‘Thus we continued some time together, and knowing how covetous his Mother was, and not allowing him hardly any thing to spend, I studyed how I might assist him in his expence abroad: I was one day in the Shop, and looking into the Counter for something, I found a board at the end of the Till, loose, which taking up, I could easily put in my hand, and take out what Money I pleased; having now taken out the Board, I knew not what to do; for I fastned it but very slenderly, neither could I do otherwise, having no time to do what I would. Wherefore in the morning early, before my Aunt was up, I got into the Shop, and with a small Perser I boared a couple of holes quite through the end, and two sides of the Box, and so with Wire I fastned it, to my hearts content, but not so but I could loosen it again at my pleasure. My heart leapt to think, how this project taking effect, neither I, nor my friend could want Money at any time. Could I have concealed this to my self I would have done it, and so supplyed (as I thought convenient) my Couzen with Money, the more to engage his affection to me. But I was forc’t to tell him thereof, (whom I knew as forward in any sort of wickedness as any body) because he was continually in the Shop. Having given him an account of my projection, I thought he would have been transported with joy, and was restless, till he had made an experiment; which having done, and finding my contrivance, an inexhaustible Mine to him, I thought he did intend to lock me in his arms everlastingly. Now did our freedom daily increase, and nothing obstructed them but want of liberty to enjoy them. But, as what is violent, is seldom permanent; so must our delights have an end, and so much the sooner, by how much they exceed in measure. Being not satisfied with stealing a kiss, or so forth in the day time, We pitcht upon a Night, when he should run the hazard of coming into his Mothers Chamber where I lay in a Trundle-bed under her; and be with me all night: He watcht his opportunity, staying up late, and I in pursuance of the design, had left the chamber door open, and so our desires were accomplisht. But now (a mischief on’t) we were so shackled in the fetters of a lasting sleep, that notwithstanding my Aunt bawl’d to me I know not how many times, it being late in the morning to rise and look after her business, yet I made no answer; at last started out of the Bed, and stepping to mine, to see if I were not dead, found her Son inclosed in my Arms both fast asleep. But she awakened us so hastily out of our sleeps, that we lookt like a couple of Bedlamites, and so confounded with shame, that we had not a word to say. To be short, she first resolv’d to turn me out of doors, not caring whether I went with or without Cloaths; but then considering she should disparage her Son, by shaming of me; concluded to send for the Master of the Vessel we now are in, and after some discourse I was commanded to go with him, glad I was to go any where to be out of her reach; her Son, hearing of my sad sentence, would have followed me, but was interrupted; however yesterday, attempting by the way I had found out to supply me with Money, he was catcht in the act by his Mother, and sent immediately to Prison, where I understand he is like to lie till we set Sail.’
Fashion
The English Rogue: Continued in the Life of Meriton Latroon, and Other Extravagants: The Fourth Part — Part 69
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