Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 January 1876 — To a Young Married Friend. [ARTICLE]

To a Young Married Friend.

The Hartford (Conn.) Times publishes the following: Mt Dear Kitty—The music of your “ Wedding March” still lingers in the air and ere its echoes fade from my memory I would seize the inspiration of the moment to write you a little advice on matrimony. In the midst of your joy you can afford to listen for a few moments to the sage counsels of one who has grown old and gray (metaphorically speaking) battling with inevitable must be’s and can’t be’s of married life. Now, my dear Kitty, these bees are very harmless and amiable when allowed to have their own way; but the moment you show fight they will sting, as it’s a part of their nature to unless skillfully met and subdued. But if you pet them and give them plenty of nectar they will make honey for you all their days. I suppose you know, Kitty, that bees don’t like vinegar. They will take the poorest molasses in preference, but their natural and favorite food is nectar and ambrosia, so I advise you lay in large supplies of both these articles, as they cannot be had at all seasons of the year. They only grow on the southern borders of that country called Domestic Felicity. This land is not down on the common maps or in the “railway guides,” but I am quite sure you will find it. I should be glad to make you happy by telling you that matrimonial life is a perpetual calm of sunny skies and balmy airs, but truth and candor compel me to admit that across the fairest matrimonial horizon there will sometimes come a “ squall;” and I suppose this is best.. The calm might turn to insipid monotony, whereas a good smart thunder-storm, now and then clears the air of foul vapors and lends piquancy to life. That you may the better meet these atmospheric changes I advise you to put on the helmet of fidelity, the breastplate of true love, the water-proof cloak of charity and the overshoes of economy (that takes well with men). Then, holding aloft the umbrella of patience, you will be prepared for the worst, for “there are storms on life’s dark waters.” From your affectionate aunt,

PUSSY WILLOW.

Nkw Bbitaix, Jan.. 8,1875.