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.

My fond affection thou hast seen,
Then judge of my regret
To think more happy thou hadst read more

My fond affection thou hast seen,
Then judge of my regret
To think more happy thou hadst been
If we had never met!
And has that thought been shared by thee?
Ah, no! that smiling cheek
Proves more unchanging love for me
Than labor'd words could speak.

Were such the wife had fallen to my part,
I'd break her spirit, or I'd break her heart.

Were such the wife had fallen to my part,
I'd break her spirit, or I'd break her heart.

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?

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge,
giving honour onto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, read more

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge,
giving honour onto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as
being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be
not hindered.

There is trouble with a wife, but it's even worse with a woman who is not a wife

There is trouble with a wife, but it's even worse with a woman who is not a wife

In thy face have I seen the eternal.

In thy face have I seen the eternal.

He knows little who will tell his wife all he knows.

He knows little who will tell his wife all he knows.

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.