The Art of Courtship.
This may be Printed.
Printed for I. Back on London-Bridge.
The Art of Courtship; OR, The School of Delight.
Containing Amorous Dialogues, Complemental Expressions, Poems, Letters, and Discourses upon sundry Occasions, relating to Love and Business: Pleasant New Songs, and Directions for Courtship and Behaviour: And Rules for Carving Flesh, Fish, Fowl; and cutting up Pastry: Also to distinguish the best Pieces, and decently to serve a Table after the most Modish and Courtly manner.
With other delightful and profitable things, necessary for the accomplishment of all Persons.
To which is added, The signification of MOLES, in any part of the Body, in relation to good and bad Fortunes.
As likewise, The Interpretation of Dreams, as they presage happiness or unhappiness to Men and Women, in all Stations and and Conditions. Very profitable and advantageous to all Persons.
Printed by I. M. for I. Back, at the Black Boy on London-Bridge: 1688.
THE Art of Courtship; OR, The School of Delight.
An Amorous Dialogue between Thomas and Sarah; Or, The ready way of Wooing.
OH my Love, how happy am I, thus accidentaily to meet you! alas my dear, why blush you? why turn you that face away, on which with delight I could gaze (would the brittle thread of Life continue) Ages without Number.
Ah! how you flatter me now? truly Thomas I did not think you had been so deep read in the Mistery of Courtship; yet I am too wise to credit all that men say: Yes, yes, my Mother told me indeed, that men had deluding tongues, and charged me never to trust 'em.
Cruel Maid, can you, after all the Expressions of a real passion, which I [Page]have many ways demonstrated, believe that I am in jest or can be false.
Nay Tom, I know not but you may, for adad, my Mother says, there's not one in forty Mile that mean (indeed and good earnest) what they pretend.
Then by all that is good in you, and my self I swear.
Oh fie Tom, nay, no swearing, for I had rather believe you then you should use any vain expressions.
And you do believe me real, and that I love you above what words are capable of Expressing? above all that I can wish or think, referring to things on this side Heaven.
Adad if I thought so, i'de tell you more of my mind—Well if you will be constant and faithful—But why do I talk of that? especially if I consider what my Mother told me?
Come, come, no more of Ambiguity, let doubts cease, and try my Love; kindled by a flame as bright as the Planet of the day; a love that is lasting, and cannot be extinguisht by want of Jealousie.
If I thought so—Well, to be plain with you Tom, for I can't hide it no longer; if you love me as you say, let us [Page]be marryed as soon as you will, and then do as you please, as for our Fortunes, you know are but mean, and I am not insensible of yours; I hate to see a man of your parts pine and whine, come come, let's make an end on't if it must be so.
Now you revive me, and as it were call back my fading Spirits.
A Dialogue between Amintas and Pricilla; Or, The Willing Lovers.
But who is she that could thy heart surprize?
Has she no name? who is she? tell me true,
Ah, dear Pricilla fair one, it is you.
The different Effects in LOƲE; Or, A discourse between Will and Ned.
VVEll Brother Will, how sped you with your Mistriss the other day? I perceive you pusht the matter home; Come, come prithee tell me man, how it fared with you, for I observe by your countenance, you are wonderfully pleased.
How can I otherways, when so fair so soft, so kind and charming a Creature has east her self into my arms, and met my passion with an equal flame?
You are a happy Man if it be so: Venus was kind in ruling your Nativity: but Ah!
How's this Ned—Why Man, what makes you sigh? sure you han't fell in Love with a cross Mistriss, have you?
Your guess is right; that heart which long withstood the batteries of mighty love, and as unconcerned beat back the dazling beams of brightest Beauty, at last is stormed, by a cruel fair one, who let's me languish without hope.
Fie, fie, it cannot be; can you the witty gallant and the brave, languish for one who is regardless of your pain? Come, rouze up man, and banish such a Servile love, be your self and you have conquer'd it.
As soon may Prisoners loaded with strong Chains, break from their Iron durance, as I break the Chains of Love; No, though she be cruel, yet I still must love, and wound the Air with sighs, as when the wind from hollow Rocks sends an imperfect murmer.
Surely you are in jest?
In jest, say you, if it be a jest it is a true one; a jest which makes me covet Solitude, and shun those Recreations I was wont to Glory in; a jest made worse by what you tell, and makes me do what ne'r before I did, Envy your happin ss, since I am miserable.
