OF CHILD AND MARRIAGE 95
one which is more than they who created it. I call marriage reverence unto each other as unto those who will such a will.
Let this be the significance and the truth of thy marriage. But that which the much-too-many call marriage, those superfluous alas, what call I that ?
Alas ! that soul's poverty of two ! Alas ! that soul's dirt of two ! Alas ! that miserable ease of two !
Marriage they call that; and they say marriage is made in heaven.
Well, I like it not, that heaven of the superfluous ! Nay, I like them not, those animals caught in heavenly nets !
Far from me also be the God who cometh halting to bless what he did not join together.
Laugh not at such marriages ! What child hath not reason to weep over its parents !
Worthy and ripe for the significance of earth appeared this man unto me, but when I saw his wife earth seemed unto me a madhouse.
Yea, I wish the earth would tremble in convulsions whenever a saint and a goose couple.
This one went out for truths like a hero and at last he secured a little dressed-up lie. He calleth it his marriage.
That one was reserved in intercourse and chose fas- tidiously. But suddenly he for ever spoiled his com- pany : he calleth this his marriage.
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