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This put the old Nobleman into a violent paſſion, inſomuch that he had his ſon’s wife put into gaol for preſuming to cut her loaf otherwiſe than as had been directed.
CHAP. IV.
As the old Gentleman advanced in years he began to neglect the affairs of his family, leaving them chiefly to the management of his ſteward.[1] Now the ſteward had debauched his wife, and by that means gained an entire aſcendancy over her. She no longer deliberated what would moſt benefit either the old farm or the new; but ſaid and did whatever the ſteward pleaſed. Nay ſo much was ſhe influenced by him that ſhe could neither utter Ay or No but as he directed. For he had cunningly perſuaded her that it was very faſhionable for women to wear padlocks on their lips, and that he was ſure they would become her exceedingly. He therefore faſtened a padlock to each corner of her mouth; when the one was open, ſhe could only ſay Ay; and when the other was looſed, could only cry No. He took care to keep the keys of theſe locks himſelf; ſo that her will became entirely ſubject to his power.
- ↑ Prime Miniſter.
