack, 'tis Matrimonial Plunder, 'tis robbing a Woman, only within the Pale of the Church.

Jack. Well, but to tell you the Truth, Tom, I care not a Farthing whether I have much Money with her, or no, if I like the Woman.

Tom. Well, now you speak Bravely and Gallantly; I like that. But, hark ye, Jack, what's come of the Story of the seven poor Children? And where's the Father you talk'd of?

Jack. Why, yes, I'm the Father still; for I stick by the Point. I am resolved to have no more Children.

Tom. So you'll have the old Hag, without the Money; nay, that's worse than all the rest. What! an old Woman, and no Money! that's the Devil, Jack. You won't be such a Fool, I'm sure.

Jack. Why, you talk madly. I think I may have a Woman past Child-bearing, and not have an old Hag, I hope.