But this fact that celibacy has many consolations need not prevent the conclusion that as a rule married life is to be preferred.
"Jeanie," said an old Cameronian to his daughter, who was asking his permission to marry—"Jeanie, it's a very solemn thing to get married."
"I ken that, father," said the sensible lassie, "but it's a great deal solemner to be single."
Marriages are made in heaven: matrimony in itself is good, but there are fools who turn every blessing into a curse, like the man who said, "This is a good rope, I'll hang myself with it."
CHAPTER III.
MARRIAGE-MADE MEN.
"A wife's a man's best peace, who, till he marries,
Wants making up....
She is the good man's paradise, and the bad's
First step to heaven."—Shirley.
"Th' ever womanly
Draweth us onward!"—Goethe.
"This is well,
To have a dame indoors, that trims us up,
And keeps us tight."—Tennyson.