John Milton on Marriage
1608–1674 England
← All quotes by John Milton
7 quotes
Hail wedded love, mysterious law, true source
Of human offspring.
For nothing lovelier can be found
In woman, than to study household good,
And good works in her husband to promote.
The wife, where danger or dishonour lurks,
Safest and seemliest by her husband stays,
Who guards her, or with her the worst endures.
For what thou art is mine:
Our state cannot be sever'd; we are one,
One flesh; to lose thee were to lose myself.
Therefore God's universal law
Gave to the man despotic power
Over his female in due awe,
Not from that right to part an hour,
Smile she or lour.
Samson Agonistes (1671)
Awake,
My fairest, my espous'd, my latest found,
Heaven's last best gift, my ever new delight!
What thou bidd'st
Unargu'd I obey, so God ordains;
God is thy law, thou mine; to know no more
Is woman's happiest knowledge and her praise.