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the bridal.
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A signal blessing from above,
Like a smile from the Father's face,
The hallowing seal on wedded love,
It seemed in that holy place.

The church's trying ordeal o'er,
Names signed, the vestry doors unclose,
Bridegroom and bride appear once more,
She blushing like a sweet June rose,
As down the old church path they pass
Near where the silent sleepers lie,
Slumbering beneath the verdant grass,
Under the smiling sky.

And now the wedding breakfast's o'er,
The rice and slippers duly thrown,
And the "happy pair" off on their tour,
The wedding guests have silent grown,
As friends who linger in the dark,
Watching, as long as eyes can see,
The lights of a receding barque
Slow sailing out to sea.

This mortal life is but a vast
Unfathomed sea, where all must sail,
Prepared for many an adverse blast,
Contrary winds, or troublous gale.
And so we wish husband and wife,
Who have signed articles to-day,
Fair winds across the sea of life,
With love to steer alway.