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.

Thy wife is a constellation of virtues; she's the moon, and thou
art the man in the moon.

Thy wife is a constellation of virtues; she's the moon, and thou
art the man in the moon.

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.

Wives are young men's mistresses; companions for middle age; and
old men's nurses.

Wives are young men's mistresses; companions for middle age; and
old men's nurses.

So bent on self-sanctifying,--
That she never thought of trying
To save her poor husband as well.

So bent on self-sanctifying,--
That she never thought of trying
To save her poor husband as well.

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.

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.

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.