A Set of Rogues

  CHAPTER XXVI.

  _How Moll Dawson was married to Mr. Richard Godwin; brief account ofattendant circumstances._

  _December 14._ Dawson left us this morning. In parting, Mr. Godwingraciously begged him to come to his wedding feast on Christmasday,--they having fixed upon Christmas eve to be married,--and Dawsonpromised he would; but he did assure me afterwards, as we were walkingalong the road to meet the stage waggon, that he would certainly feignsome reason for not coming. "For," says he, "I am not so foolhardy as tojeopardise my Moll's happiness for the pleasure this feast would giveme. Nay, Kit, I do think 'twould break my heart indeed, if anything ofmy doing should mar my Moll's happiness." And I was very well pleased tofind him in this humour, promising him that we would make amends for hisabstinence on this occasion by cracking many a bottle to Moll's joy whenwe could come together again secretly at my house. In the afternoon Mr.Pearson's clerk brought the deed of agreement for the settlement of theestate upon Moll and Mr. Godwin, which they signed, and so that isfinished as we would have it. This clerk tells me his master hathalready gone to London about getting the seal. So all things look mightyprosperous.

  _December 17._ Fearing to displease Sir Peter Lely by longer delay, Mr.Godwin set out for Hatfield Tuesday, we--that is, Moll, Don Sanchez, andI--going with him as far as the borough, where Moll had a thousandthings to buy against her wedding. And here we found great activity ofcommerce, and many shops filled with excellent good goods,--more thanever there were before the great fire drove out so many tradesmen fromthe city. Here Moll spends her money royally, buying whatever catchesher eye that is rich and beautiful, not only for her own personaladornment, but for the embellishment of her house (as hangings, damasks,toys, etc.), yet always with a consideration of Mr. Godwin's taste, sothat I think she would not buy a pair of stockings but she must askherself whether he would admire 'em. And the more she had, the moreeager she grew to have, buying by candle-light, which was an imprudence,and making no sort of bargain, but giving all the shopkeepers asked fortheir wares, which, to be sure, was another piece of recklessness. Thisbusiness seemed to me the most wearisome in the world, but it servedonly to increase her energies, and she would not be persuaded to desistuntil, the shops closing, she could lay out no more money that night.Supped very well (but mighty late) at the Tabard inn, where we lay allnight. And the next morning, Moll's fever still unabated, we set outagain a-shopping, and no rest until we caught the stage (and that by amiracle) at four; and so home, dead beat.

  _December 18._ Moll mad all day because the carrier hath brought buthalf her purchases, and they not what she wanted. By the evening waggoncome three seamstresses she engaged yesterday morning, and they are tostay in the house till all is finished; but as yet nothing for them todo, which is less grievous to them than to poor Moll, who, I believe,would set 'em working all night for fear she shall not be fitted againsther wedding.

  _December 19._ Thank God, the carrier brought all our packages thismorning, and they being all undone and laid out, there is no sittingdown anywhere with comfort, but all confusion, and no regularityanywhere, so I was content to get my meals in the kitchen the best Icould. And here I do perceive the wisdom of Don Sanchez, who did notreturn with us from London, and does intend (he told me) to stay theretill the wedding eve. _December 20._ Moll, bit by a new maggot, tells methis morning she will have a great feast on Christmas day, and bids meorder matters accordingly. She will have a whole ox roasted before thehouse by midday, and barrels of strong ale set up, that there may bemeat and drink for all who choose to take it; and at four she will havea supper of geese, turkeys, and plum puddings for all her tenants, theirwives and sweethearts, with fiddles afterwards for dancing, etc. Lordknows how we shall come out of this madness; but I have got theinnkeeper (a busy, capable man) to help me, and he does assure me allwill go well enough, and I pray he be right.

  _December 21._ Sick with fears that all must end ill. For the place is avery Babel for tradesmen and workpeople bringing in goods, and knowingnot where to set them, servants hurrying this way and that, one chargedwith a dozen geese, another with silk petticoats, jostling each other,laughing, quarrelling, and no sort of progress, as it seems, anywhere,but all tumult and disorder.

