A Good Wife

(After the Vicar Pritchard, 1569-1644)

Wise yokel foolish King excelleth; Good name than spikenard sweeter smelleth! What's gold to prudence? Strength to grace? Man's more than goods; God first in place.

What though her dowry be but meagre, Far better wise, God-fearing Igir, Than yonder vain and brainless doll, Helpless her fortune to control.

A wife that's true and kind and sunny Is better than a mint of money; Better than houses, land and gold Or pearls and gems to have and hold.

A ship is she with jewels freighted, Her price beyond all rubies rated, A hundred-virtued amulet To such as her in marriage get.

Gold pillar to a silver socket; The weakling's tower of strength, firm-lockèd, The very golden crown of life; Grace upon grace--a virtuous wife.