I. LIKE the rising of the sun, Herald of bright hours to follow, Lo! the marriage rites are done, And begun the @3Mi-na-Meala@1. II. Heart to heart, and hand to hand, Vowed 'fore God to love and cherish, Each by each in grief to stand, Never more apart to flourish. III. Now their lips, low whisp'ring, speak Thoughts their eyes have long been saying. Softly bright, and richly meek, As seraphs first their wings essaying. IV. Deeply, wildly, warmly love -- 'Tis a heaven-sent enjoyment, Lifting up our thoughts above Selfish aims and cold employment. V. Yet, remember, passion wanes, Romance is parent to dejection; Nought our happiness sustains But thoughtful care and firm affection. VI. When the @3Mi-na-meala's@1 flown, Sterner duties surely need you; Do their bidding, -- 'tis love's own, -- Faithful love will say God speed you. VII. Guard her comfort as 'tis worth, Pray to God to look down on her; And swift as cannon-shot go forth To strive for freedom, truth, and honour. VIII. Oft recall -- and never swerve -- Your children's love and her's will follow Guard your home, and there preserve For you an endless @3Mi na-meala@1. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ARCTURUS IN AUTUMN by SARA TEASDALE HIS LADY'S HAND by THOMAS WYATT CHRISMUS ON THE PLANTATION by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR ALONZO THE BRAVE AND THE FAIR IMOGINE by MATTHEW GREGORY LEWIS EXHORTATION TO PRAYER by MARGARET MERCER LITTLE ORPHANT ANNIE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY |