Page:A Treatise concerning the Use and Abuse of the Marriage Bed.djvu/152

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be parting Beds: No, I can't think of that neither; I can't abide to lie away from him.

Cou. You are a pretty Gentlewoman indeed; you would not be with Child, and yet you would lie with a Man every Night. Is not that the Case now?

Lady. Why, truly, I can't say but it is a little of the Case. But what can I do?

Cou. Nay, I don't know; you must e'en run the Venture, as, I suppose, you do, and as other Women do.

Lady. Then I shall certainly be with Child: And what will become of me then?

Cou. Become of you. Why, you will be brought to Bed, have a fine Boy, and half a dozen more after that, and do bravely, as your Neighbours do, and as your Mother did before you, Child.

Lady. Law———! Cousin, you distress my very Soul; I cannot bear the Thoughts of it.

Cou. There's no help for it, Child.

Lady. Sure there is, Cousin; something may be done: I heard of one Mrs. Pleas. . .t that did.

Cou. Why, you little Devil, you would not take Phyfick to kill the Child, would you, as, they say, she did?

Lady. No; but there may be Things to prevent Conception; an't there?

Cou. Why, look you, let me see, I don't know[1].


  1. Here she muses, as if to consider of it, and that she knew of some Measures that might be taken to answer.

Lady.