Massachusetts Bay 



"going to make a visit: my stay will be short, and 

 "I shall then return and follow my business, as a 

 "prudent man ought to do. This is all I know of 

 " myself, and all I can possibly inform you of; I beg 

 "therefore that you will have pity upon me and my 

 "horse, and give us both some refreshment." 



Singular situations and manners will be produc- 

 tive of singular customs; but frequently such as upon 

 slight examination may appear to be the effects of 

 mere grossness of character, will, upon deeper re- 

 search, be found to proceed from simplicity and in- 

 nocence. A very extraordinary method of court- 

 ship, which is sometimes practised amongst the lower 

 people of this province, and is called Tarrying, has 

 given occasion to this reflection.* When a man is 

 enamoured of a young woman, and wishes to marry 

 her, he proposes the affair to her parents, (without 

 whose consent no marriage in this colony can take 

 place); if they have no objection, they allow him to 

 tarry with her one night, in order to make his court 

 to her. At their usual time the old couple retire to 

 bed, leaving the young ones to settle matters as they 

 can, who, after having sat up as long as they think 

 proper, get into bed together also, but without pull- 

 ing off their under-garments, in order to prevent 

 scandal. If the parties agree, it is all very well; the 

 banns are published, and they are married without 

 delay. If not, they part, and possibly never see 



* See Note XX. 



