THE END OF THE TEN PLEASURES OF MARRIAGE.

* * * * *

A LETTER

From one Friend to another,

Desiring to know whether it be advisable to marry.

SIR,

I must acknowledge that the Letter which you have writ me hath given me some incumbrance, and made me more then three times to ruminate upon the question you propounded to me concerning Marriage; for it is a matter of great importance, that ought to be well pondered and considered of, before one should adventure to solemnize & celebrate it.  Several of my familiar friends have troubled me touching the very same subject, and I gave them every one my advice according as they were affected; but me-thinks I ought not to deal so loose and unboundedly with you, by reason I dare speak unto you with more freedom and truth.  First, there are two things which bind me strictly to you, Nature and the Affection; and moreover the great knowledge I have of this so necessary an evil.  I will tell you my opinion, then you may use your own discretion, whether you will approve of my meaning for advice or not.  For my part, I beleeve that of all the disasters we are subject to in our life time, that of Marriage takes preference from all the rest:  But for as much as it is necessary for the multiplying the World, it is fit it should be used by such as are not sensible of it, and can hardly judge of the consequences thereof.  Neither do I esteem any man unhappy, let whatsoever disasters there will happen to him, if he doth not fall beyond his sence so far as to take a Wife.  Those troubles that may befall us otherwise, are alwaies of so small a strength! that he who hath but the least magnanimity may easily overpower them.  But the Tortures of Marriage are such a burthen, that I never saw no man, let him be as couragious as he would, which it hath not brought under the yoke of her Tyranny.  Marry then, you shall have a thousand vexations, a thousand torments, a thousand dissatisfactions, a thousand plagues; and in a word, a thousand sort of repentings, which will accompany you to your Grave.  You may take or chuse what sort of a Wife you will, she’l make you every day repent your taking of her.  What cares will come then to awake and disturb you in the middle of your rest! and the fear of some mischance or other will feed your very spirit with a continual trouble.  For a morning-alarm you shall have the children to awaken you out of sleep.  Their lives shall hasten your death.  You shall never be at quiet till you are in your Grave.  You will be pining at many insufferable troubles, and a thousand several cogitations will be vexing your spirits at the chargeable maintenance of your Family.  Insomuch that your very Soul will be tormented with incessant crosses, which alwaies accompany this evil, in the very happiest marriages.  So that a Man ought in reality to confess, that he