CUPIDS' SCHOOL: Wherein Young men and Maids may learn divers sorts of new, witty, Amorous Compliments. Newly written, and never any written before in the same kind. Complain unto thy Love with flattering Art, For gentle words do move the hardest heart. cupid seated before a stand with an open book in front of three standing couples Printed at London by Rich. Cotes, and are to be sold by Francis Grove, dwelling on Snow-hill, near the Sarasins-head, 1642. The Character and Description of a Compliment. IN the old time their Garments were plain, and so were their words and meaning. But afterward, some more witty than the rest (finding what power perswa●ion hath over the mind of man) invented a new art of words called Compliments: which ●s indeed nothing but an effable and courteous manner of speech, and yet is now grown so necessary, that nothing can be done without ●hem. For men now a-dayes regard not virtuous qualities, but only a pleasingness of nature and condition, so that he that speaketh best, ●eeds best, and shall be sure to be preferred before the plain meaning man. So that the necessity of these times doth enforce us to learn ●he Art of Compliments, which I will prove ●nto you by particulars; and first in love, he that ●hinkes to win affection by telling a Maid in plain terms that he loves her, is much deceived, for when she hears you begin so plainly, she will start bacl from you, and think you to be some ignorant Coridon, that know not Cupid's language: when on the contrary, he that can deliver his mind in amorous words, doth seem to keep the keys of their Maidenheads, of which he can take possession when he list, for their hearts are at his devotion; while the other poor Lover that cannot express his mind in a Compliment, may pine away with sorrow unregarded, for he that loves most is many times neglected, and he that loves lest is oftentimes most respected. Therefore it behoves a Lover now adays to use some Compliment & insinuation to procure affection, for a man can prevail in nothing without Compliments: your friend will not think you his friend, without you salute him with a Compliment: you cannot invite one home, nor entertain him afterward, without Compliments neither can you keep company, or be sociable without the mutual interchanging of Compliments. To conclude therefore, a Compliment is the language of Callants, the Conquer our o● Maidenheads, the quintessence of wit, the res●ner of speech, and necessary both in City an● Country. For though the Countryman be plain, yet fair and courteous words will prevail much with the goodness of his nature: and this may be seen by the fable of Mercury and jupiter, who wand'ring one night upon the plains, not knowing where to get a lodging, at last they came to the house of old Baucis and Philemon, an old married couple, who had long lived together in a poor cottage: here jupiter beginning to make his case known, the old wife Bauci● began to scold, and told him plainly she had no lodging for him, till at last Mercury so fare prevailed with his complemental eloquence, that the good wife being ravished with his sweet words, strait opened the door, lighted a candle, and entertained them with all kindness and courtesy▪ whereby you may see that such is the power of Compliments, that it breaks locks, opens doors at midnight, and will give you access to the mistress of your heart, if you can but handsomely compliment with the Maid, and come over her with melting language; only you must remember to mingle some kisses, and line her Apron with gold, and then you may be sure to obtain your own desires. Besides, as Compliments are necessary in wooing, so you cannot counsel your friend to refrain from any vicious course, unless you use the insinuation of a Compliment, fortruth is so sharp, that it is displeasing to all men, and seems to grate their ears, if it be not sweetened by some pleasant discourse; and therefore when you are to do the tenderest office of a friend, which is to lay his shame and vice before him, there is nothing can give a more ready entrance to your words, or make him more willingly endure the sharpness of good counsel, than to begin in a loving and complemental manner. Seeing therefore that a Compliment is so graceful to the speaker, so delightful to the hearer, and so powerful to win affection, I hope young men will embrace and love this Book, which teacheth them how to obtain their love. And I hope young Maids will lay it under their pillow, and read it when they go to bed, since, it will instruct them how to give an Answer to their amorous Suitors. And so wishing to all young men and Maids the accomplishment of their desires, I leave these compliments to their perusal. A Compliment to the Reader. Gentle Reader, IT is some persuasion to read a Book, when we dare say that the matter is new, and that there was never any thing written in the same kind. This we may affirm of these Compliments: and therefore having had no pattern of imitation to direct me, I hope (kind Reader) thou wilt so much the rather vouchsafe out of thy wont kindness to grace them with thy favourable acceptance. Let their newness persuade thee to rerd, and then I doubt not but thou shalt find some amongst them so pleasant and delightful, as will induce thee to crown my labours with thy free commendations. For as I am studious to benefit thee in in any thing I may so all the aim of my desire is, to be thought worthy of thy liking and good opinion: which if thou grant me, it shall oblige the service of my Pen to pleasure th●● in this or any other kind. So I rest, Thine as mine, W. S. The Author to the Reader. When thou dost chance to fall in love by power of Cupid's bow, If thou these Compliments do prove, their virtue thou shalt know. Suppose thy Sweetheart fled from thee, as Daphne fram Apollo, Yet she at last changed will be, if thou the c●ace do follow. And if these Compliments thou use, in fitting place and time: The Maid that did thy love refuse, shall unto love incline. For though myself did never try, yet I have heard it said, Fair words and opportunity, will win the coyest Maid. The Contents. 