I heard, my young friend
You were seeking a wife,
A woman to make
Your companion for life.
Now, if you are seeking
A wife for your youth,
Let this be your aim, then—
Seek a woman of truth.
She may not have talents,
With greatness combined,
Her gifts may be humble,
Of person and mind:
But if she be constant,
And gentle, and true,
Believe me my friend,
She 's the woman for you!
Oh! wed not for beauty,
Though fair is the prize;
It may pall when you grasp it,
And fade in your eyes.
Let gold not allure you,
Let wealth not attract;
With a house full of treasure,
A woman may lack.
Let her habits be frugal,
Her hands not afraid
To work in her household
Or follow her trade.
Let her language be modest,
Her actions discreet;
Her manners refined,
And free from deceit.
Now if such you should find,
In your journey through life,
Just open your mind,
And make her your wife.