Courtship and Matrimony; Their Lights and Shades (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864 Excerpt: ...replied. Here a scene of recrimination ensued that beggars description. At last the infuriated husband stepped up to the painting to remove it himself--his wife endeavoured to deter him--a scuffle ensued--and, on hearing a loud scream from her, the neighbours rushed into the room and found the husband, furious as a mad bull, smashing the painting to pieces, and crying out, at the top of his voice, "There, madam, look there, madam--I'll let you see I'm master here " Thus arose, from so trivial a matter as the removal of a painting, this discordant matrimonial duet, and the scene that followed, which ultimately led to a separation of the parties. How important it is, therefore, that we should endeavour to control our tempers, and, giving way to each other's little faults and infirmities, bear in mind, that "The kindest and the happiest pair, Will find occasion to forbear, And something every day they live, To pity, and perhaps forgive." Cowper. "Keep your temper," is an excellent precept, that no one should lose sight of in married life. A gentleman in the south of England had these three words formed with brass nails hung in every room of his house to daily remind its inmates and himself of their vast importance. Some say it is difficult to keep the temper; but " Where there's a will there's a way," and much may be done to control and improve it by trying. Self-discipline in this respect would show how much may be accomplished. Gentleness and kindness are more powerful than a volley of the bitterest words; therefore, it is wise to control, if possible, those passions which degrade the man. The greatest men have had so perfect a command of their tempers that they have excited admiration. It would be well for every one t...