Lady - The Ladies Defence: (Chap. 9) lyrics

And then the' important Doctrine I'll improve, these are the steps by which I mean to move. And first, because you were by Heaven designed to be the Comforts of our Nobler kind, for us alone with tempting graces and for our sake by bounteous nature drest. With all the choicest beauties of her store, and made so fine, that she could add no more. And dare you now, as if it were in spite, Become our plagues, when formed for our Delight? Consider next, we are for you accursed, we sinned, but you, alas! were guilty first. Unhappy Eve unto her Ruin led, Tempted by Pride, on the bright Poison fed, Then to her thoughtless Husband gave a Part, He eat, seduced by her bewitching Art. And 'twas but just that for so great a Fault She should be to a strict Subjection brought, so strict, her Thoughts should be no more her own, but all subservient made to him alone. Had she not erred, her Task had easy been, he owed his change of humor to her Sin. From that unhappy Hour he Peevish grew, and she no more of solid Pleasure knew. His Looks a sullen Haughtiness did wear, and all his Words were Scornful, or Severe, his Mind so rough, Love could not harbor there. The gentle God in hast forsook his seat,and freighted fled to some more soft retreat, his Place was by a thousand Ills possessed, the crowding Demons thronged into his breast, and left no Room for tender Pa**ions there, his Sons with him in the sad Change did share. His Sourness soon Hereditary grew,and its Effects are still perceived by you. With all your Patience, all your Toil and Art, you scarce can keep the surly Husband's Heart.Your Kindness hardly can Esteem create, yet do not blame him, since it is his Fate.