A LETTER to a Person of Quality, occasioned by a printed Libel, Entitled, The Cause of the Difference between Tobias Cage Esquire, and Mary his Wife: Stated by the said Mary in a Letter to a Gentleman, for her own Vindication: The Design, Malice, and Falsehood whereof is hereby detected with Proofs by Persons of value, on Oath, and otherwise.  
SIR,  
I Cannot but acknowledge my obligation to you for acquainting me with this Libel, which is as false as Hell itself: The design of it was to obstruct my being discharged of my Bonds, for the Peace which my Wife maliciously bound me in; whereby she conceives her Friend (as she calls him in th● the Libel) would be preserved in his Person, and the Jury who is to try the Caus● between her Husband and that Friend, be possessed with some obliquities in he● Husband, and so award the less for damages; but principally in pursuance of th● old wicked Design between her and her Friend for a separation from her Husband believing that a Gentleman can never possibly digest such Slanders and Indignities from a Wife.  
Sir, We are not to judge either of the Integrity, or Wickedness of a Man by hi● Affliction, or Prosperity in this Life; Solomon saith, the same event happeneth to th● Just and ; nor yet by what is said on the one side or the other, but from th● Mouth of two or three Witnesses. You know Job was said to be wicked, because he was afflicted. St. Paul was said to be a pestilent Fellow, and mad when he wa● in Bonds; and Sir, you know who was accused to be a Wine-bibber, and a Friend of Publicans and Sinners: Job also had his Wife, and David his Michal; and yo● know that Law among the Medes and Persians, That every man should bear rule in h● own House, was published upon Vashties contempt of her Husband. Even Socrat● the patiented Philosopher had his Xantippe, aswell as others. Sir, It hath please God to exercise me with Afflictions most of my days, yet hath his Providence miraculously supported me, and that under this trial by such a Wife as Solomo● reckons, a continual dropping, and as rottenness in the Bones. I am not ignorant o● the nature and duties of a married Life, and have now twice experienced it. I hav● found (as Charon of Wisdom calls it) the first a Paradise, and this last a Hell i● comparison of that sweet society of Life I enjoyed for sixteen Years with my forme● Wife, of whom I ever did and must say with an honour to her Memory, Ma● Daughters have done virtuously, but thou excelled'st them all: but what I can say of thi● and that truly, I shall forbear in all things not necessary for my defence.  
 
Sir, I shall answer that infamous Libel with all the moderation I can, and only show in a plain, familiar, and historical way the whole truth and occasion of the unparallelled differences between me and my Wife, or rather (as she calls it) between her and me: some of the Paragraphs of the Libel I recite, and answer particularly; others as summarily as I can, to avoid prolixity, and make all good with Proofs.  
Libel 1. It being my own interest as well as my obligation to satisfy you in your request, I shall give you a faithful and impartial account of the rise and continuance of the difference between me and my Husband.  
Answer. This Sir, deserves a Remark; The Person that thus invites a Wife to condemn her Husband he never heard, and that in Print, merits a character that he may be known by; he has taken the designs of his counsels from Achitophel. When David and Absalon his son were at difference, Achitophel counselled him to go in unto his Father's Concubines, in the sight of all Israel, that all Israel might know he was abhorred of his Father; adding, that then his hands should be strengthened. Such is this counsel, and given with the same expectation; and because this Anarchical Counsellor is nameless, I will call him Achitophel, who when he reflects upon his own iniquity in this matter, especially if the hoped for effects of his counsels fail, perhaps may set his House in order, and make the same good end.  
Libel 2. Before my intermarriage with Mr. Cage, I did by the name of Mary Okey secure all my Estate in the hands of Mr. John Okey as my Trustee, for the separate maintenance of myself, Elizabeth Blackwel, and Mary Okey, my two Daughters by my two former Husbands; and that by a Deed drawn by Mr. Cage himself: so that no surprise in the case could be pretended.  
Note, That here she saith, She made provision for the maintenance of herself and her Children: and pag. 7. that had she known such a condition had been foisted into her Articles, viz. of maintaining herself and her Children, she would never have been the Wife of Mr. Cage. Here observe her justice and affection, and how Achitophel's cunning ●ailed in suffering her thus to contradict herself: but some sort of People have had memories.  
Answ. 2. This cannot be answered but by giving account of the whole transaction before the Marriage, and the several times of every action; and therefore, ●n the beginning of the Year 1669, I buried my former Wife, with whom my ●ow Wife was well acquainted and familiar 14 Years before, and had been several times at my House with her. And about the latter end of October, the same ●ear I and my present Wife met at Mr. Doelittles, where she took notice of my Wife's death; and shortly after came to advise with me as Counsel in her suit, between herself and Mr. John Ashburnham, and desired one of my Clerks might ●ake care of it, which gave frequent opportunities of converse. Within a little ●ime she desired me to dispose of 500 l. for her at Interest, thereupon sent me the ●00 l. by Mr. Okeys' Son, without taking any Note for the same; which pray observe. This I put out to Mr. Neal, in the names of Dr. Paget, and John Okey, ●● the latter end of November of the same Year: at which time I had no resolution ●rrying with her. But she having carried herself very obliging to me. 〈…〉 Friends suspecting some affection in the case, endeavoured to divert me; some giving one reason, some another, and proposing considerable Matches; but I do acknowledge that her extraordinary carriage towards me, made me believe there was affection, and that she would make me a very tender and loving Wife, especially considering the circumstances she was under, of two young Children; and the discouragement and manner of her Husband Okeys' death, which was then used as an argument against my marrying her. I than desired them to forbear, and declared that as the truth was, I had never proposed or mentioned marriage to her, but if I knew that she had a real affection for me, I would marry her. At this time I knew not she was worth a Groat more than the five hundred Pounds I had put out, unless the 250 l. in Suit with Mr. Ashburnham, proved good, which appeared then desperate.  
The truth of this Mr. Thomas Dun of Spittlefields, or Mrs. Rebecka Fowk at Mr. Buchanons' House in Chancery-Lane knows, who were the Persons present at this Discourse. Notwithstanding this resolution, I suffered her to go out of Town, I never spoke any thing to her of my thoughts of marrying her, until she returned to her Cousin Okeys in Laurence Lane, and had lain sick a Week there, and sent for me, nor until ten days before we married.  
Before the 15th of December, we agreed to marry on the 21th following, the Marriage-Clothes were making before any discourse touching Estate on either side. But I being willing to free myself from the uncertain expectations of her Children, by seeing some provision made for them before I married, I desired to know what her Estate was, and what share thereof her Children should have: She told me that her Estate in all was 1500 l. good and bad Debts, and Jewels; and shown me her Jewels, and presented them to me, as she hath confessed upon her Oath, by answer to the Duke of York's Bill, to make me pay the value thereof, although she knows Mr. Butler the Goldsmith new set them fashionable at my charge, which cost me 12 l. and I returned them to her again, and never had any of them since in my custody or power, but a Saphire Stone of thirty Shillings. I desired a particular of the Estate: she referred me to Mr. Okey, who gave me a particular in Writing, as follows, Mr. Neal 500 l. Mr. Wilson, Mr. Ballard, and Mr. Okey 500 l. Mr. Garth 100 l. Mr. Ashburnham 250 l. Mr. Rose 40 l. Jewels 100 l. Ephraim Mansil 40 l. In all 1500 and odd Pounds. This I acquainted her with, and desired her to make some settlement, which she refused, but left the whole to me, to propose, order, dispose, and settle as I thought fit. But at my importunity, she declared at first that her Daughters should have 200 l. a piece; then at my further request, that her Daughter Mary Okey should have 400 l. and her Daughter Blackwel not so much: Thereupon I pressed her to name some Counsel, to consult with me about a settlement of the 1500 l. which she refused also, but left the matter wholly to me, whether I would settle it or no. Then I desired to know whether she was any way indebted, or was likely to have any other Suit or trouble, but that with Ashburnham; to which she and Mr. Okey answered, she had not; and thereupon I drew the Deed of Settlement in the best manner I could: And because I did not know, nor then inquire, by what kind of Security the said 1500 l. was secured, whether by Mortgages▪ Statues 〈…〉 Estate or Monies which might be gotten in by Suits: but she denying that she was ever likely to have any other Suits; I put as general words in the Deed as I could make use of, that I might be sure to pass all the 1500 l. sent the draught of the Deed to her by Mr. Okey to advise with Counsel, which she refused to do; but she and Okey perused the same, and the same was sent back to be engrossed, which was faithfully engrossed accordingly, and by me and her signed and sealed on the Marriage day.  
This Deed was made thus voluntarily by me, not at her request, but to protect and secure the 1500 l. from any accident by me, and notwithstanding that Deed, Mr. Okey was not to intermeddle with the Estate unless some danger appeared; and the better to secure it I gave sufficient security to enable her to reimburse herself, if it any way happened to suffer by me. Sir, For five Years, and until these differences were completed by him she calls Friend, Okey the Trustee, never intermeddled with the Estate, nor to defend Suits touching the Estate, or maintenance of the Wife or education of the Children, but all was cast upon me, as the manager of the Estate; and the truth is, I put a greater power and confidence in my Wife and Okey than this, relating to her security, which she hath perfidiously broken.  
The truth of all which Allegations is proved by depositions of Witnesses examined in Chancery, and that the Deed was engrossed according to the original draught thereof.  
Note, That the true Marriage-agreement lying only in the knowledge of Mr. Okey the Trusteé, the Court of Chancery (after the differences came there) ordered him to be examined as a Witness, which my Wife would not suffer until he was taken upon Contempt; and then he and his Wife submitted to be examined: and his Deposition does agree in all the particulars with his Answer to my Bill in Chancery against him, all which and all other proof under the hand of the Court shall at any time be sent to Mr. Miles, Scrivener in Threed-Needle-street, over-against the Crown Tavern, to be perused by any Person that desires satisfaction in the same, upon notice there left.  
That part of Mr. Okeys' testimony which relates to this matter before set forth, I have here inserted immediately after this, and the rest of the Proofs are at the end of this Letter all together.  
John Okey being sworn and examined, deposeth, that when the Marriage was in agitation, the particular of Mrs. Cages Estate given in was 1500 l. which consisted in these, Mr. Neal 500 l. Mr. Wilson 300 l. Mr. Ballard 100 l. Mr. Ashburnham 250 l. Mr. Garth 100 l. This Deponent 100 l. Mr. Rose 40 l. Mr. Ephraim Mansel 40 l. and the said Mary's Jewels 100 l. and this Deponent knows, that the said Mary did leave the matter touching the Estate wholly to Mr. Cage, to propose, order, and settle as he thought fit; and knows, that Mr. Cage did voluntarily declare, that he was resolved to settle the 1500 l. in the Mother's power for the maintenance of her and her Children, and such Children as he should have by her; and did seal and deliver the Deed accordingly, that he managed Mrs. Cages Estate several Years before the Marriage, but he did not know that she was indebted, had any other Estate, or was liable to any Suits or troubles. And that Mr. Cage did ●luntarily, and of his own accord and free will, draw and seal the said Deed 〈…〉 Person for her; and that Mr. Cage made the Deed purely upon the communication that her Portion was 1500 l. and in order to preserve the same for the maintenance of the said Defendant Mary in cohabitation with her Husband, and for the maintenance, education, and preferment of her Children she had and might have by him. That Mrs. Cage did acquaint the Deponent, that she had known Mr. Cage in his former Wife's days several Years, and when he was in his troubles, that Mr. Cage gave security to enable her to reimburse herself, in case the Estate should suffer by his means. That he doth not know when he was to enter on that trust; he did not, nor was he desired for five Years after the Marriage, nor until Mrs. Cage and her Husband differed, and during that five Years Mr. Cage without any control, managed all the Estate, maintained the Wife, and educated the Children with Music, Dancing, and other Accomplishments, so as Mrs. Cage was very well pleased therewith, and kept a House and Servants for them and their accommodation at Highgate. This is the substance of what is sworn, both by his Depositions and Answers, as to this matter. Mrs. Okey the trusties Wife in many things sweareth the same with her Husband, and that Mrs. Cage was very desirous of the Marriage, and did declare to Mr. Cage (before the Marriage) that she was no way indebted, nor likely to have any Suits but Mr. ashburnham's, nor did she ever hear her say she had any Estate but 1500 l. and against the Marriage she sold some Goods to make that up.  
Libel 3. Notwithstanding this settlement, my Husband after Marriage got into his Hands a great part of the Estate belonging to me and my Daughters, partly by the facility of Mr. Okey my Trustee, who having several Writings and Business in the Hands of my Husband, was afraid of offending him; and therefore both paid him Money contrary to my order, and suffered him to receive a considerable Debt (given by his Royal Highness to my Children,) besides other Money; all which he still keeps to himself, and partly by other indirect means, as by getting most of my Jewels and Plate from me, under pretence of securing them (whilst we should be in the Country,) and then converting them to his own use, and that I deceived her, pretending to put out Money to one Mr. Mills.  
