ALKEJ0CELYN Her Letters THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES 1 bL MISTRESS ALICE JOC- ELYNos>Her Letters IN the Which be set Forth an English MAYDE'S Voyage to the PROVINCE of Maine and what did Befall her There- after Endeavoured by C. EMMA CHENET THE BLUE SKY PRESS .CHICAGO Copyright, 1903 by Langwortby &f Swift To ALL THE DWELLERS AT BLACK POINT, AND IN PECULIAR, MY HUS- BAND. PS 553475 LIBRARf Better BLACK POINT, In the Province of Maine, 'The Twentieth day of August, Anno Domini, 1642. [ALICE JOCEI: HER LETTERS PHILIPPA NOURED SIS- TER PHILIPPA : After my duty and my Uncle's presented to your- self these will in- form you of our present health. Hither came I this day se'nnight, devoid of mishap. When we did twyne down the Massachusetts Bay and cast- ing anchor lay before Boston Town, the dear felicity of sighting land did set open the very flood-gates of mine eyes. l8 Mistress Alice Jocefyn sold nor traded for, never. On a hill- top moreover, there 's set up a tall gal- lows whereon a beacon 's lit for to warn the town of danger. The people, they 're a likely sort, pretty steady and satisfied with themselves, and mighty proud of their village also. For the space of four and twenty hours, I tarried under Mr. Edward Tyng, his roof, being full hospitably entreated the while. This is an ami- able gentleman of substance which hath influence in them parts. His dwelling 's wondrous stout, as forsooth need is, for it sits on the shore hurtled by storms. Here moreover, do stand his brew and warehouses. There's a fine sun-dial in his garden. His pretty wife, she's a buxom lady and a mer- Her Letters to Philippa ry. Mistress Tyng hath a spinet. 'Twas the tenth day of August when I took ship for Black Point. We fell down to Noddle's Island, proceeding thence straightway. "Now," thinks I, "shall I behold a fair countryside," (for we was to sail coastwise) but no- thing saw I, save rock and dingle, with some few scattering huts. 'Tis no mean voyage neither, scarce less than one hundred and fifty mile. The wind being for the most part fair, we was fetched with speed and safeness, short of three days. Uncle Henry Jocelyn, he descried our sail, and coming to the water's edge to receive us, had me forthwith to his own abode, namely, the house of Captain Thomas Cam- mock. Mistress Margaret, his lady, did 2O Mistress Alice Jocelyn give me welcome, kissing my cheek lustily withal. This "Point" is a brave place and a sightly, but wherefore they call it "Black," know I not, save perchance for the forest so thick and darkling. Touching this residence itself, I've seen a grander often, and a comforta- bler. "Tis situate on a jutting promon- tory commonly named the "Ferry Rocks." At its foot the ocean beats constant. Thickets of wild shrub and vine do abound creeping to the very doorstone, and mighty pretty to behold. Moreover here do thrive divers savoury fruits and rare posies, without so much as the pruning. On the heels of my arrivage, fell a smart storm of rain with wind and surpassing loud thunder Her Letters to Philippa 21 dreadful to hear. Uncle Henry he dwells under this roof alway, and whiles he did tarry in America, Uncle John Jocelyn like- wise; and now, sooth to say, here be I, also. Verily this is a hospitable coun- try ! The name of this Province afore- time was "New Somersetshire," but since two year back it hath been christ- ened "Maine," some says in honour of Queen Maria Henrietta, her French province called "La Meyne." The first General Court of the Province, it was holden in June two year agone, Uncle Henry being one of the Coun- sellors. 'Twas then came the new Governor, Mr. Thomas Gorges, Esq., nephew to Sir Ferdinando, the first to 22 Mistress Alice Jocelyn rule over the Province. He is a strip- ling but full comely. 'Tis hoped that he may make up in wisdom what he lacks in years. On my coming hither Captain Cammock, he was off to Richman's Island but hath now returned. That noble blood flows in his veins, 'tis easy believed. There 's a pretty tale abroad that his mother, the daughter of the Earl of Warwick, on opposition to the marriage, she did run away with Sir Thomas Cammock, the father of Cap- tain Cammock. Being pursued they came to a river where 'twas thought the lady's courage would fail, but she nothing daunted, cries, "Nay, I will live and die with my true-love!" and over rode they, a-dreading naught and Her Letters to Philippa 23 did swim safe to the further bank. Captain Cammock he's a man of two natures, 'tis manifest. With his fellows he's masterful, a-lording it over them. His tenants serves him with willing minds. Not a man nor a may de but would die for him, yet he winks not at slackness, nor won't be cheated. He stands high in the Province, and could be chief est amongst them had hebut the will, which he wants. All in all, gent- ler household saw I never. With his lady Captain Cammock is exemplary kind and too indulgent, some says. He lacks good looks. My willing heart would fain gossip further, but my quill quacketh in pro- test and my unpra&iced hand do refuse further duty. These be writ with 24- Mistress Alice "Jocelyn mighty patience and will be conveyed to you by a trusty messenger. They leave me not in heavy ness, albeit I 'd freely follow whither they do go. Commend my deference to my hon- oured aunt Elizabeth, and on thine own head, a benediction ! Adieu. Your dutyful Sister, ALICE JOCELYN. Her Letters to Pbilippa 2$ Setter BLACK POINT, In the Province of Maine, The Thirtieth day of December, Anno Domini, 1643. 