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...THE EAGLE OF THE BLUE by HERMAN MELVILLE JOURNEY by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY A QUARTET ('THE MIKADO' AT CAMBRIDGE) by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN STANE STREET by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN AUTUMN by WILLIAM ASPENWALL BRADLEY SONNET ON MOOR PARK - WRITTEN AT PARIS, MAY 11, 1826 by SAMUEL EGERTON BRYDGES |