What is there in the vale of life
Half so delightful as a wife,
When friendship, love, read more

What is there in the vale of life
Half so delightful as a wife,
When friendship, love, and peace combine
To stamp the marriage-bond divine?

Oh! 'tis a precious thing, when wives are dead,
To find such numbers who will serve instead:
read more

Oh! 'tis a precious thing, when wives are dead,
To find such numbers who will serve instead:
And in whatever state a man be thrown,
'Tis that precisely they would wish their own.

Without thee I am all unblessed,
And wholly blessed in thee alone.

Without thee I am all unblessed,
And wholly blessed in thee alone.

You know I met you,
Kist you, and prest you close within my arms,
With all the read more

You know I met you,
Kist you, and prest you close within my arms,
With all the tenderness of wifely love.

The wife was pretty, trifling, childish, weak;
She could not think, but would not cease to speak.

The wife was pretty, trifling, childish, weak;
She could not think, but would not cease to speak.

She is a winsome wee thing,
She is a handsome wee thing,
She is a bonny wee read more

She is a winsome wee thing,
She is a handsome wee thing,
She is a bonny wee thing,
This sweet wee wife o' mine.

When I think of a merry, happy, free young girl -- and look at the ailing, aching state a young read more

When I think of a merry, happy, free young girl -- and look at the ailing, aching state a young wife generally is doomed to -- which you can't deny is the penalty of marriage.

I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her.

I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her.

In thy face have I seen the eternal.

In thy face have I seen the eternal.