51 As doth the house beseem, she shows her wifely dignity; As doth her husband's wealth befit, she spends: helpmeet is she.

52 If household excellence be wanting in the wife, Howe'er with splendour lived, all worthless is the life.

53 There is no lack within the house, where wife in worth excels, There is no luck within the house, where wife dishonoured dwells.

54 If woman might of chastity retain, What choicer treasure doth the world contain?

55 No god adoring, low she bends before her lord [in respect]; Then rising, serves: the rain falls instant at her word [by GOD's leave]!

56 Who guards herself, for husband's comfort cares, her household's fame In perfect wise with sleepless soul preserves, — give her a woman's name!

57 Of what avail is watch and ward? Honour's a woman's safest guard.

58 If wife be wholly true to him who gained her as his bride, Great glory gains she in the world where gods [angels] in bliss abide.

59 Who have not spouses that in virtue's praise delight, They lion-like can never walk in scorners' sight.

60 The house's 'blessing,' men pronounce the house-wife excellent; The gain of blessed children is its goodly ornament.