Answ. 3. The settlement was made to secure the 1500 l. Estate, for the maintenance of her and her Children, and such Children as I should have by her, upon confidence that she was no way indebted, nor was any way liable unto, or likely to have any Suits but that of ashburnham's, which was depending before I married her. I was scarce warm in my wedding Sheets before Mr. Mead of Fanchurch-street, by Mrs. walter's, (since Mrs. Vinor,) demands of me 300 l. due by Bond from my Wife. Mr. Kirkham in Ludgate-street demanded 30 l. expended by him for her use. One Rise Yates to whom there was a 100 l. due by Bond from Colonel Okey, which she had promised to pay him for service in the management of her affairs for several years. One Valentine demanded of me 10 l. due by Note for nursing of her Daughter Miss Okey. One Mrs. Pool demanded of me about 4 or 6 l. for Silver Lace bought of her. Mr. Tottenham a Linen-draper demanded about the same Sum for Linen. Mr. Somes of St. Paul's Churchyard demanded about 8 l. (as I remember) for woollen Cloth. And Mr. John Blackwel her first Husband's Son hath since demanded near 300 l. for Goods and Jewels, proved to to be delivered to her at a price agreed on; and threatened to sue me upon a Bond of 5000 l. she entered into to him before the 〈…〉 to claim any thing of his but what he gave her by his Will. To stay which Suit, I obtained an Injunction in Chancery. Several other Debts were demanded of me, and I sued for several of them; and by this judge what a dear, a faithful Wife she was like to prove to me, who brought me herself and two Children to maintain and educate. An Estate racked up at her own value at 1500 l. whereof there was not 1100 l. secure; had I not reason then to get into my hands what Estate I could of hers to defend myself, and to take these concealments of her Debts very unkindly? But I did neither, for I did never receive of her Trustee Okey of her Money, more than 20 l. which was paid towards the purchase of the House at Highgate. True it is, I did Mr. Okey some service, but I do not know that I ever had any Writings of value of his in my Hands for three days together, and when she clamoured at him for employing me, I voluntarily left his business. For the Plate and Jewels she pretends to, I do affirm she had no other pieces of Plate, than a Silver Thimble, Bodkin, and Spoon; therefore I could get none of them into my Hands. For her Jewels, she had no Necklace but a black Bobbin and one of Glass. She had indeed a Phoenix Jewel, and some old Rings, which she afterward valued at a 100 l. (not worth 50 l.) part of the 1500 l. which Ring and the Phoenix she presented to me as an Emblem of herself the fourth day I had declared my intention of marrying her. True it is, the 21th of December I unhappily married her; after which, being a thing so suddenly done, and not accommodated with a House, I brought her to my Chamber at Grays-Inn, which is none of the worst Chambers: She thinking that too mean for her, complained she was never so lodged in her life. Then I removed to Lodgings in a great House in Fuller's Rents; there she carried herself so imperiously, that the Mistress of the House was weary of her; and I being desirous that she might be pleased, desired her to choose where she would be, she chose one Mrs. Shermans in Bedfordshire, which though it was inconvenient for me, I agreed to it; and in March after our Marriage, waited upon her thither, where there was one Mrs. Sparks, a Widow Gentlewoman, and an acquaintance of hers, Daughter to Mrs. Sherman, who since married one Mr. Minors of Lichfield; there in a little time, she so deported herself, and abused Mrs. Minors, that Mrs. Sherman was weary of her company. Then we returned to the House in Fuller's Rents again, where in a little time she shown herself of the same temper; and thereupon I conceiving that none of those Persons where she had lived had been educated fit for a Companion for her, I found out a place in Grays-Inn-Lane, where one Madam Burcher, who had been the Widow of Mr. Thomas, a Gentleman in Kent did lodge and table Persons of Quality, and there I carried her, her Daughter Okey and her Maid; and shortly after, her other Daughter and Sister came to me, for whom I paid the same proportion, for whom and myself I paid 4 l: a Week. In a short time she deported herself so haughtily, unquiet, and disobligingly towards Mrs. Burcher, that I was forced to think of some new place, hoping that she would be more quiet in a House where she might have none to contend with. I gave her her choice of Houses near London, she resolved upon Mr. Archers House at Highgate, which she had seen when she lived with the Lady Marchioness of Dorchester: Of this House at first, I could have but part, which I took, carried her thither, took Servants for her, and supplied her with all things necessary: In 〈…〉 House; and in regard Mr. Archer had but a Term of Years, she desired me to treat with Mr. Blake who had the reversion, who was unwilling to sell it; and therefore I agreed with Mr. Archer for his Term, which was eleven Years, for which she promised to lay out part of her 1500 l. Mr. Archer died before Writings were sealed, the House was out of repair, the Gardens ruined, the Fences all down; yet I agreed with Mr. _____ Mr. Archers Assignee, for a 100 l. of which having no Witness, Mr. _____ presently sold it to a Neighbour for a 120 l. which my Wife took for such an affront, that she put me upon suing for my Bargain in Chancery, which I accordingly did, sued for the same in my own and Wife's name, to be settled upon her; which Suit was soon determined, a Conveyance drawn and engrossed, of the House to her Trustee Okey, with an Endorsement thereon, under my Hand and Seal, that the Money paid for it was part of her 1500 l. that the Conveyance was made in trust for her, and to be disposed of by her according to Marriage-settlement; which Deed with the Endorsement was and is left with Mr. Okey the Trustee, and the same is proved by the Deposition of Mr. Anthony Smith in Chancery, who engrossed the Bill in Chancery, Deed, and Endorsement: judge therefore how true that charge of the Libel is, that I made the Conveyance of the House to my own use.  
And as to that of Mr. Mills, there is something of truth in that, but not as the Libel declares. The Michaelmas after my unhappy Marriage, I received of Mr. Neal 25 l. for 500 l. of her 1500 l. I had laid out with him for 100 l. p. an. for seven Years by her consent; 25 l. whereof I did put out to Mr. Mills, and in Michaelmas Term (her Cause with Mr. Ashburham being to be heard in Chancery) I did take that 25 l. in to employ the same in defence of Mr. Ashburhams Suit, but as to all other the circumstances of that allegation, the same is abominably false throughout. And as to that part which says Mr. Okey permitted me to receive a considerable Debt, which was granted to her by his Royal Highness, is utterly false, for the Debt she means, was a Debt due by Bond to Colonel Okey, from one Shepherd, and one Rogers, the remainder of some purchase Money of a public Title. The Bond she had in her custody, which she had sued before my Marriage, and was nonsuited, which the Defendants have also sworn. Two Years after I married her she brought me that Bond, and told me she had sued it, but could get nothing, and if I could get any thing she would be glad: Thereupon I by agreement with the Duke's Attorney Sir Francis Goodrike, sued the Obligors who lived in Somersetshire by English Bill in the Exchequer. The Persons being so remote, and I having no acquaintance near them, was forced to employ an Attorney at 50 Miles from them, and Commissioners (Strangers to me) at as great a distance to examine Witnesses in the Cause. The Sheriff also and his Bailiffs, being remote, wrought upon me; so that the expense of that Suit cost me 105 l. I recovered by Decree but 250 l. of which Mr. Doelittle, and Mr. Vincent being Ministers of London, applying themselves to me in behalf of Shepherd, affirming him to be an honest Man, I remitted 50 l. so that of that Debt which was no part of her 1500 l. nor any part of her Estate, being before granted away to another Person with whom I have since had a contest, I never received clear a 100 l. w●●●h I had before laid 〈◊〉 her importunity 〈…〉 hindered her at any time to repair to her Trustee, or to any Person but this Friend, and Dr. Paget, after he had given her advice not to return home.  
Libel 4. Observing these with other contrivances of my Husband, as his pressing me to sell 700 l. which I have settled upon my two Daughters, telling me that he could obtain a Decree in Chancery confirming the sale, grievously abusing me for my denial of it, which was one of the reasons of his quarrelling with me; and when in this he could not have his ends, to perfect my unhappiness, his endeavouring to alienate from me the affections of my Children, knowing that all the comfort I have left in this World, is their tenderness of me, obedience and dutifulness towards me, and particularly in tempting my Daughter Blackwel to go into France, for the advantage of her better breeding than England could afford her; offering to go with her himself to settle her there, which he did, that he might upon her account have a seeming just pretence for his vexatious Suits against me, and give some show of truth to that false and groundless Slander in his Answer to my Bill, and in his Affidavit annexed to his Petition to my Lord Chancellor, where he makes his reproving me for my severity to my Children one cause of our difference; when indeed he perfectly hates them for their affection and obedience to me, and because they will not be drawn off from me to him, and fearing that by degrees he would get all my Estate into his Hands, and then turn me and my Children out of doors; and also, having discovered his design of quitting me, by a Letter under his own hand, (in answer to one writ to him by a Friend of his, advising him to deal honestly and justly with me and my Children,) which Letter was showed and read to me, wherein he declares that it had been, and still was his design, which he would pursue, to part with me; and likewise, being advised by the same Friends of his to look to myself, otherwise he would not leave me Bread, I endeavoured to hinder his receiving any more Money of mine.  
Answ. 4. I never was guilty of designing any wrong or injury to her or her Children; nor did I ever know or hear that she settled or designed to settle 700 l. upon her Children; or did I ever move her to sell or part with any part of her Estate, saving to her Children; nor did I ever oppose her, or differ with her touching her Estate, or giving her Children any part of it, but the true and only causes are as follow. About three Years after my Marriage (the Friend mentioned, and intended in her Letter) repaired often to my House in my absence, and never but once, and to my Chamber twice or thrice at most to my remembrance, in my presence; and when he had been there, I found her at my return home, always very discursive and talkative, touching Persons not fit to be his or her Subject of Discourse, now she was my Wife, to say no more: All these intelligences of public affairs she derived from this pretended Friend, which she did usually inform me of; and I perceiving them to be dangerous, did admonish her to avoid his company. She told him this, and thereupon he sought occasions of rendering me in an ill character to my Wife, endeavoured to render me inconsiderable, sometimes one way, sometimes another, and used this expression, What did you marry this Cage for? I have 800 l. per annum, and if you had stayed, I had married you? Of this (Sir) in discontent she one day told me. I then suspecting this friend had some design of making a breach, than begged of her to forbear his company: and yet notwithstanding my request, I had notice that he 〈◊〉 thither in my absence some considerable time after. I having 〈…〉 and being informed that she had so cruelly beaten Miss Okey, for (with that appellation I always treated her Children) I took notice thereof to her, with some little earnestness. Shortly after I had complaints of her beating her Daughter Blackwel naked in her Bed, with a Hazel Stick, until she broke it, of which her said Daughter keeps a piece to this day, I also reproved her for it: After that, finding that she had so cruelly abused Miss Okey, treading her under her Feet, which did so exasperate the Child, that she got a great piece of Bread and Cheese in her Coats and ran away, and resolved to beg rather than return to her Mother; her Mother sent about to find her, brought her home, and for her entertainment, beat her until she was all in a gore of Blood; the Child again hid herself, sometimes in the Hayloft, sometimes under Hedges, nor ever came into the House to eat a bit of Victuals until I returned home, which was three days; when I came home, missing the Child, I enquired for her, who at last appeared, and her Mother complained of her, I enquiring into the matter, endeavoured to reconcile them, and when I went to Bed I seriously discoursed my Wife, and advised her, and shown her there was no such cause of cruelty, and for my pains I was forced to rise out of Bed at midnight, and walk in the Garden all night. This being Saturday, and on Monday morning before I came to Town I reconciled her and her Daughter, as I thought; I was no sooner gone but she took her Daughter up into the Purple Closet, beat her until her Nose bled, then locked her into the Closet, until my Wife's Woman taking pity of the Child, looked in at the Keyhole, spied her upon the ground, lying in her Blood, forced open the door and relieved her, who (as the Genlewoman told me) believed she had perished had not she relieved her. Another time my Wife's Brother Captain Rose being at Highgate, my Wife took a Broom, and with both her hands struck at the head of the Child, which her Brother defended, using these words to me, Brother, If you do not interpose, my Sister will spoil that Child. Next she fell upon her Daughter Blackwel and beat her most cruelly: when I came in I found the Daughter in the Chamber, lamenting her Mother's cruelty; I enquired, and she told me the cause which was trivial. I must confess I was wounded at my very Soul to see the daily affliction the poor Children were in under the tyrannical spirit of their Mother, sometimes one, sometimes the other hiding themselves for two or three days until I come home, and conceiving that by the marriage of their Mother I was somewhat concerned in them, and that it was my duty to interpose, I resolved to do it effectually, and did thoroughly discourse with Arguments from Nature and Scripture, and I think covinced her, but the effect was lamentable: She fell upon me saying, What have you to do with my Children? You, you, (making hideous grimaces) and pronounced it with so i'll an Accent, that I then thought it was my duty to deal more plainly with her which I did with all the moderation I could. In short, all the return I had from her was, You are a Rogue, a base Fellow, and several other opprobrious words. This unexpected language from a Wife, I confess made me amazed; but without offering the least violence to her Person, I departed to my Chamber at Grays-Inn▪ leaving this resolution with her, that I would not return again to her until I were justified or condemned by some of her own Friends or Relations. And this I ker● too; and thereupon Colonel Birch, Dr. Paget, and Mr. Okey the Trustee 〈…〉 she was any way faulty, otherwise than through discontents, (as she pretended) that her Estate was wasted, which she had never pretended unto before that instant. They refused to intermeddle, unless I would submit they should inquire into that, and settle the matters of Estate between us, which I did, so that I might be secured of quietness for the future. At the last meeting of these Persons, Colonel Birch dictated the heads of an Award touching the Estate, which though but just, was more for my advantage than I expected. The next day Colonel Birch informed her of this Award, at which she railed at him at Mr. Okeys' House in such a manner, that from that time he would no more meddle; but at the same time a Person telling her that I desired she would return home to me, Dr. Paget as I am credibly informed, said not, Let him by't of the Bridle; either he or some other present said, if he will not submit we will choke him with the Judgement, meaning the security I had entered into, to secure her 1500 l. Estate after my death, in case it should fall short by my means. From this time she absented herself; and had I not then reason to suspect the Doctor, who not only encouraged her in this separation, but went with her to counsel? I confess, her stubborn absence greatly afflicted me, nevertheless I made all the applications that any Gentleman, nay Man, reasonably could, by Friends of her own, Ministers, nay by her own Trustee, who found her implacable. This being about August 1674, I resolved as the best way to bring her to herself, to serve her Trustee Okey with a Sub-Poena, to answer a Bill in Michaelmas Term following: My intent was, and so was the Bill, to complain of her absence, and to have the Marriage-Deed, or the Award of Colonel Birch, Dr. Paget, and Okey decreed. Upon this she complains to Mr. Abraham Barrington of London, pretending she was willing to do whatsoever he advised her, who applied himself to me, and offered his friendly Mediation, which I thankfully accepted. The further account whereof, and my Grievances then declared, also an account of the several References and Proceed thereon, and in what manner this pretended Friend hath carried himself, you will meet with all by and by.  
As to my desiring Betty Blackwel to go with me into France; true it is, I being in this affliction, and she desperately in love with one Mr. Browning a Merchant who failed, and her Mother managing that business with great indescretion and cruelty to her Daughter, and I myself being resolved to step over into France for divertisement, not being able to mind my Employment, I was willing for Betty Blackwels diversion also to carry her over with me, but I do not remember or believe that ever I spoke or sent to her of any such thing, nor would I have done it without her Mother's consent: But I well know Ingratitude is her Mother's nature, and that I am rewarded for my kindness to her and hers as her former Husbands for theirs, one of them with treachery, if not both with death: Mr. Blackwels Sister told her so before me. And her abusing Colonel Okey in his absence (she knows how,) and in the Tower her unquietness with him, (she knows the circumstances) denote the kindness she had for him; and I solemnly protest she hath said that her Husband Blackwel was an old Knave and deceived her, for that his agreement with the Marquis of Dorchester was to make her a Jointure of ancient Title, and he made it of Fee-Farm-rent, which was lost by the King's return; and 〈◊〉 she importuned me to insert in a Bill in Chancery against Mr. John Blackwel● 〈…〉 Houses in Oldstreet which he had settled to secure her Jointure before the Settlement. That he kept a Whore in his House at Brogborough before he married her, but she herself routed her. Sir, I find I shall be too troublesome to you to make the tedious recitals of the particular Paragraphs of the rest of the Libel, I will only touch the particular things she charges me withal, and give you some Arguments against them, where necessary and sufficient Proofs by Depositions and living Testimonies that the Causes of Difference are not relating to her Estate, or any desire I ever had to possess that, but her conversing with this pretended Friend, her cruelty to her Children, her Unkindness, Treachery and Perfideousness to me her Husband, are the Causes, and the only Causes of my Grief and Trouble.  
And first, Sir, as to her Falsehood, in pretending that I desired to separate myself, or break my Marriage-Vows, or that I ever confessed to her that I had committed Adultery; these are the greatest Wrongs that ever were offered to a Man by a Wife of his bosom: For had this been true that I had acquainted her with such a Folly as a Secret, can you believe any Wife of Generosity could have discovered it? it had been certainly a sin against the most common Ingenuity. But I do solemnly deny it, or that ever I carnally knew any Woman that was vicious to my knowledge; but for that she herself best knows. For my other Wife, I dare answer for her, who I am sure was as virtuous and modest as ever was any person now a Saint in Heaven. It hath been her practice to asperse all of her sex that have been any way concerned with me (either as Clients, Witnesses, or Friends) as lewd and vicious, not sparing my Relations, Persons of Quality, nor her own Neices, her Brother's Daughter; whom I believe was as virtuous (if not more virtuous) than her own Daughter; I am sure more just, grateful, and modest.  
Sir, I lived forty years before I married this Woman, I was never taxed, suspected, or gave the least cause to suspect I had any converse with any vicious person before I married her. Give me leave to inform you of one Hellish practice of this Woman's, to take off the Testimony of one Mrs. A. Price, a Minister's Daughter that waited on her, a Gentlewoman well known to be virtuous to Mrs. Pledger the Minister's Widow, her Relation is as follows.  
