Note, 1. He that is blessed with a good wife is as happy as if he were
upon the throne, for she is no less than a crown to him. A virtuous
woman, that is pious and prudent, ingenious and industrious, that is
active for the good of her family and looks well to the ways of her
household, that makes conscience of her duty in every relation, a woman
of spirit, that can bear crosses without disturbance, such a one owns
her husband for her head, and therefore she is a crown to him, not only
a credit and honour to him, as a crown is an ornament, but supports and
keeps up his authority in his family, as a crown is an ensign of power.
She is submissive and faithful to him and by her example teaches his
children and servants to be so too. 2. He that is plagued with a bad
wife is as miserable as if he were upon the dunghill; for she is no
better than rottenness in his bones, an incurable disease, besides that
she makes him ashamed. She that is silly and slothful, wasteful and
wanton, passionate and ill-tongued, ruins both the credit and comfort
of her husband. If he go abroad, his head is hung down, for his wife's
faults turn to his reproach. If he retire into himself, his heart is
sunk; he is continually uneasy; it is an affliction that preys much
upon the spirits.