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SATYR.
SURE Marriages were never so well fitted,
As when to Matrimony Men were committed,
Like Thieves, by Justices; and to a Wife
Bound, like to good Behaviour, during Life;
5 For then 'twas but a civil Contract made,
Between two Partners, that set up a Trade;
And if both fail'd, there was no Conscience,
Nor Faith invaded, in the strictest Sense;
No Canon of the Church, nor Vow was broke,
10 When Men did free their gall'd Necks from the Yoke;
But when they tir'd, like other horned Beasts,
Might have it taken off, and take their Rests,
Without b'ing bound in Duty to shew Cause,
Or reckon with divine, or human Laws.
15 For since, what use of Matrimony has been,
But to make Galantry a greater Sin?
As when to Matrimony Men were committed,
Like Thieves, by Justices; and to a Wife
Bound, like to good Behaviour, during Life;
5 For then 'twas but a civil Contract made,
Between two Partners, that set up a Trade;
And if both fail'd, there was no Conscience,
Nor Faith invaded, in the strictest Sense;
No Canon of the Church, nor Vow was broke,
10 When Men did free their gall'd Necks from the Yoke;
But when they tir'd, like other horned Beasts,
Might have it taken off, and take their Rests,
Without b'ing bound in Duty to shew Cause,
Or reckon with divine, or human Laws.
15 For since, what use of Matrimony has been,
But to make Galantry a greater Sin?