Corsets and Wedding Rings

Pull the laces tighter

A waist of 5 inches

No more

Get a ring on that finger

From a man with honor

Or you won't get your father's money

Be a good wife

Sit still

Look pretty

You're useful for a heir

And appearances

The house you grew up in

Bears your husbands name

On legal documents

If you're not a wife

You're a disgrace

Be kind to the men

Treat them with respect

But not too much

Or the town will shame you

And the nunnery will have a spot with your name on it

Powder and blush

Pale skin and a delicate flush

Petticoats and gloves

You should be as pure as a dove

You either sit still for portraits

Or clean the pots and pans

Doesn’t matter how

Pretty or smart you are

You'll never be as good as a man