On the Marriage of Miss S—, to Mr. H

Ye solemn pedagogues, who teach, A language by eight parts of speech, Can any of you all impart A rule to conjugate the heart? Grammarians, did you ever try To construe and expound the eye? And from the syntax of the face, Decline its gender and its case? What said the nuptial tear that fell From fair Eliza, can you tell? And yet it spoke upon her cheek As eloquent as tear could speak.

Here at God's altar as I stand, To plight my vows and yield my hand, With fault'ring lips while I proclaim The cession of my virgin name, Whilst in my ears is read at large, The rubrick's stern unsoften'd charge, Spare me, the silent pleader cries Ah! spare me! ye surrounding eyes! Usher'd amidst a blaze of light, Whilst here I pass in public sight, Or kneeling by a father's side, Renounce the daughter for the bride:

Ye sisters to my soul so dear, Say can I check the rising tear? When at this awful hour I cast My mem'ry back on time that's past; Ungrateful were I to forbear This tribute to a father's care; For all he suffer'd, all he taught; Is there not due some tender thought? And may not one fond tear be given To a dear saint that rests in heaven?

And you to whom I now betroth In sight of Heaven my nuptial oath, Who to a most respectful birth, True honor join and native worth, If my recording bosom draws One sigh, misconstrue not the cause; Trust me, tho weeping I rejoice, And blushing, glory in my choice.