34 
So smooth the sylvan tablet shone. 
So temptingly ’twas spread before me, 
I could not choose but trace thereon, 
No lover’s, but a matron’s story. 
Yet ne’er did love, when hope and youth 
Each minister imto his pleasure, 
Feel more of tenderness and truth 
Than I, whilst breathing this fond measure. 
Long years ago, and side by side, 
We two were at the altar kneeling ; 
And whilst on earth the knot was tied, 
Angels, in heaven, our vows were sealing. 
Gently thou blamed’st my feeble tone, 
Thou said’st I trembled at the altar ; 
But had observance deeper gone, 
Thou hadst not said my heart did falter: — 
No ! gladly, gladly did I breathe 
The solemn vow to thee which bound me, 
And stoop my head for thee to wreathe 
Love’s new-wrought, fetters close around me. 