1 TO woo a Maid. 2 The Maid's answer. 3 To urge a suit the second time. 4 The Maid's answer. 5 The Lovers reply. 6 Master Brainless his wooing of Barbara 7 To excuse some inconsiderate speeches to ● Gentlewoman. 8 To welcome one home. 9 To persuade by way of counsel. 10 To entreat a courtesy. 11 The Answer. 12 To bid a Bride good-morrow. 13 To bid a Bridegroom good-morrow. 14 At the first meeting of a friend. 15 The other friends answer. 16 To present a gift to a Maid. 17 To bid a friend farewell. 18 To entreat a courtesy of a stranger. 19 To ask a Father's good will to marry his Daughter. 20 To begin a health. 21 To promise to pledge it. 22 To desire to be excused. 23 To acquaint one with a journey. 24 To thank one for a courtesy. 25 To excuse a friend in his absence. 26 The wooers compliment. 27 The Mayes answer. 28 The Wooers answer. 29 To invite one home. 30 To excuse with thanks. 31 To deliver a letter to a Lady. 32 The Ladies answer to her Waiting-Mayd. 33 The Waiting-Mayds answer. 34 The Servingman's wooing of Susan a Chambermaid, 35 Susan's answer. 36 To desire the Maid to speak to the Mistress. 37 To entreat lodging at a Gentleman's house. 38 The Gentleman's answer. 39 A bold Compliment to a Widow. 40 The Widow's answer. 41 To woo a Country-Mayd. 42 The Country-Mayds answer. A BOOK OF COMPLIMENTS. As there are divers occasions of speech, so to have variety of words and phrases to express one's self, must needs be an ornament to the speaker, and delightful to the hearer: I have therefore in this little Book set down some forms of speaking and answering, as followeth. 1. To woo a Maid. Fair Maid, the opportunity of time and place (none being by to overhear us) doth invite me to discover my affection. For since nothing can be determined in loves affairs without consent of both parties, I mean now so acquaint you with my desire: Which is, that since my heart hath made choice of you in the way of marriage, you would been pleased to receive my love with like affection: I know I might have delivered my mind in more choice and eloquent words, but believe me, that love is truest, which speaks plainest. Now the reasons that induce me to seek your lous, are the virtuous qualities which adorn your mind; whose amiable and lovely beauty makes my heart burn with a chaste affection: Think not therefore that any foul desires move me to become a Suitor to y●u, nor am I hasty for marriage; for if you please to grant me your love, I will stay your leisure to appoint the day to consummate our happiness. I am a young pleader at the Bar of affection, and therefore hope you will not discourage me in my first suit, but rather since my cause is full of love, will at last give me a happy answer. Fearful distrust I know doth plead against me, and tells you how Maids have been deceived by flattering men, who have only made a Compliment of love to obtain their own desires But alas (fair Maid) condemn not all because some have been false hearted: for I dare promise for myself, that the stream of my affection slowing from your virtues shall ever keep a constant course. For the seal of your love is so deeply imprinted in my heart, that no time can wear it out: and therefore be assured, that till you cease to be virtuous (which I know is impossible) I can never cease to love you. And thus (sweet Maid) I have unclasped the volume of my secret thoughts, wherein you may read by fair intents, which are only to obtain your love. and join your heart nearer to mine by the inviolable Bond of marriage. Let me desire you therefore to unfold your lips, and give a favouring. answer to my languishing hopes. 2. The Maids answer SIr, your language is so full of chaste affection, and delivered with so much moving passion, that had my fancy hitherto entertained a thought of love, you had certainly prevailed over the weakness of a Maid's resistance. But alas, your love is a stranger to my heart; and therefore blame me not if I dare not receive it as a plain guest, till I have consulted with my own thoughts. Sudden consent is always held dangerous, and is still followed by repentance. And therefore give me leave to consider your late motion, & I will study your satisfection in my answer: which if it prove not to your content, yet it shall express my thankfulness for that love you bear me. In the mean time I must dismiss myself from your company, for I fear my mother hath taken notice of our conference, and so for my abrupt departure (if it be any breach of manners) I must rely on your parton. 