34 



When, came the lover s to implore, 

 That he would them, for evermore, 

 In wedlock sweet, unite. 



Though long a foe to love s alarms, 

 Their prayer the ancient hermit warms, 



Who yields, at length, consent. 

 Their pain he doth commisserate, 

 And leads the way with air sedate 



Within his tenement. 



Illumed by phosphorescent shell 

 And fire-fly lamp, the little cell 



Glows with unusual light. 

 By many a spell and holy rite, 

 The loving pair, there doth unite 



This holy anchorite. 



By altar of rosy coral placed, 

 Tenderly with shells inlaced, 



The twain became but one : 

 No witnesses, save crickets three, 

 Who, passing, stop, and sing with glee 



Their epithalamium. 



