To sit, happy married lovers; Phillis trifling with a plover's
Egg, while Corydon uncovers with a grace the Sally read more

To sit, happy married lovers; Phillis trifling with a plover's
Egg, while Corydon uncovers with a grace the Sally Lunn,
Or dissects the luck pheasant--that, I think, were passing
pleasant
As I sit along at present, dreaming darkly of a dun.

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.

'Cause grace and virtue are within
Prohibited degrees of kin;
And therefore no true saint allows,
read more

'Cause grace and virtue are within
Prohibited degrees of kin;
And therefore no true saint allows,
They shall be suffer'd to espouse.

No jealousy their dawn of love o'ercast,
Nor blasted were their wedded days with strife;
Each season read more

No jealousy their dawn of love o'ercast,
Nor blasted were their wedded days with strife;
Each season looked delightful as it past,
To the fond husband and the faithful wife.

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent
wife is from the Lord.

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent
wife is from the Lord.

(Matrimony) is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or
lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in
read more

(Matrimony) is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or
lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in
the fear of God.

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.

Marriage and hanging go by destiny; matches are made in heaven.

Marriage and hanging go by destiny; matches are made in heaven.

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.