Mr. Barrington in the time of his Mediation before mentioned, desired to discourse some Servants who had lived with us: this Mrs. Price being my Wife's Woman, among others was called, and speaking her Conscience touching my Wife's Behaviour towards myself and her Children; Mr. Barrington condemned my Wife, and acquainted her, that Mrs. Price was a sober Woman, and being now married had no dependence on us, and that Credit was to be given to her Testimony; and she had told him my Wife was very unquiet with me, that I was forced sometimes to leave my Dinner and Supper, other times to rise out of my Bed, and walk all Night. Mr. Barrington's Endeavours taking no effect, the Suits at Law proceeded, and this Friend, in the Libel named, reparired with my Wife to Sir Francis Winnington, Solicitor General, to retain him. He took their Fee, but with this Condition, That they should refer the Matters in difference to him: to which I also submitted. Sir Francis appointed several days to hear the Matters, we accordingly attended. It being demanded of me what my Grievances were, I told him, her keeping this Friend company against my injunction the 〈…〉 made not many Demands, and applied himself to her to show him her Grievaances. Upon which she replied with great art, Ah Sir! (with a Sigh fetched from the Abyss of Hell) my Grievances are such as never Woman's were; Mr. Cage (but I am loath to shame him), and makes a Stop. Pray go on Madam, said Sir Francis Winnington. I am loath to disparage Mr. Cage, says she: To which I replied, Wife, we come to deal plainly with Sir Francis Winnington, he hath been pleased to undertake the Cure, he cannot heal unless he knows the Wound, and the Bottom of it; therefore pray speak fully the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth. Whereupon she went on, Ah Sir! (sighing again) Mr. Cage used to rise from my Bed, and go to bed to my Maid. How, says Sir Francis Winnington! I was about to reply, but he stopped me, and bid her go on. Sir, said she, nothing else could have made Mr. Cage and I at a difference: and Sir, after he had long used this, he marries her off; and after he invites her to see us at Highgate, and when she came, told her his House was at her service, come as often, and stay as long as she pleased. She must sit at my Table, and if I did not cut her the first and best piece, Mr. Cage was ready to stab me.  
I being not able to hold longer, told Sir Francis Winington that I could not have believed there could be such a Devilish Design hatched on this side Hell. Upon which Sir Francis told her, I doubt, Madam, you are jealous. She replies, Sir, it's past that. Madam, said Sir Francis, do not conceit such a thing. No, Sir, (continued she) I'll give you Proofs, and with a brow of Brass gins thus: When Price was there, Mr. Cage forced me to visit the Lady Marquis of Dorchester, and sent the Servants and Children, and this Queans Husband to the Garden to Stoolball, and took his Wife up into my Chamber: I returned home before they expected, and knocked at the door a good while: (Sir, I beseech you observe the Cunning and Subtilty of this Woman) by and by I heard four feet coming down stairs, two heavier and two lighter, which I thought had been the Mastiff-Dogg; (Note, the Stairs were two Rooms from the Door) by and by Mr. Cage opens the Door, and holds it a-jar, put it to and fro, as if he had been jesting with me. I observed disorder in his Face as if he had been doing something, and with that I thrust the Door from me, and I saw the shadow of this Baggage running into the Garden: To which Sir Francis replied, Madam, Mr. Cage and she might be in the House and not naught together; I doubt you are jealous. Nay, says she, be gave the Quean twenty shillings a time when she lived with me. I'll make it plain to you yet, (I protest I was never so amazed in my life, I was wondering what would come next when she thus began again) I went up into my Chamber, and there my Chamber was disordered, and my Bed tumbled, I called my Maid Mary, and chid her for not setting my Chamber in order. She told me that Mr. Cage and Mrs. Price had been there all the afternoon, and she durst not come into the Chamber. Upon which Sir Francis took notice, I pray, Madam, let me speak with that Maid Mary. She alleged she was gone from her, and could not produce her: Thereupon Sir Francis advised me to find her out, and that she might make Oath touching that matter. The said Mary, (who was a Gentleman's Daughter, and waited on my Wife, deposed, That all this Allegation was untrue, as by her Oath among the Depositions hereunto annexed may appear; which when you have read, judge I beseech you, if ever such a Woman lived before her.  
And to show her further Deceit and Subtlety, observe the like about the pretend● 〈…〉 for a Separation, she pretended great care of me, procured her Sister to provide a Servant for me to wait on me in my Chamber at Grays-Inn, for I had none before; she came about Bartholomew Tide; my Wife before Christmas absents: March following 1674 Mr. Cremor of Grays-Inn had been informed that this Wench haunted suspected houses, acquainted me with it, advised me to turn her away. I gave her Warning, and in June turned her away. In August following comes a Letter by the Post, directed to Mr. A. S. of Grayes-Inn, than my Clerk, and is as follows; The Superscription, To Mr. A. S. at Mr. Cage's Chamber in Grays-Inn.  
After the first fold opened was wrote, thus, To Mr. A. S. at some of the Bawdy-Houses, or with the Crew in Grays-Inn. Within thus:  
THis is to imform you of the truth. There is one intends to lay the third Child on your back, which I do not really think is yours, but your Masters; he is better able to keep it, for you have more than you can keep already, for now you begin to want Chink, having no Suppliers but Spenders; you may lick your Breech like a Dog, (if you have any left;) for in sometime you will not have Money to buy you Plasters, and I believe the Squire is in as much need as yourself; but he is a Gentleman, therefore I pity him, and if his Wife were dead I would do what I could to help him to such another, but in some things she should not be like this, for she should be as ugly as all the Devils could make her, no more wit than himself, like an Ostrich, and as much Heathen as he is Turk. Take this advice young Man, though old in sin; Ponder well thy paths, and enter no more into the house of an Harlot, lest thou sleep the sleep of death, and so be taken in an evil hour. Thus desiring to hear you are in another World, I conclude for ever. Amen.  
Anno Domini, 1677.  
Sir, Of whose contrivance can you think this Letter was, what could be the design of it? I am satisfied (Sir) my Wife contrived it, it is certain, she sent it to her Daughter Blackwel to be there transcribed, and sent it up by the Post, directed as above. I suppose you will take it as a magical Prediction of what was intended, viz. the laying a Bastard to my charge for a farther pretence of separation; for (Sir) she knew the Wench was of ill fame, and had lain at a suspected House, before she procured her Sister to hire her for me; my Wife had a correspondency with the Wench whilst she lived with me, met her several times. And Sir, is it not strange that my Wife (who for eighteen Months before was not to be heard of,) should within four days after this Wench was brought to Bed, (if there was any such matter) find out the Wench, examine her with so much cunning and patience, and so unconcernedly endure to be told that her Husband was so familiar with her nine Months, without leaving some marks upon her?  
Note, The Wench lived not above ten Months in all with me, of which my Cousin Mr. William Cage was my constant Bedfellow for four Months before she went away, and never lodged from me. I had warned her away in March, she went away in June, and had the Bastard (if any) in January following: 'tis not probable, that after the Wench had taken warning to be gone, she should be willing, nor yet that I should venture after Mr. Cramer gave me notice of her haunting Bawdy-houses.  
And 〈◊〉 my Wif● 〈…〉 several Persons as witnesses for a pretence with her: And because, when I heard of this damnable design against me, I resolved to punish the Wench, and for that end gave to Mr. Winford in Fuller's Rents (whose Cook Maid she then was) ten Shillings to get a Warrant, and to set a watch upon her that she should not get away before the matter was examined before a Magistrate. But my Wife gave her another visit, pretending to search the Bastard for a Mole I had on my Body, which no Person knew but my Wife, and this mark she acquainted the Woman of the House with, that the Wench might the better pretend to a familiar acquaintance with me. Sir, This Wench on the sudden (to prevent my bringing the matter to a full examination) was conveyed away, without either my will or knowledge, and whither I know not, or whether there ever was any Bastard of that Wenches, (as pretended) I know not, nor did I ever hear that the Wench was with Child until this Bastard Plot was discovered. And Sir, although my Wife hath several times declared in several places, and to me afterwards, that she had searched to the bottom of the business, and was satisfied I was wronged in that matter, yet I have ever since laid out to have this Wench taken; I have offered five Pounds to effect it, and will now give the same Sum to have her taken, that the matter may come into Judgement publicly; nay Sir, I have sued, and do now sue in the Spiritual Court a Consort of my Wives for it, that the truth may appear; nor certainly, would any man think me so silly as not to have prevented the disgrace, by providing otherwise for the Whore, and in a more remote place than Fuller's Rents was, which joins to Grays-Inn; where the Libel saith, the Whore was lodged for neighboured.  
Sir, I would not have insisted so much upon this mean matter, but that my Wife used it as her Achilean argument to justify her treacherous departing from me, notwithstanding she was gone from me eighteen Months before.  
As to those falsities of turning my Wife out of doors, and bidding my Servant to shut the door upon her, and threatening to fire the House over her head: Thus I say, when I bought the house at Highgate for her, and had drawn the Conveyance ready, she refused to pay for it according to her agreement, nor had I any Money of hers in my hands, or to command, to pay for it, I having at that time laid out above 400 l. in Suits at Law in her concerns, as Mr. Middleton and Mr. Barrington, who were sent on the sudden to view my Books, found: Mr. Middleton then cast up my Book and signed it. I did, as I remember, bid my Servant acquaint her, than (as the truth was) that I was sued in an Ejectment for that House, and that I had covenanted that she or her Trustee should pay the Money, or I would deliver possession of the House by such a day, if she did not the one or the other, she would be turned out of possession: But I do not remember, nor can I believe that I ever did threaten the firing of another Man's House, so penal by ●he Law, no less than Felony: And I do solemnly protest, that from the first day of my Marriage to this very time, I did never turn her, or cause her to be turned out of any House or Place where I lived, or the door to be shut against her: But ●rue it is, after she had disturbed me in my business at Grays-Inn, and I provided a Lodging for her, I locked my Chamber door, and when she had left the House at highgate, and taken away and sold several of my Goods, bought with my own 〈…〉 Chairs of my Parlour, and other things, I did then indeed forbidden my Servant to suffer her or her Daughter any more to ransack the House. As to any Servant denying her otherwise entrance or admittance unto me, where ever I was, or at any hour, none ever durst be so saucy, or had any such orders. As to Mr. Middleton's endeavouring to introduce her, and sending Mr. Okey to acquaint me with it, and that I refused it, there is nothing more false; for Mr. Middleton knows that when I heard that he was persuading her to return to her duty, and that she refused it, and went away on Foot toward Highgate, I was greatly troubled, and sent Mr. Okey one way, and my Clerk another, a third Person another, to bring her back if possibly; nor did I ever take or keep any Woman-servant against her consent, otherwise than is hereafter set forth. When she absented herself from me for eighteen Months together, and at last returned home, with a design to have a further advantage against me, than I having a Servant-maid who lived with me about six Months, and one Year before with her; and my Wife desiring to introduce another, who lived in the House where she was concealed from me all that time, and of the Plot as I concluded, she, I say, desiring I would turn my Maidservant away, and admit of hers: I acknowledge I did refuse it, but declared that if she would take a mere Stranger to all the differences, I would turn her away, otherwise I would keep them both, that she desired to introduce, and that I had, that I might have one Person that might testify for my Carriage, as well as she one for hers: and this the righteous God knows was all the design I had in keeping of that Maidservant; and as soon as my Wife had provided Elizabeth Gun that was such a Stranger, (nay, I think sooner,) I turned my Maid away: Nor did I ever endeavour any ways to weaken the Marriage Articles, if she would live with me as a Wife, but endeavoured to have them decreed according to the intent and meaning thereof; which was, that an equitable proportion of the profits of the 1500 l. might be set out for her maintenance with me, and the residue thereof (after her Debts paid, and my just disbursements for the maintenance and education of her Children, and in Suits at Law in defence of her, and occasioned by her) should be given to her Children upon their preferment in Marriage. I acknowledge in my Bill (which was commenced Michaelmas Term 1674) I lay the cause of our Suits (but not the first differences) upon Doctor Paget, and I still do affirm the same. It is true, when she absented herself for eighteen Months together, I not knowing where to find her, to reduce her to a society with me as a Wife, the Marriage-settlement being made to secure her maintenance in cohabitation as a Wife, and she had broke her Marriage vows with me by her absence, I did deliver to several Persons Papers to prohibit their receiving her, or paying her any Money; yet at the same time gave private instruction to Mr. Okey to supply her, and not to let her want. I deny that my Bill in Chancery was ever condemned for being scandalous or impertinent by any Master whatsoever; but true it is, Sir Miles Cock (as I am informed) did tax 12 l. cost, without summoning me, to be paid to Doctor Paget upon my exceptions to his insufficient Answer, for saying, my Wife absented herself from me by the instigation of the Devil, and the Doctor the Defendant, but I believe such Costs were never taxed befor● 〈…〉 Paget to reward him in that kind for his ill advice, I need not, I have had opportunity enough. For Stedman, I believe I have said, no Gentleman would have advised a Wife to separate herself from her Husband, to maintain a Bill against him in the name of another man, and that his Wife and Children too hath more cause to complain than my Wife. For Mr. Jenner, another of her Counsel, I deny that ever I saw him to my knowledge, or that ever I wrote a Sentence, Letter, or Note to him; for all the rest of that Slander, there is no part of it true: Nor did I ever desire Mr. Middleton of Hackney to acquaint her capricious Friend with the differences, for I did never think him a man either of Brains or good will enough to do any good office between me and my Wife, which long since appeared, but more particularly now of late, as follows: Mr. Barrington met this pretended Friend upon the Exchange, and moved to him, that there might be some end put to the differences between Mr. Cage and his Wife, any end were better than none: The pious Friend replies, There can be no end. Certainly this upstart Dictator's Decree is not unlike that advice given to the treacherous Catiline by the Ghost of factious Scylla (one of the Council of State in the Roman Commonwealth,) The evils thou hast done cannot be safe without attempting greater: So here, there can be no end (says he) according to the modern principle, When the Sword is drawn against the Head, throw away the Scabbard.  
