I thought of the other identity as my darker self. Her screen name was Pirategrrl; her “real” name was Jenny. I listed her hobbies as swordplay and, on the advice of a friend well versed in chat-room culture, OTK--over the knee, erotic shorthand for spanking.

… I have Thoughts to tarry a ſmall Matter in Town, to learn ſomewhat of your Lingo firſt, before I croſs the Seas.

Not only the ſeveral Towns and Countries of England, have a different way of pronouncing, but even here in London they clip their Words after one Manner about the Court, another in the City, and a third in the Suburbs; and in a few Years, it is probable, will all differ from themſelves, as Fancy or Faſhion ſhall direct: All which, reduced to Writing, would entirely confound Orthography.

But now his cruelty ſo ſore ſhe drad, / That to thoſe fennes for faſtneſſe ſhe did fly, / And there her ſelfe did hyde from his hard tyranny.