Marriage and Single Blessedness — 181
We subjoin a curious specimen of verse, which is both ingenious and witty, and admits of being read in two ways. To suit the taste and inclinations of the married, or those who propose marriage, we transcribe it as follows; but to convey a directly opposite sentiment, for the benefit of the singly blessed, it will be necessary to alternate the lines, reading the first and third, then the second and fourth:—
“That man must lead a happy life
Who is directed by a wife;
Who’s freed from matrimonial claims
Is sure to suffer for his pains.
“Adam could find no solid peace
Till he beheld a woman’s face;
When Eve was given him for a mate,
Adam was in a happy state.
“In all the female race appear
Truth, darling of a heart sincere,
Hypocrisy, deceit, and pride,
In woman never did reside.
“What tongue is able to unfold
The worth in woman we behold?
The failings that in woman dwell
Are almost imperceptible.
“Confusion take the men, I say,
Who no regard to women pay.
Who make the women their delight
Keep always reason in their sight.”