Charles A. Sumner

Poems Charles A. Sumner

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877 edition. Excerpt: ... first the wedded pair Set forth together, hand in hand, the vast Untried to share; Now Memory too attends the feast, with gladness in her mien, And lends new interest to the time, new beauty to the scene. 'Twas fifteen years ago to-night, the mystic knot was tied, Which bound in holy wedlock, the bridegroom and his bride; And some were there, who now are here, and some in death lie low, Who bade the happy pair Godspeed, but fifteen years ago! And some are here who were not there,--for so the world wags on; New friendships, and new ties are forming ever and anon; And some new comers I perceive, of tender ages rather,--The eldest is'nt yet fifteen;--they all look like thenfather! The bride and groom betray no serious ravages of time; Of manhood, and of womanhood, they scarcely reach the prime; And yet for them so prosperously life's fickle stream hath run, The prizes most can never win, already they have won. For he, in legislative halls, hath mingled with the great, And aided to administer the grand affairs of State, And much goods hath laid up in store since wedded life began, And is a Railroad President, and was--an Alderman! And she hath lent the magic charm of beauty and of grace To many a proud assemblage, and many an honored place, And been a ready helpmeet unto him in life's endeavor, And greets us now, a courtly dame, and handsomer than ever! Fifteen years wedded; no divorce; no " spats;" no shattered nerves; No jars--except that harmless kind, for pickles and preserves;--Bright children; very pleasant home, and well-to-do in life;--"Tis well; I yield assent, and do pronounce them man and wife. (I tell you in parenthesis, this ceremony's binding. I know full well that latterly, there has been much fault-finding, Because ambitious laymen...