Allan Ramsay. [A biography.] - National Library of Scotland

CHAPTER IV
THE EASY CLUBj EARLY POEMS; EDINBURGH OF LAST
CENTURY— I 7 1 2 - 1
Ramsay's marriage was the turning-point of his career.
To him, as to every man who reaHses not alone the
moral but the social obligations he assumes when under-
taking the holy charge of rendering a woman's life
happier and brighter than ever before, the responsi-
bilities of his new relation crystallised into the mould of
definite effort the energies hitherto diffused throughout
numberless diverse channels. Seldom has the philosophy
of wedded bliss been more felicitously stated than in his
Advice to Mr. on his Marriage. He remarks, as
though drawing on the fund of his own experience
' Alake ! poor mortals are not gods,
And therefore often fall at odds
But little quarrels now and then,
Are nae great faults 'tween wife and man.
These help right often to improve
His understanding, and her love.
If e'er she take the pet, or fret,
Be calm, and yet maintain your state ;
An' smiling ca' her little foolie,
Syne wi' a kiss evite a tulzie.
This method's ever thought the braver
Than either cuffs or clish-ma-daver.
It shows a spirit low an' common
That wi' ill-nature treats a woman.
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