Page:The Christian Year 1887.djvu/190



Far other strains, far other fires, Our marriage-offering grace; Welcome, all chaste and kind desires, With even matron pace Approaching down this hallowed aisle! Where should ye seek Love's perfect smile, But where your prayers were learned erewhile, In her own native place?

Where, but on His benignest brow, Who waits to bless you here? Living, he owned no nuptial vow, No bower to Fancy dear: Love's very self—for Him no need To nurse, on earth, the heavenly seed: Yet comfort in His eye we read For bridal joy and fear.

'Tis He who clasps the marriage band, And fits the spousal ring, Then leaves ye kneeling, hand in hand, Out of His stores to bring His Father's dearest blessing, shed Of old on Isaac's nuptial bed, Now on the board before ye spread Of our all-bounteous King.

All blessings of the breast and womb, Of Heaven and earth beneath, Of converse high, and sacred home, Are yours, in life and death. Only kneel on, nor turn away From the pure shrine, where Christ to-day Will store each flower, ye duteous lay, For an eternal wreath.

O Youth and Joy, your airy tread Too lightly springs by Sorrow's bed, Your keen eye-glances are too bright, Too restless for a sick man's sight. Farewell; for one short life we part: I rather woo the soothing art,