ECU Libraries Catalog

A Choice pennyworth of wit. or, A clear distinction between a virtuous wife and a Wanton Harlot : In three parts. Part I. How a merchant was deluded from his lady by a Harlot, to whom be carried gold jewels, and other things of value, for many years, which she receiv'd with unspeakable flattery, till his wife gave him a penny to lay it out for a pennyworth of wit. Part II. How he sailed into a far country where having exchanged his goods for other rich merchandize; and being in a tavern making merry, be scornfully derided his wife and extolled his Harlot; for which he was sharply reproved by an ancient man, who put him in a way to try his Harlot's love in time of trouble, for which the merchant gave him his wife's penny. Part III. How he returned richly laden to the British shore, and put himself in ragged array, and came to his Harlot, declaring that he had not only lost all that he had in a storm, but likewise he had slain one of his servants, for which his life was in great danger, and desired her shelter. But instead of so doing, she abused him with scandalous and vile language, threatning to have him apprehended. At which he left her, and returned to his wife (with the same pretence) who received him with unspeakable joy offering to sacrifice all that ever she had to save his life. Thus did he prove her a faithful wife, and the other a flattering Harlot. [With] other things worthy of note.