University of Virginia Library

ODE.

On the Anniversary of the Nuptials Of I. D. Esq.

Bright Phœbus, and thou Goddess Maid,
Who mak'st the springing Woods thy Care,
Whose Ears our yearly Vows invade,
Oh! bend, and listen to our Pray'r.
Great God, whose Steps bright Day attends,
With Thee it comes, with Thee retires;
May none be happier than my Friend,
Who bless thy Light, or feel thy Fires,
Thou too, Lucina, hear our Strains,
Tho' Virgin thou thy self and pure,
Oh teach the teeming Wife her Pains
With happy Patience to endure.
For thro' the rolling Nights and Days,
Since Hymen call'd this Pair his own,
Nor thy soft Beams, nor Pæan's Rays,
A purer nuptial Torch have known.
Ye certain Fates, on whose fix'd Will
Unalt'rable Decrees depend,
Oh! guard this chosen Pair from Ill,
Like their Beginning be their End.
For them may ever chearful Health
In ev'ry breathing Gale be born,
And flowing yet well-order'd Wealth
Their Fields, their Streams, their Board adorn.
To their whole Youth give sprightly Joy,
And to their long-extended Day,
Those tranquil Measures that ne'er cloy,
Nor sink 'till Life's Lamp fades away.