Before him were pens and ink and a roll of parchment.

This was the engagement contract.
The damages of breach of promise were assessed in advance and without respect of sex.

Whichever side repented of the bargain undertook to pay ten pounds by way of compensation for the broken pledge.

As a nation, Israel is practical and free from cant.

Romance and moonshine are beautiful things, but behind the glittering veil are always the stern realities of things and the weaknesses of human nature.