ld come to diminish more; and that you
can hardly tell how to keep both ends together; then comfort your
selves with this happiness; to the end that the Pleasures of your
marriage, may thereby not be eclipsed. For in bad times you must as
diligently search after the Pleasures of Marriage, as for gain and
good Trading.

But it seems, as you imagine, that this Pleasure rather decreases then
increases; because that the small trading, is accompanied with bad
paiment; and where ever you run or go to dun, you find no body at
home, but return back to your house with empty pockets. For there is
Master Highmind, and Squire Spightfull, who come every day in their
Velvet Coats to the Change, are not in the least ashamed that the
Goods, which they bought to be paid ready down, after the expiration
of a full year, are not yet paid. And Master Negligent, who is alwaies
in an Alehouse, and seldom to be found in his Counting-house or at the
Change, thinks it is abundance too early in July, so much as to look
upon the reckoning of last New-year, much less to pay it.

Nevertheless others have their Creditors also, and this Bill of
Exchange, and that Assignment must be paid at their due times; yea,
and the Winter is approaching, Wood and Coals must be bought, the
Cellar furnisht with Beer and Wine, and some Firkins of Butter, and
provision made for the powdring-tub to be filled, as well as several
other sorts of necessaries for the Family that will be wanting.
Insomuch that this affords but a very slight appearance of concluding
the year in Pleasure.

But, O carefull House Father, if you knew in what a happy age you
live, you would not go away so dissatisfied, but imbrace all these
affairs very joifully for extraordinary Pleasures.

Hitherto you have gone forward like one young and unexperienced, and
have meant with Master Dolittle, alias John the Satisfied, that things
were to be done with kissing, licking, dallying, and other fidle
fadles; but now you are come to a more sober, serious understanding,
and to have mans knowledge, and the same prudent conduct that your
Parents and Friends had, when they were assembled together about your
Contract of Marriage, and then thought of all these things. Now you
are grown to be a Master of Arts in the University of Wedlock. And
great Juno laught, that Venus hath so long hoodwink'd you.

Come on then, these films being now fallen, from your eys, do but
observe how prudent carefull Time hath ma