26 Mistress Alice Jocefyn D EAR HEART: My relu&ant pen must indite of a sad matter. Pray Sister, shed a pity- ing tear for them that mourn ! Near the ending of the year last past, 'twas clear that Captain Cam- mock, he was a prey to the wasting sickness. True, he wasn't bed-rid nor wouldn't own to pain, but his ailing was pathetical to behold, spite of his brave demeanor. Mistress Margaret, she used her endeavour for to heal him, but the physic wrought not kindly and he would none of it, albeit 'twas but a simple Essence uncompounded. See- ing that he in no wise recovered but contrary grew the worse, come the Fall of the year, he set out for the West Her Letters to Philippa 2J Indies for the betterment of his condi- tion. I mind me well the white and tearful face of his lady at the parting. Spirited enough I '11 warrant you in or- dinary, now she was all humbleness, nor recked she that the maids took note of her grieving. The Captain, he didn't relish the lone voyage to for- eign parts neither, yet he sailed away to the Barbadoes on the five and twen- tieth day of September last past, and as Heaven willed, he did die pretty soon after his arrivage. When the news did come, all was sorrow where late was joyousness. It doth comfort Mistress Margaret not a whit, nor yet Uncle Henry, that Cap- tain Cammock, his last will and testa- ment doth devise all his lands and chat- 28 Mistress Alice "Jocelyn tels to them twain. Mistress Margaret, she would liefer have her dear lord alive than her dower or yet his whole estate in fee, and Uncle Henry has a plenty at this present. After the de- mise of the lady herself, "the well-be- loved friend," (so Captain Cammock styles Uncle Henry) he shall be inher- itor sole. Divers gentlemen do repair hither to give condolence to Mistress Mar- garet who goes a-sorrowing the live- long day. Me, she craves by her side constant, so close indeed, that some protest envy of her privilege. Yester- even, Mr. Nicholas Shapleigh, he of Pemaquid, did ask if I wasn't never- more to enjoy a solitary hour, profess- ing to miss my company. But cries I, Her Letters to Philippa 29 "O, for shame, Sir ! to desire such ill treatment of the widow in her desolate situation !" I bade him enliven Uncle Henry with a game of draughts, in- stead, sith he is scarce less gloomy than the lady, herself. Christmas in this young world, was like to break my heart. Of dutyful honour to the late Master of the house, I thought not of decking with greens, but Mistress Margaret, (extreme ten- der to ward my lonesomeness,) she did propose it full willingly. 'Twas indeed a homesick time with me at best, so Mr. Shapleigh, fell to inspiriting me as we twyned the wreaths together. Mr. Nicholas Edgecombe and Roger Deer- ing, they came also. Friends, have I few, but them be Mistress Alice Jocefyn choice. I would that Mistress Edward Tyng did dwell near by or that Mis- tress Deering would suffer Eliza- beth to tarry here a little space. One there is, Christopher Page by name, which abides solitary on "Stratton's Island" in the offing, that is made free of this house. Mistress Cammock doth commiserate him, sith 'tis said com- rades none has he, save dumb beasts. When I would show him some civility he essays to treat me like a child which I am not, by no means. He is old two score at the very least, but he needn't make free with my name. And he can't pacify my dignity with West Indian sweetmeats, neither. Why, the worshipful young Governor, he calls me "madam," returning my hum- Her Letters to Plnlippa ble curtsy with a gracious bow. But amongst them all gentle and simple, none is so like to be troub- lous to mayde's peace of mind, as Mr. Nicholas Shapleigh aforesaid. Tall and straight, of noble build, he hath the eye of an eagle and the skin of a pippin. His locks be long and cluster- ing, his beard the cut of a cavalier. Moreover, he 's a great body in these parts, and hath a hand in affairs of the Province. If I seem bold-faced thus to confess myself, charge it to the fact that you have the key to my heart to go out and in without let. But I re- frain further lest you dub me frivolous and silly, given to choose the society of the sterner sex, which on reflecting I trust you will credit me with not do- 32 Mistress Alice Jocelyn ing. 'Tis no affectation to affirm that no maid of quality doth dwell here, save only me. You '11 say I shall be spoiled with flattery. Nay, sister, Mistress Cammock, she hath her eye on me constant. Why, scarce a week passes but Uncle Henry craves my company to Saco, vowing that his pillion will carry me that six mile without a pound of over-weight. But Mistress Margar- et, she frowns, bidding me sit at my sampler or 'broidery frame, or per- chance lend assistance in household matters. A thrifty housewife is Mis- tress Cammock and mighty diligent. No deals be scoured so white as hers. No pewter shines brighter. As for the floors, you would swear they was Her Letters to Philippa j>j fresh sanded every hour of the glass. The serving men and maydes, they fear even while they do honour her. Strange things there be in this place. A mile or more to northward, so 'tis claimed, a spring doth gush out of the earth fit for the chemist, his use, and for the healing of divers diseases with- al. It coats iron of a silver colour, more- over. Caves be many where wild beasts do lie in hiding, and in the ground bur- rows a serpent venomous and fear- some, with a rattle-box on the tip of his tail. Goodman Boaden, that keeps the Spurwink ferry, he did relate a pretty adventure of Uncle John Jocelyn play- ing woodsman. Upon a tree, as he was a-walking in the forest once upon a Mistress Alice "Jocelyn time, did he espy a rare big fruit, the like whereof he knew not. "Of the size of a woman's bonnet," (thus Uncle John) and of a fair wood hue, scaled alloverofthe similitude of a pine-apple. Straightway sought he to pluck and eat as did our ancient fore-mother of like curiosity. Nor better fortune had he. Scarce did he touch the monster, when out from its inward parts come forth myriads of wasps to sting him lustily and with diligence. Poor Un- cle John ! 