SOUND,—sound the notes of joy, Sweet pipe, and tabret, ring! And every trembling string Let the high harp employ; Give the heart's voice to words,— Bid them responsive roll, While song's enraptured soul Leaps glowing from the golden chords. Exulting be the strains, When, fresh from mingling hearts, Life's dearest impulse starts, And Love immortal reigns. Beauty, with manhood's pride! Now, the full concert bring,— Now, hymeneals sing,— Welcome, the bridegroom and the bride. He comes, the bridegroom comes! Behold what generous grace, And how his manly face The kindled soul illumes! Fill high,—let wine-cups flow,— Wish all his life's bright stream Glad as their sparkling beam, And years and honors wreathe his brow. And she, the blushing bride! Of all the lovely band, Lead her, with gentle hand, The loveliest to his side. Ah, from earth's fairest bower, What, that most rich is there, Can grace her mazy hair! Joy, joy to her,—Love's sweetest flower! Now she, his own,—his own,— And he, her heart,—her life,— By the dear name of 'wife,' And 'husband's' household tone! Home's old unfading blaze Grant them, oh Power divine, True as their truth to shine, And endless blessings crown their days! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO A POET THAT DIED YOUNG by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY A FAREWELL TO LONDON IN THE YEAR 1715 by ALEXANDER POPE SAPPHO AND PHAON: 2. THE TEMPLE OF CHASTITY by MARY DARBY ROBINSON THE WIDOW; SAPPHICS by ROBERT SOUTHEY THE BALLAD OF ORISKANY by OBADIAH CYRUS AURINGER |