Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/56

 Then love ye him as ye ought! Now you have your heart's desire, And the thing you did require; GOD Almighty send you happy joy, In health and wealth to keep you still! And if it be His blessed will, GOD keep you safe from sorrow and annoy!

There is no treasure the which may be compared unto a faithful friend. Gold soon decayeth, and worldly wealth consumeth and wasteth in the wind: But love, once planted in a perfect and pure mind, endureth weal and woe: The frowns of fortune, come they never so unkind, cannot the same o'erthrow. A bit of bread is better cheer Where love and friendship doth appear; Than dainty dishes stuffed with strife: For where the heart is cloyed with care, Sour is the sweetest fare; And death far better than so bad a life.

Sweet Bride! then may you full well contented stay you, and in your heart rejoice; Sith GOD was guider both of your heart and fancy and maker of your choice: And He that preferred you to this happy state will not behold you decay; Nor see you lack relief or help in any rate, if you His precepts obey.