Page:Poems of Anne Countess of Winchilsea 1903.djvu/25

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Introduction
xxi

sentence structure follow no law more imperative than her immediate whim. But whether the sisters were educated together or not, there was always a close bond between Anne and Dorothy. In a poem written to Dorothy from Kirby in 1688 Anne dwells with eager affection on the "lost pleasures" of their former companionship, and demands that time shall pay back the days and hours of their separation. Their "soft endearing life" together makes her think of Heaven as the place when they shall learn new mysteries of love. "Teresa," as Dorothy is poetically called, also appears in the Dialogue between Teresa and Ardelia, as the wisest and most loving counsellor of the unhappy Ardelia. Dorothy was maid of honor to the Princess of Denmark, and died unmarried at the age of twentynine. The original draft of her will is among the Hatton manuscripts and is worth quoting in full:

In the name of God Amen I Dorothy Ogle of Maidwell in ye County of Northton, spinster for the settling of my temporall estate Doe make this my last will & testament in manner following first I give & bequeathe to ye Right Honble the Lord Viscount Hatton his Ladyes picture then I give unto ye Lady Hatton my bible and common prayer booke then I give to my cozen Mrs Elizabeth Hatton my tea table dishes and gilt spoones then I give to my sister Bridget Kingsmill my bed then I give to my sister ffinch my cabinet and 5 yards of new-point. then I give unto my servt Mary Rice all the residue of my books, my watch & all my wairing Apparell [three words undecipherable] dresing glasse & Boxes and all the rest & residue of my Goods, Chattells & personall estate what soever I give and bequeath to the aforesaid Lady Viscountess Hatton who I doe hereby ordaine & make the sole executrix of this my last will and testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seale this eight day of Augt 1692.

Sealed and published by ye above named