THE LADY'S PARLIAMENT. THE Rattel-head Ladies being assembled at Kattes in Coven Garden, and having spent some time in choosing their Speaker, it having been objected against my Lady Duchess, that she had used beating up of Quarters and other unlawful sports, so frequently met Prince Rupert, that at last, resolved upon the Lady Isabel Thine, hoping thereby that their Acts might have greater influence upon the King's Majesty. Then they took into consideration their own business, and Voted; 1 That no Roundhead dare to come into any of their quarters. 2 That on the contrary none of their members, Viz. Cavalry, do cohabite in any of the Roundheads quarters, or pay Contribute to them by way of benevolence or otherwise. 3 That thanks be given to the Lady Montague, Penham, Craven, etc. for their courteousie and favours to the distrested Cavaliers beyond the Seas, Ordered thereupon, that the Lady Pope, the Lady Stanhope, have leave to sell, give away, or otherwise dispose of their French Commodities, without paying Excise or Custom. 4 That Mistress Philip's be forth with sent to France from this House to acquaint the Lord Montague how his Lady hath Negotiated with the assembly of the House. 5 That Mistress Gamlyns for the Protestants and Mistress W●borne for the Papists, be approved Messengers to attend the House, and that they have this title given them of the Messengers of the Chambers. The said Ladies in Parliament did declare, That by their first Votes of this day, did not any wise intent to exclude from their Quarters that part of the House of Peers which Voted the Bill for the maintenance of the Army out of their House, in that their said Lordships are understood to be welaffected and not Roundheads. Whilst those things were in aggitation, in comes a Sergeant from the House of Ladies at Mrs Chips Assembled; In the name of which, he pronounced this unlawful Assembly a Mongrel Parliament, commanding them to confine their Votes to their own Houses, there to continue during pleasure, Hidepark, S James' park, Spring Garden, Kattes, etc. in any wise notwithstanding. This puts their Ladyships into greater disorder and more confusion then that they had been taken with their Gallants by all, and each of their respective husbands, which is the cause we hear no words of this Parliament. The Lady's well-affected being as you have heard assembled at Spring Garden, spent some time in choosing their Speaker; the mayor part pitching upon the Lady Holland, she desires to excuse herself, alleging her husbans desertion, and further desired that all her Right might be confirmed upon the Lady Carlisle, but the said Lady being not thought fit to be trusted, the Lady Exon was named, but it was objected by the Lady Hipsley, that the said Countess was a Delinquent, and had formerly carried in supplies to the King, pretending that her husband Sir John Hipsley was much damnified in his estate and office by the said supplies; but the Lady Salisbury coming in, the dispute was soon ended, and the charges conferred with her (nemine Contradicede) who immediately nameth M. Peel Messenger to attend the House, and the Lady Wharton with the Lady Staplton to be Door Keepers, who were ordered to keep all out but Messengers: this was all assented to notwithstanding some exceptions were taken at the slowness of Mr Peels pace, it being aggrivated by one that she went slower than the Masters of the Chancery when they go on Messages. 1 Then their Ladyship's taking in the first place into Consideration the difficult cause that might fall out in the business of their House, Ordered, That Mistress Doctor Witherburne be sent from Holmby, and Mistress Doctor Darison to be assistant to this House. 2 Ordered further, That Doctor Hinton and Doctor Chamberlain be likewise assistant, that with greater secrecy and ease, their Ladyships may be helped out with their most troublesome and pressing affairs. 3 The House then adjourned to the day following; and being met accordingly, the First business was to send the aforesaid Message to the unlawful Assembly at Kates. 4 Next falling upon their votes in particular, Declared, that part of their Orders to be an absolute breach of Privileges, which find the Cavaliers entrance into the Roundheads quarters. And accordingly 5 Ordered, That the said Cavaliers shall within two days depart this City, and shall not come within twenty miles the Lines of Communication. And further Voted, 6 That no Malignant Lady presume to walk in Spring garden after 12 a clock at night upon any pretence or pretext whatsoever. 7 Next their Ladyships took into Consideration the great number of Delinquents, Ordered, That there be a Committee for Compossitions to meet at the Lady Kent's for the Protestants, and at the Lady Lakes for the Papists. 