Sir, 'Tis a thing impossible to answer this Libel in any method, because it is confusedly, and disorderly, aswell as maliciously penned: Sometimes the Friend is mentioned in one place, sometimes in another, and so in several places, That a Gentleman seeing this Libel in my Chamber, concluded by the Style, that the same Pen that wrote The Worlds Mistake in Oliver Cromwell, wrote this. But now to apply wholly to the divorcing Friend, I do (as the Libel says) lay the whole blame of the difference upon him, not for the reason of lending his Name (to sue me before he discoursed me,) but for maliciously endeavouring a separation some considerable time before the differences broke out; for Mr. Abraham Barrington of London, the first Mediator for our reconciliation, before any Bill in Chancery was filled on either side, at Bartholomew Tide 1674, (when his Family was in the Country,) appointed us to meet him at his house in Suffolk-Lane for privacy, that we might have liberty to talk our Bellies full, (as he himself expressed it:) Meet we did there, but I confess I durst not enter the lists, (she always worsting me at that;) therefore she being in one Room and myself in another, I entreated Mr. Barrington to deal with us severally there: As one of my principal grievances, I complained that this Person had sowed dissension, endeavoured a breach, and that my Wife herself had told me he had used this expression to her at my House in my absence; Is this your man of discretion, to make Walks here, and no longer time in the House? Another time, What did you marry this Cage for? if you had stayed I had married you, I have 800 l. per annum. I was afterwards frequently upbraided with what a Fortune she had lost for me. Sir, his saying this to my Wife was occasioned by my desiring her to forbear his company, she having discovered to me his principles and usual discourse of Persons, not fit to be rendered in such Characters by any Englishman; to my disturbance, many times when I came home, for I 〈…〉 discours●● Sir I confess their wo● so 〈…〉 made then also, was, that she would abandon this pretended Friend: which she refusing before Mr. Barrington, I then charged her to forbear his company. This also, Sir, was long before any Suit, I say, 'twas in August 1674. Mr. Barrington used long and earnest endeavours of reconciliation, until the beginning of Michaelmas Term: And now, Sir, see how obliging my Wife was to me; instead of abandonding his company, she visits him at his Chamber frequently, and publicly goes abroad with him in affront to me, forsakes my company wholly, and sends railing, lying Letters, which I have by me, to one of which she subscribes my Name, and strikes a dash through it thus, Cage. One day meeting her at Mr. Doelittles, where she took Sanctuary, and communicated with his Hearers in the height of this malice. I would have taken her home with me. She sends for a Constable to have me before the Lord Mayor, and before she came before him, she ran away; and she then (at Mr. Doelittles) told me, she would keep this Friend company in spite of me, and declared the same at another time to Mr. Creamer. Mr. Barrrington prevailed with her at the beginning of Michaelmas Term to come and dine at my Chamber. I then also told her my dissatisfaction touching the design of this Friend, and begged of her (with all the fervency of my soul) to abandon him; after this was named, she would not by any means stay with me that night, which Mr. Barrington cannot but remember. Sir, before the end of Michaelmas Term I entreated her to let me know what the matter was why she was so unjust, for I solemnly protest I did not know; nay her Daughter Blackwel knows, and hath told it to divers, that I once gave her a Pen, Ink, and Paper, and bid her write what she would, touching her Estate, and it should be done; but she would not. The next news I heard of my Wife (instead of complying with me) was, that this precious Friend had in affront to me, brought a Bill in his own name against me, for and on the behalf of my Wife, therein abusing me, complaining falsely I had altered the Marriage-settlement, and scandalously alleges that my Wife had no Child by me, and we were parted, (as my Wife calls it in her Libel;) which I never knew of, nor agreed unto, nor ever will. I am now on such a Subject, that I know not when I should leave it; if I should suffer myself to tell you all the unworthiness of these two precious Friends, how the one hath answered her Marriage vows, and the other the profession of Piety he makes. I will only add this in answer to that part of the Libel, that says I so much desired the company of that Friend, but really I never did so but once at dinner, which was before I knew him, and that in kindness to my Wife, being desirous to show respect to all Persons she called Friends, when I first married her; I have ever since avoided him as much as I could; I never took him to be a man fit for the society of any but of his own humour, his converse being only of the Rapines and Ruins of the late Times and Persons, his own dissatisfaction, and quarrelling with those above him. The next, Sir, is to show you what unhappiness and misery this Woman was (as she alleged in her Libel) ashamed to acquaint this Friend of hers with. Sir, this Woman having for several Years laid her Snares for a considerable Prey, missing the greater, would have taken up with a Mechanic; she lost her labour there, but at last ensnared the Man, well read as she alleges in Machiavelli. For three or four Years so kind and hypocritically obliging she was, that all the World must know 〈…〉 his business, and spent all his time (but that of dallying with, and caressing her,) in securing her shattered Estate to make her Children happy, gave them all manner of Education, and was so kind to them that their own Fathers could not have been kinder; gave her liberty to dispose of her 1500 l. she brought, for herself and Children; provided more than she desired for her and them, and never asked her for any account of Money he sent; but when what he had sent was gone, she had more: but yet (as she declared) the truth was she did not know what she ailed, she wanted nothing, yet she could not be content: This is the unhappiness for the first three or four Years, that she was ashamed to acquaint this precious Friend with, as you will see by the Proofs at the latter end.  
Sir, Pray see when this misery began. At the four Years end her Husband finding the Children grew marriageable, and although that which was desperate of her own Estate her Husband had secured by Suits, yet because it would not be readily paid if her Children had offers of preferment, her Husband secured 800 l. to her Children, 700 l. thereof by undeniable City-security, payable one the day of Marriage, and in the mean time the Interest is paid to the Cildrens for their maintenance, and the Bond written in the children's names, and delivered to them, of which 800 l. there was but 100 l. part of the 1500 l. nor of her Estate. Next, her Husband at the expense of very great Sums of Money obtained a Decretal Order for a 100 l. per annum for her life, which she had lost, nay released: her Husband had done all this, and maintained and educated her Children without wasting any of the 1500 l. still remaining, but what she herself spent. Thus the 1500 l. whereof five was desperate, being made good by Mr. Cage by expenceful Suits, 700 l. settled on the Children, a 100 l. per annum for her Life, and in all probability 500 l. at least Arrears secured: Now was the time to set up the Deed, and for the Trustee to enter upon the Trust now; and never before, did she pretend to more at her dispose than the 1500 l. but now she would separate, before her Husband had got in any part of this Estate to recompense any of his disbursements, either for her, the Suits, or for, or to her Children: now she brags that her Children had 800 l. settled on them, she had her own Estate, with the 100 l. per annum, and 500 l. Arrears; now for a separation of Persons, and Estate would follow.  
Now her misery began indeed, this addition to the Estate made her talk she might have deserved her precious Friend with his 800 l. p. an. and a better man than he. Mr. Smith, if he had known what would have followed, would have had her, for he was only afraid of her Children, and as things fall out, she had brought him a better Portion than his Wife he now hath. And truly, from that very time she may date her misery, for from that time she grew so intolerably proud, and haughty, no Servant could please her, nor Child be servile or Slave enough; and her Husband that unhappily had made the Estate so considerable, was now set at naught. Here began her extremity of cruelty to her Children; from reproving her for that, her abusing her Husband; from thence Colonel Birch, Dr. Paget, and Mr. Okey, hearing the difference, Dr. Paget not then justly complying with Colonel Birch and Mr. Okey, advising her not to return home, but let her Husband by't on the Bridle, adding, We will choke him with the Judgement: to which end Dr. 〈…〉 her to one of Lincolns-Inn, who encouraged her, and told her the general words of the Deed excluded her Husband if he should have afterwards discovered and recovered 15000 l. more than the 1500 l. intended by that Deed: This vain conceit made her and her precious Friends swell like Lucifer; thus sprung her misery, and henceforward, she that was not able before to educate her Children, now should have no need of an Husband; her Children in this five Years well educated by her Husband, her Estate thus increased, she and her Friend would make her Husband truckle. From this time nothing but occasions of separation was sought for. Then when I sought to her for Peace, she told, No, you complained of my cruelty to my Children, the World shall now see, that I value my Children before you. And about this time Mr. Creamer, Mr. Reynolds the Minister, and Mr. Doelittle (I not present) discoursed her touching a Reconciliation, she declared, No, let them do what they would with the Estate, but she would never live with her Husband, (than she never pretended whoring,) than she only pretended she durst not live with me, I had offered to stab her with Sizars, another time to cut her Throat, which I wonder she hath omitted in the Libel, but (the Lord knows) I never then offered her the least unlawful violence, nor afterwards indeed, that might justly be so termed.  
Then began she first to absent herself, and hence follow all the Provocations to a Separation, in the Proofs annexed. But to return again to the pretended Friend, he goes with her, and retains Sir Francis Winnington Counsel for her; who worthily would not receive any Fee, but upon these Terms, That they would refer the matter to him, and if Mr. Cage would do so too, he would make an end of the Business. This was the Reference before mentioned, wherein she falsely accused me of Adultery with Mrs. Price. Sir Francis upon several Meetings examining the Matter, and the Trustee Okey himself reproved my Wife very plainly, and told her that she deserved to be bound to the good Behaviour, drew up the Heads of his Award in writing with his own hand, and delivered it to the Trustee to acquaint my Wife with, which was as follows, That the 1500 l. made known to Mr. Cage before the Deed was sealed, should be made good according to the Marriage; and for the rest that Mr. Cage had since discovered, and recovered by Suits, he ought to have. And thereupon I desired, as my free Gift, that Sir Francis would award five hundred more out of the Irish Arrears, which at my Request he also awarded. This being showed to her, she and her Friend contrives a Revocation of Sir Francis Winnington's Power, and sent it to him before the Award was published in due form, whereby a Period was put to all those Endeavours. Then this Woman gins to rail at Sir Francis Winnington, and her Friend threatens me in a Notice left with my Clerk of his own hand-writing. Then a Reference was had to Sir Fr. Winnigton again, and Mr. Creamer, which she made fruitless; then to Mr. Barrington and Mr. Creamer, they resolved on every particular, as well touching her Behaviour for the future, as the Estate, and put them into writing, those I signed, but she refused. Note, all these Persons were of her own nomination, and Friends. But I omitted to mention the Reference to Mr. Middleton of Hackney, her Brother in Law, and Mr. Okey her Trustèe; they agreed several, if not all the particular Differences, which also she refused to abide by, reflecting uncivilly upon them. After this she 〈…〉 Bastard, more particularly to Madam Broughton and the Lady Lisle, and lived above a year with me. And indeed she might well be satisfied when she was the Foundation of that Slander. But she not having advantage enough against me before she went from me; for she and her Friend had advised with Civilians for a Divorce, and it was told she could not have it but for Adultery or Cruelty; for Adultery she was sure, and hath often declared, she should never have that for a Cause, and therefore to provoke me to some act of Severiy she continues at home, and pretends she was sorry she had gone away, she was advised to it by— her Friend and his Counsel. With what Joy I received her, she and others know well, and that I treated her with all the kindness imaginable; and for her greater obligation, she desiring to have her Children live with her, I took another House for her at Thistleworth, furnished it all at my own Charge, took Servants for her, and lived there with her. And that all Causes of Difference for the future, and Discourse of it might be taken away, I desired her to think of some Lawyer of Repuputation and Integrity, to settle all things as they ought to be upon the true Basis of Justice and Equity. She names Mr. Powel of the Temple, in the Libel mentioned, who had always been of Counsel with her long before I married her, and married an intimate Acquaintance of hers: I agreed to it, and attended him with an Order in Chancery by consent, whereby all Matters in difference were referred to him. Mr. Powel knows I then told him, Sir, we have both pitched upon you to finish our Breaches, here is the Case, do as you would be done unto, if the Case were yours, I will not restrain you, you shall not displease me. This I often afterward declared to him, particularly before Mr. Thornton the Earl of Bedford's Chaplain, and Madam Broughton, and by this I thought myself secured from any further Troubles and Disquiets from my Wife, and indeed she began to be obliging. But Sir, Betty Blackwel her own Daughter coming again to live with us, pretended frequent Occasions of going to London, of which I must know nothing, sometimes going in the Morning betimes, Letters and Whisper when she came home of great Secrets, myself and House neglected; of this I took little notice, my Wife grew strange, nothing of kindness from her. One day being greatly troubled, I discoursed mildly with her, saying, Wife, what is the matter? how comes this Change? other Women are more kind to their Husbands. She replied, She could be no otherwise, I might help myself if I could. Sir, I was amazed, I found Affronts daily from her and her Daughter; the Reason I knew not, they wanted nothing, the Money for the House the Daughter kept, never without ten or twenty Pounds, they did what they pleased, I never demanded an Account to this day. This, Elizabeth Gun who then lived with us, and now lives with Mr. Gun at Billingsgate, can inform you. On Friday-night my Wife began to storm bitterly, for my saying, That it would have become her Daughter to have told me that she was going to London, and I had deserved more Civility than that. The Storm grew so great, that I risen from Bed, where I than was, and walked all Night in the Garden. The next day I crossed the Thames, to wander for quietness sake, and met in the Afternoon on Richmond Hill Mr. Thankful Owen, whom I engaged to give me a Visit next day at my House, by which I hoped to lay the Devil; that succeeded, and had effect for about a fortnight. But the Daughter going to London again, when she came home 〈…〉 attend my Business. Term came on, Mr. Powel did nothing, though importuned by me. Her precious Friend came also to Town, whom upon my taking the House at Thistleworth she promised me never to converse with, or see again, if she could avoid it: but she that never kept Promise with me, no not her Marriage Vows, could not forbear but must go to him for Counsel, as she herself owned. And what Counsel she had, judge by the Effects following. I was often told of her going to this Friend's Lodging, I blamed her for it; she told me, let me help myself; I replied, I would upon him, though I could not upon her. This made her rage intolerably, so that neither Day nor Night I could have rest, as the same Elizabeth Gun can inform you; she knows I have been forced to rise out of my Bed, and sit up whole Nights, sometimes in Mr. Morgan's Chamber in Grays-Inn, sometimes at Mr. Fairberds, sometimes lock up myself in my Study all Night, than she would break my Windows, saying, Turn me out then, turn me out of Doors. She once railed me first out of the Bed, followed me out of one Room into another, then going out into the Court pursued me, crying, Rogue, Bastard, thy Father and Mother were Bastards, and miscalling my first Wife by such Names which I can't in Modesty mention, and that I murdered her. This was at Midnight. I confess I turned towards her with a mind to have laid her at my foot, but I had not the Heart to strike her, but betook me to my Heels to run from her; she followed me close round about the Court again and again, till I was ready to sink. From this I see she designed to provoke me, either to turn her violently out of Doors, or do something cruel against her in passion, that she might have a pretext of separation, or living asunder at her liberty. I sent Madam Broughton to her, also Mr. Fairbeard, who desired her to remove out of my Chamber to a Lodging at my charge, that I might have my Chamber quiet for my business, but she would not, but being afraid that I should revenge myself on her precious Friend, She perjured herself to bind me to the Peace, takes my Lord Chief Justice's Warrant, a Tipstaff, and Mr. powel's man, one Sorrel, who comes for me at eight of the Clock at night, supposing I could not get Bail so late at night, and that I must lie in custody that night (being Saturday) and that next day, for want of Bail. I being not in the way, Mr. Powel's man waits for me to give the Tipstaff notice when I should come in; this I believe was the occasion of his being pumped (if he was) the next time he came, for I never called out Bailiffs, nor did I know he was pumped, until my Wife told me it was done, and if any Person swore any such thing, I believe he was suborned by her.  
Sir, Seeing I could not prevail with her to leave my Chamber, I removed myself, and left her there; first, to Mr. Brooks in Bawldwins-Garden, next to another Chamber in Grays-Inn, where I lodged to my great damage in my practice, until her own Brother Captain Rose came to Town, who being made sensible by her own Friends of her Miscarriages, at last prevailed with her to remove to a Lodging at Grays-Inn-gate, which I had long before taken for her at 20 l. per annum; and indeed he so discreetly managed the business, that he brought us together to lodge and keep House there, which we did until the Saturday before Whitsuntide last: but she still retained her design of provoking me to give matter of divorce for pretended cruelty, and endeavoored it; so that I was there forced, sometimes to rise 〈…〉 this way of provocation, she put this device in practice. I had appointed to go out of Town with her and her Daughter, for all the Whitsunweek for the Air, which they agreed unto; Saturday after dinner was appointed, I came from my Chamber to bid them get ready, but she and her Daughter were gone, whither, or with whom, I could not learn, nor when they would return: I supped, lodged, dined next day, and so till Wednesday morning, and then I left a Note in writing at the Lodging, to this purport:  
Wife, This is a new sort of provocation, I am retired to my Chamber; if when you come home you writ me word where you have been, with whom, and why you dealt thus unkindly by me, I will come to you, but till then I will never meet you at that Lodging where you have put such an affront upon me.  
Wednesday-night she comes to the Lodging alone without her Daughter, takes no notice of me, or what I wrote, goes away again and stays till Saturday, never gives me any account where she was, or with whom; sends indeed for me one day to dinner by a Girl of the House; I returned, I could not, until she gave me the satisfaction I desired. A day or two after a Gentleman of Grays-Inn Society informed me she was in the Walks the day before, walking with this Friend: This Sir, (I hope you will believe) could not but provoke a Porter; but Sir, the next day after, I walking in the Walks, see my Wife sitting with the Lady Marquis of Worcester, I called her to me, demanded of her what she and that Friend intended to walk in that familiar manner under my Nose, they would repent these provocations, and 'twas such a piece of Impudence, that no virtuous Woman would have offered against the honour of a Husband; she gave me some base Language, but out of respect to the Lady Marquis, I protest I departed without any further wrangling; nor did I otherwise than is here set down treat my Wife, neither did I ever see her at any other time in the Lady Marquis' presence. Since this time, my Wife would never give me the satisfaction to know where she was, nor with whom, in that Whitsunweek. But this indeed, a Woman whom my Wife hath prevailed withal to departed from her Husband also, one full as wicked, (though not so cunning as herself,) and of my knowledge a notorious Slanderer, did once say, she knew my Wife was with no man at that time. This Sir, if there be truth in man, this was her last parting (as she calls it) from me, without any cause given her. Therefore, see what a Wife I have, that will for twelve Months together thus grieve her Husband, rather than give him so easy a satisfaction; surely, there is no Person but must conclude, that either she cannot discover with reputation to her honour the Persons and Place where she than was, or else that she is well pleased in this separation, and that this last affront and provocation hit her design, though others failed. Sir, till Christmas last I paid for her Lodging, and then declared, I would not for the future, unless she would give account of the Whitsunweek, which she hath not yet done. Sir, I know not what words are in every Letter I have wrote to her in answer to her railing Accusations, and perhaps I might sometime in Termtime have desired her by Letter not to trouble my Chamber with scolding and brawling, for you may believe I would never have kept my Chamber in the Inn, which I can let for 20 l. per annum, and keep Lodgings for her besides at 20 l. per annum, if I could live quietly with her in either, 〈…〉 married her: But the disturbance I received from her in my Chamber, which I made convenient for her, and intending her company there only in the depth of Winter, was not tolerable, as too many of the Society well know. And now Sir, what a Friend this precious Friend has been to us both (as she pretends,) leaving the decision of the differences he created, to Chancery, judge by Mr. Thomas Danson the Minister's deposition, and whether I did not intent fairly by the offers Mr. Danson made him on my behalf, in order to a speedy and right decision of the pretended difference, whatever the Libel pretends. And Sir, for the last order of Reference, which she says I refused, I acknowledge that it being penned different from the other order, to include the wrongs the pretended Friend had done me, in misleading my Wife, causing this separation, fomenting and maintaining these quarrels between me and my Wife, I did refuse to refer these wrongs to the arbitrement of Mr. Powel; yet at the same time, I myself, my Council, and my Clerk in Chancery did sign the same order, with exception only of the wrongs the pretended Friend had done me, and such Actions and rights of Action as I then had against him, for I do aver, the first difference between my Wife and I arose from my desiring my Wife to forbear his company, because of his censorious, dangerous, and malcontent Spirit, for which he took a spleen, and then told her, he would have married her if she had stayed. And after I had publicly forbidden her his company, he brought this Bill in his own name, without any cause, and in affront to me, which is prohibited by several Statute Laws, he being no way concerned, either as Trustee, or otherwise than as a Fomenter of the Quarrel: For which, and other wrongs he hath done me, I have brought my Action, and laid the damages in the Libel, and will have it possibly first or last of him, such a just recompense of satisfaction as is fit for a Gentleman so much abused to have. Notwithstanding, this Woman (the shame of her Sex) by her Libel contemns the power and worth of her Huband, with regard to this perfidious Friend, and says this Libel is only to show how little credit or belief is to be given to her Husband's suggestions, or indeed oaths. But Sir, her Husband needs not to make oath; read but the Proofs and Oaths of others annexed, I hope they are not all such Persons. as this perfidious Wife would have her Husband to be.  
Now Sir, as to the pretended beating of her, I once more solemnly protest, I never did, or offered any unkind or unlawful violence to her Person, until she had absented herself from me for about eighteen Months, nor until she was returned home with a design of provocation, and first struck me on the face in the presence of her Niece Mrs. Isabel Rose, and one Mary Bucknal; her Niece is indeed gone to Barbadoes to her Father, but hath left a sufficient testimony behind of that matter with Persons of credit: I confess I then gave her one box on the Ear with my open Hand, and Sir, ought not that in justice be deemed rather a moderate correction I was obliged unto, for the restraining her from such like impudent attempts hereafter, than any unlawful violence or cruelty? Can that Socrates his patience, or any more Christian have done less in such a provocation, without emboldening her hereafter to contemn a Husband. But I ever till then accounted it so dishonourable to offer any violence to a Woman, that I never could, or ever did th● like before: nor 〈◊〉 I 〈…〉 And certainly, had here been a little Honesty mixed with the profession of this divorcing Jew, there had been no attempts and struggle to break the peace and unity of a Family, united by the Ordinance of God; If you had stayed, I had married you, and I have 800 l. a Year.  
Pray observe this Passage of the Libel, After her patiented waiting on the References two Years, then and not before, she moved to have my Demur to her Friend's Bill argued. Sir, see the patience she pretends unto. In Hillary Term 1676, she brings two other Bills against me, one in the Trustee's name, another in the name of one Wilson. Wilson I answered; that Cause was heard the 12th of June 1677, at which hearing, the Lord Chancellor suspended the settling the Cause upon the merits, until the Trustee Okey's Bill was brought to hearing, and to that end, that all the matters in difference between her, myself, and the Trustee may receive a full settlement. It was decreed the Trustee do amend his Bill, and make the Children Parties, and bring the Cause to hearing in Hillary Term following, and continued 300 l. in Court towards my satisfaction. At the hearing of the Cause, she and her precious Friend finding I was like to have Justice on hearing Okeys Cause, than indeed and not before brings on my Plea to the Friends Bill, put in three Years before, knowing that I would never answer that Bill to give her and him any colour of converse, and by pretence of my not answering that Bill, she hath ever since, and by other vexations, stayed the hearing of Okeys' Cause, which would have settled all the matters long e'er this; for I solemnly protest, I do not wave the answering that pretended Friends Bill, or any thing in it, but the Person, and that I would not encourage a converse between them, I had so long since for the peace and safety of my Family prohibited by the power of a Huband.  
Sir, For suing her Daughter Blackwel in the Exchequer, I had good reason for it as well as others. Sir, my Wife had received before I married above _____ belonging to the Duke of York, more than ever was granted to her; I was sued at Law for part of it, I pleaded the Statute of Limitations of Actions in Bar of the Duke's Action: afterwards, a Bill in the Exchequer was brought against me and her for this Money; I drew a Plea of the Statute of Limitations to that Bill, carried the Plea to Mr. Powel who was her Counsel, gave him a Piece to peruse it and fit it for her with me; he approved of it, I got it ingross'd, she refused to join with me in it, (though her own Counsel approved it,) and when I saw she would not join, I being altering it in my Study for myself only, resolving to put that in for myself to prevent costs, she thereupon raged and broke my Windows, which for that time (to satisfy her) I omitted putting in. At Michaelmas Term following, a Sergeant at Arms was out for me and her, than 'twas too late to plead; But I answered, and finding all other the Duke's Counsel, as well as Sir John King who had signed the Bill in the Duke's name, were of her Counsel, and she refusing to join with me in the Plea her Counsel had allowed, which would certainly have put an end to the Suit; might not I, Sir, well suspect that this Suit in the Duke's name was in trust for her, and that she had discovered and begged by some other name what she had before received and concealed, and would now make me pay that Debt to her Friend, as if to the Duke? Therefore it was, Sir, that I brought this ●ill in the Exchequer against the Duke's Grantee, Betty Blackwel, and several 〈…〉 the Grantee of the Duke in trust for my Wife. This Sir, was the reason (and no other) of my suing Betty Blackwel with others; notwithstanding, when her Mother had taken away my Goods from Thistleworth, and put only an old Petticoat of Betty Blackwels in the Bundle, which I had stopped by the way; she goes to the Lord Chief Justice and complains I kept her Clothes, when I never knew she had one Rag there, and got his Warrant to convene me before him, boasted of it publicly that she had brought her Father before the Justice, as she did one other time, that her Mother had set her Father's Nose awry: Was not this a barbarous action? Ingratitude in the highest! and is not the Mother like to make the Daughter as good as herself?  
Sir, Two things pretended I had almost omitted; The one is, that I promised I would adopt her Daughter Okey for mine, for her Father's sake, with whom ('tis pretended) I had an intimate friendship. Sir, If there be truth in man, I never changed one Word with Colonel Okey but once, and that was only to have a Commission for our County Troop to be renewed upon some of the changes of the Government; nor have ever spoke or thought ill of the Man for any thing, but the Fact he died for, nor did I ever in any proceed in Chancery or otherwise, blemish him or her upon his account, otherwise than by saying, that my marrying her under the reproach of the manner of his death ought to have been an obligation to her, which no man that I ever yet met withal but will grant me; and how probable it is that I should promise to adopt her Daughter, when I might expect Children of my own by her, and had made provision for her Children by the Deed to the Libel annexed, judge you?  
The other is, That, had my Husband designed nothing but what was just, the validity of my Marriage-Articles might have long  this been tried by consent.  
Answ. I never opposed the performance of the Articles, nor ever will according to the true intent of them. And I do affirm that it never was intended, that I maintain her Suits and pay her debts concealed, nor could I bind myself to be her Slave to recover an Estate not then mentioned to me, nor known to herself, and that Deed can extend no further than unto the 1500 l. made known to me before the Deed of Settlement.  
But for the plausible excuse the Libel offers for the Friend, that there would be a Failer of Justice, if a Stranger might not sue the Husband on the behalf of the Wife, when the Trustee is either corrupted or weary of his trust, especially being Guardian to an Infant-party to the Articles: I answer, That if the Trustee of the Wife should die, leaving her Husband his Heir or Executor; there I confess there might be failer of Justice; because if the Husband should waste the Estate which came to his Hands in trust for his Wife, she being a Person disabled by Law to sue her Husband in her own name, there I conceive it reasonable that she should be permitted to sue her Husband in the name of a third Person, for the preservation and security of her Estate according to the trust; But whilst the Trustee is in being he must sue, and if he refuse, it is the constant course of Equity to order one of the six Clerks, or some Relation of the Wife, to sue in the trusties name, whether he will or no; or if the Trustee be weary of his trust, he himself may sue to be discharged. But that a Person no way concerned, but as a Contriver, Promoter, and 〈…〉 braided with it, one telling me she was seen late at Night sitting between her pretended Friend and his Secretary, like Susanna between the two Elders, but she did not look so innocently.  
Sir, she hath Daughters which I hope may prove better Wives, therefore I spare her, yet I cannot wholly excuse her from Blemishes. And I can with a good Conscience reply, that for my Companions she calls lewd, I never had a worse than herself. That she lived with two former Husbands is true, with the one eight Months, with the other not four, yet with neither of them without Contention, although but Hony-Moon. And for five years she did me that Right to say that I loved her; which you will find by the Proofs.  
For that Slander touching my Mother, I was dutiful, and shall carry the Proof of it to my Grave, having parted with at her Command 3500 l. of my own Estate, as Mr. Serg. Connieres well knows, and that purely out of Love and Duty to her, and I do not know that ever I shown any Irreverence to her in word or deed. And besides this, every one of my Sisters hath had a better Portion of me, than my Wife and all her Sisters had together. It is true, I have one Sister, who through her own Weakness and Inconsiderateness was reduced to Straits; her I took into my House, and she lived quietly and with respect to my former Wife sixteen years, and was beloved by her; but after I married this Wife, I had no quiet till I turned her out of doors; since which I have and do supply her according to her Capacity, and that Ability my Wife hath left me, and do not know she hath need of the Charity of any Person. But my Wife forgets her own savage handling of her own Mother's Ears. And as to my first Wife, and her Death, this is a Hellish Insinuation of her own Contrivance, false and malicious; but indeed she endeavoured to subborn Mrs. Marry Husbands to Perjury, to diffame me in that. Read the Deposition of Mrs. Mary Husbands.  
And as to that which she pretends of Courtship with so considerable an Estate, certainly a Man of my years, and no Children, and a competent Employment need, not use such Arguments for such a Woman with two Children, and of such Circumstances; and that I, who never have lived above ten Miles from London, could so deceive her that had married two Husbands before, and had lived most of her time in London too, and had known me and my former Wife in my Troubles, as appears by Mr. Okeys' Deposition, is the most incredible thing imaginable. Sir, she knew me in all the Changes of my Fortune, and all my Wives Relations fourteen years before, she knew I was in considerable Business, and as likely as some other Men to be something in the World; and without doubt I had so been, had I miss the Unhappiness of marrying her, and thereby those Interruptions and Distractions in my Business. But that I endeavoured to tempt her with any Arguments touching Estate, she knows there is nothing more false. But I never pretended to any such Estate after I knew her, never promised to settle any thing upon her. I did out of Conscience and Honesty, without any Request of her, or any for her, settle her 1500 l. and secure it as fully as the Art of Man could contrive, for a Provision for her and her Children, and this I declared to Mr. Thomas Dun was my Resolution to do before I married her.  
As touching my former Wife no Woman ever gave greater Testimony of 〈…〉 and for her Satisfaction and Content with me, no Woman ever declared more: Of which this Wife found a Letter, sent to me not two Months before she died, with as great Expressions of Love and Unity as ever any Woman expressed. This Letter my now Wife observing me to read before I married her, and that the Kindness of the Expressions greatly moved me, she got it away, and will never since produce it. But Sir, for that I refer you to her own Sisters, Mrs. Hannah and Mrs. Rebecca Fowks, who live at Mr. buchanan's in Chancery-Lane. And for her Death, and indeed how we lived together, I also refer you to Dr. William Stains, who was her Neighbour and Physician many years, who with Doctor Clerk his Kinsman opened and embowelled her after her Death.  
Sir, There are some few things more will be expected I should say something unto, viz. That I permitted a Gentleman in Grays-Inn to abuse her before my Face. Another is, That Mr. Okey, being a Citizen of a mild and soft Spirit, was hectored by her Husband to neglect his Trust.  
Answer. What is alleged concerning the Gentleman in Grays-Inne is utterly false, I have known him now above twenty years, and never heard any Person but my Wife say any thing ill of him. He is near eighty years old, she fell upon him and beat him, because he condemned her, I never saw or heard him carry himself uncivilly towards her by word or deed. This also is a Device to take off his Testimony. For Mr. Okey, if he hath done any wrong in his Trust, it hath been to me. He hath permitted her both to use and abuse his Name as she and her Counsel pleased against me, yet she hath abused his Wife and Children every one of them. Certainly a Woman of greater Falsehood and Ingratitude never lived; her Usage of that Person and Family (who were as a Father and Mother to her in her Troubles) is enough alone to convince any Person of what Spirit she is.  
I never moved the Trustee to do any thing unfair, nor to omit his Duty. I never yet made use of any Protection, nor did I ever in the greatest of my Troubles obtain any, but now when my Wife maliciously endeavoured to have me arrested on the Bond of 5000 l. she entered into before her Marriage to her first Husband; nor did I ever, nor would I offer to insist on any such Shift against any other Suit. She knows I voluntarily waved it. As to Bethel her Confidence, of whom she will one day be ashamed, 
Jer. 48.13.  when that Calf cannot save her. Sir, You cannot but observe the malicious and venomous Composition of this Libel. What is left unsaid, that might render me odious? Yet Sir, you see there is no Proof nor Reference to any Person to justify any thing in it. It is only the Wind of my Wife's Spleen, who like the wild Ass in Jer. is said to snuff up the Wind at her pleasure; and in her Occasion who can turn her away? You know how Occasion is rendered in this Place if such. When she hath filled up the Measure of her Iniquity, God will find her out.  
