_
To all Ladies, Gentlewomen, and to all other of the Female Sex who do
delight in, or be desirous of good Accomplishments.
Ladies and Gentlewomen,
_I Presume those Bookes which have passed from me formerly, have got me
some little credit and esteem amongst you.
But there being so much time past since they were Printed, that
methinks, I hear some of you say_ I wish Mrs. _Wolley_ would put forth
some New Experiments _and to say the Truth, I have been importun'd by
divers of my Friends and Acquaintance to do so._
_I shall not give an Apish Example every Day or Week to follow
ridiculous and foolish Fancies, nor could I be too like the_ Spaniard,
_always to keep in one Dress: I am not ashamed, nor do I disown what I
have already Printed, but some of you being so perfect in your
practises, and I very desirous still to serve you, do now present you
with this_ Queen-like Closet: _I do assure you it is worthy of the
Title it bears, for the very precious things you will find in it._
_Thus beseeching your kind Acceptance of this Book, and of my earnest
Desires to you, I take my Leave, but shall always be to all who have
esteem for me,_
Their Faithful and
Humble Servant,
HANNAH WOLLEY.
_Ladies, I do here present you (yet)
That which sure will well content
A Queen-like Closet rich and brave
(Such) not many Ladies have:
Or Cabinet, in which doth set
Jems richer than in Karkanet;
(They) only Eies and Fancies please,
These keep your Bodies in good ease;
They please the Taste, also the Eye;
Would I might be a stander by:
Yet rather I would wish to eat,
Since 'bout them I my Brains do beat:
And 'tis but reason you may say,
If that I come within your way;
I sit here sad while you are merry,
Eating Dainties, drinking Perry;
But I'm content you should so feed,
So I may have to serve my deed.
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