eficiences; to assist
her infirmities; to satisfie her insatiable desires; to approve of all
her pleasures, & whatsoever she also will you must condescend to. Now
you have heard and understood all my reasons and arguments, you may
then tell me, that you have a fine estate, and that you would
willingly see an heir of your own that might possess it; and that it
would be one of your greatest delights, to see your own honour and
vertues survive in your children. But as to that I'l answer you, and
say, that your reward shall be greater in relieving the poor and
needy; then to leave rich remembrances to Heirs; and procure you an
everlasting blessing, that you might otherwise leave for a prey to
your children; who it may be are so bastardized in their birth, that
they are both Spendthrifts and Vagabonds; for it happens oft that good
trees do not alwaies bring forth good fruit. If, when you have
seriously perused this my Letter, you are not affrighted at your
intention; marry: but if you take it indifferently; marry not. And
beleeve me, that a man who is free from the troubles & vexations of
marriage, is much happier and hath more content to himself in one day,
then another in the whole scope of his Wedlock. And what's more, a
single man may freely and resolutely undertake all things, to Travel,
go to battell, be solitary, & live according to his own delight;
without fearing that at his death he shall leave a Widow and
Fatherless children, who must be delivered over to the Fates, for
their friends will never look after them. Hitherto I have kept you up,
concerning your intention; and further I give you no other advice,
then what by your self you may take to your self. If you marry, you do
well: but not marrying, you do better. And if you will incline to me,
rather then to marry, you shall alwaies find me to be

SIR

_Your very humble servant_

A.B.

* * * * *

THE

CONFESSION

OF THE

NEW MARRIED COUPLE.

* * * * *

[Illustration: THE CONFESSION OF THE NEWLY MARRIED COUPLE
LONDON,
PRINTED in the JEAR 1683.
_Published by The Navarre Society, London._]

THE

CONFESSION

OF THE