THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY

By William Wordsworth

The Vested Priest before the Altar stands;

Approach, come gladly, ye prepared, in sight

Of God and chosen friends, your troth to plight

With the symbolic ring, and willing hands

Solemnly joined. Now sanctify the bands,

O Father!— to the Espoused thy blessing give,

That mutually assisted they may live

Obedient, as here taught, to thy commands.

So prays the Church, to consecrate a Vow

“The which would endless matrimony make”;

Union that shadows forth and doth partake

A mystery potent human love to endow

With heavenly, each more prized for the other's sake;

Weep not, meek Bride! uplift thy timid brow.