Classic Poem

Such should this day be, so the sun should hide
His bashful face, and let the conquering bride
Without a rival shine, whilst he forbears
To mingle his unequal beams with hers;
Or if sometimes he glance his squinting eye
Between the parting clouds, 'tis but to spy,
Not emulate, her glories; so comes dress'd
In veils, but as a masquer to the feast.
Thus heaven should lower, such stormy gusts should blow,
Not to denounce ungentle fates, but show
The cheerful bridegroom to the clouds and wind
Hath all his tears and all his sighs assign'd.
Let tempests struggle in the air, but rest
Eternal calms within thy peaceful breast,
Thrice happy youth! but ever sacrifice
To that fair hand that dried thy blubber'd eyes,
That crown'd thy head with roses, and turn'd all
The plagues of love into a cordial,
When first it join'd her virgin snow to thine;
Which, when to-day the priest shall re-combine,
From the mysterious holy touch such charms
Will flow, as shall unlock her wreathed arms,
And open a free passage to that fruit
Which thou hast toil'd for with a long pursuit.
But ere thou feed, that thou mayst better taste
Thy present joys, think on thy torments past;
Think on the mercy freed thee; think upon
Her virtues, graces, beauties, one by one:
So shalt thou relish all, enjoy the whole
Delights of her fair body and pure soul.
Then boldly to the fight of love proceed!
'Tis mercy not to pity, though she bleed.
We'll strew no nuts, but change that ancient form,
For till to-morrow we'll prorogue this storm;
Which shall confound, with its loud whistling noise,
Her pleasing shrieks, and fan thy panting joys.