that impotence may arise, for there is no difference, with respect to the onset of impotence, between a previous marriage and a subsequent marriage.

His statement, “Even if she says at some point, ‘I accepted him as impotent,’ her option is forfeited forever”: This is like a woman who accepted her husband as impotent, then came to experience the sexual desire women naturally experience and wished to annul the marriage. We say: You have no option. If she says: At that time I was fond of him and content, but the period has become prolonged, and now I no longer want him, we say: You have no option, because the negligence was on your part.

This teaches a person not to be excessive in matters, and not to assume that circumstances will last forever. Rather, he should exercise caution and prudence. Hence it is related in some reports: “Hate the one you hate with moderation; perhaps one day he may become beloved to you.” (1) This is correct. Do not go to extremes in matters; put things in their proper place, and take the future into account, so that you may be wise in what you do and what you say.