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 SOLILOQUY; OCCASIONED BY THE CHIRPING OF A GRASSHOPPER by WALTER HARTE THE DREAMER by SHAEMAS O'SHEEL THE TENT ON THE BEACH: 5. THE CHANGELING by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER THE PROFESSION OF FLATTERY by ANTIPHANES OUR FELLOW-WORSHIPPERS by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT SYMBOL OF OUR COUNTRY by MAUD MCKINSEY BUTLER MY MISTRESS COMMANDING ME TO RETURN HER LETTERS by THOMAS CAREW |