A fitter match: so think no more on me.
These lines so nettled him, that having belcht out some execrations against me and our sex, I never heard more of him. To be short, there was none could get any interest in me, but our Head-drawer, a neat flaxen-hair’d dapper fellow; so passionately we loved one the other, that we could not forbear holding some private correspondence at nights. My Father at length suspecting us, turned away his man, whose absence I could not brook, and therefore resolved to follow after, which I did, taking with me what ready money my Father had in his custody; and finding out my dear Comerade, this was the result of our consultation, that I should cloath my self like a man, and so travel together. It will be too tedious to relate how and whither we went; but let it suffice to tell you, that after we had run through France and Italy, and wearied our selves in forreign parts, we concluded to return for England. We landed at Dover, having made an end of our voyage and money together, saving so much as would purchase Horse & Armes; for Padding was the way we agreed on to recruit our decayed stock. Many were the Robberies we committed, taking such a course that the Devil could hardly detect us: for sometimes when we had robbed, and fearing lest we should be taken by the Hue and Cry, it was but turning my horse loose, and then would I put on womans apparel (which I always carried in my Portmantle in such expeditions) and getting up behind my dear friend, I past unsuspected as his wife. This stratagem frequently proved a safeguard to us both. By this means we several times robbed houses, under the pretence of my friends taking lodgings for himself and Wife. To tell you in what manner and how often we played our pranks under a double disguise, would take up more time then is convenient. Wherefore I shall now wind up my story; My Comerade in an unhappy enterprize received a shot in his shoulder, which proved Mortal, for not long after he died. Being then destitute of my dear companion, I had several thoughts of returning home; but that I liked my trade so well, I could not be induced to leave it. However, I went to my Fathers house frequently with roaring Blades; but they knew me not, though sometimes they would stare upon me, as if their eyes would have started out of their heads for joy to see their old acquaintance. At last I took a convenient opportunity under the veil of courtship to discover my self to my Sister (here present) who understanding my course of life, and knowing well her own constitution, for my sake resolved to hazard all, and run one risque with me. Having instructed her how she should rob her Father, as I had done before her, we met at a place appointed, and so took our journey hitherward. Now if our conversation may be any wayes pleasing, and our service advantagious, we are both your devoted servants. She uttered these words with such a grace, that I could not forbear imbracing her. After we had plighted faiths, and mutually caressed each other, we betook our selves to rest, which you may imagine was little enough.
CHAP. XXXVI.
How he with his new female padding Comrade contrived notable subtil and safe ways to rob together; with a relation of some remarkable stories which were the effects of those consultations.
Angry I was when I perceived the appearance of day, which I knew would unavoidably rob me of my present delight and pleasure. But it was only my fear of being deprived of so much bliss made me so grossely to mistake, for I quickly found my happiness inlarged by the approaching light, my sence of seeing being now made Copartner with that of feeling. Love had now his eyes restored him, who before only groped for the naked truth in the dark. Now did we begin afresh to renew our late sweet nocturnal pastime; and could our bodies have any wayes answered our boundless desires, our bed would have been the sole concern we should have minded, till that time which must put a period to this transitory life.
But to avoid the censure of sluggishness, we all resolved to rise, and unanimously strive & contend who should make the best proof of the greatest ingenuity in contriving what may give the largest satisfaction both to mind and body. As a præludium to our intended purpose, and a restorative to our decayed strengths, we first resolved upon buttered Sack, with other things of like comforting natures: & now finding our selves by this first essay so much beyond expectation revived and fitted for mirth and pleasure, we straight gave order for a Dinner to be speedily prepared, whose composition should be of the choicest viands. And that the time might not seem tedious in the interim, it was put to the vote what pastime we should make choice of for divertisement. Some were for bodily exercise, but I was clearly against that, having so lately tired my self with it: besides my lameness, which was occasioned by the shot I received in my legg from my Valiant Rencountress. It was at length agreed on by all, that we should entertain our selves with Musick and Discourse. A match (said the eldest Sister) and to the intent you may see my freedom and forwardness to propagate your proposition, I shall give my assistance first to heighten your spirits by vocal and instrumental Musick: having thus broken the Ice, I question not but you will prove ready followers, and swim with me in the same streams of delight. Whereupon she took up a Lute, and having praised that instrument above all other for its sweet ravishing harmony, I will now try (said she) how my voice will agree with it, and thus sang:
What need we to care?
W’ have enough and to spare,
What we gain we will drink and spend on’t;
But when all is gone,