Marriage Hymn

by Lydia Sigourney

For other versions of this work, see Marriage Hymn (Sigourney).

Not for the summer's hour alone,
   When skies resplendent shine,
And youth and pleasure fill the throne,
   Our hearts and hands we join;

But for those stern and wintry days
   Of sorrow, pain, and fear,
When Heaven's wise discipline doth make
   Our earthly journey drear;—

Not for this span of life alone,
   Which like a blast doth fly,
And as the transient flowers of grass
   Just blossom, droop, and die;—

But for a being without end
   This vow of love we take;
Grant us, O God, one home at last,
   For thy great, mercy's sake.