Lady - The Ladies Defence: (Chap. 11) lyrics

Parson. Hold, hold,I can't these interruptions bear, If you don't me, these sacred truths revere. Now, Madam, I'll instruct you to obey, and as I promised, point you out the way. First, to your husband you your heart must give, he must, alone in your affection live. Whatever he is, you still must think him blest, and boast to all that you are truly blest, if fools should laugh, and cry 'tis but a jest, yet still look grave, and vow you are sincere, and undisturbed their ill-bred censures bear. Do what you can his kindness to engage, wink at his vices, and indulge his rage. How vain are women in their youthful days, how fond of courtship, and how proud of praise, what arts they use, what methods they devise, to be thought fair, obliging, neat and wise. But when they're married, they soon careless grow, neglect their dress, and no more neatness show, their charms are lost, their kindness laid aside, smiles turned to frowns, their wisdom into pride, and they or Sullen are, or always chide. Are these the ways a husband's love to gain? Or won't they rather heighten his disdain? Make him turn sot, be troublesome and sad, or if he's fiery, choleric and mad. Thus they their peace industriously destroy, and rob themselves of all their promised joy. Next, unto him you must due honor pay, and at his feet your top-knot glories lay, the Persian ladies chalk you out the way, they humbly on their heads a foot do wear, as I have read, but yet the lord knows where,that badge of homage graceful does appear, would the good custom were in fashion here. Also to him you inward reverence owe, If he's a fool, you must not think him so, nor yet indulge one mean contemptuous thought or fancy he can e're commit a fault.