University of Virginia Library

An Epithalamium, on the noble Nuptials of Mr. Will. Christmas Merchant, and Mrs. Elizabeth Christmas.

Stay! take my benediction e're you go,
Tis Orthodox, Poets are Prophets to:
Nor do I doubt but my Cromatick Ayrs
Have as large Pinions as the Parsons prayers:
May that felicity whose sweetness swells
In Solomons transcendent Canticles.
Attend these Nuptials, may your union be
The great Elixir of all sympathy:
May Doves be your Disciples, and from you
Not only learn to love, but to be true:
The active Sparrow which with amorous tread,
Makes of one Creature wife and feather bed;
Will watch your windows, & in neighb'ring willows
Declare the doctrine of your panting pillows:
You shall teach all things Love, Ovid was wont
To shew the Art, you know the nature on't.
But stay, methinks the Bride begins to be
Disturb'd at loss of her Virginity;
She views the Bed, and Bridegroom as they were
The Scaffold, and the Executioner.
Madam depress those fears, what greater joy
Then lose a Maiden-head to win a Boy?
A prety boy, as sweet and like the mother,
As one of her bright eyes compar'd with tother:
May health, wealth, wisdom, piety, and truth,
Support ye in your age, and crown your youth:
May you live free from jealousies and fears
Of forraign fury, or Domestick cares:
May the Catastrophe of both your years
Be the sad object of all good mens tears;
And may your date of death be on the stone
One thousand, seven hundred, thirty one.