No more of this, Psha—'tis but counterfeit; come, come along thou whining sneaking pretending Lover; or if it be true, We'l to the place where joy & mirth abound, In Songs & Masques we'l thy Passion drownd, Whilst thou shalt scorn the scorner, & be free From her that held thee in Captivity:
Complemental Expressions, and Love Posies.
SIR, the joy to see you is more than words can utter.
Sir, 'tis you alone, next Heaven, on whom I must relye; your favours are so many, that my heart has scarcely room to contain them.
Sir, I am proud to be your Servant, and desire no more but to enjoy that name.
Sir, your Wisdom and Eloquence is so Charming, that I must needs admire you.
Sir, the Excellencies with which you are endued, are many, and even beyond expression.
Sir, your friendship I covet above all others, and am proud to be ranked amongst the number of those you are pleased to term your Friends.
Madam, your Beauties are so rare, and your actions so tempting, that I must wear your Chains, and count it a blessing to be your Slave.
Madam, Wounded by your fair Eyes, I languish.
Madam, you are the fair Phyfitian that can only cure the distemper of my mind.
Lady, 'tis your Vertues I admire, for that more than Beauty adorns the Female Sex.
Lady, I am Ravished with your Charming Voice, whose power is as great as that of Orpheus, in compelling the attention of admiring mortals.
Madam, in your Cheeks the Roses and the Lillies strive for mastery, and on you wait a a pomp of winning Grace.
Lady, be pleased to rank me amongst your meanest Servants, and I shall make it the business of my life to do you pleasure.
Lady, I am all your own, command me in what you please, and you shall be obeyed.
Fairest of Creatures, O that I could find words to express how much I love.
Madam you are fair and cruel, your beauty made the wound you now refuse to cure.
POSIES.
A Letter in Verse from a Love-sick Youth to a scornful Maid.
The Answer.
YOur Poetical Fancy is very great, I suppose much greater then your passion; but if you are real, take notice I give you leave to hope, yet rely not too much upon that, for Womens minds are wavering: indeed I could have wished you had placed your affections some where else, for though I should admit you amongst the number of my servants, 'tis ten to one whether you will ever have what you desire. This Letter how pleasing it may prove I cannot tell, I wrote it at the importunity of your Servant, which I had not done, but that he told me he should have but cold welcome if he returned empty handed: therefore take it as it is, and make what you can of it, whilst I rest intirely my own to dispose of my self when and where I have mind to it.
The Perfection of Women-kind.
BEauty with vertue joyn'd is the bright jem that makes the wise the softer sex esteem
SONG.
The Delights of Marriage.
SONG.
Loves Power and Cruelty.
Courtship what it is.
COurtship and good behaviour is the mo [...] accomplish'd way of addressing carriage [Page]all Company, a Civil respect for Inferiours, and a due reverence and regard for Superiors, comely behaviour and modesty in Discourse and action; a moderate carriage, and not too much dejected, a temper suitable to all company, and a mind not to be moved by passion, either of anger, joy or grief, not Loquatious but prudent and considerate, which are the chief Ornaments of either Sex, and gain a good repute amongst the wisest of men.
The Happy Suecess: Or, Damaris and Rosa.
AH! my Joy, you now are in my power, Love gives us opportunity, come be not coy, you are my own, although divided sometimes by our Parents.
Alas, I know not what you mean, though I confess I love you, and therefore am confident you won't hurt me.
No, no, you need not fear that, my tender joy, for in hurting you I wound my self, come, come my little happiness, let us retire.
With all my heart I know you will make much of me, and so long I am safe.
The newest Directions for Carving Butchers Meat, Fowl, Fish and Pastery.
IN a Loyn of Veal, it being decently cut in two, cut off that piece next the Kidney end, and present it as the choicest piece.
A Leg of Mutton, being taken by the handle, turn your Knife on the inside, as if you would slit it, then turn off to the left, and turn out the Nut-piece, or the little Bone by the side of the handle, and present it as the most acceptable.
In a Quarter of Lamb, you must divide the Shoulder from the Ribs, sprinkle some Salt thereon, and lay it in its place, then turning your Knife under the handle, take off that part, and present it to your Friend.
In a Haunch of Venison, turn your Knife in the middle, cut out a round piece, and with Sawce present it: the same cutting serves for a Gammon of Bacon, Westphaliaham, &c.
A Neats Tongue you must slit, and cutting it in thin slices, prefent it.
A Pig must be Chined down the Back, the Head being cut off fair, the Ears laid upon the Shoulders, and the Jaws by the Front; the Ears by Ladies being accounted best.
A Pheasant must be displayed, by entring the poynt of the Knife under the Legs and Wings, lacing the Breast, then be taken off and presented.
