Classic Poem

Ye woodland choirs come consecrate the lay
Let dulcet notes resound thro all the grove
With carols sweet in plumage bright and gay
Oh hail the hour that smiles on mutual love
The unions seal'd and now my hearts at rest
This bower shall witness many a blissful scene
Where I repos'd on my beloveds breast
Shall taste the sum of happiness serene. —
O'er me may hymen wave his purple wing
And light his torch at friendships purest fire
Grant me the cestus from his secret spring
To touch the heart with soft but chaste desire
On me may all the powers of love bestow
The happy art to bind his soul to mine
May bright Hygiea every charm renew
And snatch the victims from the hand of time
May smiles and sweetness sense and prudence Join
And lend their aid to please the man I love
May wit and elegance their powers combine
To charm my lover in this mystic Grove. —
No power on earth can break this sacred tye
By which my soul in gentle Cords I bind
Witnessd by angels ratified on high
The willing offering of Emelias mind
Then come ye birds my minstrels you shall be
Ye woodland Nymphs o'er all the forms preside
Oh bring my lover as a Sylph to me
Or lead me to him as his happy bride