3. To urge a suit the secondtime. THe next day, repairing to the former place, I spied these two Lovers lying on a bank of Flowers, so that using the friendship of some bushes to hid me, I lay down, and so unseen overheard the former Suitor renewing his suit in these words: Fair Maid, now is the time that your promise hath engaged you to give an answer to my doubtful fears: and now I am to receive my sentence from you, which I hope shall be full of comfort, since the greatest offence wherewith you can charge my heart, is only this, that I love you: and therefore I came to this place full of hope to be made happy by your answer, so let me return full of joy by your free consenting to my former motion▪ But what need I doubt, or afflict myself with vain fears? since I do reads some comfort in your cheerful countenance, which caynot, like a cruel judge, smile and condemn at once M● heart doth presage, that during my absence, Cupid hath wrought in your heart a good opinion of me, which if you are unwilling to let your tongue confess, lest a bush should spread itself upon your cheek: I am content to take you● silence for my answer, so you will suffer me, according to the rules of love, to interpret that silence for consent, But say, I see your lips are ready to prepare my doom, and therefore with patience I will expect my sentence either of life or death, since it is in your power to raise me up, or cast me down. 4. The Maid's answer. SIr, I perceive the love that you profess unto me can receive no alteration by time: for I was in good hope, that your two day's absence would have informed your judgement, to place your love on some more worthy choice. But now since you are bend still to prosecute your former suit, and will not believe me when I ●ell you how much I want of those virtues' which you attribute to me, I hope you will not ●lame me if I consent to your former motion: for I believe you love me in the way of mar●●ge, and in that assuran● I grant you my love ●●aine. 5. The Lover's reply. IT is a grant that makes me happy, and now let me seal my patent with this kiss, for you have given me your love, and with it a little world of happiness: So that there remains nothing, but that we appoint our wedding day, which I will not hasten through any forward desire of mine own: For since I have obtained your promise for marriage, I do believe that our hearts are already married in heaven, before a Congregation of Angels, which the Church shall but only publish and make known to the world. And so bidding adieu to vain Compliments, which only became me as a Suitor, I hope I may now say you are mine, as I am yours. 6. Master Brainless his wooing of Mistress Barbara. Sweet Mistress Barbara, I beseech you not to be barbarous unto me. For our Father's have made the match already, and I am now come to w●●e you: for I feel the mouth o● my affection begin to water at thee, so th●● there must be some speedy remedy found out t● allay my burning heat; for if I look, but ●● your pretty foot, I feel my heart begin to ris● beneath my girdle, that sure I think thou hast some spirit about thee, which doth bewitch me, but I hope ere long, you shall find that I have a spirit too, which if it take after my Mother, it may be a devilish spirit for any thing I know, for I am sure she was an arrant shrew. But I love no long discourse, and therefore I would entreat you, That you would look upon my wounded heart▪ And with your favour help to ease my smart. 7. To excuse some inconfiderate speeches to a Gentlewoman. IF formerly (sweet Mistress) I have thrown out any words inconsiderately, which might move your anger, I beseech you pardon them, or if my tongue have wronged my heart by hasty speaking, attribute it to my rashness, not want of love: for I recant those words that have moved your just disdain, and since they cannot be recalled, let your wisdom and sweetness of nature be showed in pardoning, as my folly was in offending: Let these words excuse my trespass, for I know you are full of mercy, and cannot long deny a pardon to him that sues for it with tears, though in a greater matter. But I see you turn away from me as if my words seeking to excuse my former words did still offend you, and therefore I will beg some favour from you in these few verses which I made upon this occasion. If that my tongue (fair Nymph) hath said amiss, The same for pardon now a Suitor is, Or for itself if it too weakly plead, My lips on its behalf thus intercede: Thus sue, thus beg, and begging will not leave, Till they a pardon s●al'd from yours receive, And while my kisses beg, O happy me, If I might ever such a beggar be. 8. To welcome one home. SIr, we have often wished your compony at home, and now you have made us happy in our desires, by your safe ret●rne, to bid you welcome is but the common road way of friendship, and therefore I would f●ine speak something that might set forth my love more fully, but indeed I find that all words are tóo mean to express the joy tha● my heart conceives at your happy return, We were fearful and solicitons, lest some misfortune might befall you in the way But now we must confess we own a sacrifice of thanks to Heaven for protecting you in your journey, and bringing you bacl again unto us, to whom I dare presume you are as welcome as health to the ficke man, or a calm to the Weatherbeaten Mariner. To conclude, I could bid you welcome a thousand times, and yet think those welcomes too few for since my love to you is infinite, I must needs say you are infinitely welcome. 9 To persuade by way of Council. SIr, were I worthy to counsel you of whom I am more fit to learn than to advise, I would persuade you, to leave off that ill company, to which I find you are too much addicted For I profess unto you, my counsel is directed to no other aim, but your own good, and to entreat you to be kind unto yourself, and not to disgrace your parentage and birth, by frequenting such base and ignoble company, who only desire to infect you with their vices, and who like shadows only depend upon the Sun of your fortune: which if once it be darkened by the aclipse of adversity, you shall find that you who before could number so many friends, shall then be left alone to deplore your own folly, in thinking that those could be friends unto you, who are not friends unto themselves: for having by their own lavish profusion spent their own estates, all their purpose now is to wind you into the some Labyrinth of misery, if there thou have already entered into the intricate ways of vice, let my counsel serve like Adriadne's clew of thread to guide your steps, bacl again into the way of virtue, from which you have too fare already wandered. But perhaps I shall obtain your hatred, and by seeking to reclaim your errors, shall there by lose your favour, yet however, I sh●ll express the duty and office of a friend: for while I see you run these wild, and ruinous courses, though I am your friend, I will not be your flatterer. 