rnest desires with fructivity; this it is that makes him
that he dares not anger her or give her a sour countenance; fearing
that if she might have conceived, that would be the means of turning
the tide.

To be short, it is his only and greatest delight to see that his wife
is well satisfied and receiveth her content and pleasure; which is
very hard to be practised, so long as she is not with child.

But O what a joy there will be if he may be but once so happy as to
hit that mark! How will the first day of her reckoning to ly in stand
in his Almanack, as if it were printed with a red Letter! Well young
people, be contented; Long look'd for comes at last to the
satisfaction of the Master.

* * * * *

THE FIFTH PLEASURE.

_The young Woman proves with Child, and longs._

The old Proverb tels us, that after the sour comes the sweet; and I
find, jolly couple, that it is so with you also; for I hear finally
that your wife is big with child: Well what a Pleasure is that!
Certainly, now you see that all your Doctoring and medicining hath
been to some purpose, and now you feel also that all herbs were made
for some good effects.

How happy a thing it is that you have made use of a learned Doctor,
and an experienced Midwife. Now is the only time to be very carefull,
for fear the least accident might turn the tide with the young woman,
and so she get a mischance, or some other sad mishap; and a mischance
is worse for her than a true Child-bearing; for that weakens nature
abundantly, and oftentimes brings with it several sad consequences, &
Thus the women talk.

[Illustration: Folio 85. _Published by The Navarre Society, London._]

But you, O noble Champion, who have behaved your self so gallantly;
continue now to reap the further conquests of your honour. Look not at
any small matters; and most especially if you hope or desire to gain
the principal prize of your pleasure. For be assured, that you must
suffer much, and see through a perspective glass all things at a
distance; because you never before saw your wife in so gallant a state
and condition as she now is in; and therefore you must cherish and
preserve her much more then formerly you have done. If you hear her
often grunt and groan, mumble and chide, either with the men or
maid-servants; nay, though it were with your own self, you must pass
it by, not concerning your self at it; and imagine that you do it for
the respect y