As some grey captain of a merchantship,
Whose prosperous voyage o'er the watery strife
Has large concern for all, knows that his wife
Waits his home-coming up the horizon's dip
With holier heart than crowds that throng the slip,
So He well knew, thou—flower-elect of life!
Chosen from out a clamor of voices rife—
Waitedst his voyage o'er with prayerful lip.
Fair Bride, forget him not through circling years!
But with a Christ-like love, deep as unfeigned
Surpassing that of commerce or of state,
With holy hands thy dower devote with tears
Of gratitude and loyal heart unstained;
Thy sacred vow perform with soul elate.