What shall I do to prove how much I love her?
How many millions of deeds will suffice?

I will bring down the stars from heav'n above her
To make them sham'd by the fire in her eyes.

Dryden.

In love, the heavens themselves do guide the state; Money buys lands, and wives are sold by fate.

Shakespeare

(Merry Wives of Windsor).

December 29.

Melting joys about her move,

Killing pleasures, wounding blisses,
She can dress her eyes in love,
And her lips can warm with kisses.

Earl of Rochester, 1647.

By yon blest heaven, my heart runs
O'er with fondness.

December 30.

As the spur is for the jade,
As the scabbard for the blade,
As for liquor is the can,
So is man for woman made,
And woman made for man.

Otway.

Motteaux, 1660.

If she love me, this believe,
I shall die ere she shall grieve.

G. Wither.

December 29.

December 30.

Here's to the wives we can trust
When the storms of adversity blaw;

May they live in our song and be nearest our hearts,
Nor depart like the year that's awa'.

Suffer not trifles to win thy love,
For a wife is thine unto death.

Scotch Song.

Tupper.

Then be not coy, but use your time,
And whilst ye may, go marry;
For having lost but once your prime,
You may for ever tarry.

ROBERT HERRICK.