“Abuse, you know, is the great safety valve that keeps the world from exploding, and if you won’t abuse your wife, she’ll abuse you,” said Padna, “and isn’t it better to be first than last in anything?”
“I don’t think so,” said Micus. “I’d rather be the last than the first man to meet a widow looking for a husband.”
“And why?” said Padna.
“There’s no escape from widows,” said Micus, “whatever accidents might happen with inexperienced young women.”
“There’s something in what you say,” said Padna. “Perseverance, pugnacity, and stupidity are necessary for success if you aren’t cursed with intelligence and good breeding. And you can get any young woman without money to marry you against her will, but if you’re wise enough you won’t. I need not tell you that lovers are only sensible when they commence wondering at the foolishness of their own children.”
“A man thinking about getting married should have two women to choose from.”
“And why, might I ask?”
“Well, because if he lost one he could have the other, and if he lost both he would know what it is to be lucky. Marriage, you know, always makes one master and two slaves.”
“’Tis too bad that there should be any slaves.”
“It is, but while men will marry for love, and women for money, we cannot expect a change in our social conditions.”