I could never endure Idleness, I was ever in action; either writing, or contriving, or putting in execution my contrivances; I thought it better _male agere quam nihil agere_: my brains or hands were continually working, and very seldom but effectually. My pen was generally so happy in discoveries, that my wit was much applauded by the most censorious: much respected I was, & my company much importuned by the Tankerd-bearers of _Helicon_, by which means I so swelled with pride, that I thought my self little inferior to _Apollo_. I called _Mercury_ Pimp, the nine Sisters Whores, whom I had frequently layn with, and might when I pleased: the best title I could bestow on _Pegasus_ was Hackny-Jade. In the height of this my opinionativeness, my Cooler (our Masters maid) came to me where I was alone; and after many heart-fetcht sighs, told me she found her self with child; which news had like to have deprived me of my understanding: but knowing that Vexation never remedies but rather adds to trouble, I was resolved to bear it patiently, and study some means to preserve her and my Credit. I framed a Letter as from her Father, desiring her to come down into the Country speedily, if she intended to see him alive; and according as we had laid the Plot, she shews it her Mistress, desiring her leave to shew her duty to her dying Father. Our Mistress most willingly consented thereunto, as knowing that there was more than ordinary love between us; the maid had staid as long as possibly she might without discovery, Lacing her self very streight, and keeping down her belly with three Busks: but now she made haste to rub off: I had provided a Midwife that should be her Bawd too: but this could not be done without extraordinary cost. After her Delivery, I found the keeping of her and the Child very expensive: then did I begin to consider what a vast charge, and how many various troubles this momentary lecherous pleasure draws upon a man: how furiously he is upon the onset, and how quickly satisfied, loathing that Object he a little before longed for. Well, I bethought my self how to be rid both of Cow and Calf. I told her I would get together what moneys I could, and so marry her, upon condition she would be willing to travel with me whither I went, which I knew was her onely desire: I informed her of my intention to go for _Virginia_; and the reasons that induced me thereunto.