John Stagg

Epithalamium

HAIL! Hymen, thou propitious god of joy,
Come, now, thy genial influence employ,
Perfume with odours thy hymenial grove,
To bless this happy pair with endles love.
No perjur'd oaths are here, no impious pray'r,
The transcient hopes of fortune's gifts to share,
But here two faithful hearts impartial join'd,
To make a happy pair in one combin'd;
When closely link'd in matrimonial bands,
Th' auspicious god the mutual pair commands,
Sincerity the pow'r their motto names,
And love's records the blest proceeding claims.