Page:A Treatise concerning the Use and Abuse of the Marriage Bed.djvu/260

 Tom. Pr'ythee, tell me, what will please you; and then a Body may look out for you.

Jack. Why, a good jolly handsome well-bred Woman, about Forty-eight to Fifty.

Tom. A Widow, I suppose; there's no venturing upon a Maid under Fifty, not in your Case.

Jack. No, I would have her be a Widow that has Children, but has done Childing for seven or eight years.

Tom. And she must be Jolly and Handsome, you say.

Jack. I would not have her Old and Ugly too, Tom, that's too hard.

Tom. Well, I believe I know what you want, and what you mean. But, pr'ythee, Jack, be honest; methinks you are all wrong: What should you marry for?

Jack. Why not? pray.

Tom. I'll tell you why not, if you are willing to be serious. You had a fine charming Lady, almost twenty Years, the brought you a good Fortune, and has left you seven fine charming Children, your two eldest Daughters are fine beautiful young Ladies, and Marriageable, 'twould look very hard to bring a Mother-in-law among them all. It will make a sad House, Jack, it will ruin your Children.

Jack. Not at all. My two eldest Sons are in Business. One I have placed out to an Italian Merchant, and one's in my own Counting-house: And my two Daughters will go to their Aunt, their Mother's Sister, who will be glad to have them.

Tom. And what must the three young Ones do?