300 lawson's history 



not of their profession, which method is intended 

 to prevent mistakes ; for the savages of America 

 are desirous (if possible) to keep their wives to 

 themselves, as vv^ell as those in other parts of the 

 world. When any addresses are made to one of 

 these girls, she immediately acquaints her parents 

 therewith, and they tell the king of it, (provided 

 he that courts her be a stranger) his majesty com- 

 monly being the principal bawd of the nation he 

 rules over, and there seldom being any of these 

 "Winchester weddings agreed on without his royal 

 consent. He likewise advises her Avhat bargain 

 to make, and if it happens to be an Indian trader 

 that wants a bed fellow and has got rum to sell, 

 be sure the king must have a large dram for a fee 

 to confirm the match. These Indians that are of 

 the elder sort, when any such question is put to 

 them, will debate the matter amongst themselves 

 with all the sobriety and seriousness imaginable, 

 every one of the girl's relations arguing the advan- 

 tage or detriment that may ensu e such a night's 

 encounter ; all which is done with as much stea- 

 diness and reality as if it was the greatest concern 

 in the world, and not so much as one person shall 

 be seen to smile, so long as the debate holds, ma- 

 king no difference betwixt an agreement of this 

 nature and a bargain of any other. If they com- 

 ply with the men's desire, then a particular bed is 

 provided for them, either in a cabin by themselves 

 or else all the young people turn out to another 

 lodging, that they may not spoil sport, and if the 