8 This day complaint was brought in against Sir Henry Blunt Knight, for publishing a Haeredicall dangerous Doctrine, (vix.) That it is better to converse with, and to resort to the common Women, than Ladies of Honour. Upon mature deliberation, whereto the Ladies with much indignation, sent for him; he being come, and hearing his Accusation of the House read, was commanded to withdraw during the debate: Up starts the Lady Foster, and offers to the consideration of the House the dangerous effects that this opinion might produce, if that it be suffered to be sown amongst the people, to the after decay of Trade; as also of the particular convey of Rhemish Wine in the Mins-pies, Tarts, Cheesecakes, Sillibubs, etc. whereby the profit of this House will be greatly diminished: The Speech was delivered with marvellous applause to the whole House, and the said Sir Henry Blunt was called the second time, where being commanded to kneel, refused, alleging that House was not lawful Judicatory, but appealed to all the Commons of England, which suspended all proceed at that time. 9 The House considering in the next place, that divers weak persons have crept into places beyond their ability, and to the end that men of greater ability may be put into their rooms, appointed that the Lady Middleton, M. Dunch, the Lady Foster, and the Lady Anne Waller by reason of their great experience of the Sonldry of this Kingdom, to be a Committee of Triers for this business. 10 The House being ready to adjourn, there comes news of a quarrel between two notorious members of this House, Mrs. Harris, and Mrs. Dunch against the Common Enemy, viz. their husbands; it was at length ordered, That they should be reconciled, and Tom Temple put up his Blade. 11 The morning following to take into Consideration the several Garrisons of this Kingdom that were to be kept and what not, Ordered, That Norhton be kept a Garrison, and that the Lady, Sunderland be requested to take the Command upon her, notwithstanding the Self denying Ordinance. 12 That an English Garrison be put into Carlisle to prevent a Foreign Nation getting the possession thereof; and is to be feared by reason of some secret Intelligence had by the French Ambassador in that space. 13 That Leicester, Newport and Marlbrough, and all other that are either old Fortifications or otherwise useless, forthwith slighted. After this they took into Consideration the standing services of this Kingdom and there several incertainties, and Ordered, 14 That the Lord Francis, Mrs. Slingsby, Mrs. Read, and Mistress Jufton have pay allowed them, conditionally, that Hull be provided to draw forth upon service at the least warning. 15 That Col: Cook, Mistress Cook, Mistress Hen: Howard, Mistress Barkers, and Mistress Hewill have free quarter. 16 That the Prince Elector, Mistress Glescoth, and Prince Griffith (henceforth) pay their Quarters. 17 That Sir John Morley be further paid for his Service to this House, notwithstanding his Delingquency, but so, if he break forth any more, he shall be irrecoverable at PUT in verdicto. 18 Ordered, That all such Forces as shall be disbanded, be sent for, Ireland or otherwise disposed of out of this Kingdom. 19 Their Ladyships were then informed That a Messenge waited at the Door from the House of Commons; and Sir. Peter Wentworth, and Mris-Bainton (who brought it) being let in, they found ill way for relief of maimed Soldiers, their Ladyships referred it to the Lady Peterborongh to consider what relief was to be given to them, to whom they joined Mistress Nonard sometimes Maid of Honour, she hath purged herself of her malignity. 20 The House received divers reports from the Committee of Complaints: First against the Prince Elector, who was accused he was not secret in his trust to this House, but bewrayed them in their service, and instead of doing their business did his own; the Consideration of this, was put of till another time. And also another Accusation against the said Prince, viz. That he had deserted his employment: both brought in by the Lady Barrington. 21 The next was Four Articles brought in by Britanicus against Mistress Wheeler for holding intelligence with the Enemy, who being found true, she was voted to be Laundress to the Prince Elector. 22 The third was an Accusation against the Right Honourable the Lord Rich by the Lady Callyn, who pretended That she had been plundered of Jewels and other Commodities by the said Lady to the value of a 1000 l. but it being alleged by the Lady Warwick, That it was done to one that had been Commander against this Parliament: This Accusation was cast out; then the House adjourned till the next day. 23 The first business this day was the Report from the of Triers, who named in the first place, The Right Honourable the Earl of Denby to be a man of extraordinary abilities and parts, whereupon it was Ordered, That he be Commander in Chief of all the Standing Forts of this Kingdom, and that his head Quarters be in _____ till the House have further need of his service. 