The comfortable estate of widowhood is the only hope that keeps up a wife's spirits.

John Gay’s quote presents a somewhat cynical view of marriage and widowhood. He suggests that, for some women, the only source of comfort or hope in a difficult marriage might be the idea that they could eventually be freed from their marital commitments through widowhood. The phrase "the comfortable estate of widowhood" implies that, while a woman may face challenges in her marriage, the thought of eventual freedom—should she lose her husband—becomes a source of solace or even empowerment. It reflects a view that some women may endure hardship in marriage with the hope of escaping it, albeit through tragic circumstances.

This quote can also be seen as a commentary on the limitations of a woman's role in a marriage during Gay's time. In an era when women had fewer rights and opportunities outside of their husband’s authority, the notion of widowhood as a "comfortable estate" speaks to the lack of agency women may have felt in their marital lives. Widowhood, in this context, was perhaps the only way for a woman to gain independence and freedom without having to break societal norms or challenge the established system.

John Gay, an English poet and playwright in the 17th century, often used his works to comment on the social norms and human nature of his time. His quote about widowhood reflects his satirical style, which frequently critiqued society’s treatment of women, marriage, and relationships. Gay was known for writing works that poked fun at the hypocrisies and contradictions of social conventions, and this quote fits within that larger theme.

Ultimately, Gay's statement exposes the difficulties and restrictions of marriage for women in his era, highlighting how widowhood might be seen as a means of escape from what many might have viewed as the oppressive structure of their lives. While the quote uses humor and irony, it subtly underscores the challenges women faced in navigating the social expectations of marriage and their limited agency within it.