Classic Poem

Rise , happy morn, without a cloud arise!
This morn, Cornutus bless'd his mother's eyes!
Hence each unholy wish, each adverse sound,
As we his altar's hallow'd verge surround.
Let rich Arabian odours scent the skies,
And sacred incense from his altar rise;
Implor'd, thou tutelary god, descend!
And, deck'd with flowery wreaths, the rites attend!
Then as his brows with precious unguents flow,
Sweet sacred cakes, and liberal wine bestow.
O Genius! grant whate'er my friend desires:
The cake is scatter'd, and the flame aspires!
Ask then, my noble friend, whate'er you want:
What silent still? your prayer the god will grant:
Uncovetous of rural wide domains,
You beg no woody hills, no cultur'd plains:
Not venal, you request no eastern stores,
Where ruddy waters lave the gemmy shores:
Your wish I guess; you wish a beauteous spouse,
Joy of your joy, and faithful to your vows.
'Tis done, my friend: see nuptial love appears!
See, in his hand a yellow zone he bears!
A yellow zone, that spite of years shall last,
And heighten fondness, ev'n when beauty's pass'd.
With happy sighs, great power, confirm our prayer;
With endless concord bless the married pair.
O grant, dread Genius! that a numerous race
Of beauteous infants crown their fond embrace:
Their beauteous infants round thy feet shall play,
And keep with custom'd rites this happy day.