Part 5

Widows, especially the young ones, are gamesome and buxom, for having once smelt to the spit, they always love a good joint; those you must entertain with some merry discourse, and lay aside whining or solemn protestations; kiss them till their ears crack; and when you find a convenient time and place, warm them with caresses, squeezing their hand, gently treading on their toes; and when you kiss, bear close to them, and you will soon perceive, by their eager looks, blushing, and their often changing of colour, that now is the time to ask a favour, to which you will have a faint denial, if any at all, and then make use of your time, and press forward without delays, for they are dangerous; and many a fair opportunity has slipt, that could not be recovered, though earnestly pursued.

As for maids or widows, if you like a brisk man, and are bashful, you may use dumb signs, which is called love’s silent language, gaze on his face; then, when he perceives it, suddenly take off your eyes, and turn your head aside, blush naturally, forcingly hold in your breathing, and start a little when first you see him at any time, as if you were surprized; if he takes you by the hand, grasp him with a little trembling, and then seem to withdraw your hand again, as if uneasy. If he kisses you, stay your lips on his awhile, with great affection; and he must be very dull that will not take these for the signs of tender love.

Above all things, either man or woman ought to conduct themselves with perfect modesty and decorum, in the presence of those they esteem, as it is the most certain method of gaining their esteem and love.

More might be said on this subject, but nature and practice are the best instructors.

EXACT RULES,

Whereby a Man or Woman may know if they shall obtain the one they love.

To know this, which hath been held for a great secret, put their Christian and Sirnames together, and consider what numbers the letters make that stand for numbers in them; as the I, stands for one; V, for five; X, for ten; L, for fifty; C, for a hundred; M, for a thousand; D, for five hundred, &c. Write every letter on a separate piece of paper, roll them up, and put the billets into any thing, and then shake them together: And, in drawing, if the number of your names comes up to what it would, in so many billets which, you put in for, you will be happy in your desire; but if a cross number arise, you will meet with many disappointments.

How a Young Man or Woman may choose a good Husband or Wife.

The hair in this case is commonly very remarkable and most significant.

Black hair signifies the person rash, choleric, given much to quarrels and strife; but if it be soft and pliable, the person is moderately meek and humble, of a free temper and good nature.

Dark brown hair signifies an indifferent good temper loving and affable, one easy to be wrought on with good usage.

Light brown hair, that is not harsh or broken at the ends, shews the party very loving and good natured, industrious and patient in the pleasure of marriage.

Flaxen hair is Venus’s own colour, and rarely fails, in any one, to render a soft, kind temper, usually of a fair and sanguine complexion, very amorous, and apt to love.

Dusky red hair, shews the person melancholy, and of a morose temper, not much subject to love, but covetous, and anxious to obtain honour and riches.

Bright or deep red hair shews the party to be very lecherous; one that will have many children, and very pleasing in marriage; yet apt to stray if satisfaction in marriage fails. It also signifieth the party wise and industrious, not designed for great riches.

Any colours that are intermixed between these, participate equally of the temper, qualities, good nature, and humours, that I have mentioned in the degrees of mixtures. And thus many a man or woman may make their conjecture, and so be happy.

Signs of Love and speedy Marriage, or the contrary, by seeing or meeting divers sorts of creatures at first in the mornings and various other circumstances.

These signs of love and marriage, have been greatly taken notice of, in their exact succeeding, according to the desire of the parties, and are as follows, viz.

1. For a woman to have the first and last letters of her Christian name the same with the man’s Sir-name that makes love to her, denotes a happy union, and that the man will be a generous lover.

2. For the man to have the first and last letters of his Christian name the same with the woman’s Sir-name, denotes the same.

3. To think on a person upon sudden waking, without any meditation, upon a Friday morning, that before had a place in the affections of a man or woman, is a demonstration that love or extraordinary friendship will take place between them.

4. If a ring accidently fall off a man’s finger that is under no obligation of marriage, and runs directly to the foot of a maid or widow, it denotes not only he is in love with the party, but that a sudden marriage will ensue between them.

5. If a robin red-breast comes fluttering to your window, and sings very pleasantly, perching near it, it denotes a very speedy marriage.

6. If a hare start in your way, and run on your right hand, you will have success in love affairs; but if she cross you, or run on the left hand, it denotes you will be interrupted by others as rivals.

7. If swallows chatter merrily, and sing in the chimney of the chamber where you lie, it denotes you will have many sweethearts, and be kindly treated.

8. Bats fluttering at your window, betokens misfortunes in love. The croaking of ravens being the first thing you hear in the morning, denotes the same.

9. To meet a sow, on first going out in the morning, carrying straw in her mouth, denotes that a maid or widow will soon be married, and be fruitful in children.

10. To hear magpies chatter, and flying about as you walk abroad, denotes much strife and brawling in marriage.