| Samuel Waddington, comp. The Sonnets of Europe. 1888. | | | | A Husband’s Homily | | By Clemente Bondi (1742–1821) |
| | Translated by James Glassford, of Dougalston
SHE whom you loved and chose, is now your bride, | |
| The gift of heaven, and to your trust consigned; | |
| Honour her still, though not with passion blind; | |
| And in her virtue, though you watch, confide. | |
| Be to her youth a comfort, guardian, guide, | 5 |
| In whose experience she may safety find; | |
| And whether sweet or bitter be assigned, | |
| The joy with her, as well as pain, divide. | |
| Yield not too much if reason disapprove; | |
| Nor too much force; the partner of your life | 10 |
| Should neither victim be, nor tyrant prove. | |
| Thus shall that rein, which often mars the bliss | |
| Of wedlock, scarce be felt; and thus your wife | |
| Ne’er in the husband shall the lover miss. | | | | |
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