Poems (Markham)/A contrast on matrimony

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Poems
by Elizabeth Markham
A contrast on matrimony
4642214Poems — A contrast on matrimonyElizabeth Markham
A Contrast on Matrimony
1 The man must lead a happy life,
2 Free from matrimonial chains,
3 Who is directed by a wife
4 Is sure to suffer for his pains.

1 Adam could find no solid peace,
2 When Eve was given for a mate,
3 Until he saw a woman's face
4 Adam was in a happy state.

1 In all the female face, appear
2 Hypocrisy, deceit and pride;
3 Truth, darling of a heart sincere,
4 Ne'er known in woman to reside.

1 What tongue is able to unfold
2 The falsehoods that in woman dwell;
3 The worth in woman we behold,
4 Is almost imperceptible.

1 Cursed be the foolish man, I say,
2 Who changes from his singleness;
3 Who will not yield to woman's sway
4 Is sure of perfect blessedness.

To advocate the ladies' cause, you will read the first
and third, and second and fourth lines together.
E. M.
Oregon Spectator, June 15, 1848.