Grocott & Ward, comps. Grocott’s Familiar Quotations, 6th ed. 189-?.
Hostages
He that hath a wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief.
Lord Bacon.—Essay VIII., Of Marriage and Single Life.
He that hath a wife and children, wants not business.
George Herbert.—Jacula Prudentum.
How many pledges have you given to fortune?
Erasmus.—Household of Sir Thomas More, Page 50.