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.

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.

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.

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.

Be thou the rainbow to the storms of life!
The evening beam that smiles the clouds away,
read more

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

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

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

If you would have a good wife, marry one who has been a good daughter.

If you would have a good wife, marry one who has been a good daughter.

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.

And while the wicket falls behind
Her steps, I thought if I could find
A wife I read more

And while the wicket falls behind
Her steps, I thought if I could find
A wife I need not blush to show
I've little further now to go.