* * * * *

No priest blessed that union, no ring wed that hand;

With anger and discord soon rang the whole land;

Through all its wide domains the dread tidings rang

Of bloodshed. The lover was first in the van.

“My own one! I leave thee, those dear arms unfold.

Wouldst wed with the timid—the doubtful—the cold?

No union could bless till our country be free,

So onward for liberty, glory—and thee!”

* * * * *