16 But he that marrieth his beloved in haste, seeking happiness, that man assuredly hath a dog's chance; and he that taketh time about the business, is not his risk also great?
17 And there were some that did marry for love and there were some that did marry for a pension; but there were some that did marry because it was a discreet thing to do.
18 And the number of them that did marry was beyond anything that men could remember, so that the priests did gather them an harvest of exceeding richness and they did bless the unions with many pious words.
19 ¶ Now certain men did take unto themselves more wives than one, which was a wicked thing to do, for in the land of En it was not lawful for a man to marry two wives.
20 And this was passing strange, for the seduction of a maiden was a thing that was winked at. Yea, the father of a child begotten guiltily, he was absolved by the payment of five pieces of silver every week. But the man whose wife did bear him a son, his punishment was greater than this.
21 And in those days was man judged according to a rule, and an hurt transgressing not the rule, that was forgiven unto him. And to marry two wives, that was against the rule; but to keep two score of concubines, that was a lawful thing to do.
22 ¶ And because there was war, therefore did many mothers pull off forlorn hopes at the last minute, which rejoiced them greatly. For there was much competition amongst the daughters of En, and the number of young men did not suffice for all.
23 ¶ And every maiden did seek for to get her an officer, for these were great men whom the common soldiers did salute in the public places, so that to walk with such an one was indeed pleasurable.
24 And there was much cackling in all the hen-roosts of the land of En, and amongst those families that did get them an officer there were loud manifestations of joy.
25 And the pride of these was beyond all telling, and they would hold up their heads on high and they would say unto them that did live next door, Bow ye down before us and make obeisance. Know ye not that Miriam, our first-born, hath taken a captain to husband?