John Alden and Priscilla Mullins
One of the earliest romances in the American colonies
Immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1858 poem, The Courtship of Miles Standish, John Alden's marriage to Priscilla Mullins was one the earliest romances in the American colonies. While the story is not verifiable, many experts do believe it in fact happened.
Alden and Mullins arrived on the Mayflower in 1630. Shortly thereafter, Standish, "a blunt old captain, a man not of words but of actions," according to Longfellow, took a liking to Mullins, "the loveliest maiden of Plymouth."
However, although Standish was fearless in battle, he was too shy to confront Mullins directly, so he sent his young friend, Alden. The soft-spoken Alden was "Fair-haired, azure-eyed, with delicate Saxon complexion/Having the dew of his youth, and the beauty thereof. . ."
After Alden had pleaded Standish's case, Mullins said, "Why don't you speak for yourself, John?" It was clear that Alden and Mullins were in love, but the couple was afraid of offending Standish. When they received word that the captain had been killed fighting Indians, Alden and Mullins agreed to marry. At the end of the wedding, Standish, who had not been killed after all, appeared, and seeing what had transpired, gave the newlyweds his blessing and asked their forgiveness for his previous behavior.
Alden and Mullins had 11 children and were among the founders of the town of Duxbury, Massachusetts.
Famous Love Stories in History
Anthony and Cleopatra
The last Pharaon of Egypt and the dashing Roman general
Abelard and Heloise
A monk and a nun whose love letters became famous
Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal
Grieving emperor who built the Taj Mahal for his late wife
John Alden and Priscilla Mullins
One of the earliest romances in the American colonies
Abigail and John Adams
A half-century love affair during the Revolutionary War
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
English royalty who mourned her husband's death for 40 years
Robert and Elizabeth Browning
A secret courtship between two legendary poets
Marie and Pierre Curie
Partners in love and science
Annie Oakley and Frank Butler
Skilled rifle shots who inspired an American musical
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne
Broadway couple who reigned for 55 years
Love, romance and relationship quotes for your soul
- 'Love is the great miracle cure. Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.'
~ Louise Hay - 'The greatest thing you'll ever learn
Is to love and be loved in return.'
~ From 'Unforgettable with Love' Natalie Cole - 'Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it. Bitterness paralyzes life; love empowers it. Bitterness sours life; love sweetens it. Bitterness sickens life; love heals it. Bitterness blinds life; love anoints its eyes.'
~ Harry Emerson Fosdick