Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, NECESSARY OBSERVATIONS: 37TH PRECEPT, by THOMAS RANDOLPH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

NECESSARY OBSERVATIONS: 37TH PRECEPT, by                 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.





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