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 ’VE greeted many a bonny bride On many a bridal day, In homes serene and summer-skied, Where Love’s spring-buds, with joy and pride
 * Had blossomed into May;

But ne’er on lovelier bride than thine Looked these delighted eyes of mine, And ne’er in happier bridal bower Than hers, smiled rose and orange-flower
 * Through green leaves glad and gay,

When bridesmaids, grouped around her room, In youth’s, in truth’s, in beauty’s bloom, Entwined, with merry fingers fair, Their garlands in her sunny hair; Or bosomed them, with graceful art, Above the beatings of her heart.

I well remember, as I stood, Among that pleasant multitude, A stranger, mateless and forlorn, Pledged bachelor and hermit sworn, That, when the holy voice had given,
 * In consecrated words of power,