19
with yolks of eggs, oysters, cock stones, craw fish, lobsters, periwinkles, beef, marrow, shirrets, with some muscadine or tent. The young woman heard all this; but imagined all her cost would be thrown away, if she had not her full measure; and accordingly produced it the next time of meeting, which, as they surveyed, filled them with admiration, which one of them expressed in this manner; neighbour, there is some other cause why you are not got with child; if this be the right measure, I do swear your husband is a man every inch of him, and therefore must needs tell you that the fault is not in him. I know not how it is, said the young woman, very disconsolately, but I am sure I have given the exactest and truest measure—But, that the woman might not be cast down, Come, come, said one of the good-natured creatures, who was for forwarding the business, do not be cast down, but use means, and you may yet have children enough: for I know a young married couple just in your case. And, by the advice of a worthy and learned physician, the wife was got with child very effectually. And this was the whole process of the business:
The doctor advised the husband to go into the country, and stay with his uncle for a fortnight, and then return home; but he ordered it so, that
