is that both they and those that are really with child, long commonly
for that which is scarcest and hardest to be gotten: Yea in the very
middle of winter they oftentimes long to have a Greengoose or young
Chickens; which in some places are very hard to be got, and not
without paying excessive dear for them.

This longing being so satisfied; immediately arises another, and
nothing will serve but Meats, and several sorts of Comfits. Yea how
often happens it, though it rain, snow, and is very slippery, that
both the husband and the maid, if never so dark and late in the night,
must trot out and fetch candied Ginger, dried Pears, Gingerbread, or
some such sort of liquorish thing. And what is to be imagined, that
can be cried about in the streets by day time, but her longing before
hath an appetite prepared for it?

Yea through an excessive eating of raw fruits, and feeding upon
multiplicities of sweet-meats; to fulfill their longing; it turns to a
griping of the guts and overflowing of the Gall, which again occasion
Cholick, & manytimes other lamentable pains. Here is then another new
work. There the Doctor must be presently fetcht, and according to what
he pleases to order, either a Glister must be set, or some other
Physick taken for it.

But by reason these things are not so pleasant to the good woman as
the foregoing liquorish delicacies; she thinks it best that the
Midwife be sent for, because she hath a great deal better knowledge
touching the infirmities of women then the Doctors: Then she is
fetcht, and having done the first part of her office, she gives her
good comfort; and orders her to take only some of the best white
Wine, simper'd up with a little Orange-peel, well sweetned with sugar,
and so warm drunk up; and then anoint your self here, and you know
where, with this salve; and for medicines [that are most to be found
in Confectionres or Pasterers shops] you must be sure to make use of
those, then your pain will quickly lessen. You must not neglect also
ofttimes to eat a piece of bread and butter with either Caroway or
Aniseed Comfits; use also Cinnamon; the first expels wind, and the
second strengthens the heart; and they are both good for the woman and
the child. Be sure also to drink every morning and every evening a
glass of the best sack, for that strengthens the fruit of the womb,
and occasions you a good quickness, &c.

Who will doubt, but that she obeys the orders of the Midwife, much
better t