TO LOUIS GAYLORD CLARK, ESQ.
’ve greeted many a bonny bride
On many a bridal day,
In homes serene and summer-skied,
Where Love’s spring-buds, with joy and pride
Had blossomed into May;
But ne’er on lovelier bride than thine
Looked these delighted eyes of mine,
And ne’er in happier bridal bower
Than hers, smiled rose and orange-flower
Through green leaves glad and gay,
When bridesmaids, grouped around her room,
In youth’s, in truth’s, in beauty’s bloom,
Entwined, with merry fingers fair,
Their garlands in her sunny hair;
Or bosomed them, with graceful art,
Above the beatings of her heart.
I well remember, as I stood,
Among that pleasant multitude,
A stranger, mateless and forlorn,
Pledged bachelor and hermit sworn,
That, when the holy voice had given,
In consecrated words of power,
