_Since we then such freedom have, Wee’l purchase money, or a grave: ’Tis better so, then live a slave_.
About to have proceeded in this manner round, we were interrupted by Dinner coming up, which came as seasonable as our stomacks could require. Waving all Ceremonies, we instantly fell to it without the tediousness of long-winded Graces; neither were we long at it, our hands and appetites being alike nimble and quick to give the body its required satisfaction.
After Dinner we had various discourses about the vanity and imbecility of the female sex: winding up our Argument, one said, She would not be a meer Woman for the whole universe, and wondered that man, so noble and rational a Soul, should so unman himself in his voluntary inslaving himself to a Womans will: I wonder how they dare boast of Conquests, when they must acknowledge they are daily overcome by a weak and feeble Creature, Woman, a thing which for want of heat sunk into that Sex.
With suchlike prattle we entertained our selves for an hour or two: and now it was put to the vote what course we should steer, and what design we should next put in execution. Different were our opinions for a while, but at last we concluded unanimously about the evening to set out and rob joyntly: the manner which we laid down was thus: The youngest sister should ride behind the eldest Sister on a Pillion in her own proper apparel, and my _Virago_ behind me in the like female garb; and this we judged to be the safest project we could propound: for who could be so senseless to imagine us Robbers, riding in that manner double-horsed, and attended with the greatest symptomes of innocency?
Hereupon we presently fell to work, that is to say, endeavoured to get such necessaries as were most convenient for our enterprise, as Pillions, Safeguards and short Swords for my females: Pocket-Pistols they had already. Having gotten what womans attire we wanted, and all things ready, we mounted with Boots, which we dirted on purpose, to the intent those which saw us might not suspect but that we had rid many miles that day. It was about six of the Clock in the evening when we did set forth; we had not rid above two hours, but there overtook us four Horsemen, and demanded whither we were travelling? I answered them, To such a place. Now did our two subtil Queans which rid behind us play their parts to the life, pretending a great fear of being robbed, and carried their business so craftily, that they gave the Gentlemen to understand their pretended fear and jealousie: and the better to cloak our design, pray thee my Dear (said I) in a voice not over-loud, but just so that they might hear me, do not be afraid, I am confident they are no other then what they appear, that is, honest civil persons.