To Louis Gaylord Clark, Esquire.
I'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 thineLooked these delighted eyes of mine,And ne'er, in happier bridal bowerThan 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 stoodAmong 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,The sanction of approving Heaven To marriage-ring, and roof, and dower;When she, a Wife, in matron pride,Stood, life-devoted, at thy side:
