Classic Poem

It is most genial to a soul refined
When love can smile, unblushing, unconceal'd,
When mutual thoughts and words and acts are kind,
And inmost hopes and feelings are reveal'd,
When interest, duty, trust, together bind,
And the heart's deep affections are unseal'd,
When for each other live the kindred pair,
Here is indeed a picture passing fair!

Hail, happy state! which few have heart to sing,
Because they feel how faintly words express
So kind, and dear, and chaste, and sweet a thing
As tried affection's lasting tenderness; —
Yet stop, my venturous muse, and fold thy wing,
Nor to a shrine so sacred rudely press;
For, marriage — thine is still a silent boast,
Like " beauty unadorned, adorned the most. "