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From The World’s Wit and Humor, Vol. X, French, The Review of Reviews Company; New York; 1906; pp. 13-14.


13

Eustache Deschamps (1328-1415)

Advice to a Friend on Marriage



OPE! Who? A friend! What wouldst obtain?
    Advice! Whereof? Is’t well to wed?
I wish to marry. What’s your pain?
    No wife have I for board and bed,
    By whom my house is wisely led.
One meek and fair I wish to gain,
    Young, wealthy, too, and nobly bred;
You’re crazy — batter out your brain!


Consider! Grief can you sustain?
    Women have tempers bold and dread;
When for a dish of eggs you’re fain,
    Broth, cheese, you’ll have before you spread:
    Now free, you’ll be a slave instead —
When married, you yourself have slain.
    Think well. My first resolve is said;
You’re crazy — batter out your brain!


No wife will be like her you feign;
    On angry words you shall be fed,
So shall you bitterly complain,
    With woes too hard to bear, bested;
    Better a life in forest led
Than of such beast to bear the strain.
    No! The sweet fancy fills my head;
You’re crazy — batter out your brain!


14

Envoy

Soon you will long that you were dead
    When married; seek in street or lane
Some love. No! Passion bids me wed;
    You’re crazy — batter out your brain!







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