24 Ordered, That the Lord Camde in regard of his great Talent have a favourable Composition at the Lady Kent's. 25 Ordered, That St Ambrose a Politic Italian, he had in remembrance of his extraordinary pains to consent this House, and that when the affairs of this Kingdom shallbe settled be put into the Duchy Office, and in the mean time, because what he had before did not content him, he be satisfied out of the Whitbies commonly called Mrs Hills Arrears which are forfeited to the State. This business being over, up starts the learned and well-affected Lady, the Lady May, and moved that public Fasts might be imploring a blessing upon men's constant affections to the houses, as also to stop the vantagious affections that are now crept in amongst us, and like to over spread us all if not speedily stopped. The Ladies in the next place taking into serious consideration the great decay of cattle in this Kingdom, thought the safest means for remedy to see their Ladyship's sending as they did to the house of Commons to entreat that some of their members might join with them to consider of the said things. A Commit to debate & consider the fittest means to mnltiply and recruit the said Beasts to whom they gave these following instructions. 1 That they shall entreat all or the most part of the Morlies in England, and other men of that stamp to marry. 2 That all such men, either prisoners or freemen that have vowed never to cut their beards till his Majesty comes to LONDON be encouraged therein. 3 That Master Sabra be entreated & in the name of this house be therein used to return for some further time to his Concubine here notwithstanding his wife be alive in Geneva, for that Geneva hath not any such urgent necessity of Multiplication as this Island. The house took into consideration the sail of Delinpuents Lands, and Ordered, That master Harrison have for his faithful service the Earl of Newcastles baggage, as also the Lady Devonshire have Worcester house, notwithstanding the Votes of the House of Westminster in favour of the Earl of Salisbury that her Ladyship may be present with less trouble at her serions Negotiations with the Scots Commissioners. This day a Petition came from the Lady Stanhope, humbly desiring she might be received into the House, pretending, that she was well affected, but that a Scotish affection mingled with fears, would never make a well affected Lady; & was further alleged, That the same Lady had been in Arms under Colonel Slingsby, but some friend apcars in her behalf & says it was Master Slingsby, he was ordered to be sent up for by this House, the debate was put off till another time. A motion was made for the putting down of Plays, whereupon the Lady Monmouth stood up and desired it might be explained, what Plays was meant; forasmuch as it should put down the Plays, it might procure much to the providence of the House, as also for Mistress Young who had deserved well of their Lordships, but answer being made, Stage plays were only understood, she declared that she could concur with the House; in that Sr John Sucklin was denied, but she liked his play well. It was moved by the Lady of Complaints, that a Thanksgiving day might be appointed for the recovery of the Earl of Pembroke, which was consented to: Mr Caldnot desired to preach, and say the same in English and not in Hebrew. Ordered, Thanks be given to Master Robinson for his Sermon and devoute prayers that the said Lord might once more climb up May Hill. The House appointed Committees to move His Majesty, Viz. The Lady Oxford, Stamford, and the Lady May to move his Majesty, and to gain his heart and Royal assent, that so a happy Union might be wrought. This done, there was an Act of Oblivion prepared for the Lady Delketh, the Lady Katherine Scot, the Lady Antrime, and Mistress Rotter for Delinquencies in the Enemy's quarters; soon after the Lady Norton Door Keeper to the House, complains of Sir Robert Harlow, a member of the House of complaints for attempting to deface her; she the said Lady being a zealous Independent and so one of the Saints: And Sir Robert having found out that she was likewise painted, she pretended she came into his Ordinance, viz. Idolatry and painted Crosses, etc. But some friend of the said Lady urging in her behalf, That none did ever it attempt to adore or worship, she was justified; and the Ladies thereupon declared, That if any person by virtue of any power whatsoever pretended to be derived from the House of Commons, shall go about to impeach, hinder, or disturb any Ladies from painting, washing, and adoring of herself to her best advantage; and also from platting of her hair, that Act is a breach of privilege of this house, and that the offender shall be