Classic Poem

UPON THE HAPPY MARRIAGE OF GEORGE LORD RAMSAY AND LADY JEAN MAULE .

Hail to the brave apparent chief,
 Boast of the Ramsays' clanish name,
Whase ancestors stood the relief
 Of Scotland, ages known to fame.

Hail to the lovely she, whose charms,
 Complete in graces, meet his love;
Adorn'd with all that greatness warms,
 And makes him grateful bow to Jove.

Both from the line of patriots rise,
 Chiefs of Dalhousie and Panmure,
Whose loyal fames shall stains despise,
 While ocean flows, and orbs endure.

The Ramsays! Caledonia's prop;
 The Maules! struck still her foes with dread;
Now join'd, we from the union hope
 A race of heroes shall succeed.

Let meaner souls transgress the rules,
 That 's fix'd by honour, love, and truth;
While little views proclaim them fools,
 Unworthy beauty, sense, and youth:

Whilst you, blest pair, belov'd by all
 The powers above, and blest below;
Shall have delights attend your call,
 And lasting pleasures on you flow.

What fate has fix'd, and love has done,
 The guardians of mankind approve:
Well may they finish what 's begun,
 And from your joys all cares remove.

We wish'd—when straight a heavenly voice
 Inspir'd—we heard the blue-ey'd maid
Cry, “Who dare quarrel with the choice?
 “The choice is mine, be mine their aid.”

Be thine their aid, O wisest power!
 And soon again we hope to see
Their plains return, splendid their tower,
 And blossom broad the Edgewell tree.

Whilst he with manly merits stor'd,
 Shall rise the glory of his clan;
She for celestial sweets ador'd,
 Shall ever charm the gracefu' man.

Soon may their royal bird extend
 His sable plumes, and lordships claim,
Which to his valiant sires pertain'd,
 Ere earls in Albion were a name.

Ye parents of the happy pair,
 With gen'rous smiles consenting, own
That they deserve your kindest care:
 Thus, with the gods, their pleasure crown.

Haste, ev'ry Grace, each Love, and Smile,
 From fragrant Cyprus spread the wing;
To deck their couch, exhaust your isle
 Of all the beauties of the spring.

On them attend with homage due,
 In him are Mars and Phœbus seen;
And in the noble nymph you 'll view
 The sage Minerva and your Queen.