TO A FRIEND ON THE DAY OF HIS MARRIAGE.
A STORE of happiness to thee
This day auspicious brings,
And o'er the future fairy Hope
Her robe of promise flings.
Oh, fair is she whom thou hast won
To be thy gentle bride,
A fairer none could ever wish
"To grace a lover's side."
But well for thee thy chosen one
Hath charms that brighter shine,
And these by strong, though tiny cords,
Shall make her doubly thine.
Beneath the potent hand of Time
That graceful form must bow,
And age his furrowed lines shall trace
Upon that lovely brow.
And years of care shall dim those eyes
Sparkling with love's own light,
And 'mid those dark and glossy braids
Shall mingle threads of white.
But outward change shall only prove
That heart more true to thee,
And, though the eyes their lustre lose,
It will unaltered be.
And oh, when sorrow's storm shall come,
For come it surely will,
'Twill only bind that loving heart
To thee more closely still.
And now, though many friends are near,
Wishing thee perfect bliss,
Not one, I know, is more sincere
Than she who sends you this.—V.