Sir, I think I have omitted nothing that deserves to be taken notice of, only this, I have none of her Estate in my Hands, I left it secure four years since, and better by several hundreds of Pounds than I found it. I am out of Purse above 600 l. for herself, Children, and Suits occasioned by her, besides the 700 l. settled on her Children. You may plainly see it is not the Estate is the Difference by the several Awards I have agreed unto; you may as plainly see it is a Separation 〈…〉 not. And since it is so, I hope no indifferent Person will think it reasonable, after such unparallelled Wrongs and Perfidiousness in a Wife, that she shall go away a Gainer by me, leave me to pay her Debts, particularly her Debt sued for by her Confederates in the Duke of York's Name, carry away with her my Plate and Jewels I had in my former Wives days to the value of 170 l. which I never gave her; seventy Pound more she received and kept, which was sent me by Exchange from the Barbadoss, and several other Sums: And several of my Goods she hath robbed me of besides, she hath scarce left me any Bed or Table Linen; she hath sold my Picture set in Gold, which before I married she begged of me, expressing her Affection with such an Emphasis, that no Man could have believed counterfeit. I can hardly forbear, but will say no more, but that I am,  
Sir, your honouring Servant, T. C.  
The Scriptures added to the Libel, my Wife knows, I sent her long since with a private Admonition. I now send her these.  Amos 5.5. Seek not 
* That is the Idol worshippped in Bethel, which was a Provocation, and Cause of Divorce twixt God and his Church.  Bethel,— For Bethel shall come to naught. 
And these I send, as well to her Friend and his Secretary Thompson, as to herself.  Psal. 14.1. The Fool hath said in his Heart, There is no God. 
(But)  Isa. 33.1. woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee. When thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.  

The DEPOSITIONS of WITNESSES, proving the Premises.  
THomas Danson, Minister, deposeth, That he being desired by Mr. Cag● to endeavour a Reconciliation betwixt him and his Wife, did endeavour to effect the same. Mr. Cage was very desirous of Reconciliation, an● in no sort to separate. That Mrs. Cage was averse, but before the Differences he hath heard, Mrs. Cage and her Children say, That Mr. Cage was careful o● them in their Maintenance and Education, and provided (to use her own words nobly for them; but after the Differences Mrs. Cage complained that her Husban● had wasted her Estate, but this Deponent could not find any such thing. Tha● his Wife did abscond herself from him, but Mr. Cage often desired this Deponent to entreat her to return home. That this Deponent during this Agitation, at th● Request of Mrs. Cage, did treat with Slingsby Bethel touching the Composure o● the Differences, and did propose at Mr. Cage's Request, That the Difference● might be stated, and a Trial at Law had upon an Issue out of Chancery, for speed● determining of the Differences, or else that a Reference might be had to some indifferent Persons touching the said Differences, or to that effect: But saith, tha● the said Slingsby Bethel was averse to both the said Proposals, and said, That suc● Propositions was a Trick in Mr. Cage to put his Wife by, or off the Advantage she had against him in Law. And this Deponent hath been informed, that M● Bethel spoke very hardly of this Deponent upon the Exchange in London, fo● offering such Propositions on the behalf of a Person that has been so ba● (as Mr. Bethel said) to his Wife. Note, (the Baseness was to forbid her his Company▪  
CHarles Cremer of Grays-Inn, Esquire, deposeth, That some Differences between Mr. Cage and his Wife were heretofore referred to this Deponent, an● afterward to this Deponent, and one Mr. Barrington, one Mr. Reynold● and Mr. Doelittle; and afterwards to Sir Francis Winnington, and after to Mr. Powe● That their Differences arose from small Beginnings; that Mr. Cage wa● not averse to a Reconciliation, and that on such Terms, as this Deponent and others trusted to arbitrate, should think fit: and remembers Mr. Cage subscribed to some Proposals made by this Deponent and Mr. Barrington, the sam● (which Mr. Barrington informed this Deponent) Mrs. Cage refused to agree unto, whic● Proposals did relate to the said Mrs. Cage's Behaviour, and the Estate. This Deponent remembers one Difference that grew at Highgate by the broaching of a Barr● of Beer by his Order against her Mind, whereupon she said she would part, an● accordingly desired this Deponent so to act as she might live separate. And this Deponent did move Mr. Cage several times to separate, but could not prevail wit● him, nor did ever Mr. Cage move this Deponent for any separate living.  
ABraham Barrington of London, Gent. deposeth also on Oath, That Charles Cremer of Grays-Inn, and this Deponent did often meet and endeavour a reconciliation betwixt Mr. Cage and his Wife; and this Deponent at all times ●und the said Mr. Cage averse to a Separation, and would not allow of it to be ●scours'd of. That the Differences were about very small matters. And as to ●e Estate, this Deponent did not find it to be true, that Mr. Cage had wasted the ●me. That Mrs. Cage did acquaint this Deponent, that she lay privately, and ●d hid herself, that Mr. Cage might not find her, declaring that Mr. Cage ●ould compel her to live with him; but Mr. Cage did often urge this Deponent to desire his Wife to return to live with him. That this Deponent never ●und by discoursing with themselves, or their Acquaintance, that there was ●ny Cause by any of the Differences considerable enough to occasion them to ●ve separate.  
●Ohn Okey deposeth, That Mrs. Cage often declared before the Differences, that Mr. Cage was put to great Troubles and Charges in Suits for her and ●er Daughter Elizabeth, and yet greatly commended him for his Love and Kindness.  
SArah Okey swears the same, and that Mrs. Cage in the time of the Marriage-Treaty declared her Daughters should have but little, at another time 400 l. piece, and she would not straiten her own Condition. That Mr. Cage did keep ● House at Highgate, and several Servants for the maintenance and education of his Wife and Children, and educated the Children very well in Music, Dancing, and ●ther Accomplishments.  
●Ohn Okey swears to the latter part, and that before the Differences Mr. Cage wholly managed the Estate, and secured to the said Daughters 700 l. by good City-●ecurity; 400 l. to Mary Okey at the Day of Marriage, and 16 l. per annum for loathes in the mean time; and upon Elizabeth Blackwel 300 l. and 12 l. per annm. Which 16 l. and 12 l. they both received duly▪ and the Securities were taken ● the children's Names, and delivered to them.  
ANthony Smith, That Mr. Cage settled 100 l. more on Elizabeth Blackwel by a Statute from Mr. Garthe. And that Mr. Cage bought and sued for the House in chancery-lane, to be settled in Trust for his Wife; and that the Deponent engrossed ●he Deed of Assignment to Mr. Okey, and delivered it to him with a Declaration ●gned and sealed by Mr. Cage, that the Money was his Wives, and the House conveyed to Okey on Trust for her, and at her Dispose without her Husband; yet note, ●e saith, her Husband would have taken it to himself;  
Note, That Mr. Okey and his Wife, and many other Persons know, That Mr. ●age was resolved before this barbarous Usage, to make each of the Daughters ●orth a thousand Pound; they know also how he resolved to do it; and that also he resolved before this Difference to secure 200 l. per annum for his Wife, duong her Life; they also know how and which way he intended to do that, and ●ould have done it, although no way obliged to it. But pray observe how she 〈…〉   

All the Depositions following were taken at the Request of Mr. Barrington, and other the Arbitrators, for their satisfaction, by the Consent and Agreement of myself and Wife, except Mrs. Langly, who was sworn by the order o● Sir Francis Winnington, Solicitor General.  

Marry Husband, Wife of Thomas Husband of St. Andrew Holborn, Gent. maketh Oath, That she this Deponent lived with Mrs. Cage at the time that she married Mr. Cage, about a year and half before the said Marriage, and about a year and half after; and saith, That during the time she lived with Mrs. Cage after the said Marriage, and they kept House, she this Deponent did keep (by Mrs. Cage's order) and lay out the Money for the Houshhold Expenses, which she received, and gave her an Account how the same was expended. And this Deponent saith, That she doth not know or ever heard, that Mr. Cage did ever require any Account of Mrs. Cage of the Money received for the said Family-Expences. Nor did this Deponent know, or ever hear, that Mr. Cage did complain, or say at any time, that there was too much Provisions or Money spent in the Family by Mrs. Cage or her Children. And this Deponent saith, that during this Deponents living in the Family, there was always Plenty of Provisions of all sorts convenient, and of Money; and this Deponent hath received several considerable Sums of Money for that purpose, as sometimes Ten Pounds, sometimes Twenty Pounds, sometimes more, sometimes less, And when Mrs. Cage sent to M. Cage for more, it was sent; and this Deponent laid out what she received for that purpose, as Mrs. Cage thought fit. And this Deponent saith, That during that time the said Mr. Cage was very loving and kind to Mrs. Cage and her Children, which she hath since often acknowledged. And this Deponent saith as to the Quarrels and Discontents between them, the first that this Deponent took notice of was at Wooborn, upon some passages and provoking words Mr. Cage took very unkindly of her. And this Deponent remembers there was a great Quarrel upon Mrs. Cage's saying Mr. Cage killed his former Wife, which Mrs. Cage told Mr. Cage she heard from this Deponent, and that this Deponent heard it from one Mrs. Greenhil. And Mrs. Cage desired this Deponent to put it upon that Mrs. Greenhil, and desired this Deponent to make Oath that Mrs. Greenhil spoke those words, which this Deponent refused to do; for indeed this Deponent never heard any other Person but Mrs. Cage herself speak those words, or any other to that effect. And several other Quarrels have been upon the like Provocations. But this Deponent doth not know or believe, or ever heard, that Mr. Cage did use any Violence, Force, or Hurt to her Person, or deny her or her Children any thing she desired for herself or them. But knows that Mr. Cage desired several times, that both she and her Children would wear and have better  and things than they had or did wear, but she would not. And this Deponent hath heard Mrs Cage's Daughter, Miss Okey, several times complain, that her Mother and Mr. Cage had Quarrels about her Mother's beating her the said Miss Okey; and this Deponent knows she was always very severe to her said Daughter. And this Deponent doth not know, or ever heard by any of the Servan● or Children in the House that Mr 〈…〉 but very small Trifles. And this Deponent hath several times been informed by Mrs. Blackwel Mrs. Cage's Daughter, and Mrs. Rose her Niece, that Mrs. Cage led Mr. Cage a very weary Life by picking Quarrels with him, and vexed him with ●ross Expressions. And this Deponent hath heard Mrs. Cage several times confess ●he and her Children were as happy in her marrying Mr. Cage, as any Person could ●e, and verily believes she and they might be happy still, in case she would forbear her ill Words and Carriages towards him. Mr. Cage was very careful of her in her Sickness, and when he conceived she was in a Consumption, bought her a Cup of Massy Gold to drink new Milk and Sugar of Roses in, and many times hath put in several Pieces of Gold to boil in Broth made for her, and many other Testimonies of great Affection he hath showed to her and her Children.  
Marry Husband. Jurat. 9ᵒ Die Martii, 1674. Coram me Wm. Beversham, Per S. Poynter.   

RObert Loveday, Servant to Sir Purbeck Temple, maketh Oath, That he lived with Mr. Cage and his now Wife, as their Servant, above two years, and knows, that during all this time Mr. Cage and Mrs. Cage kept a very plentiful House for their Family, and never heard but that they did so after this Deponent came away. And this Deponent and the other Servants observed, that Mr. Cage was very careful that his Wife should not want Money or Provisions for the Family, and knows Mr. Cage paid the Butcher, Brewer, Baker, and Mealman, very well, and never heard any of them complain, or say they were ill paid, or stayed at all for their Mony. Nor did this Deponent ever hear Mr. Cage complain, or say that Mrs. Cage spent too much Money or Provisions in the Family, or for her Children. But this Deponent always carried home what Money Mrs. Cage sent for, and Mr. Cage hath sent home to his Wife, when he was not there, what Rarities were in season, either Fish or Fowl. And this Deponent hath often desired the said Mrs. Cage from her Husband, that she would send for what she had a mind to. And this Deponent saith, that he and the other Servants have observed many Quarrels between the said Mr. Cage and his Wife about her beating her Children, and knows that the Children were glad when Mr. Cage came home to make their Mother and them Friends. And this Deponent and other Servants have observed, That Mrs. Cage would be very cross, and give her Husband very ill Words, insomuch that he hath several times risen from his Dinner and Supper, and gone into the Garden, to avoid being provoked by her, and sometimes risen in the Night, and walked the most part of the Night in the Gallery and Garden, and in the next morning came away to Grays-Inn in discontent. And this Deponent and the other Servants have often wondered why she was so unkind to her Husband, and pitied him for the unquiet Life she led him, when he was so kind to her and her Children. And this Deponent doth not know, or ever heard, that Mr. Cage was the first Occasion or Beginning of any of the Quarrels: but hath often heard the Children and other Servants say, that Mrs. Cage was the Occasion thereof, and they 〈…〉 about very small matters. And this Deponent remembers that one 〈…〉 were at Mr. Cage's House at Supper, Mr. Creamer asked for some strong Beer, and Mr. Cage bid this Deponent go broach a Barrel: But Mrs. Cage at Table spoke some cross words about it, contradicting the same, (but the very words this Deponent cannot remember.) But Mr. Cage taking them ill, shown some discontent, whereupon Mrs. Cage openly at the Table, said, She cared not for his ugly looks; which caused a very great discontent in Mr. Cage, so that he left the Table, and Friends, and went away. But the Deponent never knew or heard that Mr. Cage did any ways offer any wrong, violence, or hurt to her Person, or her Children, although many times she would make him very angry. And this Deponent hath often heard the other Servants say, that Mrs. Cage might live happily and well with Mr. Cage, if she herself pleased.  
Robert Loveday. Jurat 13 Die Martii 1674. Coram me Will. Beversham. Per. S. Poynter.   

LEttice Dickman, Wife of William Dickman of Wapping, Confectioner, maketh oath, that she lived with Madam Cage as her Servant at Highgate, and waited upon her and her Children about one Year, ending between Easter and Whitsuntide last. And hath many times observed Madam Cage and her Husband very kind one to the other, and some other times at great Differences and Discontents one with the other: But doth not know that Mr. Cage ever used any force, violence, or wrong to her Person, but hath heard very angry, passionate words and expressions pass between them: But this Deponent knows, that Mr. Cage was very loving and kind to the Children, and several Quarrels were about her beating of them, particularly Mrs. Okey, to whom she was very severe. And knows, that Mr. Cage did several times desire, and offer, that Mrs. Cage and her Children would have more, and better Clothes, and things than they had, which she would not; and yet neither of them wanted any thing fitting. And this Deponent remembers, that Mr. Cage by reason of angry words between them, hath rose from the Table several times, and out of his Bed, and walked discontentedly in the Garden, and Gallery, most part of the night, and believes that Mrs. Cage was extreme passionate, and provoking to her Husband, upon small occasions. And this Deponent remembers particularly a Difference between them, occasioned by her beating Mrs. Blackwel, which Mr. Cage chiding her for, she took her Bed; and Mr. Cage came several times to her Bedside, and asked her how she did, to whom she answered, As well as a Woman that had so bad a Husband as she had, could do. Mr. Cage desired to know in what he was so bad; She replied, He killed his former Wife, and would now kill her. And this Deponent verily believes, that they might have lived as happily as any Persons, if Mrs. Cage would have moderated her passionate expressions, which were indeed very abusive: And this Deponent several times told Madam Cage as much. And this Deponent believes Madam Cage is satisfied so much; for this Deponent being since married, she met Madam Cage in the Street, and she gave this Deponent good advice touching this Deponents Carriage towards her Husband; and advised the Deponent to avoid what 〈…〉 was desirous to have the Children well educated. And a Musick-master came from London to Highgate frequently to teach them. And this Deponent remembers, that in a Quarrel at Mr. Cage's Chamber at Grays-Inn, Mr. Cage was so provoked by her pursuing him with provoking expressions, out of one Room into another, that finding a Knife at his Clerk's Desk, he snatched it up, tore open his Doublet; and if this Deponent had not got hold of his, the said Mr. Cage's Hand, verily believes his Discontent and Rage was so great, he had stabbed himself, which this Deponent (by the Providence of God) prevented.  
