Advice from learned men of faith on the proper utility of domestic chastisement:
When you see your wife commit an offense, don’t rush at her with insults and violent blows. Scold her sharply, bully and terrify her. And if this still doesn’t work, take up a stick and beat her soundly, for it is better to punish the body and correct the soul than to damage the soul and spare the body. Then readily beat her, not in rage but out of charity and concern for her soul, so that the beating will redound to your merit and her good.
Friar Cherubino of Siena
For as [the husband] is to answer for her misbehavior, the law thought it reasonable to intrust him with this power of chastisement, in the same moderation that a man is allowed to correct his apprentices or children.
Sir William Blackstone
To use towards his wife such a degree of force as is necessary to control an unruly temper and make her behave herself; and unless some permanent injury be inflicted to gratify his own bad passions, the law will not invade the domestic forum, or go behind the curtain.
Mississippi Supreme Court
A wife isn't a jug, she won't crack if you hit her ten times.
Russian Proverb
A spaniel, a woman, and a walnut tree, the more they're beaten, the better they be.
English Proverb
A wife married is like a pony bought; I'll ride her and whip her as I like.
Chinese Proverb
