Miscellanies 2.23.137

Since marriage seems to fall under pleasure and desire, we must discuss it too. Marriage, then, is the first lawful union of a man and a woman for the sowing of legitimate children. The comic poet Menander, at any rate, says: “For the plowing of legitimate children I give you my own daughter.” We ask whether one should marry, which belongs among the things called relative. For who should marry, and in what condition? And whom, and in what condition? For not everyone should marry, nor at every time; but there is a time when it is fitting, a person to whom it is suitable, and an age up to which it is. So not everyone should marry every woman, nor always, nor altogether and without restraint; but the one in a certain condition, and the right kind of woman, and when it is necessary, and for the sake of children, and a woman alike in every way, who does not love the man who loves her by force or compulsion.