Horses (thou say'st) and asses men may try, And ring…
“Horses (thou say'st) and asses men may try, And ring suspected vessels ere they buy; But wives, a random choice, untried they take; They dream in courtship, but in wedlock wake; Then, nor till then, the veil's removed away, And all the woman glares in open day.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem humorously critiques marriage, suggesting women are chosen randomly and untested, leading to disappointment when reality replaces idealized courtship.
In simple terms: Marriage is portrayed as a risky, untested gamble that often disappoints.
Key Takeaway
Approach relationships with realistic expectations.
Themes
marriage
courtship
gender roles
satire
Mood
wry
skeptical
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- dating
- marriage counseling
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
social contracts
marriage expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- What expectations do we bring into marriage?
- How can we ensure partners are truly known before commitment?
A Different Perspective
The view reflects outdated gender stereotypes and may not hold today.