HARK! the festal cannons boom: Banish brooding, care, and gloom; Happy looks and smiles assume On this auspicious day: Ringing cheers give welcome high, Pealing guns give loud reply, Streaming flags salute the sky And on the breezes play. Cease hot labour for a while; Frolic round each flaming pile; On each bronzed cheek a smile Of pleased emotion glows: Circling round the tow'ring flames, Loud each jubilant cheer proclaims Love and honour to the names The nuptial bands enclose! Hail and welcome, happy pair! Manly form and lady fair: Bright the home dear hands prepare; Come, gentle lady, come. To the verdant banks of Clyde, Hand in hand, and side by side, The bridegroom leads his gentle bride— The angel of his home. Home! sweet home, the gentle sway Of sweet woman leads the way To love and peace. Be yours, for aye, A happy, blissful home. Welcome as the flowers in May, Lady, such is thine to-day; Welcome, pure and bright as they, With May's sweet blossoms come. Loving welcomes, true and kind, Lady, it is thine to find, In the new-found ties that bind In bonds of kindred love. Lady, take the gift I bring— Violet wreaths, the birth of spring, Simple as the strain I sing, In hope thou wilt approve. |