Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia

ON MARRIAGE

h you have made of the two states, it appears that the incommodities of a single life are in a great measure necessary and certain, but those of the conjugal state accidental and avoidable. I cannot forbear to flatter myself that prudence and benevolence will make marriage happy. The general folly of mankind i

ream of one another. Having little to divert attention or diversify thought, they find themselves uneasy when they are apart, and therefore conclude that they shall be

ld before the father is willing to forsake it, and there is hardly room at once for two generations. The daughter be

f youthful pleasures, life may be well enough supported without the help of a partner. Longer time will increase experience, and wider views will a

ed; and I have often proposed it to those whose accuracy of remark and comprehensiveness of knowledge made their suffrages worthy of regard. They have generally determined that it is dangerous for a man and woman to suspend their fate up

has settled into regularity, it is soon succeeded by pride ashamed to yield, or obstinacy delighting to contend. And even though mutual esteem produces mutual desire to please, time itself, as it modifies unchangeably the external mien, determines likewise the directi

f choice forgotten or neglected. Whenever I shall seek a wife, it sh

ses where something must be done, and where little can be said. Consider the state of mankind, and inquire how few can be supposed to act upon any occasions, whether small or great, with all the r

of this advantage they will be likely to leave them, ignorant and helpless, to a guardian's mercy; or if that shou

early love, and the convenience of uniting with manners pliant and minds susceptible of new impressions, which might wear

ry late are best pleased with their children,

hat could be wished. Perhaps there is a time when marriage might unite t

ede from another. There are goods so opposed that we cannot seize both, but by too much prudence may pass between them at too great a distance to reach either. This is often the fate of long consideration; he does nothing who endeavours to do more than is allowed to humanity. Flatter not yours