I Am overcome with admiration, at the felici∣ty they take▪

Beggars! They are the only people, can boast the benefit of a free state, in the full enioyment of Li∣berty, Mirth and Ease; having all things in common and nothing wanting of Natures whole provision within the reach of their desires. Who would have lost this sight of their Revels?

How think you Ladies? Are they not the one∣ly happy in a Nation?

Happier then we I'm sure, that are pent up and tied by the nose to the continual steam of hot Hospitality, here in our Father's house, when they have the Aire at pleasure in all variety.

And though I know we have merrier Spirits then they, yet to live thus confin'd, stifles us.

Why Ladies, you have liberty enough; or may take what you please.

Yes in our Father's Rule and Government, or by his allowance. What's that to absolute free∣dom; such as the very Beggars have; to feast and revel here to day, and yonder to morrow; next day where they please; and so on still, the whole Coun∣try or Kingdome over? ther's Liberty! the birds of the aire can take no more.

And then at home here, or wheresoever he comes, our Father is so pensive, (what muddy spirit soe're possesses him, would I could conjure't out) Page  [unnumbered] that he makes us even sick of his sadness, that were wont to see my Ghossips cock to day; mould Cocklebread; daunce clutterdepouch; and Hannykin booby; binde bar∣rels; or do any thing before him, and he would laugh at us.

Now he never looks upon us, but with a sigh, or teares in his eyes, tho' we simper never so sanctifi∣edly. What tales have been told him of us, or what he suspects I know not; God forgive him, I do; but I am weary of his house.

Does he think us Whores tro, because some∣times we talke as lightly as great Ladies. I can swear safely for the virginity of one of us, so far as Word and Deed goes; marry Thought's free.

Which is that one of us I pray? your selfe or me?

Good sister Meriel, Charity begins at home. But I'l swear I think as charitably of thee: And not onely because thou art a year younger neither.

I am beholden to you. But for my Father, I would I knew his grief and how to cure him, or that we were where we could not see it. It spoiles our mirth, and that has been better then his Meat to us.

Will you heare our motion Ladies?

Psew, you would marry us presently out of his way, because he has given you a foolish kinde of promise: But we will see him in a better humor first, and as apt to laugh as we to lie down, I warrant him.

'Tis like that course will cure him, would you imbrace it.

We will have him cur'd first, I tell you: And you shall wait that season, and our leasure.

I will rather hazard my being one of the De∣vil's Page  [unnumbered] Ape-leaders, then to marry while he is melan∣cholly.

Or I to stay in his house; to give entertain∣ment to this Knight, or t'other Coxcomb, that comes to cheer him up with eating of his chear: when we must fetch 'em sweetmeats, and they must tell us, Ladies, your lips are sweeter, and then fall into Courtship, one in a set speech taken out of old Bri∣tains Works, another with Verses out of the Acade∣my of Complements, or some or other of the new Po∣etical Pamphletters, ambitious onely to spoile Pa∣per, and publish their names in print. And then to be kist, and sometimes slaver'd—fagh.

'Tis not to be indur'd. We must out of the House. We cannot live but by laughing, and that aloud, and no body sad within hearing.

We are for any adventure with you, Ladies. Shall we project a journey for you? your Father has trusted you, and will think you safe in our compa∣ny; and we would fain be abroad upon som pro∣gress with you. Shall we make a fling to London, and see how the Spring appears there in the Spring-Gar∣den; and in Hide-park, to see the Races, Horse and Foot; to hear the jo•kies crack; and see the Ada∣mites run naked afore the Ladies?

We have seen all already there, as well as they, last year.

But there ha' been new Playes since.

No: no: we are not for London.

What think you of a Journey to the Bath then?

Worse then t' other way. I love not to carry my Health where others drop their Diseases. There's no sport i' that.

Will you up to the hill top of sports, then, and Merriments, Dovors Olimpicks or the Cotswold Games.

No, that will be too publique for our Re∣creation. We would have it more within our selves.

Think of some course your selves then. We are for you upon any way, as far as Horse and Money can carry us.

I, and if those means faile us, as far as our legs can bear, or our hands can help us.

And we will put you to't. Come aside Me∣riel—

Some jeere, perhaps to put upon us.

What think you of a Pilgrimage to St. Wini∣srides Well?

Or a Journey to the wise woman at Nant∣wich, to ask if we be fit husbands for 'em?

