6 And when she had told her mother and them that were about the place, she would take the young man unto the priest for to make them a day; and after it was in order, then would they go unto the ringmaker and she would try on whatsoever came unto her hand. Yea, many rings would she place upon her finger; but the ring that she did choose, that did she not try on, fearing lest it prove unlucky in the afterwards.
7 Now it happened in certain cases that the damsel needed not to furnish her with garments for the wedding, inasmuch as she was prepared, being ready against the occasion.
8 But when it was not so, then would the damsel set about it, and she would make things hum. And she and those that were related unto her and her handmaidens also, they would haste them unto the bazaars. And whatsoever was necessary unto the marriage, that thing would they buy; and of the things that were not necessary unto the marriage, they would also buy them some of these.
9 And when the last minute was come, then would they send the old man for to buy that which was forgotten, saying unto him, Get thee quickly, thou fool. And he would get him quickly.
10 And when the hour was come for the young man to take the damsel unto him, behold, she was there. And throughout all the land of En there was no case known of a damsel that did come too late.
11 ¶ And because there was a great number of them that did wed in this wise, therefore was there much talk concerning it, both in the public places and in the habitations of the people.
12 And some did say it was a foolish thing to do. And they did speak darkly concerning the future, what it did hide, for it went for a saying amongst them that a marriage that is hasty bringeth early regret.
13 And others said, Let the young men wed. Verily, many go forth unto the wars but the number of them that return, it is not so great. Therefore is it necessary for them that are of an age to make them families, else in what manner shall the nation endure.
14 And the young things heeded not these arguments, for they were young and did love. And whosoever loveth enough, he hath his justification.
15 But woe unto that man who taketh unto himself a wife for the sake of it; a million tears will not suffice for to drown her in.