an occasion of the kind referred to: "This method of punishing scolding women is funny enough. They fasten an arm chair to the end of two strong beams, twelve or fifteen feet long, and parallel to each other. The chair hangs upon a sort of axle, on which it plays freely, so as always to remain in the horizontal position. The scold being well fastened in her chair, the two beams are then placed, as near to the centre as possible, across a post on the water side, and being lifted up behind, the chair, of course, drops into the cold element. The ducking is repeated according to the degree of shrewishness possessed by the patient, and generally has the effect of cooling her immoderate heat, at least for a time."
Still another device for pivot-tongued femininity—and English, too, at that—was the scold's bridle, or brank, which is mentioned by Dr. Plat, in his History of Staffordshire, in these terms: "They have an artifice at Newcastle-under-Lyne and Walsall for correcting of scolds, which it does so effectually that I look upon it as much to be preferred to the ducking-stool, which not only endangers the health of the party, but also gives the tongue liberty 'twixt every dip, to neither of which this is at all liable—it being such a bridle for the tongue as not only quite deprives them of speech, but brings shame for the transgression, and humility thereupon before it is taken off; which being put upon the offender, by order of the magistrate, and fastened with a padlock behind, she is led around the town by an officer, to her shame, nor is it taken off till after the party begins to show all external signs imaginable of humiliation and amendment." This bridle, or brank, we are told by Chambers, had a quite formidable look, and consisted of hoops of metal passed around the neck and head, opening by means of hinges at the sides, and closed by a staple with a padlock at the back; a plate within the hoop, projecting inward, pressed upon the tongue, and formed an effectual gag.
We have spoken of a few individuals, pauci ex multis, whom history has held up on high as monsters among men's wives. Others might easily be added to the list; but we refrain. And yet, with what serene satisfaction will the reader, whether married or single, recall to mind the fact that even the most limited circle of acquaintance does not exclude examples of shrewishness in private life; and how rejoicingly some of us may lay the flattering unction to our souls that a merciful Providence has spared us this infliction! Immunity in such a case is highest happiness. Ignorance here is bliss, indeed; for he who, in respect of shrews, increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow, and, if in the enjoyment of peace and quietness at home, we may believe and boast, with Prior:
From ignorance our comfort flows;
The only wretched are the wise.