They are not scrupulous in that, we having had their growing loves up from our Childhoods; and the old Squire's good will before all men.

Me. Ha ha ha—

What's the conceit I mervail.

Me. Ha ha ha ha—

Some merry one it seems.

And then, sirrah Meriel— Heark agen—ha ha ha—

How they are taken with it!

Ha ha ha—Heark agen Rachel.

Some wonderful Nothing sure. They will laugh as much to see a swallow flie with a white fea∣ther imp'd in her tail.

They were born laughing I think.

Me. Ha ha ha—

If it be not some trick upon us, which they'l discover in some monstrous shape, they cozen me. Now Ladies, is your Project ripe? possess us with the knowledge of it.

It is more precious, then to be imparted upon a slight demand.

Pray let us hear it. You know we are your trusty servants.

And have kept all your councels 'ever since we have been Infant Playfellows.

Yes, you have plaid at all kinds of small game with us; but this is to the purpose. Ha ha ha—

It seems so by your laughing.

And asks a stronger tongue-tie then tearing of Books; burning of Samplers; making Dirt-pies; or piss and paddle in't.

You know how, and what we have vow'd: to wait upon you any way, any how, and any whi∣ther.

And you will stand to't?

I, and go to't with you, wherever it be.

Pray tell' t'em, sister Rachel.

Why Gentlemen—ha ha— Thus it is— Tell it you Meriel.

O, is that all?

You are the elder. Pray tell it you.

You are the younger. I command you tell it. Come, out with it They long to have it.

When?

When?

Introth you must tell it, sister, I cannot. Pray begin.

Then Gentlemen stand your ground.

Some terrible business sure!

You seem'd e'n now to admire the felicity of Beggars.

And have ingag'd your selves to join with us in any course.

Will you now with us, and for our sakes turn Beggars?

It is our Resolution, and our Injunction on you.

But for a Time, and a short Progress.

And for a spring-trick of youth, now, in the season.

Beggars! What Rogues are these?

A simple trial of our Loves and service!

Are you resolv'd upon't? If not God bw'y'. We are resolv'd to take our course.

Let yours be to keep councel.

We now beg,

That will not serve. Your time's not come for that yet.

O, I conceive your begging progress is to ramble out this sommer among your Father's Te∣nants; and 'tis in request among Gentlemens Daugh∣ters to devour their Cheese-cakes, Apple-pies, Cream Page  [unnumbered] Custards, Flapiacks, and Pan-puddings.

Not so, not so,

Why so we may be a kinde of civil Beggars.

I mean stark, errant, downright Beggars, I, Without equivocation; Statute Beggars.

Couchant and Passant, Guardant, Rampant Beggars.

Current and vagrant—

Stockant, whippant Beggars!

Must you and we be such? would you so have it?

Such as we saw so merry; and you concluded Were th'onely happy People in a Nation.

The onely Freemen of a Common-wealth;

'Fore Heaven I think they are in earnest: for they were alwaies mad.

And we were madder then they, if we should lose 'em.

'Tis but a mad trick of youth (as they say) for the Spring, or a short progress: and mirth may be Page  [unnumbered] made out of it; knew we how to carry it.

We are most resolutely for you in your course.

But the vexation is how to set it on foot.

We have projected it. Now if you be perfect and constant Lovers and friends, search you the means. We have puzzell'd 'em.

I am glad on't. Let 'em pump.

Troth a small stock will serve to set up with∣al. This Doublet sold off o' my back, might serve to furnish a Camp Royal of us.

But how to enter or arrange our selves into the Crew will be the difficulty. If we light raw and tame amongst 'em (like Cage-Birds among a flight of wild ones) we shall never pick up a Living, but have our brains peckt out.

We want instruction dearly.

O here comes Springlove. His great Benefa∣ctorship among the Beggars might prefer us with Au∣thority into a ragged Regiment presently. Shall I put it to him.

Take heed what you do. His greatness with my Father will betray us.

I will cut his throat then. My noble Spring∣love, the great Commander of the Maunders, and King of Canters, we saw the gratitude of your loyal Subjects, in the large Tributary content they gave you in their Revels.

Did you, Sir?

We have seen all with great delight and ad∣miration.

I have seen you too, kinde Gentlemen and Ladies; and over-heard you in your queint designe, to new create your selves out of the wordly bles∣sings, and spiritual graces Heaven has bestow'd upon you, to be partakers and Co-actors too, in those vile courses, which you call delights, tane by those de∣spicable and abhorred Creatures.

