Who rob'd me of them I know
not; perhaps my eager mind outrun my body; or while with an unhappy
haste I aim'd at all; I was cheated with abortive joys. I only know I
don't know what I've done: You bid me fear a palsie, as if the diseast
cou'd do greater that has already rob'd me of that, by which I shou'd
have purchas'd you. All I have to say for my self, is this, that I
will certainly pay with interest the arrears of love, if you allow me
time to repair my misfortune."
Having sent back Chrysis with this answer, to encourage my jaded body
after the bath and strengthening oyles, had a little rais'd me, I
apply'd my self to strong meats, such as strong broths and eggs, using
wine very moderately; upon which to settle my self, I took a little
walk, and returning to my chamber, slept that night without Gito; so
great was my care to acquit my self honourably with my mistress, that
I was afraid he might have tempted my constancy, by tickling my side.
The next day rising without prejudice, either to my body or spirits, I
went, tho' I fear'd the place was ominous, to the same walk, and
expected Chrysis to conduct me to her mistress; I had not been long
there, e're she came to me, and with her a little old woman. After
she had saluted me, "What, my nice Sir Courtly," said she, "does your
stomach begin to come to you?"
At what time, the old woman, drawing from her bosome, a wreath of many
colours, bound my neck; and having mixt spittle and dust, she dipt her
finger in't, and markt my fore-head, whether I wou'd or not.
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