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EADING over many ancient Histories, it was my chance to meet with this story of an old woman who lived in the west, who took delight in studying her fortune when she found herself full twenty years old, she thought her luck worse than some who were married at fifteen or sixteen, which much troubled her mind; but to prevent all doubts she resolved too try a story she had often heard her mother talk of, and finding it true, she resolved to teach other maidens.

On a time, this old woman having newly buried her husband, was taking a walk in the fields, for the benefit of the air, sometimes thinking of the loss of her husbands, for she had had three, yet had a great desire for the fourth. So it happened, as she was walking alone, she espied a young maiden by the meadow-side. Good-morrow, maid, said the old woman, how do you do? are not you well? Yes, Mother, I am very well, but somewhat troubled in mind. What is it troubles you so much? If I can, I will willingly relieve you, therefore be not ashamed to tell the truth. Is it any thing of great concern? Indeed, Mother, seeing you urge me so much, I will tell you the truth: We are three sisters, the youngest was married about a year ago, the middlemost last week, and I am the eldest, and no man heeds me. Well, Daughter, if this be all, I believe I can assist thee, for when I was young, I was in the same condition, and with reading some histories, found out the art to know him that should be my husband