But why ere the rite this long pause and delay?

’Tis for Colin they wait—

The ‘Light Lindsay’ is late:

The bridegroom forgetteth his own marriage-day!

The envoy was meet,

And the bridegroom is fleet,

He stands at the altar in bridal array:

But what lacks he now?

Why this cloud on his brow?—

The ring that should make her his countess for aye!