Couplet 51
As doth the house beseem, she shows her wifely dignity;
As doth her husband's wealth befit, she spends: help - meet is she
Explanation
She who has the excellence of home virtues, and can expend within the means of her husband, is a help in the domestic state
Couplet 52
If household excellence be wanting in the wife,
Howe'er with splendour lived, all worthless is the life
Explanation
If the wife be devoid of domestic excellence, whatever (other) greatness be possessed, the conjugal state, is nothing
Couplet 53
There is no lack within the house, where wife in worth excels,
There is no luck within the house, where wife dishonoured dwells
Explanation
If his wife be eminent (in virtue), what does (that man) not possess ? If she be without excellence, what does (he) possess ?
Couplet 54
If woman might of chastity retain,
What choicer treasure doth the world contain
Explanation
What is more excellent than a wife, if she possess the stability of chastity ?
Couplet 55
No God adoring, low she bends before her lord;
Then rising, serves: the rain falls instant at her word
Explanation
If she, who does not worship God, but who rising worships her husband, say, "let it rain," it will rain
Couplet 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
Explanation
She is a wife who unweariedly guards herself, takes care of her husband, and preserves an unsullied fame
Couplet 57
Of what avail is watch and ward?
Honour's woman's safest guard
Explanation
What avails the guard of a prison ? The chief guard of a woman is her chastity
Couplet 58
If wife be wholly true to him who gained her as his bride,
Great glory gains she in the world where gods bliss abide
Explanation
If women shew reverence to their husbands, they will obtain great excellence in the world where the gods flourish
Couplet 59
Who have not spouses that in virtue's praise delight,
They lion-like can never walk in scorner's sight
Explanation
The man whose wife seeks not the praise (of chastity) cannot walk with lion-like stately step, before those who revile them
Couplet 60
The house's 'blessing', men pronounce the house-wife excellent;
The gain of blessed children is its goodly ornament
Explanation
The excellence of a wife is the good of her husband; and good children are the jewels of that goodness
