(a sonnet I considered writing extensively about, until I found out it was way to obvious and didn't really give way to decent discussion--at least not the type required for my forthcoming paper)
A Married State
A married state affords but little ease
The best of husbands are so hard to please.
This in wives' careful faces you may spell
Through they dissemble their misfortunes well.
A virgin state is crowned with much content;
It's always happy as it's innocent.
No blustering husbands to create your fears;
No pangs of childbirth to extort your tears;
No children's cries for to offend your ears;
Few worldly crosses to distract your prayers;
Thus are you freed from all the cares that do
Attend on matrimony and a husband too.
Therefore, Madam, be advised by me
Turn, turn apostate to love's levity,
Suppress wild nature if she dare rebel.
There's no such thing as leading apes in hell.
Katherine Philips
(1632-1664)
No comments:
Post a Comment