Republican Herald

DOCTRINE OF LIFE.

Dedicated to a gentleman on his wedding day.

PART 1.—Love.

A glance—a thought—a blow—
It stings him to the core;
A question—will it lay him low?
Or will time heal it o'er?

Be kindless at the name—
He sits and thinks apart;
Time blows to a flame,
Burning within his heart.

PART 2.—Courtship.

Bonnets and Serenades—
Sighs, glances, tears and vows—
Gifts, tokens, souvenirs, parades,
And courtesies, and bows.

A purpose, and a prayer—
The stars are in the sky
He wonders how e'en hope should dare
To let him aim so high.

Still hope allures and flatters,
And doubt still makes him bold;
And oh with passion all in tatters,
The trembling tale is told.

Apologies and blushes.
Soft looks, averted eyes;
Each heart into the other rushes—
Each yields and wins a prize!

PART 3.—MARRIAGE.

A gathering of fond friends—
Brief, solemn words, and prayer—
A trembling to the finger's ends,
As hand in hand they swear.

Sweet cake, sweet wine, sweet kisses—
And so the deed is done;
Now for life's woes and blisses—
The wedded two are one.

And down the shining stream
They launch their buoyant skiff.
Bless'd if they may but trust hope's dream.
But ah! truth echoes—if!

THE SEQUEL.—IF.

If health be firm—if friends be true—
If self be well controlled—
If tastes be pure—if wants be few;
And not too often told:

If reason always rule the heart,
If passion own its sway—
If love in age to life impart
The zest it does to-day:

If Providence, with parent care,
Mete out the varying lot,
While meek contentment bows to share
The palace or the cot:

And oh! if faith sublime and clear,
The spirit upward guide—
They're bless'd indeed, and bless'd fore'er:
The bridegroom and the bride!