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　　TO A FRIEND ON HIS MARRIAGE

　　(1833)

　　What makes a happy wedlock? What has fate

　　Not given to thee in thy well-chosen mate?

　　Good sense—good humour;—these are trivial things,

　　Dear M——, that each trite encomiast sings.

　　But she hath these, and more. A mind exempt

　　From every low-bred passion, where contempt,

　　Nor envy, nor detraction, ever found

　　A harbour yet; an understanding sound;

　　Just views of right and wrong; perception full

　　Of the deformed, and of the beautiful,

　　In life and manners; wit above her sex,

　　Which, as a gem, her sprightly converse decks;

　　Exuberant fancies, prodigal of mirth,

　　To gladden woodland walk, or winter hearth;

　　A noble nature, conqueror in the strife

　　Of conflict with a hard discouraging life,

　　Strengthening the veins of virtue, past the power

　　Of those whose days have been one silken hour,

　　Spoil'd fortune's pamper'd offspring; a keen sense

　　Alike of benefit, and of offence,

　　With reconcilement quick, that instant springs

　　From the charged heart with nimble angel wings;

　　While grateful feelings, like a signet sign'd

　　By a strong hand, seem burnt into her mind.

　　If these, dear friend, a dowry can confer

　　Richer than land, thou hast them all in her;

　　And beauty, which some hold the chiefest boon,

　　Is in thy bargain for a make-weight thrown. The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 4