Lettuce Dickman. Jurat 19ᵒ Die Martii 1674. Coram me Will. Beversham.   

WHereas the said Madam Cage hath informed Mr. Sol. General, That at Whitsuntide last, the said Mr. Cage forced her to visit the Marquis of Dorchesters' Lady, and in the mean time Mr. Cage and Mrs. Ap-Rice were above in her Chamber alone; and when Mrs. Cage came, she found her Chamber disordered, and her Bed tumbled; and that she chiding her Maid Mary for not setting her Chamber in order, her said Maid replied, that Mr. Cage and Mrs. Ap-Rice were there all the Afternoon, and she durst not come into the said Chamber. Now  
Marry Langly Gentlewoman maketh oath, That she this Deponent, was Servant to the said Mrs. Cage from three Weeks after Easter last was twelve Month, till about Michaelmas last passed, and knows all the said Information (if any such were) to be untrue; for Mrs. Cage had appointed that visit several days before Mr. Cage came home, and knows Madam Cage made but one visit to the Marchioness all the time Mrs. Ap-Rice was there, and never made any other visit at any time when Mrs. Ap-Rice was at Highgate; and knows, that during all the time Mrs. Cage was at the Marchioness, Mrs. Ap-Rice and her Husband were in the Orchard with the Children and this Deponent, and did not go out of the Orchard till Madam Cage returned home; nor was the Bed or Chamber any way disordered, nor did this Deponent ever know, believe, or say, that Mr. Cage and Mrs. Ap-Rice were ever together alone in any Room or Chamber. And this Deponent saith, that no Maid called Mary (but this Deponent) lived with Madam Cage all last Summer. 〈◊〉 as to the Quarrels between them, this Deponent saith, they were occasioned by Mrs. Cages abusive Language to her Husband, when he hath chid her for beating her Children, which she did very frequently, and unreasonably; insomuch, that the Children have oftentimes threatened to run away, and declared they would marry, one a Tinker, and another a Cobbler, rather than endure their Mother's cruelties. And this Deponent knoweth Madam Cage hath spoken very maliciously and unhandsomely of her said Husband, sometimes saying of him, he is an ugly fat Bear, and sometimes ugly Dog, and sometimes said she received a Letter from the ugly Dog when she received a Letter from Mr. Cage. And this Deponent knows, that Madam Cage and her Daughter Blackwel agreed together not to come to London and live with Mr. Cage, and one time Madam Cage did resolve to remove the Goods from Highgate into the Country, and take a House and live by herself; and said, when Mr. Cage came into the Country she would fly to her Brother Rose, for Mr. Cage would be afraid to go thither. And this Deponent knows that 〈…〉 ●sion of) the Children and her Sister many times importuned her to be reconciled to her Husband, and told her how kindly he spoke of her; but she refused and would never hearken to it, but would part from him: And when she had wrote a provoking Letter to Mr. Cage, the Children and her Sister importuned her to write a kind conclusion of that Letter, and set her name to it, which she would not; and yet Mrs. Blackwel sent in her Mother's name for Money, by the same Messenger, and Mr. Cage sent it. And this Deponent knows, that when Mrs. Cage hath grieved and discontented Mr. Cage with her ill Language and Carriage, and she hath been informed of his discontent, she hath been very merry and pleasant, and no way concerned at it, as this Deponent could perceive. And this Deponent hath heard Madam Cage oftentimes acknowledge, that Mr. Cage was very kind to her and her Children, and that their own Fathers could not have been more kind to them; and being desired to go to London after the first difference, to submit herself, she said she would not go after him, and all the World should never make her submit, calling her said Husband fat Bear, and ugly Dog: And this Deponent did never know or hear, that Mr. Cage did ever offer any wrong, violence, or hurt to her, or that he suffered her to want any thing she desired, but believes, and hath heard from the Children and Servants, that she might live plentifully, happily, and well if she pleased.  
Marry Langly. Jurat. 5ᵒ Die Maii 1675, Coram me, Tho. Estcourt. Per. S. Poynter.   

Marry Ap-Rice Wife of Benedict Ap-Rice of the Parish of St. Giles in the Fields, in the County of Middlesex, Gentlewoman, maketh Oath, That she came to live with Mr. Cage his Lady on the Friday in Easter-week last was two Years, and continued in her Service till near Christmas following, and during that time this Deponent knoweth, that by agreement with Mr. Rose a Butcher, he was to serve the Family with Beef, Mutton, Veal, Pork, Tongues, and Udders, and also Lamb, at a certain price; and he did serve the Family with what Meat was bespoke by Madam Cage her order from time to time; and the said Mr. Cage paid him for the same when he required it, or in some very little time after. And also the Mealman and Brewer. And this Deponent saith, she never heard that Mr. Cage did find fault with his Lady for spending too much, either Provisions or Money; but when the Money that was in the House was near spent (as there were several occasions of buying Poultry at the Door) when Mrs. Cage sent for more Money, it was sent to her, or brought home by Mr. Cage the next time he came. And this Deponent saith, that there was not any want or shortness in Provisions or Money for the Family at any time, whilst this Deponent lived there; for this Deponent did keep the Money for the Family-Expences by Mrs. Cage's orders, and gave her from time to time an account thereof; and this Deponent doth not know, or ever heard that Mr. Cage did ever deny any thing, or Money for Clothes, or necessaries for Mrs Cage's Daughters; but knows, that Mr. Cage would have had both Mrs. Cage herself, and Children, have had more Clothes, and better than they had which Mrs. Cage several times refused▪ and 〈…〉  
And as to the Quarrels and Discontents between Mr. Cage and his said Lady, whilst she lived there, They were occasioned about small trifling things, which grew into words, but doth not know, or ever heard that Mr. Cage ever used any force, violence, or wrong to Mrs. Cage's Person, but hath often heard from her Daughters and Nieces, that their Mother and Aunt was the first occasion and beginning of such Differences and Quarrels. And this Deponent hath often heard Mrs. Cage and her Daughters acknowledge Mr. Cage's love and kindness to them, and Mrs. Cage in particular, saying, Mr. Cage was as good a Husband as any Woman had. And this Deponent saith, that when Mr. Cage came home to Highgate, (which was commonly on Saturdays,) he spent most of his time in Mrs. Cages company, and believes he delighted so to do; for this Deponent never knew him accompany other Persons to any the Alehouses or Taverns there. And (excepting when such Quarrels were) this Deponent hath heard and seen Mr. Cage and his Lady both of them, as kind and affectionate to each other as any Persons (as this Deponent believes) could be. And this Deponent knoweth, that Mr. Cage sent many extraordinary provisions from London home, and the House was very seldom (if at all) without strong Beer, and Ale, and Wine, which Mrs. Blackwel kept the Keys of. And this Deponent saith, that when Mrs. Cage was ill, this Deponent using her utmost care about the said Mrs. Cage, and Mr. Cage taking notice thereof, he gave this Deponent twenty Shillings, and desired this Deponent to continue her care to, and be very careful of the said Mrs. Cage and this Deponent never received of the said Mr. Cage any Gift in Money, Provisions, or other things whatsoever. And this Deponent saith, that the said Mr. Cage was never to this (Deponents knowledge) at any Lodging of this Deponents.  
Marry Ap-Rice. Jurat. 24 Die Februarii 1674. Coram me Will. Beversham.   

MArgaret Fyney maketh oath, That in the Year 1672 this Deponent came to serve Mr. Cage and his Wife at Highgate as Cookmaid, and lived that ●●mmer there with them. And saith, that she hath lived several Years in several Families, of Persons of Quality, and never did see more plenty for their own Family, than was in Mrs. Cage's Family, and never knew that there was any want of Money or Provisions; and when there was any thing that was rare, and in season, it was sent home by Mr. Cage to his Wife. And this Deponent saith, that all the Servants observed, that whatsoever Mrs. Cage sent for, either Money, or other things, Mr. Cage sent it: And this Deponent carried Money and other things home several times to Mrs. Cage from her Husband, which she sent for. And this Deponent knows, that Mr. Cage was very loving and kind to the Children, and whatever they desired for Clothes, or other things, Mr. Cage bought and sent them home, and never knew or heard that Mr. Cage did beat or discontent the Children: But knows, that many times Mrs. Cage would quarrel needlessly at Dinner with Mr. Cage, and that he hath left his Dinner and gone out into the Garden, and sat there; and sometimes out of the Bed, and walked about most 〈…〉 and the Servants many times pitied Mr. Cage for the unquiet 〈…〉 times, and turned her out of her sight, and she durst not come into her sight until Mr. Cage came home, who usually reconciled them; and knows, that the Children always rejoiced when Mr. Cage was to come home; and believes, that Mrs. Cage did live as freely, and happily, as any Person need do, and might still have so done, if it were not her own fault; for the Servants observed she would provoke him with very ill words, upon very small for no occasion.  
Margaret Fyney. Jurat. 8ᵒ Die Martii 1674. Coram me Will. Beversham.   

Marry Bucknal maketh oath, That she lived about one Year, but something less with Mr. Cage and his Lady, as Cookmaid; and knows that they kept a plentiful House for their Family, and that Mr. Cage (during this Deponents living there) always sent home what Provisions or Money Mrs. Cage sent for, and doth not believe, or ever heard, that he ever denied any Money, or other thing for his Wife or Children, but knows, they might have had more and better Clothes than they had, if she had pleased. And hath heard Madam Cage many times acknowledge, and say, that she was as happy in a Husband, and her Children in a Father, as she could desire; but there were several Quarrels between Mr. Cage and his Lady, sometimes about her beating her Children, and turning Mrs. Okey out of her sight; and sometimes about some cross and unkind slighting Words or Expressions she would give her said Husband; and sometimes about her forbidding what he had ordered to be done: And saith, that all the Servants took notice how she would slight and cross him; and many times pitied him for the discontented life she led him; and hath heard her Daughters several times say, that they wondered their Mother would be so cross unto, and quarrel with their Father; and would always say, that their Mother began the Quarrels. And this Deponent knoweth, that Mr. Cage hath been so provoked by her ill Language, that he hath several times arose from the Table at Dinners and Suppers in Discontent; and many times out of his Bed, and walked many parts of the night discontented in the House and Garden alone. And this Deponent remembers, that Mr. Creamer and his Lady coming to Mr. Cage's House at Highgate, Mrs. Cage was displeased, and would stay in the Kitchen; and Mr. Cage entreated her very much to walk into the Parlour and keep them Company, which she at length did: But at Supper Mr. Cage ordered a Barrel of March Beer to be broached, which Mrs. Cage was angry at, and gave Mr. Cage some ill words openly at Table, (as the Persons than present discoursed in the Kitchen:) And Mr. Cage looking angrily upon her, she then said, She cared not for his ugly looks; which caused great discontent between them. And Mrs. Ash told this Deponent, Mrs. Cage was with Child and miscarried then, and that she might have prevented it if she would. But this Deponent doth not know or ever heard that Mr. Cage was ever so provoked to strike or hurt her, but the Servants have often said, they wondered at their Master's patience, that he would bear such usage. And this Deponent saith, that Mr. Cag● did always express great kindness to Mrs. Cage, in sending home what Provision were in season, (though he was not there) and Wine and other 〈…〉 there was no want or scarcity of Provisions, or Money in the Family: And Mr. Cage took care that the Family, Children, and Servants, should be instructed in the fear of God; for he usually (if not every Sunday) had some Minister preached twice in the Family, usually Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Danson, and Mr. Danson, and Mr. Fowler.  
Marry Bucknal. Jurat 16 Die Martii 1674. Coram me Will. Beversham.   

SImon Picknol Servant to Tobias Cage Esquire, maketh oath, That he came the fourth of May last to serve the said Mr. Cage at his House at Highgate, and hath lived with him as a Servant to this day. And this Deponent saith, that before this great difference happened between the said Mr. Cage and his Lady, this Deponent bought in most of the Provisions for the House at Highgate, and several times received Money of the said Mr. Cage to buy the same. And this Deponent saith, that until the difference happened, this Deponent did neither know nor hear that the said Mr. Cage did suffer any want of Provisions or Money in the Family, or that the said Mr. Cage ever found fault that they spent too much. And this Deponent saith, that since the said difference, the said Mr. Cage often enquired whether they wanted either Meat or Money at Highgate. And this Deponent did acquaint the said Mr. Cage, that the said Mr. Cage's Wife had forbid him (this Deponent) to receive or bring any Money from him; after which time, this Deponent did not receive any Money for the said House, or Provisions from the said Mr. Cage, the said Mrs. Cage having forbid this Deponent to receive any. And this Deponent saith, that the said Mrs. Cage several times sent this Deponent to Town about her Business, and forbade him (this Deponent) to come at Mr. Cage her Husband.  
Simon Picknol. Jurat 24 Die Februarii 1674. Coram me Tho. Estcourt. Per S. Poynter.   

WHereas this Deponent Robert Fairbeard of Grays-Inn, in the County of Middlesex, Esquire, is informed, that the Defendatns' Wife did affirm to her Counsel at the Rolls, the last day of the last Term, that her Husband would not allow her maintenance for herself and Servant; This Deponent maketh oath that he hath known both the Defendants ever since they were married, and before, and hath been often in the Family; but this Deponent never understood that the Defendant the Husband denied any thing necessary or convenient for his Wife. And this Deponent being their Kinsman, was desired to prevail with the Defendant the Wife, to remove out of Mr. Cage's Chamber in Grays-Inn, about the beginning of the last Term, that he might have his Chamber quiet for his Business. And in the Deponents presence, Mr. Cage offered his said Wife, that if she would diet any where near Grays-Inn, until after Term, he would pay twenty Shillings per Week for herself and Maid; and then offered her five Guinies, twenty Shillings 〈…〉 Pieces of Gold, and would have delivered them unto her, to pay for such diet for her Maid and self for five Weeks. But she refused to receive any Money of her Husband.  
Robert Fairbeard. Jurat 13 Die Februarii 1676. Coram me Tho. Estcourt. Per S. Poynter.   
Many other Depositions I omit.   

POSTSCRIPT.  
