Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PROVERBIAL PHILOSOPHY, 1ST SERIES: THE MARRIAGE MARKET, by MARTIN FARQUHAR TUPPER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PROVERBIAL PHILOSOPHY, 1ST SERIES: THE MARRIAGE MARKET, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When thou choosest a wife, think not only of thyself
Last Line: Resignation sweeteneth the cup, but impatience dasheth it with vinegar.
Subject(s): Marriage; Philosophy & Philosophers; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


WHEN thou choosest a wife, think not only of thyself,
But of those God may give thee of her, that they reproach thee not for their
being:
See that He hath given her health, lest thou lose her early and weep:
See that she springeth of a wholesome stock, that thy little ones perish not
before thee:
For many a fair skin hath covered a mining disease,
And many a laughing cheek been bright with the glare of madness.
Mark the converse of one thou lovest, that it be simple and sincere;
For an artful or false woman shall set thy pillow with thorns. ...
Hath she wisdom? it is precious, but beware that thou exceed;
For woman must be subject, and the true mastery is of the mind.
Be joined to thine equal in rank, or the foot of pride will kick at thee;
And look not only for riches, lest thou be mated with misery:
Marry not without means; for so shouldst thou tempt Providence;
But wait not for more than enough; for marriage is the DUTY of most men:
Grievous indeed must be the burden that shall outweigh innocence and health,
And a well-assorted marriage hath not many cares. ...
If ye are blessed with children, ye have a fearful pleasure,
A deeper care and a higher joy, and the range of your existence is widened:
If God in wisdom refuse them, thank Him for an unknown mercy:
For how can ye tell if they might be a blessing or a curse?
Yet ye may pray, like Hannah, simply dependent on his will:
Resignation sweeteneth the cup, but impatience dasheth it with vinegar.





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