act correctly. Matrimony
should be something like the union of the ivy and the oak: the latter is
firm, and capable of supporting its more tender companion; the ivy,
however, must follow in some measure the humors and windings of the oak;
but they grow together, and the longer they continue the more closely
they are united. There have been many instances of great attachment.
Porcia, the wife of Brutus, when she heard of her husband's death
swallowed burning coals that she might go with him. Alceste, wife of
Admetus king of Thessaly, sacrificed herself for the safety of her
husband. This monarch was ill; and when the oracle was consulted, it was
declared that he would not recover except some friend would die for him;
and as no one else would do so, the wife heroically drank a cup of
poison. Paulina the wife of Seneca in his old age, was young, beautiful,
and accomplished; and she was so much attached to her husband, that when
the veins of Seneca were opened by the command of Nero, she caused her
own to be cut, that she might also bleed to death. When Conrad III. had
taken the town of Winsberg in Bavaria, he allowed only the women to go
out; but they had leave to carry with them as much as they pleased. They
loaded themselves, therefore, with their husbands and children, and
brought them all out on their shoulders! When love is genuine; when
professions are sincere, and the practice agreeable therewith; when
health is enjoyed, and as many comforts as are necessary for this life;
when children grow up in vigor, good behaviour, and mental improvement;
when old age is solaced by the company of each other, and the kind
attention of daughters and sons; then matrimony is a cause of
happiness.

But if all these enjoyments were the lot of every married person, men
would become too much contented with the present life, and they would
scarcely think, as they sail on smoothly, of the haven, for which they
are bound. Besides, the fascinations of domestic life would attract
them from many duties which they owe to their fellow creatures. There
are then many disadvantages connected with matrimony. There is so
much ignorance, perverseness, undue inclination for power, disposition
to contradict, anger, jealousy, hatred, and versatility among human
beings that many unpleasant occurrences will necessarily arise, and
especially in the marriage state, because here most of these feelings
are brought into action, and are most sensibly felt by t