Friend—Mistress—Counsellor—Companion—Wife—
Wife!—wife!—oh honour’d name! for ever dear,
Alike enchanting to the eye and ear!
Let the corrupt, licentious, and profane
Rail, scoff, and murmur at the sacred chain:
It suits not them. Few but the wise and good
Its blessings e’er have priz’d or understood.
Matur’d in virtue first the heart must glow,
Ere happiness can vegetate and grow.
From her I learnt to feel the holy flame,