10. To entreat a courtesy SIr, you shall oblige me to you, by adding one new favour to your former courtesies, for so it is, that my business will miscarry, unless I obtain your assistance, which if you please to grant me, you shall not only bind me unto you by the res●e●s of duty and observance, but shall also express yourself the miracle of true friendship, I confess I am unwilling to be troublesome unto ●ou, but yet such is the commanding necessity of my affairs, that I must assume an unwonted boldness to petition your favour and assistance in my behalf. 11. The answer. SIr, you may command me; for I am so wholly devoted to your service, that you may assure yourself, I can deny you no request which lies within the circle or compass of my power. For my heart is yours, and therefore what good I am able to do you (either in this or any other kind) you may promise yourself) being indeed glad to be employed in any service that concerns you, so that (to the ability of a poor friend) I shall be ever ready to second your desires with my best endeavours. Command me therefore when you please, and you shall find me your ready servant, for I languish with a desire to do you some courtesy that may express that friendship and love I own you, which hath hitherto lain dead in me, for want of opportunity to demonstrate and make it evident to the eyes of the World, by some friendly office. 12. To bid a Bride good morrow. Mistress Bride, I wish the joys of love may be still multiplied upon you. Nay blush not, for it is no shame to do the Common wealth service, by bringing a race of Soldiers into the World. I know this night you have endeavoured for it, but we must see the fruit hereafter: All this I wish is, that your Husband and you may live together like a contented pair, happy in each other. What now? Weeping? I hope you will not give such an example to the Maids, or so disable your Bridegroom, as to show any sigues of grief or sorrow on the following morning to your Wedding day. If you have parted with a long preserved joy to night, yet comfort yourself in your losses, for there are many Maids would have been glad of your place, and thank you too, But I have no art in Compliments, and therefore in a word, I wish you all joy. 13. To bid a Bridegroom good morrow. MAster Bridegroom, I must congratulate the joys of Marriage, and wish they may increase daily to both your comforts: you have enjoyed to night a happiness which my knowledge did never yet arrive at▪ and therefore it is impossible for me to guess it; however I do not envy, but wish you all happiness with your fair choice. And though by your heavy eye, I discern you have not taken your due of rest to night, yet you may take it out the next, for I could wish my Bed were troubled with such fleas, on that condition I slept not these two nights. All that I can wish is this, that no fatal time day, or hour, may produce a change or alteration in your affections: But that you may live like Turtle Doves you joying in her and she with mutual delight making you the object of all her happiness, that so your marriage may prove a merri-age. 14. At the first meeting of a friend. SIr, you are well met and most happily returned; for fame hath given out a sinister report, that you were miscarried in your journey, but I am glad the old proverb is true, that fame is often a liar. I pray let a pint of Wine be the Scrivener to renew the bonds of our friendship, for I am even full of joy to behold you, and my heart would bid you welcome in better phrase, but that I want words to express the integrity and truth of my affection. I have forgot all this while to inquire of our friend's health, my thoughts were so wholly busied to bid you welcome. But I hope, Sir, they are well. 15. The other friends answer SIr, your friends are all well, and are mindful of you in the remembrance of their love. Neither am I less joyful at our fortunate meeting, which is a happiness I have long wished for; and though my tongue cannot interpret the inward joy of my heart, yet I would not have you think that love is least; which hath least expression of itself. For a full vessel yields no sound, and a heart full of affection cannot so easily express itself in a smooth way of Compliments: in a word I am hearty glad to see you and to say more, were but to speak the same in more words. 16. To present a gift to a Maid. Fair Maid, I would desire you to accept this small Ring, as an emblem of my affection, which like a circle shall be ever endless. I know it is unworthy your acceptance, y●t vain out of the graciousness of your humility, to receive this unworthy pledge of that love and service which I shall ever owe you, till time shall enable me to express my love in some more worthy gift. And if at any time this toy do chance to draw down your eye unto your finger, if you please to remember me thereby and think on me who hath the voted myself to your service, I shall think myself the less unhappy in my absence; though indeed till I return again, I shall be able to relish no taste of comfort, since all my joy is to enjoy your company: but my business doth enforce me away, so that leaving this with you as a memento of my affection, I take my leave with as sad a heart as ever lover parted with his Mistress. 