Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 3: 26. THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS: PART 3: 26. THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The vested priest before the altar stands
Last Line: Weep not, meek bride! Uplift thy timid brow.
Subject(s): Marriage; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


THE Vested Priest before the Altar stands;
Approach, come gladly, ye prepared, in sight
Of God and chosen friends, your troth to plight
With the symbolic ring, and willing hands
Solemnly joined. Now sanctify the bands
O Father! -- to the Espoused thy blessing give,
That mutually assisted they may live
Obedient, as here taught, to thy commands.
So prays the Church, to consecrate a Vow
"The which would endless matrimony make;"
Union that shadows forth and doth partake
A mystery potent human love to endow
With heavenly, each more prized for the other's sake;
Weep not, meek Bride! uplift thy timid brow.







Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net