LAMIA

I came hither to seek a kind of husband that I have. He wants government and discipline (I am sure) ere this time: for I have not seen him these three days passed: the poor man will be undone, if I light not on him shortly. Why should you ask so foolish a question? you know that I must frequent my contemplation: in which I cannot be less then two or three days: the fervour of spi rit is such among the elect that they may not depart in short time from their meditations, especially having such learned Teachers among us, that are never wearied, and willing to accompany and conduct us in the darkest dangers. Oh the delights, pleasures, and sweet delectations that we feel du ring the time of these contemplations, that we think no time contentedly spent but when we are employed in these exercises. I think verily my goodly boy Jack was begotten ten and conceived in these deep contemplations. Alas man, why should you trouble your self with these matters which be so far out of your reach? was it not enough if my spirit did wish you present? or that in conceit you were with me? what if you were asleep at that instant, and so it were revealed to me by the spirit? or if you had been present, and my spirit should inwardly to stifie unto me that a teaching Saint must be preferred, ought not you to give place? I pray you husband give over to mu e on these hidden secrets, for otherwise these thoughts ma make you orne-mad. What do you talk of reason? it is beyond reason. It is matter of predestination, and preordination. Where is now your obedience and patience nce so often inculked un unto you? I perceive it is ready to fly out by your exteri our parts, but I will chastise this rebellious flesh, and make it subie to the spirit. It is lawful & possible for me to extract tears from his f nty heart with this rod of discipline, correcting him as the spirit moves me. That appertains not to him to examine. It is suffi cient that his wife hath that inward testimony which ena b eth and emboldeneth her to do her function, and to mi nister disciplinary documents. And this he is firmly to hold, or else he loses his election. You are not to inform me when I shall strike. It is the lively spirit which directeth me: and now it telleth me you need not at this time more to be humbled. Go in peace, and be patient. Lo now Hortano the virtue of this rod, which brings so plentiful tears from this Rock stomach of his. Who else I pray you shall beasts do it? Although women may not speak in the Church (which is great pity) yet we may preach in chambers, and men are tied to hear us. Jump. And so womnn instruct women, and none of them shall come to other. And how shall there then be pro creation of the holy ones, and the Israel of God be multi plied? With all my heart. And I profess unto you that he shall never know otherwise by me: but I doubt his gene rous spirit will not suffer him (after a few years of discre cion) to tarry long in that error, but that he will heroical lie disdain to have you otherwise accounted of then his reputed father: and that he is rather the son of some zea lous brother, who never sees the Relics of Charingcross, but wishes he were on horseback with a lance in his hand, in full speed to bear it down. And yet his mother ex treame honest for all this. No husband. You shall not swear so rashly. I thank you as much as though you did. Your says shall save you without swearing. What not yet understandest thou the text? Oh fool, and slow of belief! If thou were my husband (Then she shakes the cudgill at him) I would ding it into thy brain in another fashion then by proofs. I pre thee tell me, must not men be taught and instructed? What if a Hare cross your way? is that nothing nei there?