Davys, Mary (1674-1732)

The Accomplish'd Rake: or Modern Fine Gentleman

London

Printed and sold by the Booksellers of London and Westminster

1727

"Jenny [said she] I am strangely embarrassed about this sleepy Fit you and I have had, and am entirely of the Doctor's Opinion, that it was no Natural Repose; yet where to place either the Deceit or Design of it I know not, but my whole Thoughts have been chained to that one single Subject all this Day."

[...] The Coach-man stood swearing, and would feign have gone without them, but not one of the Passengers would go into the Coach till they came. At last Miss Friendly came to herself, and in a quarter of an Hour more so did her Maid. They were both surprised at what had happened, but made Haste to get on their Clothes, and proceeded on their Journey, but continued drousy, and out of Order all Day. At Night when they came to their Inn, Miss Friendly ordered her Supper to be brought up into her own Chamber, the better to procure an Opportunity of talking with her Maid. Jenny [said she] I am strangely embarrassed about this sleepy Fit you and I have had, and am entirely of the Doctor's Opinion, that it was no Natural Repose; yet where to place either the Deceit or Design of it I know not, but my whole Thoughts have been chained to that one single Subject all this Day: Prithee what is thy Opinion of the Matter? Indeed Madam [replied Jenny] my Thoughts have had as little Variety as yours, nor am I less perplexed to find out what I am sure has a Secret in the Bottom; but whence it sprung, or what Drift they had is past my Comprehension: I am only vexed I did not ask the Maid at the Inn, from whom she had the Sweet-meats she brought; for, if there was any Design at all against you, it was certainly lodged in the Mackroons, because Madam, you may please to remember, neither you or I eat of any thing else. That [answered Miss Friendly] is what increases my Astonishment, because they certainly came from some-body that knows how fond I am of them. [...] (pp. 82-4)

Fetters::Chains

Searching "thought" and "chain" in HDIS (Prose)

At least 3 entries in ESTC (1727, 1756).

Mary Davys, The Accomplish'd Rake: or Modern Fine Gentleman. Being An Exact Description of the Conduct and Behaviour of A Person of Distinction. (London: printed and sold by the Booksellers of London and Westminster, 1727). <Link to ECCO> <Link to Google Books>

07/21/2011