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Poems and Songs by E. H. B. [i.e. E. H. Bickersteth]

Bickersteth, Edward Henry (1825-1906)
 
[dedication]

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102

THE BRIDAL.

SUGGESTED BY THE MARRIAGE OF A FRIEND.

I

Bring flowers to deck that fair young brow, bring jewels rich and rare,
And I will weave a radiant wreath to bind her silken hair;
Bring robes of flowing whiteness, and a veil o'er all to fling,
For she must at the altar stand—her heart the offering.

II

Haste, hasten hither, maidens—why starts that crystal tear?
Young hope and faith are ever strong—the aged only fear.
Alas! her thoughts still linger with the dear, the haunting hours,
When parents—kindred—round her strewed her sunlit path with flow'rs.

III

And now she kneels—she breathes the vow!—another form is there
To clasp her to his heart of hearts, and share with her each care;
Protect her—soothe her—watch around in peril and in pain,
And prove that Hymen only weaves of brightest hues his chain.
103

IV

The bells are ringing merrily, yet stay not those bright tears;
They are the guerdon memory claims for long departed years,
They speak of former happiness—of love they fain would tell—
And when the parting hour arrives, they fondly say farewell!
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