To My Dear and Loving Husband

To My Dear and Loving Husband
by Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672)
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This pendant bead is named after a poem by Anne Bradstreet, a Puritan housewife who lived in New England in the 1600s, educated herself in various subjects, and wrote poetry although she lived in a community that frowned on educated women.

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If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me ye women if you can.
I prize thy love more then whole
Mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompence.
Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

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For details about the pendant and other creations by the Beadshaper, see Beadshaper's Gallery