Chapter 6

ATTIRE OF VIRGINIA DAMES AND THEIR NEIGHBORS

“Two things I love, two usuall thinges they are: The Firste, New-fashioned cloaths I love to wear, Newe Tires, newe Ruffes; aye, and newe Gestures too In all newe Fashions I do love to goe. The Second Thing I love is this, I weene To ride aboute to have those Newe Cloaths scene.

“At every Gossipping I am at still And ever wilbe—maye I have my will. For at ones own Home, praie—who is’t can see How fyne in new-found fashioned Tyres we bee? Vnless our Husbands—Faith! but very fewe!— And whoo’d goe gaie, to please a Husband’s view? Alas! wee wives doe take but small Delight If none (besides our husbands) see that Sight”

—“The Gossipping Wives Complaint,” 1611 (circa).