The Fifteen Comforts of Matrimony: Responses From Women

A spirited, early‑18th‑century pamphlet bursts onto the scene as a defiant reply to a prudish moralist guide. Written in the lively, rhymed prose of its day, the text lets the “ladies of pleasure” speak with unabashed humor and sharp wit, turning the tables on those who would condemn their trade.

The work walks through a series of mock‑answers to the so‑called “comforts” of whoring, tackling everything from a maid’s loss of virginity to the ailments that plague both client and courtesan. Each section mixes biting satire with candid observations about love, disease, marriage and survival, giving listeners a raw, entertaining glimpse into the gritty reality of street‑level economics and gender politics in 1706 London.

Beyond the ribald jokes, the pamphlet offers a rare, almost feminist perspective that challenges contemporary double standards. Its colorful language and unapologetic tone make it a fascinating artefact for anyone curious about the clash between morality and desire in the early modern world.