The wife’s defense of her Old Age

1. The wife’s defense of herOld Age “Filth and old age…are powerful wardens over chastity.” • (Lines 391-392)

2. The wife’s defense of Old Age • “To call an old man ‘father’ shows good breeding.” (Line 387)

3. The wife’s defense of her poverty • “Almighty God Himself…chose a life of poverty… Our Heavenly King would never stoop to choose a shameful thing.” • (Lines 354-358)

4. The wife’s defense of herpoverty • “No shame in poverty if the heart is gay.” • (Line 359)

5. The wife’s defense of her poverty • “He who accepts his poverty unhurt I’d say is rich although he lacked a shirt.” (Lines 361-362)

6. The wife’s defense of her poverty • “But truly poor are they who whine and fret And covet what they cannot hope to get.” (Lines 363-364)

7. The wife’s defense of herpoverty • “The poor can dance and sing in the relief Of having nothing that will tempt a thief.” (Lines 369-370)

8. The wife’s defense of herpoverty • “Poverty often when the heart is lowly, Brings one to God and teaches what is holy.” (Lines 378-379)

9. The Wife’s Defense of her lack of nobility • “Whoever loves to work for virtuous ends, … Take him to be the greatest gentleman.” (Lines 289-292)

10. The Wife’s defense of her lack of nobility • “Christ willed we take our gentleness from Him, Not from a wealth of ancestry long dim. …” (Lines 293-294)