17. To bid a friend farewell. SIr, I am so unwilling to be deprived of your sweet society, and so sorry to lose the fruition of your good company, that my heart will hardly permit me to take my leave of you, yet since the necessity of your occasions doth enforce us to part, I can but wish you a prosperous journey, and with my prayers daily solicit heaven for your safe return. I will not burden your memory with several commendations, but only desire you to remember my love and service in general, to all our friends in the Country. This is all I require of you, and since, though unwilling, we must endure your absence from us, I will promise in the mean time, to been your Beadsman to pray for your happy journey and will only keep so much of my heart as may keep me alive, the other half shall go with you. Now I see why death is called departing, for departing of friends is a short death; give me your hand, the ancient emblem of affection, and I pray be careful of yourself, since in your welfare consists the welfare of all your friends. And so farewell. 18. To entreat a courtesy of a stranger SIr, though I am unknown unto you, yet the report of your known courtesy makes me bold to prefer a suit to your favourable consideration. Which if I might obtain, I should think virtue hath not quite forsaken the World, but that there lives such sparks of goodness in your breast, as may be able to inflame posterity with an emulation of your goodness: I beseech you therefore be not afraid to do me a courtesy, because I am a Stranger. For by how much you have less inducements to show me any favour, you shal● thereby make your virtue shine with more illustrious glory. I must confess I have no great man's Letter to prdcure your liking and good opinion of me, yet since my desires are modest, and such as you may grant with ease, I hope you will grant my request, in requital whereof I will proclaim your nobleness and courtesy wheresoever I come, and will be sure to mention you always in my prayers, who have with the eyes of pity looked down upon the necessities of a stranger But I will not urge you with any further importunity, but leave my suit to your consideration. Verbum ●at bono, few words prevail with good men in a good cause. 19 To ask a Father's good will for marrying his Daughter. SIr, it hath pleased your Daughter to bestow her affection upon me, and now I must become a suitor to you for your good will & liking: For so fare sh● hath granted me her love, if it be seconded by your good allowance. I would entreat you therefore be pleased to ratify and establish by your free consent what the Heavens have already decreed. For our hearts are already married in heaven, and we lack nothing now but your consent, which I hope I shall obtain and since we have both been obedient in making you acquainted with our desires, I beseech you seek not to cross our loves, but give us both your blessing. 20. To begin a health. GEntlemen, since we are now unable to commemorate our friends any other way than by remembering them in a health, I am bolo, out of the overflowing of my love, to dedicate this health to the memory of our absent friends, I will fill it so full that a fly may drink of it at the top, and will drink it so clearly off, that a fly shall not be able to drink at the bottom. And thus Gentlemen I begin it, hoping that no man that honours his friend will refuse it, for I would have the health in a circular orb move round about the table, till every man hath had it: And so (as I said before) I begin this health Ad salutem Amicorum. To the health of all our friends, wishing them as full a measure of all happiness, as this cup is full of Wine. I hope you'll pledge me Gentlemen. 21. To promise to pledge it. SIr, here's no man will refuse it, for my part I will continue the health for I am bound to second it, since it is in memory to our friends, and therefore I will pledge it, though the glass were so big, that the Moon might make a c●ver to it. 22. To desire to be excused. GEntlemen, I must entreat your pardon, for I dare not drink such health, since I know I should lose mine own health by it. Besides, I hold it a heathenish custom, and not becoming a Christian. I shall therefore esteem it a courtesy in you to dispense with my pledging it; for to show love to our friends by wronging ourselves, were a part of folly rather than friendship. To which purpose I have written these verses. 'tis an ●ld rule now amongst Bac●ius train, That from our own healths drinking we refrain: Yet now they do begin healths to their friends, Which with the loss of their own health still ends: And thus while of our friends, too much we make, We love our friends but our own selves we hate. 23. To acquaint one with a journey. I Am to ride this morning toward London, and if you please to command me any service, I shall be careful in the performance of it: or if you have any thing to buy, pray let me be your steward, I'll buy it as cheap as I can for it is a happiness to me to have any employ, meant from you. If therefore you have any business or cause to solicit, trust me with it and I will use the best diligence I can to effectuate your desires, or if you please to command me any other service, you shall find me your ready servant. 24. To thank one for a courtesy. SIr, I must acknowledge myself indebted to you for your last courtesy, the remembrance makes me your debtor till I can find some opportunity of requital; neither will I been ungrateful for your last favour, but will return it with interest when Fortune shall enable me: in the mean time I would desire you to reckon me in the number of those that are beholding to you, and for your former crurtesies to take the payment of a friend, in a currant English shanks. 