  _December 22._ Could not sleep a wink all last night for casting upaccounts of all this feasting and finery will cost us, and finding itmust eat up all that money we had of poor Mr. Goodman, and make a deephole in our quarter's rents besides, I fell a speculating whether ourtenants would pay me with the same punctuality they have used to pay oldSimon, with grievous fears to the contrary. For, assuredly, Simon hathnot been idle these past days, and will do us an ill turn if he can, bythrowing doubts before these same tenants whether they should pay or notbefore Moll's succession is made sure. And I have good reason to fearthey will not, for I observed yesterday when I called upon Farmer Gilesto invite him to our feast, he seemed very jerky and ill at ease, whichperplexed me greatly, until, on quitting, I perceived through a doorthat stood ajar old Simon seated in a side room. And 'tis but naturalthat if they find prudent excuse for withholding their rents they willkeep their money in pocket, which will pinch us smartly when our billscome to be paid. Yet I conceived that this feast would incline ourtenants to regard us kindly; but, on the other hand, thinks I, supposingthey regard this as a snare, and do avoid us altogether! Then shall webe nipped another way; for, having no one to eat our feast but a fewidle rogues, who would get beef and ale for nothing, we shall but layourselves open to mockery, and get further into discredit. Thus, betwixtone fear and another, I lay like a toad under a harrow, all night, in amortal sweat and perturbation of spirit.

  Nor has this day done much to allay my apprehension. For at the Courtall is still at sixes and sevens, none of a very cheerful spirit, butall mighty anxious, save Moll, who throughout has kept a high, boldspirit. And she does declare they will work all night, but everythingshall be in its place before her lover comes to-morrow. And, truly, Ipray they may, but do think they will not. For such a mighty business asthis should have been begun a full month back. But she will not endureme in the house (though God knows I am as willing as any to help),saying that I do hinder all, and damp their spirit for work with mygloomy countenance, which is no more than the truth, I fear. The skyvery overcast, with wind in the south and the air very muggy, mild, andclose, so that I do apprehend our geese will be all stinking before theyare eat. And if it pour of rain on Christmas day how will the ox beroast, and what sort of company can we expect? This puts me to anothertaking for dread of a new fiasco.

  _December 23._ Going to the Court about midday, I was dumbfounded tofind no sign of the disorder that prevailed there yesterday, but allswept and garnished, and Moll in a brave new gown seated at herfireside, reading a book with the utmost tranquillity,--though I suspectshe did assume something in this to increase my astonishment. She waslargely diverted by my amazement, and made very light of herachievement; but she admitted that all had worked till daybreak, and shehad slept but two hours since. Nevertheless, no one could have lookedfresher and brighter than she, so healthy and vigorous are her naturalparts. About one comes Mr. Godwin to cap her happiness and give freshglory to her beauty. And sure a handsomer or better mated couple neverwas, Mr. Godwin's shapely figure being now set off to advantage by avery noble clothing, as becoming his condition. With him came also bythe morning stage Don Sanchez, mighty fine in a new head, of the latestmode, and a figured silk coat and waistcoat. And seeing the brave showthey made at table, I was much humbled to think I had gone to no expensein this particular. But I was yet more mortified when Don Sanchezpresents Moll with a handsome set of jewels for a wedding gift, to seethat I had nothing in the world to offer her, having as yet taken not apenny of her money, save for the use of others and my bare necessities.Moll, however, was too full of happiness to note this omission on mypart; she could think of no one now but her dear husband, and I countedfor nothing.

  However, this little chagrin was no more than a little cloud on a
summer's day, which harms no one and is quickly dispelled by generousheat; and the tender affection of these two for each other did impart aglow of happiness to my heart. 'Tis strange to think how all thingsto-night look bright and hopeful, which yesterday were gloomy andawesome. Even the weather hath changed to keep in harmony with ourcondition. A fresh wind sprang up from the north this morning, andto-night every star shines out sharp and clear through the frosty air,promising well for to-morrow and our Christmas feast. And smelling ofthe geese, I do now find them all as sweet as nuts, which contents memightily, and so I shall go to bed this night blessing God for allthings.

  _December 24._ Now this blessed day hath ended, and Moll is sure andsafely bound to Mr. Godwin in wedlock, thanks to Providence. Woke atdaybreak and joyed to find all white without and covered with rime,sparkling like diamonds as the sun rose red and jolly above the firs;and so I thought our dear Moll's life must sparkle as she looked out onthis, which is like to be the brightest, happiest day of her life.Dressed in my best with great care, and put on the favour of whiteribbons given me by Moll's woman last night, and so very well pleasedwith my looks, to the Court, where Moll is still a-dressing, but Mr.Godwin and Don Sanchez, nobly arrayed, conversing before the fire. Andhere a great bowpot on the table (which Mr. Godwin had made to come fromLondon this morning) of the most wondrous flowers I have ever seen atthis time of the year, so that I could not believe them real at first,but they are indeed living; and Mr. Godwin tells me they are raised inhouses of glass very artificially heated. Presently comes in Moll withher maids, she looking like any pearl, in a shining gown of white satindecked with rich lace, the collar of diamonds glittering about her whitethroat, her face suffused with happy blushes and past everything forsprightly beauty. Mr. Godwin offers his bowpot and takes her into hisarms, and there for a moment she lay with closed eyes and a pallorspreading over her cheek as if this joy were more than her heart couldbear; but recovering quickly, she was again all lively smiles andradiance.