'Twas a big price to pay to philosophy. Yet wiser than he, have been caught a-nodding, I suppose. The Salvages be curious creatures. The women call they "Squaws." They 're less ferocious than the males. Skin copper-colored, cheek-bones Her Letters to Philippa high, hair black and straight, teeth small and white as milk till the poor creatures they be tooth-shaken with age. Both sexes tricks out in bravery and seems little more than infants, mighty pleased with beads and toys. I hear 'tisn't safe to anger them or de- ceive, much less to trust them. One young Indian serving-girl do abide in this house. Wishing you happiness in the com- ing new year, Philippa, spite of the dan- gers that do beset the realm, I remain Your beholden sister, ALICE JOCELYN. Mistress Alice Jocelyn getter BLACK POINT, In the Province of Maine, The Twentieth day of March, Anno Domini, 1644. Her Letters to Philippa 37 T^STEEMED SISTER: After my salutation, briefly thus. Here be wonderful news. I 'm yet of two mindes whether to be sad or glad. Whiles Mistress Cammock, her weeds was scarce out of the crease, 'twas whis- pered that the widow herself wouldn't be averse to alleviating her lonelyness by graciously accepting Uncle Henry as successor to her late lord. True, you couldn't fail to note that Uncle Henry, his attitude was most pityful toward the bereaved consort of his "well-beloved friend," nor that his ministrations went far to consolate her sorrow. But that the issue was so nigh to hand, 'twas no little surprising. Truth to tell, come Shrove Tuesday, in the pres- 38 Mistress Alice Jocelyn ence of the household and some choice guests, the twain was made one, the Rev. Robert Jordan, from Spurwink, making the journey express for to tie the knot by the Service Book. The weather was bitter bad, but well was the parson rewarded for his trouble, I '11 warrant, since Uncle Henry did bestow a purse of gold florins in his hand speedyly after the bride was kiss- ed. Moreover the supper wasn't no small matter, neither, and the like I doubt had the dominie not tasted in these parts. There was stuffed eels, clams, trouts, wheaten-loaves, pota- toes (scarce and exceeding dear), wa- ter-fowls, wild-turkeys, boiled venison and hog-meat. For sweets presarves Her Letters to Philippa of quince and damsons, marmalet of pippins, figs and oranges (from the In- dies), walnuts and chestnuts eat with the Canary or mead. Besides, pom- pion-pies (a Puritan rarity) and good choculotte. Aqua vitae wasn't drunk. 'Twas a royal banquet and full tooth- some. The board-cloth was of the finest Hollands, the napery wrought about, and some, laced. The silver standing salt-cellar was an heirloom, and a finer saw you never. I sat above it. The big pewter tankard set before Uncle Henry, that did shine marvel- lous bright. Several bone and some silver spoons there be, likewise. Mr. John Winter of Richman's Island, he did brag aside, to me, that he hath sun- dry vessels of tin, such as we wot not 40 Mistress Alice Jocelyn of. I marvelled. Of guests came many. Mr. Alexan- der Shapleigh and his son Mr. Nichol- as, and Mr. Nicholas Edgecombe, and of the neighbour folk, a goodly com- pany. The salutations concluded, Un- cle Henry, he conduces his lady to the head of the board, full gallantly, and a noble pair they was. Mistress Mar- garet, she wore a sad-coloured brocade gown, her pointed stomacher 'broider- ed with pearls, great sleeves slashed with white, petticoat of white satin and wondrous glistering. Her coif most handsome. The lace in ruff and sleeves, the rarest. It pitied me to see the string of pearls at her white throat. Methought 'twould stifle her, for 'twas the gift of her first spouse, and wore at Her Letters to Philippa 41 his wedding. As to the bridegroom, none couldn't be genteeler. What with coat of fine red cloth, velvet breeches of puce-col- our, broidered waistcoat bound with green, silken hose and pointed slip- pers, nothing was left for to desire. His flowing locks dressed with pom- ade, was flecked with grey. Mr. Shap- leigh he swore he hadn't never seen a spectacle so fair as them twain. He danced with me often, did Mr. Shap- leigh. I did wear my calimanco frock and Granny's golden beads. A sorry spectacle was poor Master Christopher Page, in the reel. Like as not he never essayed the figure be- fore nor perchance none other, such a bashful mien wore he. I smiled so j.2 Mistress Alice Jocelyn agreeable that I paid the penalty of giving him my hand in a dance. But 'twas when that Antient Islander did sing full lustily: "O, What a plague is Love, I cannot bear it" that we did make merry. The voice of a clarion has he, the which he wants not the skill to magnify. A cheerful air hath this house since the wedding. "Tis here, come night, that the gentlemen do assemble for to sip mulled wine, spiced and tasty, or to drink deep draughts of warm ale, feast- ing on carroway comfits, a-discoursing on the politics which do afflicl: this Province. The young folk such as me, vastly prefer we nuts and cider betwixt our games of forfeits. 