Page:Pleasures of matrimony displayed.pdf/12

12 So well, says he, that I imagine I have been this night in Paradise ! Then she puts into His hand a plate of comfortable sweet-meats, consisting of Confections &c. for his spouse and him to regale themselves; which done, the fills them a bowl of muscadine, and drops therein a new laid egg, which the bridegroom presenting to the partner of his pleasure, the mother fills another for himself, which, without entreating, he then drank quickly off. But Mother Midnight, who longs to know how the bridegroom has performed, and how many attacks he has made on the virgin fort, comes to the bride, and, with a whisper in her ear, will have her to confess; but the lady replies only with a blush, which makes the bridegroom guess what she means; and therefore tells her, it is an unfair question as yet; you ought, say she, to tarry till we rise; and, since we are recruited thus, pray tarry till the physic has done working, and then take the whole account together. Upon this, the mother and midwife retires; and to digest what they have eaten and drank, the dear couple take a nap. But the drums and trumpets. begin to found, and, in a moment, the street is full of benedictions to the bride and bride- groom; and this must be another pleasure. Now the bridegroom, not willing to pay money for nothing, gets up and dances to the music; and this must be a great plea-