  Then comes a letter, brought by the night carrier, from her father (amost dirty, ill-written scrawl signed Robert Evans with his mark),praying he may be excused, as his masts are to be stepped o' Wednesday,and he must take the occasion of a ketch leaving Dartford for Falmouththis day, and at the same time begging her acceptance of a canister ofChina tea (which is, I learn, become a fashionable dish in London) as amarriage offering. Soon after this a maid runs in to say the churchbells are a-ringing; so out we go into the crisp, fresh air, with not adamp place to soil Moll's pretty shoes--she and Mr. Godwin first, hermaids next, carrying her train, and the Don and I closing theprocession, very stately. In the churchyard stand two rows of villagemaids with baskets to strew rosemary and sweet herbs in our path, andwithin the church a brave show of gentlefolks, friends and neighbours,to honour the wedding.

  But here was I put to a most horrid quaking the moment I passed thedoor, to perceive old Simon standing foremost in the throng about thealtar, in his leather cap (which he would not remove for clerk orsexton, but threatened them, as I am told, with the law if they lay afinger on him). And seeing him there, I must needs conclude that heintended to do us an ill turn, for his face wore the most wicked, cruel,malicious look that ever thirst of vengeance could impart. Indeed, Iexpected nothing less than that he would forbid the marriage on suchgrounds as we had too good reason to fear; and with this dread Iregarded Moll, who also could not fail to see him. Her face whitened asshe looked at him, but her step never faltered, and this peril seemedbut to fortify her courage and resolution; and indeed I do think by herhigh bearing and the defiance in her eye as she held her lover's armthat she was fully prepared to make good answer if he challenged herright to marry Mr. Godwin. But (the Lord be thanked!) he did not put herto this trial, only he stood there like a thing of evil omen to mar thejoy of this day with fearful foreboding.

  I can say nothing about the ceremony, for all my attention was fixedupon this hideous Simon, and I had no relief until 'twas safely endedand Moll's friends pressed forward to kiss the bride and offer theirgood wishes; nor did I feel really at ease until we were back again atthe Court, and seated to a fine dinner, with all the friends who wouldjoin us, whereof there were as many as could sit comfortably to the longtable. This feast was very joyous and merry, and except that the parsonwould be facetious over his bottle, nothing unseemingly or immodest wassaid. So we stayed at table in exceeding good fellowship till thecandles were lit, and then the parson, being very drunk, we made apretext of carrying him home to break up our company and leave the happycouple to their joy.

  _December 26._ Down betimes yesterday morning to find the sky stillclear, the air brisk and dry, and ample promise of a fair day. To theCourt, and there perceive the great ox spitted on a stout fir pole, andthe fire just kindling; John the gardener setting up the barrels ofbeer, and a famous crowd of boys and beggars already standing before thegates. And there they might have stayed till their dinner was cooked,ere I had let them in, but Moll coming down from the house with herhusband, and seeing this shivering crew, their pinched cheeks yellow andtheir noses blue with cold, and so famished with hunger they couldscarce find strength to cry, "God bless you, merry gentlefolks!" shewould have them taste at once some of that happiness with which herheart was overflowing, and so did with her own hands unbolt the gatesand set them wide, bidding the halting wretches come in and warmthemselves. Not content with this, she sends up to the house for loavesand gives every one a hunch of bread and a mug of ale to stay his emptystomach. And Lord, 'twas a pleasure to see these poor folks' joy--howthey spread their hands out to the flames; how they cockered up the firehere and there to brown their ox equally, with all hands now and then toturn him on the spit; how they would set their bread to catch thedropping gravy; and how they would lift their noses to catch the savourywhiffs that came from the roasting beef.

