Quote by Queen Victoria
When I think of a merry, happy, free young girl -- and look at the ailing, aching state a young wife generally is doomed to -- which you can't deny is the penalty of marriage.
Summary
This quote highlights the contrasting portrayal of young girls who exude joy, freedom, and happiness, as opposed to young wives who often suffer from illness and pain. The speaker suggests that the troubled health of a wife is an unavoidable consequence of marriage. Through this observation, the quote implies that marriage can curtail the carefree nature and happiness typically associated with youth.