d over the face of Winthrop, as it
did also over those of several Assistants.

"What excites your risibles, gentlemen," asked Dudley, severely. "I
trust that I am not the subject of your mirth."

"For me, sir," said Master Simon Bradstreet, on whom the eyes of the
deputy happened to rest at the conclusion of the sentence, "if thou
desirest an answer, I will crave permission first to inquire, if this
discreet lady, who, from thy epithet, I infer to be somewhat advanced
in life, was preeminently distinguished for beauty?"

"Although of a gracious presence, I cannot say that she greatly
excelled in that respect," answered Dudley.

"Then," replied Master Bradstreet, "I see not how the view of her face
could disturb the devotions of the congregation."

"Ye smile, my masters," said Dudley, looking round, "as though ye had
me at advantage; but ye consider not the importance of the example of
a lady so high in station, and so exemplary in her Christian calling.
Not so much on account of herself, but for other's sakes, was it done
by the godly and honorable lady."

"I see no foundation therefor in Scripture," said an Assistant.
"Surely married women have no pretext to wear veils as virgins,
neither would married nor unmarried choose to do so from the example
of Tamar the wanton, nor need they do it for such purpose as Ruth did,
in her widowhood."

"We claim no certain warrant of Scripture for the practice," said
Endicott, coming up to the rescue of the deputy, "but only as being
based on the propriety and fitness of things."

"Fall you not then into the very condemnation of the Scribes and
Pharisees, who imposed upon the people burdens enjoined neither by
Moses nor the prophets?" said the same Assistant, using the deputy's
own argument.

"Nay," said Master Increase Nowell. "If we confine ourselves strictly
to what we find in the Scripture, I fear it might strike, in some
respects, at the proceedings of our government. The sounder rule, it
appears to me, is to follow Scripture as far as we may, having regard
to the difference of the circumstances."

"Such hath been our endeavor," said Endicott. "The manner of our
dealing with the vile and pernicious weed, tobacco, sufficiently
illustrates the principle of our government. The wisdom of the godly
founders of the plantation at Salem, the charge whereof was entrusted
to my weak hands, did clearly perceive the lamentable effects, both to
the souls and bodies of the users,