28 o The Duchess of Newcastle 



plunder, than to be plundered, so that if they will 

 but spare our persons and lives, I fear not our goods, 

 the only misery is, that we cannot well go out of 

 this city, by reason we have here some credit to take up 

 monies, or provisions, in time of necessity, for my 

 husband hath lived here so long, as he can challenge 

 the privilege of a burger, and therefore we may rise 

 up with the tumult, and cry out mutinously for our 

 rights and privileges. But for all this I am extremely 

 afraid, insomuch that at every noise I hear, if I be 

 not with my husband I run to find him out, so that 

 I write this letter but by starts. Yet my husband 

 endeavours to allay my fears, telling me, that the 

 beating of drums, and blowing of trumpets, and arm- 

 ing of souldiers, is the way and means to quiet this 

 mutiny, and to keep us in peace and safety; but for 

 all that, I hear my husband say, that it is a scurvy 

 business, and a dangerous example. Howsoever, I 

 leave all to his prudence and care; for I believe, if 

 he did perceive any great danger, he would remove me 

 out of the city, but then he must go with me, for I 

 will not part from him, regarding not my safety 

 when he is in danger, and I had rather die with him 

 than live after him. But, Madam, hoping the next 

 letter to you will be more comfortable, and that all 

 will be as quiet and peaceable as it was, I rest. Madam, 



Your faithful friend and servant. 



ON HER HOUSEWIFERY 



Madam, — ^My thoughts, although not my actions, 

 have been so busily imployed about huswifry these 

 three or four dayes, as I could think of nothing else, 

 for I hearing my neighbours should say, my waiting- 