A Turkey must be Raised or lifted, by takings off the Legs and Wings, and lacing the Breast, taking the Merithought, which is presented as the best piece.
A Patridge or Plover, must be minced, by lacing and cutting cross, taking off the Legs and Wings, presenting the Breast.
A Heron or Bittorn, must be lifted, that is, by raising the Legs with the poynt of your Knife, lacing the Breast, taking off the Bellypiece and Merithought. Plover, Teal, and Widgeon, may be cut as Pullets.
A Goose must be taken off Wings and Legs by a quick hand, with the poynt of a Knife, the Merithought raised, the breast laced, and the raised flesh taken off, the Belly-piece taken off and divided. As for Pidgeons, young Chickens, Earks, and the like they must be split or divided in halves, long-ways. A Capon or Pullet cut up like a Goose. The Wings of all Wild Fowl are the best, and the Legs of Tame ones are so accounted.
A Salmon must be Chined, laid open, and sliced. A Lobster must be Clawed and broken up, or slit. A Venison Pasty, or any large Pasty, must be cut up in the middle of the Lid, the meat taken out with a Fork, and the Gravy with a Spoon, and so presented. As for lesser Pies and Tarts, the lid must be [Page]intirely taken off, and the Filling served in Plates with part of the lid or in-side Crust.
The Signification of Moles in any part of the Body.
A Mole on the right part of the Forehead, signifies the party wise and Industrous.
A Mole on the left part of the Forehead, signifies the party to be of no great Ingenuity, bu [...] that the party shall be laborious, and thereby get Riches.
A Moles in the m [...]ddle of the Fo [...]ehead, denotes an indifferent Fortune, but that the party shall be much beloved, and by that means may doubtless attain preferment.
A Mole on the right Eye-brow, promiseth the party to gain Riches by Marriage.
A Mole on the left Eye-brow, threatens the first marriage unhappy, but the second plyant and easie.
A Mole on the Nose denoteth another on the privy parts, signifieth the party to be lustful, and very desirous of marriage.
A mole on the Lip, signifies a sweet and affable temper, that the party has a good stroak at K [...]ssing.
A m [...]le on the Chin, or on one corner of the mouth, denotes Riches and Honour, but that the party is somewhat Gluttonous.
A mole on the Throat, threatens ths party with Diseases, as Strangury, Quinfie, &c.
A mole on the Neck behind, is dangerous, unless that danger of sudden death be averted by providence.
A mole on the right Shoulder, signifies the Favour of great persons; and on the left, Servility and labour, with many Crosses.
A mole on the Back, signifies a good Name, and many Children.
A mole on the middle of the Belly, just by the Navel, denotes an early marriage.
A mole on the privy parts, denotes the party powerful in Venery, and promises many Children.
A mole on the Buttocks, denotes the party to be of a plyant and affable temper.
A mole on the right Thigh, denotes plenty and pleasure.
A mole on the left Thigh, signifieth the contrary.
A mole on the Knee, signifieth the party is given much to Piety and Devotion.
A Mole on the Calf of the Leg, signifieth the party will be subject to the Gout.
A mole on the right Ancle, signifieth the party swift and industrous: On the left Ancle, it threatens him with falling into the hands of Thieves and Robbers.
A mole on the right Foot, signifies the party shall travel on honourable occasions.
A mole a on the left Foot, denotes to a Woman much danger in Child-birth, and to a man much pain in Travel. Cum Multis Alias.
A Discourse of DREAMS, and their Interpretations.
TO Dream you see white Hens upon a Dunghil, signifies Disgrace by some false accusation.
To dream one is in a pleasant Meadow, signifies the possession of Riches, and the advantage of pleasure.
To dream one fights and overcomes, is to have the advantage over ones Adversary in Law Suits, or otherwise.
To dream it Thunders and Lightens, is a figure of approaching sickness.
To dream two Lovers meet and have not power to speak to each other, denotes the match will be broken off by the means of their Parents.
To Dream you see Death in Sickness, and that he flies you, is a sign of recovery.
To dream of Kisses and Embraces, signifies sudden Marriage.
To dream you are dead and laid out, signifies a dressing for the Nuptials.
To dream of gay Cloathing, and that upon your Back they turn to Rags, signifierh poverty.
To dream one is with Child, and knows not the Father, denotes her Marriage with a stranger.
To dream one sees the Sun in its brightness, signifies the favour of Great ones.
To dream a Ring drops off ones finger, denoteth a disappointment in Love.
To dream one has a Garland of Flowers brought and presented, denotes he or she will have the party desired.