14 THE BROWN THRUSHES: 
I will,” answered the young bride, in sweet 
accents. 
Then I here, by the authority conferred 
upon me by the assembled tribes of the great 
order Osciiies, pronounce you lawfully wedded, 
and what the Creator has caused to be joined 
togetlier let no bird put asunder.” 
With these words the ceremony was com- 
pleted, when, after the usual congratula- 
tions and good wishes, he kindly dismissed 
them ; and as they slowly left his home, the 
birds that had quietly assembled to witness 
the ceremony commenced a hymn, that, al- 
though unaccompanied by tlie organ’s har- 
monious tones, was more beautifully sweet 
and heart-soothing than any voluntary or 
wedding march that ever ushered a bride and 
bridegroom from the portals of their wedding 
church. 
And thus they were married. 
