And have in common a share of sorrow and joy.”
Then, describing her as gentle and kind even in misfortunes, he adds:
“And I, when you are ill, will, sharing your sickness, bear it;
And I will bear my share in your misfortunes.”
And:
“Nothing is bitter to me,
For with friends one ought to be happy,
For what else is friendship but this?”
The marriage, then, that is consummated according to the word, is sanctified, if the union be under subjection to God, and be conducted “with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and the body washed with pure water, and holding the confession of hope; for He is faithful that promised.” And the happiness of marriage ought never to be estimated either by wealth or beauty, but by virtue.
“Beauty,” says the tragedy,