'Tis a big room, this kitchen. On Her Letters to Philippa 43 the right hand is a vast chimney, on the left, a dresser stored with ware and pewter. In the corner, a cupboard. Other furnishings bean oaken chest, a settle, a scrutoire, sundry high-back chairs, and the family-board ever ready and never too strait for another guest. Great logs do blaze in the chimney, cheerful to behold and none too warm for these nipping winter nights. Can- dles of bay-wax there be, fragrant and fair. By day the sun strives to enter through window-panes of waxen pa- per. Little need have we for arms or bannerets, for deer's antlers with Uncle Henry's fowling-piece and powder- horn adorns the walls. Strings of red peppers, dried apples, and comely quar- ter-moons of yellow pompions do de- 44 Mistress Alice Jocelyn pend from the rafters. On the man- tel-piece ever sits the tinder-box with flint and steel, ready for instant use. Mistress Margaret, my now aunt, she doth salute you, and our gracious Aunt Elizabeth. God give you health ! Your obedient and loving servant, ALICE JOCELYN. P. S. We 're sore distrest by whis- perings of war at home. Is't then a thing to fear ? A. J. Her Letters to Philippa Befter BLACK POINT, The fifteenth day of 'September , Anno Domini, 164.4. Mistress Alice Jocelyn T} ESPECTED SISTER: After my duty to my honoured aunt, and faithful devotion to yourself, these will bear news of our health. Your late epistle hath brought anx- ious tidings. Loth was I to credit the worsting of Prince Rupert at Marston Moor. What will that advantage to Parliament? And pray in Heaven's name, what of the King ? Is it that his person be in jeopardy ? Can naught avail to satisfy the quarrel save blood- shed? Scarce durst I broach these things hereabouts. Uncle Henry he crieth "Shame!" when one imputeth ill to the King, and Mr. Edgecombe, he is wroth at my saying I would fain be at Her Letters to Philippa one with them that have the rule over me. Mr. Shapleigh is stout to main- tain a woman's right to her own minde, and Aunt Margaret is of different opin- ion, albeit I wot she needeth no prop whereon to rest her conclusions. Veri- ly it do go hard to keep the peace 'mongst contrary minded folk ! Touching this town, it groweth apace. Why, we could count half a score of families within the borders of Black Point, even now. Likewise, a brisk trade in fishes is afoot. The dry- ing stages, they be ever laden, and the procedure itself, is well worth trouble to witness. 'Tis ever the same order, catching, curing, drying, packing, shipping. Indians and niggers do skill in the business, but both be monstrous 48 Mistress Alice Jocelyn lazy, unwatched. Somewhile ago 'twas agreed for to remove from the "Ferry Rocks" to a more convenienter dwelling. Hither came we, master and mistress, man and mayde, as also sundry beasts and cattle, 'tis now better than three months back. 'Tis nobly situate, this habita- tion. Conceive a pretty peninsula of no great size, begirt by a fair bay which doth open its arms to the sea only on its southernmost quarter. Across the bay, among the trees, sits the settle- ment of Blue Point, and behind that, the mountains. This residence itself, stable and commodious, doth overlook a pretty cove where the water laps in with soft soughing by night and by day. 'Tis not nigh so bluff nor so boisterous Her Letters to Pbilippa as the Ferry Rocks, but comfortabler, by odds. The ferry 's a good two mile distant. This doth plague a young gentleman which often makes the journey for the sake of my company. Sooth to say, Philippa, cheat myself if I would, I dursen't deny no longer that my silly heart beats faster at the sound of his name. Moreover I'm per- suaded that I occupy no mean place in his affeclions neither. Love, the sly fellow ! he hath outwitted a timor- some mayde, and ere I was aware had unlocked the portals of my heart to the besieger. In truth, Philippa, Mr. Nicholas Shapleigh, he 's to be my husband soon or late. The time 's not agreed on, we sharing the full measure of our content unabashed by prying Mistress Alice 'Jocelyn eyes. Mr. Shapleigh'll broach his suit to Uncle Henry on occasion, but with Aunt Margaret I must make mine own terms. 'Tis thought she would alway keep me single, so Mr. Shapleigh, he fails of heart to gainsay her. (Maybe he wants the courage, too.) Moreover Mr. Edgecombe hath a snug place in the esteem of both my guardians, and don't charge me with vanity! 'tis understood he would come a- courting were he but winked at. Faith ! an' there wasn't one among 'em all I'd liefer have than him till Nicholas Shapleigh, he and I twyned the Christ- mas greens together two years agone. Since that day the world hasn't held but one man for me. Don't breathe this idle gossip at this present, to our Her Letters to Philippa 51 honoured Aunt. 'Tis full enough for you to deem me silly, mayhap unseem- ly. Wish me joy instead, of the dear felicity which has come to my lot. Are you an-hungered oftentimes even as I, for sight of your sister ? Then Philippa, you'll compassionate one who doth sorely desire news of thee. Your true and happy friend, ALICE JOCELYN. Mistress Alice Jocelyn I0e ffiff BLACK POINT, The New Tear Day, 1645. Her Letters to Philippa A MIABLE SISTER : How indulgent is God to re- gard our little lives with so great pa- tience! In joy are we sufficient unto ourselves, but let sorrow come a-nigh then cry we to have it remitted despite our unworthyness. In the opening of the year these reflections do overwhelm me remembering in my now depend- ence, the New Year gone and how little thought I then, on my Heavenly Father, his goodness. At my last writ- ing I did reckon on