Meaning & Analysis
It is preferable to be the cherished companion of an older man than the neglected or abused partner of a younger man.
Insights
Pragmatism over Passion
The proverb champions pragmatism over passion, suggesting that choosing a partner who offers stability, financial security, and adoration is wiser than pursuing a relationship based on youthful attraction that may lead to neglect and hardship.
Security versus Neglect
It frames a choice between two life paths: one of being valued and cared for ('darling'), versus one of being mistreated or taken for granted ('warling'). The proverb advises choosing the path that ensures personal well-being and esteem.
Critique of Youthful Romance
The proverb critiques youthful romance as potentially fickle, selfish, and unreliable. The 'young man' is depicted as a 'warling' or 'worldling'—one who is abusive or too preoccupied with his own ambitions to be a devoted partner.
Marriage as an Economic Choice
This proverb reflects historical marital norms where unions were often pragmatic economic arrangements. For a woman, marrying an older, established man could offer financial security and social elevation, a stark contrast to the potential poverty and instability associated with a younger, less established partner.
Psychology of Security
The proverb underscores a psychological tension between the desire for passionate, youthful romance and the fundamental need for security and stability. It advocates for prioritizing long-term safety and comfort over the potential for fleeting, and possibly neglectful, passion.
Patriarchal Gender Dynamics
Rooted in a patriarchal worldview, the proverb frames a woman's value and well-being as entirely dependent on her male partner's affection and provision. Her choice is limited to being either a cherished 'darling' or a scorned 'warling', reinforcing traditional gender roles and female dependency.
Linguistic Significance
The archaic term 'warling' means 'an object of scorn or abuse', while 'worldling' suggests a person preoccupied with worldly affairs. Both alternatives paint the young man as a source of neglect or mistreatment, highlighting a cynical view of youthful relationships as unreliable and potentially cruel.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb's structure is built on the direct contrast between the 'old man's darling' and the 'young man's warling', creating a powerful and memorable dichotomy.
Parallelism
The phrases 'old man's darling' and 'young man's warling' follow a mirrored grammatical structure, which enhances the proverb's rhythm and makes the comparison more direct and impactful.
Alliteration
The repetition of the 'd' sound in 'darling' and the 'w' sound in 'warling' or 'worldling' adds a lyrical quality to the proverb, making it more pleasing to the ear and easier to remember.
Transcription
Quotations
I doe not thinke but twere better be an old mans darling, then a young mans worldling.
I doe not thinke but twere better be an old mans darling, then a young mans worldling.
(Better be).
(worldling).
(Better be).
Better an old Man's Darling, than a young Mans Wonderling.
(Better be).
[As in 1664 Cod.]
*Warling, say the English. I know not what either Wonderling or Warling signifieth, but it is used as an Argument to induce a young Girl to marry an old Man, to the doing of which no Arguments should prevail.
Annotations
- object of abuse
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.