25. To excuse a friend in his absence. SIr, it is the part of one friend to excuse another in his absence, and therefore I entreat you not to be offended with him till you know the truth, but to interpret all things to the best. For I know it would much grieve him to gain your displeasure, and therefore let not your wisdom censure him in his absence for I know he will clear himself at his return. Been pleased therefore to suspend your anger a while, and let not your passion pronounce him guilty, before you know the truth: for if you will unjustly condemn him, I must rise up in my friend's defence, for howsoever his enemies have incensed you against him, I dare engage myself he is not guilty of those calumnious slanders which are heaped on him. Let me entreat you therefore not to give credit to the reports of malicious informers, who can with ease defame and cast aspersions upon the best men, but I would rather have you think the best of him, till you know the worst, and then determine of as you find cause. If he deserve it. let him continue still your friend if not, let him be wiped out of the number of your friends. 26. The Wooer's Compliment. Sweet Maid, the Sun hath almost gone his yearly journey about the World since first I beheld the Sun of your beauty, which hath so dazzled mine eyes, that I behold all other things as trifles in respect of those glorious beams which do shoot themselves from thence. If therefore continuance of time may been any assurance of fidelity in love, you must needs confess that I have long been a devoted servant to your perfections. Been pleased therefore now to accept that love of mine, which my fond heart cannot conceal, you are the darling of my thoughts, the treasure of my heart, the happiness of my life: neither would I live indeed, but that I hope in time by my true service and obedience to obtain your favour, Neither would I have you think that I slatter you, for my tongue doth but interpret ●o my heart, and the heavens know with what a due reverence I honour you. If therefore my love be grounded upon virtuous desires, you ought to cherish it, but if I seek your wrong by satisfaction of my own desires, let me perish in your favour, which is to me above all punishments. You are the Loadstone of my affection, your lips are the moist Adamants that do attract me, one touch from your hand hath power to revive the dead faculties of age. There is music in your voice, and a loveliness in all your actions. Blame me not then for loving you, but blame yourself for being so worthy of love, and since your beauties have wounded me, let your gracious answer cure me by consenting to tie that holy knot of Marriage, which I have often urged. Make me happy in your answer. 27. The Maid's answer. SIr, as you are a friend to virtue, I cherish your Love and am persuaded you love me: but alas, we Maids have no power to give away ourselves without consent of Parents, neither can we dispose o● ourselves, or be liverall of our affections, til● our Parents be acqutinted with it. And therefore you must now become a Suitor to my Father; his liking obtained, mine shall follow, and if you get his good will: my hand shall give you my heart in the Church before the whole Congregation: in the mean time rest assured, you shall find me constant in affection, and therefore you need solicit me no further, I am yours. 28. The Wooer's answer. I Desire no more happiness: for by your answer you have revived my drooping heart; neither would I change my estate with rich Croesus, since I value the obtaining of your love above the Empire and Dominion of the whole world. I doubt not but we shall live and love together. And as for your Father, I hope he will grant us the privilege due to all hearts, to love & to enjoy: and I will shortly take some fit opportunity to solicit his consent: in the interim I must force my heart to take my leave of you, not daring to salute you for fear one kiss should tempt me back again, but 'tis no matter, what we spare now, we will take out upon our Wedding day, Farewell. 29. To invite one home. SIr, I have often desired your company at home, but yet could never be so happy to obtain it. But now you shall not deny to grace my poor house with your presence, since we are hard by it, and to honour me so much as to let the star of your virtue shine within the sphere of my house: for I dare promise though entertainment be not worthy your invitation, yet you shall be as welcome as a friend can be to a friend. 30. To excuse with thanks. SIr, I desire your pardon, for my business will not permit me, otherwise you should not entreat me twice if I could grant it without much hindrance to myself. I am sorry to refuse your kind invitation, but I will promise to visit you shortly, and since it is your desire, I will be bold to call upon you. At this time I am enforced to withstand my own happiness by denying your free invitation, but I hope you will excuse me, and attribute it to my business, not want of love. 31. To deliver a Letter to a Lady. MAdam, here's's a Letter waits your perusal; and desires to be presented to your Ladyship's hand, the messenger told me that it was sent from your humblest servant Sir T. C. 32. The Lady's answer to her waiting-Gentlewoman. Who bid you forsooth receive these amorous papers? I know 'tis lighter than a Compliment and it may be 'twas written in a Tavern, I will not open it till I mean to laugh, for I mean to make it my recreation after meals. But I pray be careful hereafter to receive no more, you know my mind, and now you cannot excuse yourself by ignorance 33. The Waiting-mayds answer. I Shall obey your Ladyship's command, for I will not gain your Ladyship's displeasure by receiving their Letters, though they ●hould tempt me with a shower of Gold, I will not offend wilfully, but will study in all things to preserve your favour: for it hath been hitherto the aim of my desires to continue myself in your Ladyships good liking, and I hope I shall never deserve the contrary. 