And solemn priest, with gown and book, a knot eternal ties,
I go to hold the vail of her who hears her marriage-bells,
And pledges all her life unto the Love that never dies."
The Laurels raised their glowing heads, and into language broke:
"'Tis ours to honor gallant deeds that awe a crouching world;
We rest upon the warrior's helm when fades the battle's smoke,
And bloom perennial on the shield that back the foeman hurled."
And other sisters of the field, the woodland, and the vale,
Each told the story of her work, and glorified her quest;
But none of all the noble ones had yet revealed the tale