TO DAN

By Paul Laurence Dunbar

Step me now a bridal measure,

Work give way to love and leisure,

Hearts be free and hearts be gay —

Doctor Dan doth wed to-day.

Diagnosis, cease your squalling —

Check that scalpel's senseless bawling,

Put that ugly knife away —

Doctor Dan doth wed to-day.

‘ Tis no time for things unsightly,

Life's the day and life goes lightly;

Science lays aside her sway —

Love rules Dr. Dan to-day.

Gather, gentlemen and ladies,

For the nuptial feast now made is,

Swing your garlands, chant your lay

For the pair who wed to-day.

Wish them happy days and many,

Troubles few and griefs not any,

Lift your brimming cups and say

God bless them who wed to-day.

Then a cup to Cupid daring,

Who for conquest ever faring,

With his arrows dares assail

E'en a doctor's coat of mail.

So with blithe and happy hymning

And with harmless goblets brimming,

Dance a step — musicians play —

Doctor Dan doth wed to-day.