1717 : worthy Kinsman, faith, you're wisel Sirs, Fools; Cause heathnish Authors, Proverbs, Saws. spoke Scorn, tum'd another Friend, quoth Heav'n Man's blame, slander Wives, Wedlock's Name. this, the Council rose, without Delay; Each, Opinion,

doi:10.4324/9780203134474-19

ABSTRACT

Old Wives there are, of Judgment most acute, 529 Who solve these Questions beyond all Dispute; Consult with those, and be of better Chear; Marry, do Penance, and dismiss your Fear.

So said they rose, nor more the Work delay'd; The Match was offer'd, the Proposals made: 300 The Parents, you may think, wou'd soon comply; The Old have Int'rest ever in their Eye: Nor was it hard to move the Lady's Mind; When Fortune favours still the Fair are kind.