When Fancy with her whimsy voice
Proclaimed your Tin-ware Wedding Day,
Then friendship heard the Old Word say—
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice.”

I give you greeting and partake
A portion in your happiness;
I give you greeting and address
A greeting for your lady's sake.

Two lustres of full life have linked
Your home around with happy chains,
While youth gives way to better gains,
And love grows more and more distinct.

'Tis yours the helpful partnerhood
In every trouble, every need,
The comrade heart in every deed,
The kindred hope in every good.

'Tis yours the trust of childish hands,
The love and faith of childish eyes,
'Tis yours to make the children wise,
To twine aright the silver strands.

'Tis yours through childhood's gradual years
To lead them to the steeper slopes,
Still guided by a parent's hopes,
Still guarded by a parent's fears.

And not for all has God designed
The happiness you celebrate;
There's many a lamp at death's dark gate
Filled full of oil, has never shined.

But God is good, we give Him praise,
And pray we may be spared to see
On some approaching jubilee
The children's Tin-ware Wedding Days.