A Marriage-Table

THERE was a marriage-table where One sate,

Haply, unnoticed, till they craved His aid:

Thenceforward does it seem that He has made

All virtuous marriage-tables consecrate:

And so, at this, where without pomp or state

We sit, and only say, or mute, are fain

To wish the simple words "God bless these twain!"

I think that He who "in the midst" doth wait

Oft-times, would not abjure our prayerful cheer,

But, as at Cana, list with gracious ear

To us, beseeching, that the Love divine

May ever at their household table sit,

Make all His servants who encompass it,

And change life's bitterest waters into wine.