From Butler’s Lives of the Saints
In his parænetic poem to St. Olympias he (ie. St. Gregory Nazianzen) lays down excellent rules for the conduct of married women. Among other precepts he says: “In the first place, honor God; then respect your husband as the eye of your life; for he is to direct your conduct and actions. Love only him; make him your joy and your comfort. Take care never to give him any occasion of offence or disgust. Yield to him in his anger: comfort and assist him in his pains and afflictions, speaking to him with sweetness and tenderness, and making him prudent and modest remonstrances at seasonable times. It is not by violence and strength that the keepers of lions endeavor to tame them when they see them enraged; but they sooth and caress them, stroking them gently, and speaking with a soft voice. Never let his weaknesses be the subject of your reproaches It can never be just or allowable for you to treat a person in this manner whom you ought to prefer to the whole world.” He prays that this holy woman might become the mother of many children; that there might be the more souls to sing the praises of Jesus Christ.
