Page:Mother Bunch's closet newly broke open (1).pdf/8

8 And that night he may see her, as if she came in her shift and petticoat, which is a sign she will prove a civil woman; but if she comes with her shift only, she will prove a ranter, and so better lost than found. And now, Daughter, the time passes away, and I must be gone, and so bid you farewell. Mother Bunch, I give you many thanks for your good counsel, and intend to take your advice.

Upon a time, Mother Bunch, being at a wedding, where young men and maids were met, who had a mind for some discourse with her, one young man said, Mother Bunch, we know you are a woman that has a judgment in many things, I pray tell my fortune. I cannot tell fortunes, said she, but thou blinkest too much with one eye to be true to one woman. Aye, but, Mother, says another, what think you of me? Thou mayest come to marry a lady, if thou canst but lay a great wager with her, three to one; and if she lays with thee, thou wilt be very likely to win, for thou hast mettle in thee; but have a care she win not the odds, if she does thou art clean gone. So farewell.

Now Mother Bunch took her leave; and going home, she met a maid going to a wedding. How do you do, Mother? Thank you, Daughter, whither are you going? To the wedding, I believe; but hark you, Mother, will you sit down a little, I have something to say to you. What is it, Daughter? When shall I be married? Would you fain be married? Yes, Mother, if I could get a good husband. Then, Daughter, I will tell you the best I can, if you will take my advice. In the month of January are many dangerous days for thee to take notice of, these are the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth: there are a great many more; but if thou marriest on these days, thy husband will cuckold thee, or thou wilt make him one, or else you will soon be parted by