The New Hampshire Gazette

Upon a Young Lady's Marriage

By a Young Gentleman.

No longer now does favour'd Strephon roam,
And tempt the Dangers of th' Atlantic Foam,
No longer India's distant Realms explore,
His Eyes again behold his native Shore;
His Friends around with fervent Friendship burn,
And hail him Welcome on his wish'd return.
But sweet Cleora, truer Joys inspire,
Her Virgin Bosom glows with double Fire.
Friendship and Love these heavenly Powers controul,
And sway the Scepter of her spotless Soul!
No Love but his could move the constant Dame,
Nor a long Absence damp the steady Flame.
Friendship like this the Gods must all approve,
And smile propitious on such virtuous Love.
With anxious Fears their Hearts no longer beat
This happy Day does ev'ry Wish compleat.
The beauteous Maid before the Altar stands,
The holy Priest unites their willing Hands!
Now at the sacred Shrine their Vows are paid;
And grateful Offerings on the Altar laid.
For ever now the Gordian Knot is ty'd
And Paphian Venus crowns the blooming Bride.
Hence may no Fear your long Repose destroy,
Your Lives be one continual Scene of Joy:
Hence in your Mansions, Peace forever reign,
All Cares dissolve, and vanish ev'ry Pain.
When Seventy Suns their annual Course have ran,
And thus your Lives have reach'd the utmost Span,
May Death all gentle loose the Marriage Ties,
And put a Period to your Earthly Joys.
Without a Pang your Souls may shoot away
And reach the Regions of perpetual Day:
In Groves of Bliss, delighted ever rove
And melt in Transports of Immortal Love.