sending you merry tidings speedy ly, but now alas ! there '11 never be none to tell. After great searchings of heart and divers obstacles overcome, 'twas finally agreed 'twixt Uncle Henry and my Mistress Alice Jocelyn Aunt, to grant my hand in marriage to Mr. Shapleigh, though they twain would fain marry me to t'other gentle- man, to wit, Mr. Edgecombe. Him, like I rarely, and do honour, albeit he isn't no scholar, nor can't write so much as "Nicholas Edgecombe, Esq." to save his teeth. A man of parts is he, and of the noble family of Mount Edgecombe, and worthy, likewise. Moreover, he did confess to Aunt Mar- garet that aforetime he did dream of occupying first place in my affections, but that being a matter the young lady herself had control of, magnanimous, he forbore to press his suit. And, like a brave and honest gentleman, he did ride over to salute us. Our marriage was set for Christmas last past, and Her Letters to Pbilippa 55 Aunt Margaret, she would have me to Boston immediate on the betrothal, to purchase my gear, but as luck would have it, she was took ill, so 'twas put off. Mr. Shapleigh, he did come exceed- ing often to Black Point, and time was running through our glass full swift, when Sorrow brushed me with her black wing, and life was changed. It chanced in this wise. One mellow aft- ernoon in the month of October, I did walk a piece with Nicholas toward the ferry, and returning lone, I strayed through the sequestered wood. Re- flective of happy things, I did saunter but slowly, mine eyes upon the ground, when a morsel of writing-paper, most uncommon in that solitary spot, claim- 56 Mistress Alice Jocelyn ed my attention. Curious, I did pick it up. 'Twas assuredly a portion of a love-letter, torn off at the edges and devoid of signature save "Tour own faithful ," the name missing. In sympathetic humor, still loitering, I read, "'The tender tie which binds us," and, "Wearying for sight of you" and the like. "Was't not the same story ever ?" I asked myself, smiling indulg- ent. Of a sudden I was overtook by a sense of eavesdropping, and didn't read no more, but folding the sheet in its creases, turned it over. All my bodily forces seemed to fail as I did behold writ in a timid, unfashioned hand the superscription : "Mr. Nicholas Shap- leigh, Esq., Piscatqua Plantation, In the Province of Maine" 'Twas posted in Her Letters to Philippa 57 England. I marked the colour of the wax, and the faded ink. I noted a stain upon the sheet. Half spent, I sank down on the trunk of a fallen tree, exceeding thank- ful to be alone. I won't deny that I 'd have died to peruse that letter entire, but that could I not do, in honour. "So," pondered I, "there's a 'faithful' English mayde awaiting her faithless English lover, and I 've been her un- doing." Could Nicholas Shapleigh be already married? Had I come inno- cently betwixt man and wife ? I turned sick at the thought. I did pity the wo- man's grief even as 'twere mine own. Long sat I in that friendly shade, affrighted to face the future. Only to God Himself could I turn confi- Mistress Alice Jocelyn dent in my distress, and that did I with comfort, sure of one unchangeable Friend. When I did find my way home, night was falling and in the dusk my comportment passed unchal- lenged. I had resolved nevermore to behold Nicholas Shapleigh, his face, and too truly did I love him to betray no sign of my bereavement. Neverthe- less did I light my betty-lamp and es- cape to mine own chamber pretty soon after supper. You '11 divine that I slept not, but lay till the dawn like a green log, inan- imate and sodden. Soon as I could frame excuse, sought I Aunt Margaret where she was a-sorting of the linen, and did fall at her feet sobbing out my distress. As I foreknew, mighty wroth Her Letters to Philippa was she, charging Mr. Shapleigh with villainy and me with wilfulness. But at the last did she deign to kiss my cheek in token of reconciliation. Thereafter, Uncle Henry, he did grant me use of his inkhorn and pouncet with a sheet bearing the Jocelyn crest. So, sitting at his scrutoire, with mine own quill did I indite an epistle en- joining Mr. Shapleigh not to visit me nevermore, nor never to send me a let- ter. Ah me ! I didn't abase myself to declare just cause, but I did subjoin my guardian's express command agreeable with mine own. I knew none could appeal from that. My Aunt did ac- quaint Uncle Henry with the matter doubtless, thus he didn't ask no ques- tions and was uncommon kind. 60 Mistress Alice Jocefyn My letter was conveyed forthwith and the messenger charged to deliver it into Mr. Shapleigh's own hand. Af- ter 'twas gone I felt like a little star wandered out of its course, nor am I in any degree recovered from my lost estate. Uncle Henry had a communication from Mr. Shapleigh, immediate, the which (alas !) he did return unopened, and that is all all. My tale is done, Sister. Little spirit have I to treat on matters trivial. 'Tis rumored that Mr. Shapleigh, he is go- ing home to England soon, but that is nothing to me nothing, nothing. With a heavy heart, but faithful de- votion, Your sister and well-wisher, ALICE JOCELYN. Her Letters to Philippa 6 1 Better BLACK POINT, Tbe tenth day of January, A. D. 1649. 