The poetical works of George Keate :: :: University of Virginia Library

ON THE MARRIAGE OF TWO FRIENDS.

[_]

WRITTEN IN M.DCC.LIII.

I

The Priest the holy knot hath ty'd;
Returning from the Altar's side
View yonder festive Train:
Their looks the smiles of Gladness show.—
Far from their steps be Care and Woe,
Nor this bright morning stain!

II

Thrice happy they, whose faithful hands
Are knit in Hymenæal bands,
Whom strong affection fires!
Pair'd by free choice, who nobly slight
That Demon Int'rest, at whose sight
Love's sacred torch expires!—

III

Hail! Marriage, from whose genial source
In purest stream flows Friendship's Course
To cheer the human heart!
Thou best canst bid each Virtue live,
A keener sense to Pleasure give,
And blunt Misfortune's dart!

IV

Let gay Lothario ever seek
False transport on the Wanton's cheek,
And wedded Faith upbraid:
But by his restless passions torn
Still shall he roam about forlorn,
A poor, unsocial shade.

V

Ne'er shall his narrow bosom prove
The varied charms of lawful Love,
By Time, by Worth refin'd:
The mutual wish, the mutual joy,
And those delights which ne'er can cloy,
The raptures of the mind!

VI

When man in Paradise remain'd,
And o'er that new Creation reign'd
Which might endear his life,
He view'd it as a gaudy waste,
A world of sweets he could not taste
Till Heav'n had made a Wife.

VII

Then, Eden breath'd a softer gale,
The landscap'd hill, the flow'ry vale,
With wonder caught his eye;
Whilst his fair Eve beside him stood,
How great! how glorious! and how good!
Was all beneath the sky.—

VIII

Come, smiling Concord, to thy care
Jocund receive this wedded Pair,
And lead them to thy bow'r;
Where Truth's bright wreath shall bind their head,
Content their path with roses spread,
And Love his blessings show'r.—

IX

So pass their years!—and grey in age
Still may the world their hopes engage,
And they new Youth attain,
Whilst circled by a virtuous Race,
The records of themselves they trace,
And tread back Life again!