 | The Poetical Works of Walter C. Smith
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A MINISTER'S DILEMMA
“Does any one forbid the banns?”
I asked; and something in me cried,
And cried: Yea, I forbid this man's
Unloving claim to loveless bride.
She is my friend's; he loved her well,
And they were plighted years ago,
And still their coming marriage bell
Rings hope into his heart, I know.
I cannot join this alien pair,
I cannot say the wedding prayer;
I cannot lie; nor God nor man
Could ever make them truly one:
Her face is pale, her hand is cold,
Not love has brought her here, but gold.—
I paused; and all was still as death;
I looked around, but where was he?
I watched the quick heave of her breath;
She dare not lift her eye to me.
'Twas all a lie—the solemn vow,
The orange-blossom and the veil,
And wedding-ring; the prayer, I trow,
Came from me sobbing, like a wail
For broken faith that breaketh hearts;
There was no blessing in its words,
There was no oneness in its parts,
It was a jar of broken chords.
| The Poetical Works of Walter C. Smith
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