Page:The Deipnosophists (Volume 3).djvu/382

 (Book xiii. § 7, p. 894.)

What abject wretches do we make ourselves By giving up the freedom and delights Of single life to a capricious woman! Then, if she brings an ample fortune too, Her pride, and her pretensions are increased, And what should be a benefit, becomes A bitter curse, and grievous punishment. The anger of a man may well be borne, 'Tis quick, and sudden, but as soon subsides; It has a honied sweetness when compared To that of woman. If a man receives An injury, he may resent at first, But he will quickly pardon. Women first Offer the injury, then to increase Th' offence, instead of soothing, they inflict A deeper wound by obstinate resentment— Neglect what's fit and proper to be done, But eagerly pursue the thing they should not;— And then they grow fantastical withal, When they are perfectly in health complain In faint and feeble tone, "they're sick, they die."

(Book xiii. § 8, p. 894.)

A man may marry once without a crime, But cursed is he who weds a second time.—

(Book xiii. § 8, p. 895.)

A. While prudence guides, change not, at any rate, A life of freedom for the married state: I ventured once to play that desperate game, And therefore warn you not to do the same.

B. The counsel may be sage which you advance, But I'm resolved to take the common chance.

A. Mild gales attend that voyage of your life, And waft you safely through the sea of strife: