Marriage

then before all the stand, the holy vow
and ring of gold, no fond illusions now,
bind her as his
across the threshold led,
and every tear kissed off as soon as shed,
his house she enters, there to be a light,
shining within, when all without is night;
a guardian angel o'er his life presiding,
doubling his pleasures and his cares dividing,
winning him back when mingling in the throng,
back from a world we love, alas!
too long, to fireside happiness, to hours of ease,
blessed with that charm, the certainty to please
how often her eyes read his; her gentle mind
to all his wishes, all his thoughts inclined;
still subject, ever on the watch to borrow
mirth of his mirth, sorrow of his sorrow
the soul of music slumbers in the shell,
till walked and kindled by the master's shell
and feelings heart touch them, but rightly pour

A thousand melodies unheard before!

(Samuel Rogers)