62 Mistress Alice Jocelyn \ MIABLE SISTER: I 'm a-dreading lest after the perusal of this missive you'll disown me, root and branch. Overlong have I waited, mayhap, to disburden my minde, lest I be chid, but so extreme discontent am I to hide aught from you, that I 'm now come to the pinch. For a pretty while I 've held my peace concerning the gentlemen, whiles in veritie, 'tis but a small modi- cum of peace that I 've been blest with. I shouldn't break silence now, had not occasion arrived when I must choose mine own lot. And that do I, with calmness. Sister Philippa, I 've promised to marry Mr. Edgecombe, and we sha'n't Her Letters to Pbilippa 6j neither on us repent us of our bargain, I guess. I dursen't assert that my heart is whole or that I can give him the af- feftion that he 's deserving of. When I did protest as much, he said he had divined the same and would be exceed- ing obliged for the moiety I had to give. Leastwise I shall endeavour to pay him the duty that I owe. None couldn't do more. Doubtless we shall grow exceeding fond, in time. I pur- pose to learn him writing, and that speedy. Why, he hath good parts and a sound judgment, and if but he was a scholar, he could be a Counsellor of the Province, for 'tis plain he's scarce a sound Royalist. I 'm a-knitting of a curious purse of beads with a deal of pains for to bestow on him. Uncle 64 Mistress Alice Jocelyn and Aunt do profess pleasure, at my choice. But poor old Christopher Page, he did but sigh at the news, since he will have it that I sha'n't marry save it be my first lover. Soon as 'tis seasonable warm, I pur- pose to take boat for Boston town, to buy my wedding raiment. 'Twill be of different complexion from that I once did dream of. More homely stuff, less bravery; more homespun, little silk. 'Tis little worth. My looking-glass do prevaricate else thy sister is scarce so comely at five and twenty as when a mayde of fifteen she journeyed hither. Now and again a silver hair discovers itself in the brown. Her cheek isn't so red, her figure slighter. Her Letters to Pbilippa Mr. Edgecombe, he hath the rather bettered than lost in good looks. Brave and discreet and sturdy is he. His head is clear, his heart sweet. I say this many and many a time, to assure my- self. When all 's over, shall I rest con- tent doubtless, regretting naught. Happy am I, sweet sister. Believe it, O, believe it ! and wish me joy ! Your own little ALICE. 66 Mistress Alice Jocelyn Better ffe BLACK POINT, The twentieth day of April y A. D. 1649. Her Letters to Philippa B ELOVED SISTER: Verily this day bringeth bitter news. Alas! alas! the King! Alas, poor distraught England! Of a surety are we fallen on perilous times. None durst exult, save covertly, if he be of the Puritan party ; and the Royalists, such as we, be sore distrest. Divers persons do marvel that the King did suffer him to be enmeshed by the snares of his enemies himself so subtyl. "Tis passing strange moreover, that in all England should be found one to mar the sacred head of the Lord's Anointed. 'Tis said they made a mock of him in his fallen estate. I pray 'twas not so. "T&e martyr of the people 7" Did the 68 Mistress Alice Jocelyn King thus nominate himself at the last ? "Nay, the rather dub him their mis- guided friend," quoth Uncle Henry. The gentlemen hereabouts be hot against the Regicides and the Parlia- ment. I would that no evil come to any, yet meseems that the foibles and guile of kings might well be reproved, lest worse trouble do come upon us. (Heaven forgive them rash words!) Mr. Edgecombe, he says: "Sith the wicked deed's done, pray that the King's accusers do quit themselves like men, "for," quoth he, "shrewd be the temptations that come to the lowly when he is exalted." I 'm no prophet, Philippa, if Mr. Ol- iver Cromwell, Gent., shall not show a haughty front on occasion, for I do Her Letters to Philippa 69 bethink me how 'tis Mistress Mary Cromwell, her father, which doth strive for the chiefest place in the realm. 'Twould be nought to wonder at, even so. Why, whiles we twain the little mayde and me we was playfellows together under her Grand- mother's roof in Essex and she the younger, too, 'twas even Mistress Mary, her will which did obtain, she stamping her pretty foot, most master- ful. "Ah, 'tis Oliver, his own child!" Granny would say approving, whereas, the little mayde herself was ever in the wrong and did merit a stringent whip- ping for her naughtyness. Even so, she was rarely pretty and most engaging. Some hold to the opinion that Mr. Cromwell doth espy the shadow of a JO Mistress Alice Jocefyn crown further on. Mr. Edgecombe, he says, "No, Mr. Cromwell does de- spise a tyrant, howbeit a crown would not ill suit him." Uncle Henry trusts him for a knave, the which I secretly deny, the rather crediting Mr. Cromwell with the fan- atical conceit that he 's commissioned of Heaven to overthrow the ungodly and to mete out justice. Did I speak out, I should be censured roundly and styled a Puritan. This house entertains two mindes on the self same things oftentimes, yet both be honest. 'Tis known here that Mr. Ralph Jocelyn, our kinsman, doth hold a chaplain's commission in the Puritan army. Sundry others of our name make bold to take up arms against the King, Her Letters to Pbilippa excuse being plead that no Jocelyn ev- er turned his back upon England's foe. Why then, prithee, must a Jocelyn mayde serve but to reflect the colour of her kindred? However, 'tis mighty ticklish hereabouts, for every fresh vic- tory over the Royalists doth but whet the teeth of the Puritan allies. Why, this Province itself hath been in a pretty turmoil, these many years. A party did spring up awhile back, under the headship of one Alexander Rigby of Casco, claiming jurisdiction over the heirs of Sir Ferdinando Gor- ges. Uncle Henry, he 's a staunch Roy- alist, therefore of the resisting com- pany. Serious trouble was a-brewing when Heaven did mercifully ordain the death