Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1836-07-01
THE GRAY MARE IS THE BETTER
HORSE,

An old paper contains the following anu.
sing account OF the origin of the ABOVE
proverbial phrase, usually applied to those
unfortunate and distressed gentlemen who
live under the dominion of the female gov.
eminent, without thinking it always expe-
dent to act the part of Petrucio towards
his gentle Kate. Wat. Eagle.
A gentleman in certain town in Eng.
land married a young lady Of wealth aud
accomplishments, but alas he soon dis.
covered thst she was a most intolerable
shre,o. Afler enduring this earthly purga
tory as long as he could, he resolved to
break his letters, by deliberate separation.
He accordingly went to her father, and
with a rueful countenance informed him
that he could no longer live with his daugh
ter, and if lie would receive her back, he
would restore her whole fortune. The old
gentleman, after ascertaining the cause Of
his misery, calmly informed him that he
was in nearly the same situation Of every
married man.
The young gentleman, however, posi-
lively denied this assertion, and declared
that he was the most miserable being in
existence.
Sir" replied the old man, {" you must
have little knowledge Of the world, il you
do not know that all ,oomen govern their
husbands, though not in the same mode
In order, however to end the dispute. Twill
stake the truth q: MY assertion on the fol
lowing expedient if you will agree to adopt
it -
81 will furnish you with five horses which
you can harness TO a cart, in which | will
place basket of one hundred eggs, and if
kN nd
leaving a horse where you ascertain on
strict inquiry, that the husband governs,
and merely an egg where the wife rules,
you sha II find that the eggs are disposed Of
before the horses, ! trust that you will
not consider your own case so very desper
ate; but be satisfied to return home and
regard your life no worse than her neigh
bors. If, on the other hand, you get rid of
the horses before the eggs, will take my
daughter home again and you may retain
her fortune.
This proposal was eagerly accepted. and
our Benedict sailed forth in hopes Of soon
relieving himself of his five horses, and of
course his gentle mate. At the first house
where he arrived, he was soon convinced
that the iady governed, accordingly quietly
left an egg without inquiry.
At the next house he met with no better
success, and SO at every other house until
his eggs were nearly exhausted. At length
he came 10 the mansion Of gentleman Of
great afflnencc, when knocking at the door,
he inquired if the master was at home; and
he was told by servant that his master
was in bed--that if he would alight, his
mistress was in the parlor. He did 50, and
the lady received our traveller with much
civilty, and informed him, that unless his
business was urgent, she did not wish to
disturb her husband. why. really, mad
am, said he, 'as | only wish TO ask a ques
ton, you can answer it as well yourself !;
you may think it impairment, especially in
stranger /; but as a considerable wager
depends upon it, hope you will excuse me.
Pray then inform me whether you govern
your husband or he rules you. The lady
replied without hesitation, that it had al
ways been her pride to obey her husband
in all things--but that if wonlans word
was TO be suspected, in such a case, he
could answer for himself, for there he came.
The gentleman at that moment entered
the room and being informed of the bust
ness, confirmed every word which his wife
had reported, in her favor.
On this, he was requested to make Sc
lection from the FIVE horses in the cart, and
to accep. 1t as present.
An elegant black charger struck the
gentleman's fancy, but the lady preferred
the gray mare. The husband urg ed many
reasons why he preferred the black horse ;
but Madame still persisted in her preference
for the gray mare. sit is impossible" she
exclaimed, "that you will not take her -
but say you shall. for am sure the graz
mare is The better horse" swell mn dear,
replied the obedlent husband, If il must be
so"-"you must lake an egg" replied the
gentleman carter, land | must take my
my horse and endeavor to live happily with
my wife,"
SAFE REMEDY FOR REsTLEssNEss AT
NIGHT.-A man who kept small rnmsel-
ing establishment was a professor of re-