" [15]
For love is brittle. Do not risk even any little jar; it may be
"The little rift within the lute,
That by and by will make the music mute,
And ever widening slowly silence all." [16]
Love is delicate; "Love is hurt with jar and fret," and you might as well
expect a violin to remain in tune if roughly used, as Love to survive if
chilled or driven into itself. But what a pleasure to keep it alive by
"Little, nameless, unremembered acts
Of kindness and of love." [17]
"She whom you loved and chose," says Bondi,
"Is now your bride,
The gift of heaven, and to your trust consigned;
Honor her still, though not with passion blind;
And in her virtue, though you watch, confide.
Be to her youth a comfort, guardian, guide,
In whose experience she may safety find;
And whether sweet or bitter be assigned,
The joy with her, as well as pain divide.
Yield not too much if reason disapprove;
Nor too much force; the partner of your life
Should neither victim be, nor tyrant prove.
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