Classic Poem

A MARRIAGE HYMN .

Ere the words of peace and love,
Breathed on earth, are borne above,
While their echo, soft and clear,
Lingers on the tranced ear,
Catch upon your lips the strain,
Swell the notes of prayer again,
Prayer with benedictions fraught,
Passing words and passing thought:
Co-eternal Three in One,
Seal the nuptial benison.

Blessings from the earth beneath,
Fruits and flowers in woven wreath;
Balmy dews that heaven distils
On the everlasting hills;
Angel wings, a guard of light
O'er the peaceful home by night;
Angel steps to tend the way
Onward, heavenward, day by day:
Co-eternal Three in One
Seal the nuptial benison.

Hear our prayer: this union be
Ratified, O God, by Thee:
This another link entwined
Hearts and homes and heaven to bind
In that mystic chain of love,
Holding us, but held above;
Knitting all that world to this,
Eden's bloom to glory's bliss:
Co-eternal Three in One,
Seal the nuptial benison.

Three in One, and One in Three,
Blessedness is blessing Thee;
While we pour in chant and hymn,
Full hearts, flowing o'er the brim. —
Water by Thy power benign
Blushing as celestial wine, —
Till within the golden gates,
Where the Lamb His bridal waits,
We with all the white-robed throngs
Sing the heavenly Song of songs.