  This is all very well, thinks I, but how about our geese and turkeys?will our tenants come, or shall we find that Simon hath spoilt theirappetite, and so be left with nought but starved beggars for ourcompany? However, before four o'clock an end was put to these doubts,for some in waggons, others on horse, with their wives or sweethearts onpillions behind, clasping their men tight, and the rest afoot, all camethat were asked by me, and more, and pretty jolly already with ale onthe road, and a great store of mistletoe amongst them for their furthermerriment. And what pleased me as much as anything was to find allmighty civil to Moll--nearly all offering her a Christmas box of fresheggs, honey, and such homely produce, which she received with the mostpretty, winning grace, that went home to every heart, so that thehardest faces were softened with a glow of contentment and admiration.Then down we sat to table, Moll at one end and her husband beside her;Don Sanchez and I at t'other; and all the rest packed as close as spratsin a barrel; but every lad squeezing closer to his lass to make room forhis neighbour, we found room for all and not a sour look anywhere. Dearheart! what appetites they had, yet would waste nothing, but pickedevery one his bone properly clean (which did satisfy me nothing wasamiss with our geese), and great cheering when the puddings andflapdragons came in all aflame, and all as merry as grigs--flinging oflighted plums at each other, but most mannerly not to fling any at Mollor us. Then more shouting for joy when the bowls of wassail and possetcome in, and all standing to give three times three for their newmistress and her husband. Hearing of which, the beggars without (nowtired of dancing about the embers) troop up to the door and give threetimes three as well, and end with crying joy and long life to the weddedpair. When this tumult was ended and the door shut, Mr. Godwin gave ashort oration, thanking our tenants for their company and good wishes;and then he told them how his dear wife and he, wishing others to sharetheir joy and remember this day, had resolved to forgive every tenantone-half of his quarter's rent. "And so, Mr. Hopkins," says he,addressing me, "you will think of this to-morrow."

  At first I was disposed to begrudge this munificence--thinking of myaccounts and the bills I should have to pay ere rent day came again; buton
second thoughts it rejoiced me much as being a counterblast toanything Simon could do against us. For no tenant, thinks I, will befool enough to withold payment when he may get his quittance to-morrowfor half its value. And herein was I not mistaking; for to-day everytenant hath paid with a cheerful countenance. So that this is very goodbusiness, and I am not in any way astonished to find that our subtleSpaniard was at the bottom of it, for indeed it was Don Sanchez who(knowing my fears on this head and thinking them well-grounded)suggested this act of generosity to Moll, which she, in her fulness ofheart, seized on at once. (Truly, I believe she would give the clothesoff her back, no matter what it cost her, to any one in need, soreckless is she in love and pity.)

  _December 27._ Don Sanchez took leave of us this day, he setting forthfor Spain to-morrow, with the hope to reach his friends there, for theirgreat feast of the New Year. And we are all mighty sorry to lose him;for not only hath he been a rare good friend to us, but also he is amost seemly gentleman (to keep us in countenance), and a very goodstaunch and reliable companion. But this comprises not all our loss, hehaving, as I confess, more wit in his little finger than we in all ourbodies, and being ever ready with an expedient in the hour of need; andI know not why, but I look on his going as a sign of coming evil; nor amI greatly comforted by his telling me privily that when we want him heshall be found by a letter sent to the Albego Puerto del Sole, Toledo,in Spain. And I pray Heaven we have no occasion to write to him.

  To-night at supper I find Moll all cock-a-hoop with a new delight, byreason of her dear husband offering to take her to London for a month tovisit the theatres and other diversions, which put me to a new quirk forfear Moll should be known by any of our former playhouse companions. Butthis I now perceive is a very absurd fear; for no one in the world whohad seen Moll three years ago--a half-starved, long-legged, rawchild--could recognise her now, a beautiful, well-proportioned youngwoman in her fine clothes; and so my mind is at ease on this head. WhenMoll was retired, Mr. Godwin asked if I could let him have a fewhundreds upon his account, and I answered very willingly he shall. Andnow setting aside enough to pay all bills and furnish our wants tillnext quarter day, I am resolved to give him every farthing left of therents paid yesterday, and shall be most hearty glad to be rid of it, forthis money do seem to scar my hands every time I touch it; nor can Ilook at it but my heart is wrung with pity for those poor tenants whopaid so gleefully yesterday, for surely their quittances will hold goodfor no more than spoilt paper if ever our roguery is discovered.

  _December 28._ This day Moll and Mr. Godwin set out for London, allsmiles and gladness, and Moll did make me promise to visit them there,and share their pleasures. But if I have no more appetite for gaietythan I feel at this moment, I shall do better to stay here and mind mybusiness; though I do expect to find little pleasure in that, and mustabide by a month of very dull, gloomy days.