LEONARD WHEATCROFT, OF ASHOVER. 45 



hundred and nine messes, which I hope they were all satisfyed 

 with, and as for raiment, they brought it along with them, only 

 this I did give^to some of my acquaintance to the value of three- 

 score and odd yards of ribboning : and as for gloves, I gave not 

 above 12 or 13 paire, and I thought all very well bestowed, as 

 they did their moneys. What I did gaine by the feast was 

 sulficient, for which I give all my frendes many thankes, and 

 shall be ready to congratulate them in like matter. But what I 

 shall gaine by my wedding, as yet I cannot tell, for if my wife 

 prove noe worse hereafter than shee doth already, I hope I shall 

 be no loser at all. But for that matter, let all those who are 

 desirous to know what I have gained stay till God separate us 

 againe, and then let them view my inventory, and if they knew 

 my estate when I was married, they may the easier know my 

 gaines. And so, gentle reader, I leave off my two years' suit. 

 If you would know how many times I went a wooing, you 

 shall find so many slashes vpon an Ash Tree at Winster 

 Towne End : and how many miles I travelled for her sake : 

 they were 400 and 40, and odd. And so, gentle reader, I 

 rest. 



"August 16, 1657." 



Opposite the conclusion of this piece is a reference to his will 

 written "in the way of A. B. C. 1686." 



" Aye Death thou art the messenger that must 

 Beate mee in pieces vnto claye and dust 

 Cast off thy hollow eyes and let me live : 

 Devoure me not before my goods I give. 

 Equal division is a .'satisfaction 

 For friends and foes; and I give such direction," etc., etc., etc. 



" Rise up sweet wife, and be thou my recorder. 

 Sure I must day ; I'll set my house in order. 

 Thou'st be e.xecutor if I dye this time : 

 Value my goods ; the one half shall be thine. 

 When I am dead, let Leo have my land. 

 X pound a piece, let each child have in hand. 

 Yield thou to this, Let not the poor he ... . (left?) 

 Zeal in a widow, God will keep from th . . ." (theft?) 



