He that is old and marries with a LASS lies but at home and proves himself an ass

Insights

Folly of Misaligned Desires

The proverb critiques the mismatch between physical aging and youthful desire, highlighting the imprudence of seeking youthful companionship in old age. It implies a natural dissonance between generational experiences and suggests that such unions often lead to ridicule or dissatisfaction.

Social Consequences of Vanity

It symbolizes the vanity and self-deception of those who ignore their limitations—especially older men who pursue younger women for status or pleasure. The proverb subtly shames such behavior, portraying it as socially inappropriate and personally humiliating.

Age, Gender, and Power Dynamics

The proverb reflects early modern anxieties about power imbalances in marriage, especially when older men sought youthful brides. While seemingly comedic, it underlines a deeper cultural discomfort with aging masculinity and its perceived impotence, both physically and socially.

Moral Satire in Popular Wisdom

This saying exemplifies the moralistic tone of traditional proverbs—serving as both caution and ridicule. It acts as a socially sanctioned form of satire, reinforcing communal norms and ridiculing transgressions under the guise of wit.

Proverbial Animal Imagery

By equating the old husband to an 'ass', the proverb leverages animal imagery to emphasize folly, obstinacy, and a lack of self-awareness—common symbolic traits associated with donkeys in European folklore.

Rhetorical Devices

Rhyme

The end rhyme of 'lass' and 'ass' adds rhythm and memorability to the line, enhancing its utility as a biting moral aphorism.

Irony

The phrase uses situational irony to portray what should be a joyful union (marriage) as a self-inflicted humiliation, making the wisdom sting sharper.

Animal Metaphor

Calling the man an 'ass' is a pointed metaphor, invoking centuries of cultural associations with stubbornness and foolishness.