Classic Poem

The happy morn's arriv'd at last,
That binds our nuptial union fast;
And knits our plighted vows in one,
With bonds that ne'er can be undone.
Can I be backward then, to pay
The tribute of this joyful day?
Can I refuse my voice to raise,
And hymn to God the song of praise?
No — surely gratitude demands
This humble action from my hands,
And bids me bless that God who gave
Safe passage o'er the stormy wave;
Who turn'd the shafts of war aside,
And bless'd me with so lov'd a Bride.
O! be that season ne'er forgot,
When Hope itself could flatter not,
When doubts were all my soul's employ,
Nor dar'd I paint the present joy.
But yet, my love, be mine the blame,
Thy goodness ever was the same;
The fault was mine, misguided youth!
When Folly held the place of Truth,
And Vice and Error's syren smile
My artless bosom did beguile.
What, though by heedless heat misled,
To war and foreign climes I fled,
Forsook thy love, and peaceful ease,
And plough'd, long plough'd, the Southern seas;
Yet, though unworthy of thy care,
Thy kind, dear love, pursued me there,
And midst the battle's horrid strife
Thy tender prayer preserv'd my life.
God heard thy prayers, my heart's lov'd queen!
His shield protected me unseen;
His favour kept me safe from harms,
And lodg'd me in thy faithful arms:
Be't then my task, with grateful breast
To hush thy every care to rest,
And make thee, while thy love survives,
The happiest of all happy Wives!
Yes, yes, my dear, the nuptial vow
Shall ever bind as strong as now;
My duty I shall ne'er forego,
No change, no other wish I'll know;
But still I'll prove to life's last end,
The kindest Husband, truest Friend.