HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MEDFORD, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT, IN 1630, TO THE PRESENT TIME, 1855.
Charles Brooks, Ed.

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For me no fair Egyptian plies the loom;
But my fine linen all is made at home.
Though I no down or tapestry can spread,
A clean, soft pillow shall suppport your head,
Filled with the wool from off my tender sheep,
On which with ease and safety you may sleep.
The nightingale shall lull you to your rest,
And all be calm and still as is your breast.

In writing to her only sister, in 1728, she says,--

You have now just passed your childhood, and are arrived at that stage of life which is most exposed to snares and temptations. Put away all childish things. Behave yourself womanly and like a Christian to all with whom you converse. Indulge not a passionate or fretful temper, much less a haughty or insulting carriage, towards the meanest servant in the family. Be obliging, and modest, and humble; so shall you deserve and have the esteem of everybody. Be thankful to, and pray for, them that are so kind as to admonish you. Be contented. Wish not yourself in another's place, or that you had another's liberty.

Before the birth of her first child, she was in low spirits, and wrote in sad tone to her father; to which he made the following reply:--

Boston, March 6, 1728.

My Dear,--I thank you for your letter of yesterday, but am sorry you pine so after me, and seem so melancholy. You have reason to be glad and rejoice in the Lord. Fear not as to soul or body, but trust in his salvation.

I find myself easier in hearing from you, though I see you not. You are always on my heart and mind; and you are in the hand of a gracious and faithful God.

I send you a fine present of two oranges,--all we have; and a piece of chocolate. Don't hanker after any thing. Get above that womanish fancy; but yet speak, if you crave.

When the ground is dry, and the weather warm, I shall hope to make a visit to you. The meanwhile, we must meet daily, as you say, which is the best meeting of all, before the throne of grace.

Your loving father,

Benjamin Colman.

This letter shows, among other things, that a journey from Boston to Medford was an event which must be postponed till the “weather is warm, and the ground dry.” Such a reason sounds strange now, when there are twenty separate opportunities in each day of going to and coming from Boston in public conveyances.

After the birth of her first child (still-born), Mrs. Turell writes thus:--