Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MARRIAGE OF POCAHONTAS [APRIL 5, 1614], by MRS. M. M. WEBSTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MARRIAGE OF POCAHONTAS [APRIL 5, 1614], by                    
First Line: That balmy eve, within a trellised bower
Last Line: Shall raise the choral hymn from eve till morn.
Subject(s): Jamestown, Virginia; Native Americans; Pocahontas (1595-1617); Rolfe, John (1585-1622); Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America


THAT balmy eve, within a trellised bower,
Rudely constructed on the sounding shore,
Her plighted troth the forest maiden gave
Ere sought the skiff that bore them o'er the wave
To the dark home-bound ship, whose restless sway
Rocked to the winds and waves, impatient of delay.

Short was the word that pledged triumphant love;
That vow, that claims its registry above.
And low the cadence of that hymn of praise
Whose hallowed incense rose, as rose its lays;
And few the worshippers 'neath that pure cope
Which emblems to the soul eternal hope.

One native maiden waited the command
Of the young Princess of Virginia's strand;
And that dark youth, the Page of Cedar Isle,
Who wept her woes, and shared her sad exile,
With his loved bride, who owned the royal blood,
And near the forest Queen majestically stood.

Some others bent beside the rural shrine
In adoration to the Power divine;
When at the altar knelt, with minds serene,
The gallant Soldier and the dark-browed Queen.

These, for the love they bore her guileless youth,
Paid the high fealty of the warm heart's truth;
And with its homage satisfied, gone o'er
Each vision bright that graced their natal shore.

Those, with forebodings dread and brimful eyes,
Bade holy angels guard the destinies
Of one on whom had fallen the chrism of light
With unction pure; the youthful neophyte
Of that fair clime where millions yet unborn
Shall raise the choral hymn from eve till morn.





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