985. C. M. L. H. Sigourney.

Marriage Hymn.

1Not for the summer's hour alone,

When skies resplendent shine,

And youth and pleasure fill the throne,

Our hearts and hands we join;

2But for those stern and wintry days

Of sorrow, pain, and fear,

When Heaven's wise discipline doth make

Our earthly journey drear;--

3Not for this span of life alone,

Which like a blast doth fly,

And as the transient flowers of grass,

Just blossom, droop, and die;--

4But 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.

The Same.

1When on her Maker's bosom

The new-born earth was laid,

And nature's opening blossom

Its fairest bloom displayed;

When all with fruits and flowers,

The laughing soil was dressed,

And Eden's fragrant bowers

Received their human guest,--

2No sin his face defiling,

The heir of nature stood,

And God, benignly smiling,

Beheld that all was good.

Yet in that hour of blessing

A single want was known,--

A wish the heart distressing,--

For Adam was alone.

3O God of pure affection,

By men and saints adored,

O, give us thy protection

Around this nuptial board.

May thy rich bounties ever

To wedded love be shown,

And no rude hand dissever

Whom thou hast linked in one.