Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems by the late Thomas Haynes Bayly; Edited by his Widow. With A Memoir of the Author. In Two Volumes |
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THE WEDDING AT ST. AGNES. |
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 | Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems |  |
THE WEDDING AT ST. AGNES.
I
Ever may we hear the bellsFrom Saint Agnes' cloistered cells;
May her vot'ries murmur there
Matin hymn and vesper prayer.
II
Ever may a blessing restOn Saint Agnes's holy fane;
Never shall a weary guest
Ask a blessing there in vain.
222
III
Holy father, aid we need,Holy father intercede!
We are lovers pale with care,
We are lovers in despair.
IV
Parents have refused consent,And they never will relent!
But kind priest to thee we kneel,
And our anguish thou wilt heal.
V
Disobedient daughter, no!'Tis my task to bid thee go;
Never yet were hopes like thine
Blest at holy Agnes' shrine.
VI
Father, at thy feet we kneel,Father, we applaud thy zeal,
But when frowning age is dead,
Smiling youth at last may wed.
VII
When we dwell in yonder tow'rs,When the wide domain is ours,
Wonder not if then you wait,
Holy monk, outside the gate.
VIII
From the park we shall bestowNeither pheasant, buck, nor doe;
Herbs for you are fit repast,
Lords shall feast, and monks shall fast!
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IX
I'm content with coarsest bread,But if you're resolved to wed,
Wherefore seek another shrine?
Let the holy task be mine.
| Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems | |