English poem
Single Life and Matrimony Contrasted
by Anonymous
The matrimonial state—All prudent men approve; The wise sincerely hate—A course of changing love; True happiness we find—In Hymen's silken chain, With those who are unjoin'd—There's nought but fear and pain. I'll therefore wisely dare—To have a constant wife, To change from fair to fair—Is but a wretched life.