Man and wife,
Coupled together for the sake of strife.

Man and wife,
Coupled together for the sake of strife.

With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with
all my worldly goods I read more

With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with
all my worldly goods I thee endow.

My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to
persuade my wife to marry me.

My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to
persuade my wife to marry me.

There was no great disparity of years,
Though much in temper; but they never clash'd,
They moved read more

There was no great disparity of years,
Though much in temper; but they never clash'd,
They moved like stars united in their spheres,
Or like the Rhone by Leman's waters wash'd,
Where mingled and yet separate appears
The river from the lake, all bluely dash'd
Through the serene and placid glassy deep,
Which fain would lull its river-child to sleep.

To love, cherish, and to obey.

To love, cherish, and to obey.

I'd rather die Maid, and lead apes in Hell
Than wed an inmate of Silenus' Cell.

I'd rather die Maid, and lead apes in Hell
Than wed an inmate of Silenus' Cell.

For years [my wedding ring] has done its job. It has led me not
into temptation. It has reminded read more

For years [my wedding ring] has done its job. It has led me not
into temptation. It has reminded my husband numerous times at
parties that it's time to go home. It has been a source of
relief to a dinner companion. It has been a status symbol in the
maternity ward.

Cursed be the man, the poorest wretch in life,
The crouching vassal, to the tyrant wife,
Who read more

Cursed be the man, the poorest wretch in life,
The crouching vassal, to the tyrant wife,
Who has no will but by her high permission;
Who has not sixpence but in her possession;
Who must to her his dear friend's secret tell;
Who dreads a curtain lecture worse than hell.
Were such the wife had fallen to my part,
I'd break her spirit or I'd break her heart.

He that hath a wife and children hath given hostages to fortune;
for they are impediments to great enterprises, read more

He that hath a wife and children hath given hostages to fortune;
for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue
or mischief.