A Sample From Our Heritage

On the occasion of the wedding of her daughter a mother gave her the following advice, that we see fit to conclude this chapter with.  It is an example of profound wisdom that is still valid over the centuries just as it was the day it was uttered:

"My little girl, had a perfect integrity made advice superfluous, then I would have spared you it; but advice reminds the forgetful and aids the sound of mind.

And if parents' wealth and attachment were an alternative to marriage, we would have not given you away.  But women were created for men and men for women.

And now you are bidding good bye to the nest that brought you up, to one unknown to you, and a mate you are not aquainted with.  As he takes you in marriage he becomes your king, so you be his queen and be a servant to him, to make him a servant to you.

Be easy to content.  And in grace do listen, and obey.  And heed his sight and his smelling so that you be pleasing if he looks at you and pleasing if he smells you.

And be alert to his meal times and his bed time for hunger inflames, and disturbance of sleep angers.

And be the good guardian of his house-hold, and the good shepherd to your children and the good manager of his property.

And disobey not any of his orders, nor divulge any of his secrets or else you undermine his love and crack his trust.

And finally, never rejoice in his presence if he is sad, or be sad in his presence if he is rejoicing.