of both Rigby and Gorges. J2 Mistress Alice Jocelyn Then 'twas hoped all would be peace- able, but lo and behold ! comes Massa- chusetts, greedy enough, to swallow up this Province. So did the quarrel wax that both Uncle Henry and Par- son Jordan, they was liable to prison or bail. Pray fancy Uncle Henry being dubbed, "Rebel," and, "Hereticall !" Why, no gentleman in the Province doesn't win more distinction for wis- dom, agreeableness and honour, than him, nor there isn't one loyaler. I pray you, Philippa, of your dis- creetness to give me such special tid- ings of our poor country as you do deem fit. In every deed, do we com- miserate your vexed situation. Yea, oftentimes be we ill at ease touching your bodily safety. I dare guess every- Her Letters to Pbilippa 7J> one distrusteth his neighbour. All that do dwell in this house salute you and our aunt, with extreme ten- derness. Yours to command, ALICE JOCELYN. P. S. To Boston go I, this day fort- night. Mistress Alice Jocelyn Better BLACK POINT, Qttober the Fifth, 1653. Her Letters to Philippa R ESPECTED SISTER : Praying of your clemency for my extreme remissness, and hoping that these lines do find you in health, I take my pen in hand.* Well, to Boston went I, as 'twas forecast, to fetch my marriage gear, Uncle Henry conveying me to Rich- man's Island, whither sailed I in the Fellowship. Mistress Tyng, she that aforetime harbored a homesick mayde, did greet me right joyfully, her lit- tle babe in her arms. She liked the tamboured lace I fetched the child. Boston surprised me. It hath out- grown its swaddling-clothes and is pushing a chair. Doubtless ere long 'twill stand alone. Half a score of j6 Mistress Alice yocelyn years hath wrought mighty changes. Monstrous warehouses be builded, and fair dwellings not a few. Some streets are paved with pebble-stones. Side- walks there be where a body may walk cleanly. Two meeting houses is built. The sentry cries no more, "Nine o' the clock and all's well! Stiff breeze, sou y - soiieast!" Now, is rung a bell at nine of night, and in mornings at half after four, which is far decenter and politer, I opine. Mistress Tyng, she could ill spare the time, I shrewdly guessed, but she would have it that she pined to go a- shopping ; so we twain set about the business. 'Twas up-hill work for to do, and after one day, Mistress Tyng, she was pretty well spent ; so leaving her Her Letters to Philippa 77 to nurse her babe, I set out on the mor- row in solitaryness. I confess I wasn't in high feather and was picking my footsteps ruefully, when who should I come face to face with, but good old Christopher Page! "Tis not imperti- nent to aver that scarce ever had I hap- pier encounter. "Why, little Alice!" cried he, catching my two hands in his big rough palms. I laughed, joyously. Speedily did he acquaint me concerning his own affairs. Mighty well put up at the "Ship's Tavern" was he, and the like. A certain matter, quoth he, had fur- thered his going to Kittery immediate, and thence came he of free will, to Boston town. Whereupon, he pro- ceeded to relate how he did chance j8 Mistress Alice Jocelyn upon a lady's pretty pocket in the wood at Black Point, and on adventuring within, he did espy a thimble of no great size, a little reel of silver, a flimsy kerchief laced about, and a letter. That letter had he sped to Kittery express to deliver into the hands of its owner Nicholas Shapleigh. "O, Master Page!" cried I, in sore distress. "Wherefore did not you give me back mine own little pocket ?" "Your pocket! Was't yours, Alice?" asked he in amaze. "Had not the kerchief the Jocelyn crest 'broidered in the linen ?" quoth I. "O, Master Christopher ! How could you treat me so cruel ?" At that the poor body seemed like one stricken. He stared with open Her Letters to Philippa mouth, and eyes a-popping, the whiles stood I, weeping bitter hard in the publick highway. When he did collect his wits, he made answer as if to him- self: "Alice's pocket, and her things, they may be, but the letter, nay, nay, that was Nicholas Shapleigh, his own, writ by his honoured mother afore she died. I did no wrong, I wot, to restore a man's own. Hey, little Alice ?" The next heard I was Uncle Henry a-calling my name. That was many a long day thereafter. When I would fain learn how came I there, none made answer, but sayed 'twas forbid to speak. Soon as 'twas convenient I was fetched home. Mr. Edgecombe, he also did repair thither to convoy me home. The days after I met Christo- 8o Mistress Alice Jocelyn pher Page in Boston street, be as if they were not. Nevertheless a brooding calm hath nested in my heart, and I do thank my Heavenly Father for His sustaining care. Would I could clasp thy dear hand, sister! I'm forbid to write more. Soon shall I be amended in health, prepared to meet whatever hap falleth to my lot. The motto of our noble house is writ upon my heart: "Faire mon devoir" Heaven forefend that I prove faith- less to the same ! Yours to command, ALICE JOCELYN. Her Letters to Philippa 8 1 Qtinlfl BLACK POINT, Christmas Day, 82 Mistress Alice Jocelyn OWEET SISTER PHILIPPA: This Christmas day at noontide, Nicholas Shapleigh, he and I was wed. 'Twas such a happy Christmas, as I didn't dream could come to me, so ex- treme unworthy of God's goodness. Full many a year were we parted, fool- ishly, wrongly. The fault was mine own. The suffering touched many. Pray chide me not dear Philippa, for a heartless mayde. Nay, I've done no wrong to any, even in thought. Full loyal kept I my promise nor suffered my heart to stray from duty. But O, sister ! how it all fell out, I know not. Meseems 'twas thus Heaven willed it. Mr. Edgecombe, he came not to wish us joy, today, but did send a man- Her Letters to Philippa 83 ful message by good Christopher Page, wherein I was acquit of fault or fickle- ness. "'Tis a match foreordained of Heaven, therefore 'twill be blest of God," quoth he, declaring he can't grudge one so dear as me to so good a friend as Nicholas. 