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the bridal.

The Bridal.
She stands arrayed in bridal white,
The roses on her cheeks aglow,
Her bonnie brown eyes full of light,
Ready, and yet half loth to go.
Now that the fateful hour is near,
The moment of departure come;
How can she break those ties so dear,
The clear old ties of home.

Her sisters hover lovingly
Around her, while the father tries
To wipe, unseen, the tears which he
Seeks to surpress, but still they rise;
The mother bravely plays her part,
She will not sadden the young bride
With sight of tears, that fain would start,
She puts her grief aside.

The friendly neighbours gather near,
The children crowding round the door.
Waiting with eagerness to see her—
For she's esteemed by all who know her,
The sun shines from a cloudless sky,
Good omen for a bridal day,
And "Isn't she sweet!" the children cry
As the bride's coach rolls away.

Anon, while at her bridegroom's side,
In the chancel where vows are said,
The sunbeams falling upon the bride
Form a halo around her head.