Poems (Odom)/Bridal Offering
BRIDAL OFFERINGTO MISS BETTIE ELDRIDGE,On her Wedding-day.
Before you speak the sacred vow That binds you as a wife,Turn once again the pages of Your happy, maiden life:Have you no tearful glance to fling Back through your father's door—The dear old home from which you turn For ever, evermore?
Is there no thought unspoken now That you may wish revealed,When silence on your rosy lips The bridal vow has sealed?No withered rose you still may hold, Too dear to throw away; No letters that you tear in shreds Or sadly burn to-day?
No pictured face that yet may thrill Your bosom with regret?No broken dream you still may try All vainly to forget?Ah! well I read your answer in The half-indignant start;No other hand has ever stirred The love-chords in your heart.
I see it in the vivid blush That rises to your cheekWhen even any stranger tongue His name may chance to speak.The look of perfect, deep content That lives within your eyes,Was never born of buried hopes, Nor any broken ties.
The love you fondly, freely give Retains no secret part;The girlish hand you pledge to-day Bears all your woman's heart. And he holds dearer than his life The fair girl at his side;His every hope he gives into The keeping of his bride.
God keep you both in faithfulness Too sweet for any tears,Too perfect for unhappiness Throughout the coming years.May woman's purest confidence Grow strong about his life,And manhood's deepest tenderness Still crown you as his wife.