And she
so endured the wronging of her bed as never to have any quarrel with
her husband thereon. For she looked for Thy mercy upon him, that
believing in Thee, he might be made chaste. But besides this, he was
fervid, as in his affections, so in anger: but she had learnt not to
resist an angry husband, not in deed only, but not even in word.
Only when he was smoothed and tranquil, and in a temper to receive it,
she would give an account of her actions, if haply he had
overhastily taken offence. In a word, while many matrons, who had
milder husbands, yet bore even in their faces marks of shame, would in
familiar talk blame their husbands' lives, she would blame their
tongues, giving them, as in jest, earnest advice: "That from the
time they heard the marriage writings read to them, they should
account them as indentures, whereby they were made servants; and so,
remembering their condition, ought not to set themselves up against
their lords." And when they, knowing what a choleric husband she
endured, marvelled that it had never been heard, nor by any token
perceived, that Patricius had beaten his wife, or that there had
been any domestic difference between them, even for one day, and
confidentially asking the reason, she taught them her practice above
mentioned.
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