Be to her virtues very kind; Be to her faults a little blind; Let all her ways be unconfined; And clap your padlock - on her mind!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A husband should be generous toward his wife's virtues and overlook her minor faults. He should allow her freedom in her actions but control her thoughts and decisions.
- In plain terms
- Praise her good traits, ignore small mistakes, let her do what she wants, but keep her opinions in check.
- What can you take from it?
- Control a partner's mind while appearing generous about their behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is freedom valuable if the mind is controlled?
- How do we balance trust and control?
Another view
This view treats women as objects to be managed rather than equal partners.
More from Matthew Prior
Lays the rough paths of peevish Nature even, And opens in each heart a little heaven.
Permalink to quote #3 And thought the nation ne'er would thrive Till all the whores were burnt alive.
Permalink to quote #5 The end must justify the means.
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