Page:Pleasures of matrimony displayed.pdf/14

14 they Love holes in their stocking heels, nor that their raffles should hang like bell-ropes: and yet they scorn to set the least stitch in them themselves. So, therefore, to have a wife that will take care to have every thing done for him, must needs be a pleasure to him. __ And what if sometimes she wants a Venetian Carpet, or a little China Ware; surely no man in his wits would quarrel with his wife about such-trifles, when all should redound to his reputation: Nay. suppose she has a mind for a silver Coffee of Tea Pot, or a pair of silver Sconces, where is harm of it? Certainly, the more plate a man has, the richer he is: This ought therefore to be a pleasure to him. And I can assure you, of my own knowledge, there are several husbands would be glad their wives had such things. Besides, such things set out a toon, and make the kitchen, if the house he kept clean, have a reputation among the neighbours. Such a one's house looks like a paradise, says one. It would do one's heart good to look at it, cries another. And all will grant, it is the most provident way for a man to spend but little abroad, and keep the better house at home; and if so, he may well permit his wife to entertain her friends now and then, without prejudice to her husband's estate; for a glass of wine tastes as well at home as abroad; and a capon may be cheaper dressed in his