Mary Astell, "The 'Husband'" (Adapted from Some Reflections Upon Marriage, 1700)

But, alas! what poor woman is ever taught that she should have a higher design than to get her a husband?

Heaven will fall in of course;

and if she make but an obedient and dutiful wife, she cannot miss of it.

A husband indeed is thought by both sexes to be so very valuable,

that scarce a man who can keep himself clean and make a bow,

but thinks he is good enough to pretend to any woman;

no matter the difference of birth or fortune, a husband is such a wonder-working name as to make an equality,

or something more,

whenever it is pronounced.