34. The Servingman's wooing of Susan a Chambermaid. SVsan, it is now three years since we have been fellow-servants together. During which time I have received many courtesies from you, and been invited to many a Sack Posset, which kindnesses of yours, though tending to no other end than to express your own natural good●esse, have since invited me to love you. And now having both ●ate out the fi●e, and our candle burning dimly, I thought this twilight, would best become a Love-suit. For I profess unto you Susan, I love you with as much affection as my heart can obtain: and albeit ●e have often fallen out upon trifles, yet I did it but to try thy nature, which I found to be hasty (as the best natures are) but not able to retain anger long, and therefore I hope you will forgive what is past, and consider my motion which tends, to both our good. For is it not better to live freely in the married state of life, than to depend on service, where every frown is ready to cast us off the hinges? for my part Susan, though the unthriftines of my friends did first compel me to undertake a servile life, yet I could never bring my heart to affect it, and I know you are of the same mind, for I have heard you say, your Father was a wealthy Farmer, who coming behindhand with the world you were put forth to service, which kind of life I know must needs seem tedious, and therefore I have propounded a way, whereby we may both live a free and happy life. I know you will object the want of means to maintain a charge or family. 'tis true, but yet let us not despair of God's blessings, for have we not seen many Couples, whose whole stock could hardly purchase a Wedding Ring, and a Licence, who yet afterward by their own endeavours have lived more contentedly than these great money-matches, which seldom prosper? for where there is love, there all things thrive, but where there is debate, there all things go to wrack. Love will supply the defects of want, so that if you please to entertain my suit with your kind acceptance▪ you shall not only free your self from the subjection of a servant but live i● the sswéet yoke of marriage. And now Susan I entreat you to consider these reasons which I could enlarge but that I fear our Candle will go out, and therefore having thus rudely with little art, but much affection, delivered my mind, I hope you will make me happy by your answer. 35. Susan's answer. ROger, you are much mistaken to interpret any courtesy of mine to proceed from love, though indeed I have always loved you as one servant may love another. But for other matters (as they say) I never so much as dreamt of them, and therefore do not urge so vain a suit, for I have something else to do, than to think of marriage. It is a sign Roger you live easily, for ease is the nurse of love; but if you sat up night by night, starching as I do, and then arose again as early in the morning you would have little mind to entertain a thought of love, And therefore hereafter busy yourself in some good employment, & you shall see these idle fancies will vanish of themselves. But if by this means your desires be not abated, I will consider better of your motion, and this is all I can say at this time, in answer of your suit. And so farewell, for I hear my Mistress knock above, and therefore I must be gone. 36. To desire a Maid to speak to the Mistress SWéete-heart, I know your long and faithful service hath endeared you into your Mistress' opinion, so that she reposes some trust and confidence in your words, and I know you are not ignorant of those strange times & seasons when women's fancies are most apt to receive Love's impression If therefore you would please to take some hour of advantage to remember my suit to your Mistress, and would but cast forth some words that may stir affection in my behalf, I would not prove unthankful, For though others have solicited you in the same way, yet if you will promit me your good word and assistance to prefer my suit to your Mistress, I will requite it in your own desire, in earnest whereof I would entreat you to wear this Ring; and to be mindful of me in my absence, that so at my next visitation of your Mistress, I may find her more i●c●●●able to my su●e. Farewell. 37. To entreat lodging at a Gentleman's house. SIr, being a stranger benighted and strayed out of my may and finding that the Village Town affords no Inn or house of receipt, I wouldgladly be beholding to you for this night's lodging till in the morning I may receive some better directions to proceed on my journey. 38. The Gentleman's answer. SIr, it is a courtesy that the laws of hospitality bind me to perform. I must confess our Town is but ill provided for the entertainment of strangers, and therefore if you please to accept of such a mean lodging as my house can afford, you shall be welcome. 39 A bold Compliment to a Widow. Sweet Widow, I come not with a tedious Compliment to win affection: but I come with love and youth, which are more graceful qualities in a Widow's eyes. I am indeed a younger brother, and have no land to indéere me into your liking, yet if you please (as they say) to cast away yourself upon a man, I hope I shall be able to delight you with the sweet contents of love. Think it not therefore the worst charity to make a man, and to raise the fortunes of a younger Brother, who only wants some of that white and red earth, which lies by you so uncomfortably Come, I will not be put back or daunted, nor will I take your no, for a denial: for I know, however you Widows seem to dislike our boldness▪ yet in your own thoughts you do commend us; when like good Soldiers coming up bravely, we make an assault upon your lips and scorn to retire, although your eyes shoot frowns against us. Thus far (sweet Widow) I have been bold with you, and I hope not more bold than welcome: yet lest I should presume too far, know therefore in plain terms that albeit I am the last that hath solicited you for affection, yet do I not least affect you, but should be glad of such a comforter as yourself, who by your good counsel may reclaim me from the wild unstayed errors of my youth, for being once married, I will fast from all lose affection, striving night and day to make myself worthy of the title of your husband, which I hope you will grant me, that so our wooing may conclude in a wedding. 