The Greek historian Diodorus records an Egyptian marriage contract in which the husband pledged his bride-to-be: I bow before your rights as wife. From this day on, I shall never oppose your claims with a single word. I recognize you before all others as my wife, though I do not have the right to say you must be mine, and only I am your husband and mate. You alone have the right of departure…I cannot oppose your wish wherever you desire to go. I give you…[here follows an index of the bridegroom’s possessions].27