Sir,  
SInce my Wife had notice this Answer was Penned; she, her Friend, and Complices, resolved to improve the Slander of the Bastard, to justify her eighteen months' separation, before that pretence had any Being; and the better to colour it, have by surprise drawn in the aid of Sir W. T. of London. You may remember, the Libel pretends, I had a familiar converse nine Months with a Wench, and lodged her in Fuller's Rents, to lie in for Neighbourhood. Note, She knew this Wench she caused her Sister to hire for me, was a Comrade of a Woman that went by the name of Mrs. Hilton, as a Merchant's Widow, but is really the Wife of a Butcher in Puckridge in Hartfordshire, and ran away from her Husband too, and who (as is now found out) plied at a Bawdy-house near Bond-Stables, and hath had a Bastard, for whose cure of the Pox, there is now a Suit depending, and Mr. Walker of Grays-Inn is Counsel for the Chirurgeon, and Mr. Ray is Attorney. This Hilton was my Wife's chief Instrument in this Bastard plot, and whilst this Wench lived with me, she often lay out with this Hilton, and was no doubt employed as well as herself: You see that in March, upon Mr. Creamer's suspicion, I gave this Wench warning, that for four Months after this suspicion of Mr. Creamers, and until this Wench was gone, I procured my Cousin Will. Cage to live and lodge with me: She had the Bastard in January, seven Months after she went from me. I mentioned my Wife's tampering with her whilst she lived with me. Her Daughter Betty Blackwels Prediction by Letter to Mr. Smith. You have heard of my Wife's frequent and kind visits to the Wench; whereas a Gentleman I sent to examine the Wench, could never be admitted. And note Sir, that she concealed her being with Child, and went about to murder it in the House of Office, as Mr. Waingford, Master of the House, and his Wife can testify; either of which (in all likelihood) she should have no reason attempt, if I were concerned in it. That I left ten Shillings with Mr. Waingford Master of the House for Charges to watch and apprehend her. And that I sue one of my Wife's Confederates in the Spiritual Court for Slander, that the matter may there be enquired into. And Sir, this is observable, that after my Wife heard Mr. Creamer advised to the turning the Maid away 〈◊〉 Wife 〈…〉 Wife again accuses me, that I had sent the Wench away to lie in: Hereupon, by Mr. Barrington's advice, I sent for the Wench, stayed her from Service, and gave five Shillings a Week for five Weeks after she was gone from me, that she might appear, and the contrary be observed; and after this Slander proved ineffectual, Betty Blackwels Letter was sent.  
Now Sir, since my Wife was assured I would answer her Libel, she and her Friend rage like Satan, foreseeing the time is short, and in pursuance of her former Practice of Subornation and Falsehood, hath suborned this Whore. She upon pretence of a Warrant sent me word by her Nephew, my Clerk, at ten of the Clock at Night, that she was going with her before Sir W. T. a Justice of Peace. I confess, the Suddenness of it, and the Time of the Night, made me suspect some Design and waylay, being as yet bound to the Peace, however I sent my Wife word by her Nephew, that I expected she would now secure and prosecute the Wench; but mistrusting she should not, I desired two Gentlemen of our House to step to the Justice to get her secured; they attended, and observed that the Justice gave the Whore that had the Bastard her Oath, and examined her. Certainly this Justice of Peace, though a very worthy Person, was strangely influenced by her Libel and Friend, to assume a Power as a single Justice of Peace to examine a Whore on her Oath on the Complaint of a Wife against her Husband. Indeed if the Bastard were living, two Justices of the Peace, in order to discharge the Parish, may examine the Matter, but in no other Case, else the Malice of a Wife by the Testimony of a common Whore might defame her Husband. But Sir, the Wench being fore-instructed, prompted on and surrounded by my Wife and her other Confederaies that Night, fware, that she having lived with me near a year, it was half a year before I had any Commerce with her of that sort, and that was only four times (as she saith); but my Wife was overheard putting her in mind, that she should swore I had to do with her nine Months. Note, this was to make good her Libel: but observe, that when this Mrs. Hilton the Agent first charged me with the Bastard, she told to Mr. Fincham and Mr. Fairebeard of Grays-Inne, that the Wench affirmed I never had the knowledge of her but once. And now when one of the Gentlemen prayed the Justice take notice she was in two Tales, he favourably termed that but Forgetfulness; whereas all other Judges allow self-contradicting to be a clear Evidence of Falsehood and Forgery. And mark this, Sir, that when the Persons I sent earnestly moved that the Wench should be had to Prison until I were heard next day, and that it was for my Wife's Credit, if she would avoid all suspicion of having suborned this Wench; yet my Wife and her Consorts opposed it; but the Justice took a Strangers bare word for her to appear next Day at eleven a Clock, but they never appeared more. For indeed there was no farther Design but to have the Whore deliver this Slonder on her Oath, and so be gone. And the Justice of Peace is now to be examined on all Occasions as a Witness, as to testify what the Whore delivered on Oath, which they vainly think will be a stabbing Evidence, that any Man though never so innocent had a Bastard; but I doubt not e'er long to discover more of the Matter without Bribery or Subornation. Sir, this Woman, Hilton, was the Person that managed this Plot for my Wife from the beginning and that came to me when the Wench (as was pretended) lay in, 〈…〉 grace. Mark the Design: when she saw I would not be wrought upon to betray my own Innocency that way, she applied herself to Mr. Fincham, offered him, if I would give her ten Pounds, she would bring a Person should take off the Child, and give Security from future Charge: but my Innocency was such; I rather chose to abide a Trial at Law than give one Penny. And I never heard of it more until my Wife suborned this Wench to swear this, to justify herself; nor could I ever light of this Wench or the said Hilton since the Bastard pretence, nor can I yet catch this Whore although I do endeavour it; but by the Grace of God as soon as possibly I can get her Appearance, I will try the matter by a Jury upon an Action of Slander, whether that Bastard ought to be charged on me, or no: which Action, as the Case is, and the Damages may be laid, I think will lie. And in order to the speedy doing of it, I shall take it kindly of my Wife, if she will procure this Wench to give me an Appearance by an Attorney in the Common-Pleas, without further Trouble.  
Sir, Something may be expected I should say as to the Deed printed at large, with design either to insinuate some Indiscretion in giving such a Power, or Injustice in not keeping it according to the Letter. Therefore Sir, I entreat you to consider that Deed with the Circumstances she and her Estate were in, and you will not (I think) conceive me guilty of much Folly, or any Fraud at all in the penning of it. The Estate was but 1500 l. she had two Children, and no Debts or Troubles, as she and her Trustee affirmed. The Estate was forfeited, and all liable to be taken away by his Royal Highness, except such Part as could be proved granted to her. Now Sir, though her Affection to me before I married her, was by her Subtlety set out in as taking Colours as the greatest Hypocrisy could paint it; her Carriage such, as might have prevailed with a wiser Man to put Confidence in her who was to be a Wife, especially considering the great Profession she made of Religion. Yet I endeavoured to secure myself, as well against her children's future Clamours and uncertain Expectations, as from all Suits to discover or account for her Husband Okeys' Estate, toward which any Lawyer will allow me the pleading this Deed would have gone very far. Sir, you will find she hath not such a Power as she pretends unto, but only the Power of appointing Proportions, as well for her children's Preferment, as her own Maintenance; and that must be also according to Equity and Justice, so that she cannot give all to her Children, and leave no Maintenance for herself; and the whole is so limited, that she cannot dispose of any part of the Principal, but for the Preferment of the Children she then had, and might have by me. And if the Trustee consents to employ any part of it to any other use, he is answerable to me for breach of Trust, and must make good the Damage out of his own Estate. And as to the Letter or general Words of the Deed, viz. [all her Estate]: Was it not a great Fraud in her (and her Trustee too if he had known it) to conceal and deny her Debts she owed, and several expenceful Suits she knew I must be engaged in, not only to defend the 1500 l. made known to me, but to recover that which I never knew of, nor was ever mentioned before I married her? Can it be imagined by any rational Man, that I should intent by that Deed, either that she should give away the 1500 l. and I maintain her, and pay her Debts; or that I should sell my 〈…〉 I then knew not of, nor she neither, & that for her & her Children. I could say much more, but 'tis not convenient. The Deed is before the L. Chancellor for his Judgement at her Suit. But this I say, I never endeavoured to defeat or avoid the true Intent and Meaning of that Deed; but I think now her denying Co-habitation with me hath taken away much of the force of it, and altered the Case.  
And as to her Pretences, That I would have no End, that nothing would satisfy me but the whole Estate, you see how false she is proved. And yet to give a full Answer, and stop the Mouth even of Falsehood itself, I make her these Offers.  
First, Let her produce any Woman in England (except the Whore of her own making) that will soberly affirm, that ever I tempted her to any lascivious act of Dalliance, or any Gentleman that was ever in my company at any such time, or with any such Person, I will release her Estate, and all claims to it.  
Secondly, If she desires Reconciliation, and will submit herself, make such acknowledgement and satisfaction as any two Divines (I having liberty to except against two only, and she the like) shall think fit and honourable for me to receive, I will not only as to her Estate give her choice of the three Awards already made, but if she refuses them, I will submit all the matters in difference she pretends unto whatsoever (except the pretended Friend) to any two or three private Gentlemen, or Lawyers, that have not been concerned with either side, to their final and absolute determination.  
But if she refuse all these Proposals, judge you Sir, and all the World, whether she can be other than as Solomon denotes, such a Woman as forsakes her Husband, and the Covenant of her God? or, whether there ever was such a Diabolical combination against the Laws of God, Nature, and Humanity, as is between the pretended Friend and herself?  
Sir, I foresee an Objection will be by this Woman. What, shall I give up a Person that has espoused my Quarrel against my Husband, and make an agreement and he not included? I cannot in honour do it.  
Answ. 'Tis my unhappiness she is not better acquainted with true Honour: where that is, you always find it imprinted in the Mind with indelible Characters; The Flatteries or Pretences of such a Friend could never have prevailed with her to forget her Covenant, nor any ways to wrong her Husband, unto whom 'tis her duty to do good, and no evil all his days.  
'Tis no dishonour to turn from an evil way, 'tis no dishonour to leave this Seducer to the Law; if he hath done well, the Law will justify him; if not, the World will justify her Husband. Which is most honourable? to prefer the peace and comfort of her Husband, to which she is bound by a sacred vow, or that of such a Stranger, whose own folly hath rendered him liable to question? Methinks, the four Years distraction and wrong I have suffered, may resolve that Doubt in honour; I am sure it doth in her own Conscience.  
Sir, You now see who it is that separates, and the Cause. The Libel tells you, That she is still at the same Lodging I put her in, and never lay a Night out but with my knowledge, at the House of a Friend of mine. 'Tis true, I could not but know she lay out all that Whitsunweek, but 'twas against my Will. 'Tis now twelve Months since, but to this day she will not tell where nor with whom she was, nor do I know. Her continuing her Lodging is like that of keeping in my Chamber three Terms 〈…〉 a design to provoke me with such Language, that nothing could be more intolerable, and at the same time set one Sorrel to eavesdrop me.  
Sir, What I have said is true, you see most of it is proved, and it is less than she knows I can say. If I give you an Account of some Intrigues in Coll. Okeys' absence, and some relating to myself, 'twould i'll your Blood to read them. I tell you not all that I can of the Actions of the Friend and his Complices, which are not wrapped up in such a Cloud of darkness, as they conceive; nor do I mention the various Attempts, Factions, and Threats, to effect my Ruin, nor yet the Faction set up in the Society where I live. But Sir, I doubt not I shall write again; for this Woman is as incorrigible as that ducked under water for a Scold, yet held up her Hands above the water, and made Horns at her Husband. Sir, however I entreat you signify the Contents hereof to such Persons as you think fit, who certainly must conclude upon the whole, that although my Wife doth design a Separation, supposing thereby, and by the general words of the Deed, to carry with her all that considerable addition I have made by my labours, and thereby hopes to defraud me of what I have expended also; and if she be disappointed therein, yet that the Friend can never make a recompense for the irreparable and inexpressible wrongs he hath done me, by contriving and fomenting those differences, to the utter destruction of all the comforts of my life; and that he was the most indiscreet and uncharitable of Men if innocent; the most unjust, if otherwise, to sue and slander a Husband in a Court of Judicature, for, and on the behalf of a Wife, without first discoursing the Husband, and trying whether he were faulty or no. Yet Sir,  
This I will offer him also, let him make out that I have done any thing either imprudently, or dishonestly, relating to the Estate, my Wife or Children, and I will forgive all the wrongs he hath done me, taking the Estate as it was, the Suits I had of hers, and the improvement I have made.  
☞ Note, That when my Wife and this Friend had contrived a Suit against me and herself in Chancery, in the name of Martha Wilson, she petitioned the Honourable the Master of the Rolls, that she might make answer by such Guardian she should choose, intending to make use of this Friend for countenance: but the Master of the Rolls declared he would not appoint any Guardian for a Wife, she should answer with her Husband, or answer alone. And after my Wife had contrived I should be bound to the Peace, this Friend did frequently accompany my Wife to several Masters in Chancery, and there thrust himself into Suits wherein he was no way concerned, merely to provoke me; so that I not daring to trust myself under such provocations, have been forced to neglect the attendance of my Business myself, by reason whereof, such reports have been made, and in such a manner, as would not have been in case I were present rightly to inform them, and that to my very great damage. There are two remarkable Passages of this nature:  
One, My Wife seeing me attending at Sir Andrew Hackets, sends privately for the Friend, who before refused, and durst not give me a meeting till I was bound to the Peace, though he was fairly invited to it; yet now he comes, but I having notice of it, and not daring to trust myself, went away before he came, and thereupon he falls to accusing and representing of me to the Master, as falsely and barbarously as a lying tongue could utter. See the honour of this Woman who hand in hand with a 〈…〉 ●shering my Wife to my face, whilst I with my three Friends stood bound to the Peace.  
☞ Another time when I petitioned the Master of the Rolls, that the cause between me and the Trustee might be speedily set down for hearing: the Master of the Rolls appointed to hear Counsel on both sides. This precious Friend and his Solicitor coming before my Counsel, fell upon accusing of me to him: The Master of the Rolls, though he knew me not, and no Person there for me, was sensible of some unfairness, demanded of him, what he was concerned, was he any Trustee to the Wife or Children, any ways akin to them? He answered no: Then, what reason have you to sue the Husband on the behalf of his Wife? To which he replies, 'Tis often done in Chancery; and thereupon the Master of the Rolls declared, that if it were sometimes, yet he knew no reason for it, and he doubted Mr. Cage had some wrong; but Mr. Hutchins my Counsel coming in, they fell upon the Business, and the Counsel press d, that the Cause might be set down to be heard and affirmed, that Witnesses were examined, and all matters might be settled upon the Trustee's Bill, according to my Lord Chancellor's order of the 12th of June: But the Friend opposing that, Mr. Hutchins on my behalf offered to refer all the matters in difference to the Master of the Rolls himself, as a private Person, to be settled as he should think fit without any Appeal, which the Master of the Rolls was pleased to accept, being betwixt a Gentleman and his Wife: but this religious Fomenter of differences, as before to Mr. Danson, now also denied all Proposals that might tend to the settlement and the peace of my Family.  
And Sir, To that seeming reflection in the Libel, as a shameful thing, that I oppose my own Act and Deed, meaning the general words in the Deed printed. I answer once for all, That where a man seals a general Release, whereby in strictness of Law a Debt or Duty, that the Releasor knew not of, is discharged; yet 'tis the course of Equity to relieve against that Release: so here I do aver, that I knew not of any other Estate, Debts, or Suits, nor was there any communication of any other Estate or things, than the 1500 l. and therefore considering the Prize I have met withal in a Wife, I doubt not to find relief in Equity, for it is an axiom as well of Civilians as Logicians. Verba restringenda sunt ad presentem materiam.  

The Places where the Persons live to whom I have referred you.  
SIr Francis Winnington, Solicitor General, in the Temple.  
Dr. William Stains in Fanchurch-street.  
Mr. Middleton in Hackney.  
Mr. Creamer in Grays-Inne.  
Mr. Fincham in Grays-Inne.  
Mr. Barrington in Suffolk-Lane.  
Mr. Okey in Cateaton-street.  
Mr. Thomas Dun in Spittle-fields.  
Mr. Danson lives there also.  
Mr. Reynolds at Bun-hill Fields.  
Mr. Doelittle in Monkwel-Street.  
Mr. Thankful Owen in Bull and Mouth Street.  
Madam Broughton, and at Mr. Parsons, a Minister in Fetter-Lane.  
Madam Puliston, at Mr. Parsons, a Minister in Fetter-Lane.  
Mrs. Pledger at Mr. Brooks the Minister in Thames-street.  
Elizabeth Gun at Mr. Guns at Billingsgate.   
FINIS