THE Vested Priest before the Altar stands; Approach, come gladly, ye prepared, in sight Of God and chosen friends, your troth to plight With the symbolic ring, and willing hands Solemnly joined. Now sanctify the bands O Father! -- to the Espoused thy blessing give, That mutually assisted they may live Obedient, as here taught, to thy commands. So prays the Church, to consecrate a Vow "The which would endless matrimony make;" Union that shadows forth and doth partake A mystery potent human love to endow With heavenly, each more prized for the other's sake; Weep not, meek Bride! uplift thy timid brow. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AT THE CHURCH DOOR by GEORGE SANTAYANA A LITTLE WHILE by HORATIO (HORATIUS) BONAR CYCLAMENS by KATHERINE HARRIS BRADLEY MY AIN COUNTRIE by MARY LEE DEMAREST THE POSY RING by CLEMENT MAROT BIRDS by NESTA HIGGINSON SKRINE ON A FOUNTAIN AND ITS ARCHITECT by PHILIP AYRES DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: BRIDAL SONG AND DIRGE by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |