What Does This Mean: 'There are rubies in the saddle bags'
Cannot seem to locate anything on Google.
shareHe just means, if you marry her you will be rich. He has just compared her to a mule, after all.
shareHe has just compared her to a mule, after all.
His lack of concern for his daughter's happiness is utterly appalling. He really does act as if she is just a piece of property, rather than a human being with feelings. I know that back then it was the father who made the ultimate decision about who his daughter would marry, but he didn't even bother to mention it to her, let alone ask her how she felt about Wessex. share
"His lack of concern for his daughter's happiness is utterly appalling. He really does act as if she is just a piece of property, rather than a human being with feelings. I know that back then it was the father who made the ultimate decision about who his daughter would marry, but he didn't even bother to mention it to her, let alone ask her how she felt about Wessex."
Absolutely!
Wessex:Is she obedient?
Sir Robert de Lesseps: As any mule in Christendom - but if you are the man to ride her, there are rubies in the saddlebag.
The father is saying she'll be an obedient wife and (rather appallingly as if he knew???) a great lay and a good breeder.
Not quite. Mules are well known for NOT being obedient animals - they're so notoriously stubborn that 'stubborn as a mule' is a saying. Her father is saying "Well she's not obedient, no, she's a bit of a pain in the ass, but on the other hand if you marry her you'll be rich. So it's worth it."
shareYes, let's judge 16th century mores by those of the 21st century. smh
Btw, that portrayal is a more traditional marriage than what we have today.