'Tis my deepest regret to entail distress on one so kind as him. Good Mr. Jordan, who was cast in- to prison for the christening of a babe by the Prayer Book, and hath been but newly set free, did come hither joyous- ly for to marry us out of that same book. Of all the wedding company, Christo- pher, he was the merry est. He said he'd ever desired a ready minde, but now he did thank Heaven for a slow wit, which he swore was the protector 84 Mistress Alice Jocelyn of the weak, and a balm for all bruises. Aunt Margaret, she did clasp her precious string of pearls around my neck, wishing them to bring me as good luck as had come to her. Uncle Henry pressed me to his bosom and bade me pluck up heart for a brave lady. Nicholas my Nicholas, look- ed a prince, with his soldier-mien and the little white lock that doth gleam out of his dark hair just over the brow. That, should I admire rarely, did not I wot the wherefore came it white, alas ! Bitter disappointed I, that Mistress Tyng, her children be down with the small-pox to let her. But her dear epis- tle hath warmed my heart anew. Mis- tress Elizabeth Deering did look un- common pretty. Fain would I have Her Letters to Philippa 8$ had Mr. Edgecombe here for to see her, drest so genteel. Elizabeth's poli- ticks moreover be of the same com- plexion with Mr. Edgecombe, his own, did she but speak her opinion. Only but the necessity to go hence from Uncle Henry, his roof, doth grieve me. But go shall I, and that with willing minde, for to dwell with Nicholas Shapleigh in Kittery, mid- way betwixt Boston and Black Point ; nearer to Mistress Tyng, further from them I owe my duty to. Well wot I that God doth care for all His creatures, and shall not I trust Him to fill mine own little place at Black Point? I did send Mr. Edgecombe the purse I knitted. 'Twas handsome. 86 Mistress Alice 'Jocelyn Scarce durst I look for your favour on my conduct, sister. 'Tisn't proper, nor can't be extenuate. That I'm aware of, but in excuse plead I, my then youngness and indiscreetness in affairs of love. Surely, I sha'n't be in like strait nevermore, for like reason. My husband, most agreeable to my family, he doth present his gracious compliments to you in peculiar ; and whilst I live, shall I be as now, Yours in trust and love, ALICE SHAPLEIGH. Post Scriptum. Uncle Henry did give me away. I wore Aunt Margaret, her^rj-/ wedding gown. 'Twas over long, but it served. A. S. P. S. S. Did not I adventure some Her Letters to Pbilippa time gone, that Mary Cromwell, her father strove for the mastery ? Now, prithee behold him Lord Protedtor of the Commonwealth by his own be- hest! A. S. 88_ T&e COLOPHON Hereendeth MISTRESS ALICE JOCELYN, HER LETTERS, as endeavoured by C. Emma Cheney. Designs and frontispiece done special and the whole made into a book and sold by Langworthy & Swift at THE HOUSE OF THE BLUE SKY PRESS, Kenwood, CHICAGO. Completed in the month of March MCMIIL Of this edition there have been printed Five Hun- dred copies on paper and Twenty copies on Japan vellum, of which this is number Oldest Love-Letter in the World. A love letter 4000 years old has lately been discov- || ered in Chaldaea. The lady to whom it was addressed lived in Sippara, the biblical Sepharvani. Her beloved was a resident of Babylon. In contrast to the position which women hold\at the present day in the Orient, they possessed in antiquity I a great degree of freedom. In many respects the ori- ental woman of antiquity was graced with as much I privilege as is the modern European woman. Partic larly in Chaldaea she could participate in trade, manipu- late her own property, be a witness before court and be the guardian of her own children. Of the position of women in Egypt we know less, but doubtless it was ] much higher than that of the present Mohammedan women. In one respect, however, it seems that custom has been changed very slightly, for marriage was essen- tially an affair of trade between the parents of the bridegroom and those of the bride. This is ascertained from the legal code of Hammurabi, king of Babylon, B. C. 2200. The future husband paid the price of tl bride and her father provided her dower and trousseau Under these circumstances there was no such courtship as precedes marriage in accordance with occidental ideas. Still one may believe that many a love lett on papyrus or clay passed secretly between the hands of the bridal pair durin-g the interval of their engage- The newly-discovered letter is written in clay and probably dates from 2200 B.C. Though somewhat for- mal, the reader can feel the tenderness that lies hidden between its lines. It reads: "To the lady, Kasbuya (little ewe) says Gimil Mar- duk (the favorite of Morodach) this: May the Sun God of Marduk afford you eternal life. I write wishing that I may know how your health is. Oh, send me a mes- sage about it. I live in Babylon and have not seen you and for this reason I am very anxious. Send i a message that will tell me when you will come to me so that I may be happy. Come in Marchesvan. May you live long for my sake?" [Current Literature for September. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped be\o\ OCT 3 L 006 064 413 5 PS 3505 C424m