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.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the
bread of idleness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the
bread of idleness.

An undutiful Daughter will prove an unmanageable Wife.

An undutiful Daughter will prove an unmanageable Wife.

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

Now voe me I can zing on my business abrode:
Though the storm do beat down on my poll,
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Now voe me I can zing on my business abrode:
Though the storm do beat down on my poll,
There's a wife brighten'd vire at the end of my road,
An' her love, voe the jay o' my soul.

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

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

It's my girl that advises. She has the head. But I never own to
it before her. Discipline must read more

It's my girl that advises. She has the head. But I never own to
it before her. Discipline must be maintained.

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.

Be thou the rainbow to the storms of life!
The evening beam that smiles the clouds away,
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Be thou the rainbow to the storms of life!
The evening beam that smiles the clouds away,
And tints to-morrow with prophetic ray!