proceeded against. In the last place the Ladies being to adjourn for some weeks, desired First, That the name Paint in divinity might be first desired, & what is meant by the word due benevolence in the new Testament, & the Order thereunto they send to the Ministers of the Assembly, entreating them to make some Declaration concerning the same: The messenger found the said assembly busy about their own affairs, endeavouring to bring the Text (Kiss the Son lest he be angry) to prove the Presbytery; Yet understanding their Ladyship's request, they left off presently and fell upon the debate of the (benevolence,) which I do not intent to set down particularly, it being not to be found in the Lady's Journal, only, That all and every man coupled to the bond of matrimony and wedlock is engaged to content his mate, and fill one seller— as oft as his strength and constitution of body will possible permit, their Ladyship's having received this their direction, desired, That they would make it Jure divino, and publish it, that no husband in the Country may extend Ignorance: but their Holiness made this ensuing Cannon. Die Jovis, 21 March, 1646. It is by these presents decreed and declared to all the world, That all men are obliged to comfort their wives as often as their strength of body shall give them leave, and though they shall extend it stands not with their business, that they be obliged thereunto, upon penalty of being debarred the Sacrament, of which we hope to have the Monopoly. This day following in the Evening, this Deeree being brought to their Ladyships, they Ordered, That the Speaker of their House should give thanks to the said ministers of the assembly of Divines for their great care and pains in reforming this Kingdom, and in particular, for this present Declaration; after which they Ordered those their Votes to be Printed, and so adjourn till further time. RIchmond she is brisk & jolly, whtch makes Rupert melancholy but both he now & his brother may go to visit their Mother. Sussex she hath a gallant, to whom she is constant; I need not for to name him, for her Lord doth not disclaim him. Denbigh is a bouncing lass, and would for good company pass; but her Lord he doth repent, for to divers she hath sent. Southampton is good by day, but in the night she I not away; but when her Lord to Counsels gone the bids her minion to put on. Devonshire loved my Lord John, but alas he is dead and gone. in his place she hath another, whom she can scarce keep from her. Essex & Southcot a child would have, before her Lord is in his grave; for a General he had ill luck, that other men his wife should— Middlesex was melancholy, but repent of her folly: Sucklings death troubled her much, but since she hath had many a touch. Newport she lies on the water, for her Lord he comes not at her: as Oxford Nuport and Digby, employed Nuport as their spy. Buckingham she is to blame, to go to Holland for new game. Antrim takes it very ill, that she had not here her will. Carlile's old and ugly too, none but Holland will her do: the gallants they do slight her, for they have beauties brighter. Selden to Kent is constant, yet knows another gallant; but although they be three, yet very well they do agree. Bullingbrook she is precise, and by some she is thought wise: but of the Synod there's one or two knows very well how she can do. Stamford she is for the game, she says her husband is to blame: for her part sheloves a fool if he hath a good tool. Chichester seems greedy of honour, yet Tom Leicester is often upon her. her Lord he doth like it well, for she doth not her Jewel sell. Westmoreland is very proud, she thinks her flesh may be allowed; the Scots Lords get her money, and Hollis may have her ⁐ ̶ Carlisle she is fine and round, her Lord is glad she is so sound: for much he dares not her displease, but lets her Chaplin live at ease. Bath with child fain would be, and so she told two or three; she has made a gallant of a clown, and carries fools up and down. Digbies Lady takes it ill, that her Lord grinds not at her mill; and she tells him in words two, that Crafts will not long be true. Newcastle may princk and dance, that the General was for France; my Lord marquis did her marry, because from Scot he did long tarry. Northumberland is very brave, yet would she more pleasure have; though her Lord had the disease, she married and doth others please. Bedford has had the small pox, which hath spoilt all but her locks; yet her Lord to her is kind, though her actions yex his mind. Pouland she is now in France, and in a Nunnery can dance; Wilmot he doth take it ill, that Goring he should have his will. Porter was sad for a fit, evers death was the cause of it; but Tomkins supplies his place, and dotes on her painted face, Andover did much desire, that Rupert should her admire; her Lord gave her good