Marriage - a book of which the first chapter is written in poetry and the remaining chapters in prose.

The quote, "Marriage - a book of which the first chapter is written in poetry and the remaining chapters in prose," comes from Beverley Nichols, an English author and playwright known for his humorous and insightful observations on domestic life. Nichols, who was a keen observer of relationships, often wrote about the complexities of marriage and human connection. In this quote, he uses the metaphor of a book to describe the evolving nature of a marriage, suggesting that while the initial phase is filled with romantic idealism and poetry, it often settles into the more practical, everyday realities of prose.

The first chapter of marriage, according to Nichols, represents the honeymoon phase, where love, passion, and excitement dominate, much like the lyrical and idealistic nature of poetry. This phase is often marked by emotional highs and a sense of endless possibility. Nichols likens this to the beauty and romance of poetry, where everything seems perfect and idealized, a stark contrast to the challenges that inevitably follow in the later chapters.

However, Nichols also acknowledges that as time goes on, the initial romance often gives way to the mundane aspects of life—symbolized by prose. The everyday tasks, responsibilities, and challenges of living together make marriage less about fantasy and more about practicality and compromise. While prose lacks the beauty and romance of poetry, it is the medium that sustains the marriage through its more routine and less exciting phases.

Ultimately, Nichols' quote reflects the natural progression of marriage, from the idealized beginnings to the more grounded and realistic long-term relationship. It suggests that while marriage may start in a burst of romantic poetry, its lasting success depends on how partners navigate the everyday realities, making it work through patience, understanding, and commitment—all aspects of the "prose" of life.