Classic and Contemporary Poetry
NECESSARY OBSERVATIONS: 37TH PRECEPT, by THOMAS RANDOLPH Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If e'er I take a wife, I will have one Last Line: Should only love, not dote on her perfection. Subject(s): Marriage; Weddings; Husbands; Wives | ||||||||
If e'er I take a wife, I will have one Neither for beauty nor for portion, But for her virtues; and I'll married be, Not for my lust, but for posterity. And when I am wed, I'll never jealous be, But make her learn how to be chaste by me. And be her face what 'twill, I'll think her fair, If she within the house confine her care. If modest in her words and clothes she be, Not daubed with pride and prodigality; If with her neighbours she maintains no strife, And bear herself to me a faithful wife. I'd rather unto such a one be wed, Than clasp the choicest Helen in my bed. Yet though she were an angel, my affection Should only love, not dote on her perfection. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A BLESSING FOR A WEDDING by JANE HIRSHFIELD A SUITE FOR MARRIAGE by DAVID IGNATOW ADVICE TO HER SON ON MARRIAGE by MARY BARBER THE RABBI'S SON-IN-LAW by SABINE BARING-GOULD KISSING AGAIN by DORIANNE LAUX A TIME PAST by DENISE LEVERTOV FAIRIES' SONG by THOMAS RANDOLPH ODE TO MASTER ANTHONY STAFFORD [TO HASTEN HIM INTO COUNTRY] by THOMAS RANDOLPH |
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