[Music]
When Adam was created, he dwelt in Eden's shade,
As Moses has related, before a bride was made.
Ten thousand times ten thousand of creatures swarm'd around,
Before a bride was formed or any mate was found.
He had no consolation, but seemed as one alone,
Till, to his admiration, he found he'd lost a bone.
This woman was not taken from Adam's head, we know;
And she must not rule o'er him, 'tis evidently so.
This woman she was taken from near to Adam's heart,
By which we are directed that they should never part.
The book that's called the bible, be sure you don't neglect,
For in every sense of duty, it will you both direct.
The woman is commanded to do her husband's will,
In everything that's lawful, her duty to fulfill.
Great was his exultation to see her by his side;
Great was his elevation to have a loving bride.
This woman she was taken from under Adam's arm;
And she must be protected from injury and harm.
This woman was not taken from Adam's feet, we see;
And she must not be abus-ed, the meaning seems to be.
The husband is commanded to love his loving bride,
And live as does a Christian, and for his house provide.
The woman is commanded her husband to obey,
In everything that's lawful, until her dying day.
Avoiding all offenses, not sow the seed of strife,
These are the solemn duties of every man and wife.
A variant of the third line of the first stanza, found in SOC 188,
reads:
Ten thousand times ten thousand things wheel-ed all around.
The tune is especially announced in the _Sacred Harp_ as "original"
and by Elder E. Dumas, a Primitive Baptist. And it is dated 1869. An
older tune to the same text is given in this collection as 'Wedlock
(A)'. See also 'Wedlock', Sharp, ii., 272. 'The Banks of
Newfoundland', a capstan shanty, is essentially the same tune. See
JFSS, v., 300.
No. 44
LEP'ROUS JEW, SWP 43