Quote by Jane Austen

And such is your definition of matrimony and dancing. Taken in that light, certainly their resemblance is not striking; but I think I could place them in such a view. You will allow that in both man has the advantage of choice, woman only the power of refusal; that in both it is an engagement between man and woman, formed for the advantage of each; and that when once entered into, they belong exclusively to each other till the moment of its dissolution; that it is their duty each to endeavor to give the other no cause for wishing that he or she had bestowed themselves elsewhere, and their best interest to keep their own imaginations from wandering towards the perfections of their neighbors, or fancying that they should have been better off with any one else.

Summary

This quote presents a comparison between matrimony and dancing, highlighting certain similarities. It suggests that both involve engagement between a man and a woman, where the man has the advantage of choosing while the woman can only refuse. Once entered into, both relationships are exclusive and require mutual effort to ensure that neither party feels the desire for someone else. The quote emphasizes the importance of refraining from comparing one's partner to others and finding contentment in the relationship they have chosen.