He grows zealous in the Cause: sure he'll beg indeed.

They are more zealous in the Cause then we.

I have sounded your Faith: And I am glad I finde you all right. And for your Father's sadness, I'll tell you the cause on't. I over-heard it but this day in his private Discourse with his merry Mate Master Hearty. He has been told by some Wizard that you both were born to be Beggars.

How. How!

For which he is so tormented in minde, that he cannot sleep in peace, nor look upon you but with hearts grief.

This is most strange.

O, I applaud this resolution in you; Would have perswaded it; will be your Servant in't. For, look ye Ladies: The Sentence of your Fortune does not say, that you shall beg for need; hungry or cold necessity. If there∣fore you expose your selves on pleasure into it, you shall absolve your destiny nevertheless, and cure your Father's grief. I am over-joy'd to think on't; and will assist you faithfully.

A Springlove! a Springlove!

But how? But how, good Springlove?

Ha ha ha.

A Springlove, a Springlove.

A Springlove! a Springlove!

Follow me, Gallants, then, as cheerfully As—(heark!) we are summon'd forth.

Well, go thy waies. If ever any just or cha∣ritable Steward was commended, sure thou shalt be at the last Quarter-day. Here's five and twenty pounds for this Quarters Beggar-charge. And (if he return not by the end of this Quarter) here's order to a Friend to supply for the next. If I now should venture for the commendation of an unjust Steward, and turn this Money to mine own use! ha! deare Devil tempt me not. I'll do thee service in a greater Matter. But to rob the Poor! (a poor trick) every Church-warden can do't. Now something whispers me, that my Master, for his Stewards love, will sup∣ply the Poor, as I may handle the matter. Then I rob the Steward, if I restore him not the Money at his return. Away Temptation, leave me. I am frail flesh: yet I will fight with thee. But say the Steward never return. O but he will return. Perhaps he may not return. Turn from me Satan: strive not to clog my conscience. I would not have this weight upon't for all thy Kingdom.

I strive you see to be so. Yet somthing pricks me within, me thinks.

No further thought, I hope, of Fortunes tell∣tales.

Forc'd Mirth tho' is not good.

You argue well. But do you see yon'd Fellow?

The Devil and I have strain'd courtesie these two hours about it. I would not be corrupted with the trust of more then is mine own. Mr. Steward gave it me, Sir, to order it for the Beggars. He has made me Steward of the Barn and them, while he is gone (he saies) a Journey, to survey and measure Lands abroad about the Countries. Some purchase I think for your Worship.

Yes; but not hearty merry. There's a whim now.

The Poor's charge shall be mine. Keep you the Money for him.

Ha ha ha.

I have not had it so many minutes, as I have been in several Minds about it; and most of them dishonest.

Go then, and give it to one of my Daught∣ers to keep for Springlove.

O, I thank your Worship—

Alass poor knave! How hard a tasque it is to alter Custome!

You are deceiv'd in him.

If you be not 'tis well. But this is from the Covenant.

To'ther old Song for that.

On foot, Sir, two hours since, with the two Gentlemen their Lovers. Here's a Letter they left with the Butler. And there's a muttring in the House.

The straw! that's very proper there. That's Randal's whim.

We will have such a Festival moneth on't, Randall—

She'l have the Bantling at her back to mor∣row That was to day in her belly, and march a foot-back with it.

Pray let's see 'em, Sir.

Good Heaven how merry they are.

Be not you sad at that.

'Tis a good Vote, Sir Patrico: but you are too grave. Let us hear and see something of your merry Grigs, that can sing, play Gambals, and do Feats.

Go Fiddle Patrico, and let me sing. First set me down here on both my Prats. Gently, gently, for cracking of my wind, now I must use it. Hem hem.

A sudden qualm over-chils my stomack. But 'twill away.

How think you, Sir? or what? or why do you think at all, unless on Sack and Supper-time? do you fall back? do you not know the danger of relapses?

Good Hearty, thou mistak'st me. I was think∣ing upon this Patrico. And that he has more soule then a born Beggar in him.

Rogue enough though, to offer us his what-d'ecalts? Page  [unnumbered] his Doxies. Heart and a cup of Sack, do we look like old Beggar-niglers?

Will you then talk of Sack, that can drown sighing? will you in, to supper, and take me there your Guest? Or must I creep into the Barn among your welcome ones?

You have rebuk'd me timely; and most friendly.