40. The Widow's answer. ALas Sir, the remembrance of my late Husband, whose memory doth ever draw tears from mine eyes, his memory (I say) had so fare once prevailed, and was so deeply implanted in me, that I resolved never to make a second choice. But yet I know not how, moved rather out of pity to yourself, than any desire of my own, I am willing to second your desires in any lawful affection. For I see you can speak moovingly, and I must confess you have wrought more upon me than many others whom I could put bacl at any time by telling them with a serious countenance, that I never meant to marry. But I see you will have no answer but in the right kind, and therefore (as I said before) in pity of your youth, hoping you will be a comfort to my age, and prove a good Husband, I am content to make you Master of myself and mine. But still I say in pity of your youth, for 'tis your youth and young blood that I love. 41. To woo a Country Maid Fair Maid the opportunity of occasion, and the strong bent of my affection (which will either break out in words, or break my heart) compel me to take this short time to discover my desires unto you. The first time that I beheld you, was, when you were reaping your father's corn, and then it seemed to me that the golden ears did even bend unto your hands, & your straw hat became you better than if you had wo●e a coronet of stars. But indeed what need you wear a starry crown, whose eyes are stars and have so powerful an influence upon the beholders, that ever since that day, my heart hath never been mine own, but yours, and my thoughts have been wholly given over to think of nothing but the obtaining your love, for which I am come now to entreat, b●gge, and sue, knowing that you cannot be unmerciful: for if you will save your Father's Lambs out of danger when they fall into a pit. if such trifling things can move your compassion. I hope you will a little commiserate the dolours, and extreme passions of a Lover. For I persuade you to nothing but that which is the end of your coming into this world▪ and that is marriage, for how soon would the world decay and come to nothing, if it were not preserved by marriage? since therefore nature hath given you so large perfections, she looks that you should requite her again, and not to let your beauties whither on your cheek, but to bestow your youth and beauty on him who will honour you both in age and sickness. For know this that beauty is a fading flower, which cannot long continue, and as Friar Bacon's headspake, Time is, Time was, Time is past: so Maids have their sev●rall times and seasons; for at 15. they are in their prime, and then Time is, at 30. Time was, and at 40. Time it past. But I need not, I hope, use so many circumstances in words, to come to the full point of Marriage, since you yourself cannot be ignorant of my affection For when you went to milk, I have like a faint shadow followed you, and when you went to fold your father's sheep, I have helped you all which were services of that love and duty which my heart doth owe you. Be pleased therefore now out of the goodness of your nature, and by that soft compassion which should dwell in a Maiden's heart▪ to grant me your love, and then I shall esteem myself more happy than the greatest Monarch in the world. I beseech you do not deny me, but let one chaste kiss strike a bargain between us, that so we may tie the true Lover's knot of marriage. 42. The Country Maids answer. SIr, I had thought you would not have mocked me by laying beauty to my charge, for I have often beheld my face in the running stream, but I wish I could never behold such a dicker of beauty as you will ascribe unto me. You compare my eyes unto stars, and I know not what. Alas, Sir, do you think we CountreyMayds are such harmless innocent fools that we are taken with fine fai●e words, which you Courtiers call Compliments? Alas no, you may go use them to Ladies: yet I know not how, me thinks your words come from you with such fervency of affection, that I could find in my heart to answer you in your own phrase, for you must know we Country Maids can Compliment as well as you: know therefore that if your former words do proceed out of chaste desire to marry me, and if your heart hath been so long a servant of mine I will not detain your wages, but will pay you love for love again, and that I know is the payment that you expect. But I pray boast not that you overcame me with a Compliment though indeed I like your Compliments very well, which being set forth with a languishing behaviour, did become you so well, that I am content to yield myself to your disposing, and to make myself an example to show what great power a Compliment delivered in due time and place may have over a maids affection: and so without further ceremony, pray let our Ba●●es be bidden, let the fiddlers be hired to play upon our wedding day, and let the Maids strew the way to Church woth flowers, for your Compliment hath overcome me, and so I leave you. FINIS.