"A pretty wife is something for the fastidious vanity of a rougue to retire upon"

This quote by Thomas Moore is a funny way of saying that a male who is a little bit of a rogue, or a rascal, can find solace in having a beautiful wife. Moore suggests that a male who is not necessarily a great individual can discover convenience in having a pretty partner, as it is something that can boost his vanity. This quote is a pointer that beauty is often seen as a type of power, which a man can use his spouse's appeal to make himself feel better. It also indicates that a male's vanity is an effective force, and that it can be utilized to make up for his shortcomings. Ultimately, this quote is a suggestion that beauty can be an effective tool, and that it can be utilized to make up for a man's defects.