advice, yet some say she was too nice. Thimble be has a sweet face, worthy was in her grace; But Carlisle did so ply her tail, that at last he could prevail. Porter and Sacksild are fallen out, it was ill contrived without doubt; for he which did and keeps the door, should be admitted no more. Scot she is all for visits, in bed, company admits; but if Went worth were at door, she such tricks should soon give over. Virian is grown so lean, that in features there's no mean; Arundel, Wilden and many more, is the cause she is so poor, Kirbe was at a common rate, but her stars are fortunate; her father & mother thought it good, that she should mix with royal blood. Camblen although delightful, to the Palsgrave is spiteful; the Round head they carieit clear, and may change for another year, Tusten she lays it one thick, and fain would have Digbies— but he swears she's out of date, and let ●●lunt have her at his rate, Partridge is a plump lass, her activeness makes her to pass; Camden with her you may oft find, for they both are very kind. Dunch though old, yet she is fair, and keeps her face in good repair; she lays it so thick all ore, that she may serve for sign a'th' door, Norton is at a constant cost, yet she looks like a sign post; the Palsgrave goes to save his money, than Capt: Edwards leaves her ⁐ ̶ Simons may rejoice still, that the Priest doth ply sire mill: she rails on King and Cavaliers, and for her Lord sheds false tears. Bandy that was once so jolly, is now grown so malencholly; for massy hath deprived him, and Lady Waller forsaken him. Car with his prodigious nose, to all company he goes, as well to maids as to women, visits all in foul linen. Kingsington thinks herself a wi●, but she hath little share of it: she hath her person forsaken, and her Cousin Slings by taken. Montague she loves to dance, give her a Fiddel she'll for France; if you will but lend her money, you may play with her ⁐ ̶ Stanhope from France is come, or else her Lord had been undone; but thither she will return, for she for Aubinye doth burn. Crumton is Pembroke called, wherefore the old fool keeps them all, husband, wife, and Temple too, though he can but little do. Cranburne loves her Lord at last, but she to him is not fast; for she hath gallants two or three, and more would have if it might be. Darcy and Glascoth do agree, but it will not so long be; for Ninerton pretends his share, and he bids them have a care. Some think Simonds has a clap, yes, many see thee in her lap; Stamford, Bartly, and George too, besides her Tommy do her do. Alston hath got a Lord at last, twixt her Lord and she much past; the coward Mounson got her money, but Whertly first had got her ⁐ ̶ Stannier that was pert and jolly, is now grown so malencholly; but if Goring doth her hit, she will leave her sullen fit. Marlebrough did Mildmay forsake, because he could but small pains take, Hugh Pollard supplies well the place, but she is not constant to one face. Rutland both louly & kind; Newcastle is often in her mind; but Tom Temple is so fortunate, as to be admitted of late. Manchester although so prond, laments still for her Stroud; she can five Members more disgrace, and her Gentleman Usher place. Waller with Jewels is so dressed, that with th'weight of the she's pressed, 'tis srang that Massy should give way that they with her so long should stay Constable the Puritan, her ladder is a Servingman; they do pray, preach, & prate, and kiss together in great state. Strick lands of a lofty strain, she kisses but seldom in vain: the Palsgrave he comes near her, but Penelis is far the dearer. Hartwel she goes up & down, with her luggage in her gown: she doth gallants oft invite, and takes tobacco day & night. Pembroke though she is out of date, keeps a Chaplin at a dear rate: though she seems to be devout, yet she is goatish without doubt. Hollond she is passed her prime, with the Doctor she keeps time; of the youths she doth complain, but all her tricks are in vain: 'tis pity Salisbury is so old, for she is both plump and bold, she brags that she did traffic forsake, yet she doth her Servingman take. Devonshire continues it kind, Doctor Trigges oft in her mind, if her breech moved as her head, the Scotch Lords would see her bed. Exeter doth hate the Court, because they gave her not sport, if not yet Masks nor Plays, will please the Ladies of her days. Warwick she is very sad, Vernyes death makes her mad, her Lord knew so much before, yet he kisses her over & over. Peterbrough doth fret & frown, to see how Essex goes down when he was the General, he commanded principal. Oxford she is false & brown, her Lord as formal as a clown, and her gallant is but poor, yet bids her woman shut the door. Bedford she has a colts tooth, loves Cornwalsis in good sooth, but in France he had another, whom he loves more than his mother. FINIS.