THE BRIDAL VEIL
by Alice Cary.
We’re married, they say, and you think you have won me,--
Well, take this white veil from my head and look on me.[me.]
Here’s matter to vex you and matter to grieve you.
Here’s doubt to distrust you and faith to believe you--
I am all, as you see, common earth, common dew;
Be wary, and mould me to roses, not rue![[1]]
Ah! shake out the filmy thing, fold after fold,
And see if you have me to keep and to hold--
Look close on my heart--see worst of its sinning--
It is not yours to-day for the yesterday’s winning--
The past is not mine--I am too proud to borrow--
You must grow to new heights if I love you to-morrow.[[2]]
We’re married! I’m plighted to hold up your praises,
As the turf at your feet does its handful of daisies;
That way lies my honor--my pathway of pride.
But, mark you, if greener grass grows either side,
I shall know it; and keeping the body with you,
Shall walk in my spirit with feet on the dew.
We’re married! Oh, pray that our love do not fail!
I have wings fastened down, hidden under my veil!
They are subtle as light--you can never undo them;
And swift in their flight--you can never pursue them;
And spite of all clasping and spite of all bands,
I can slip like a shadow, a dream, from your hands.
Nay, call me not cruel, and fear not to take me.
I am yours for a lifetime, to be what you make me,
To wear my white veil for a sigh or a cover,
As you shall be proven my lord or my lover;
A cover for peace that is dead; or a token
Of bliss that can never be written or spoken.[[3]]
TABLEAUX.
[1]. Drawing-room scene. Bride and groom in full wedding costume; bride in white, with orange blossoms and veil of tarlatan or lace; both stand near center in foreground, a little apart, facing each other.
[2]. Husband in act of lifting veil from side front.
[3]. Both are sitting on sofa--settled and serene.