loose bird with being the father of her child; for in the first place his time of serving would not expire before a long time yet, and then he did not call a farthing his own, and besides she knew herself that he was a spendthrift and would never be able to support her and her child. But if she would follow him he would give her better advice, so that she and her child would be provided for in the future. The afflicted woman was very anxious to know it, and promised her master to follow his advice, entreating him to tell her wherein it consisted. Her master then warned her earnestly not to betray him, and told her to go to another Justice, because he as her master might be considered too partial in this case, and charge another unmarried man, whose name and good circumstances were well known to her, with being the father of her child; but she must stand to it [stick to it or, swear to it]. This advice pleased the woman quite well; but on further consideration she went to another Justice, revealed her condition to him and stated that her master himself was the father of her child, and that she could stand to it, although her master would not confess it; being a widower, he could and should keep her now. The Justice then administered the oath to her according to the English law; this is done by kissing the Bible.As
