The Contented Wife, with the Husband's Answer/The Husband's Answer

by Anonymous

For other versions of this work, see The Husband's Answer.

Text divider from 'The Contented Wife, with the Husband's Answer', a chapbook printed in Glasgow in 1802

THE HUSBAND'S ANSWER.

My wife is a notable girl I must own, And now I do love her most dearly.She never did scold when that I came home, Was I ever so late or so early.I stagger'd to bed, where all night I did ly,Snoring fast by her side like a pig in a sty; I sometimes call'd her names but she ne'er would reply, No man e'er was happier married.

Her goodness at length did my wildness reclaim, That I should abuse such good nature:I thought with myself I was much to blame, And therefore resolve to grow better.I've left off my drinking and reveling quite,My kind wife and children is all my delight,My health I preserve, and my money stood by me, No man was e'er happier married.

She is a good wife and a house-wife besides, Although I have been such a villain,She will make a groat go further indeed, Than many one will make a shilling.She's none of those wives that drinks coffee or tea,Or gossips about with her neighbours all day,Or e'er goes abroad unless it's with me, No man e'er was happier married.