Part 1 — TO A FRIEND ON THE DAY OF HIS MARRIAGE.

A STORE of happiness to thee This day auspicious brings, And o'er the future fairy Hope Her robe of promise flings. Oh, fair is she whom thou hast won To be thy gentle bride, A fairer none could ever wish "To grace a lover's side." But well for thee thy chosen one Hath charms that brighter shine, And these by strong, though tiny cords, Shall make her doubly thine. Beneath the potent hand of Time That graceful form must bow, And age his furrowed lines shall trace Upon that lovely brow. And years of care shall dim those eyes Sparkling with love's own light, And 'mid those dark and glossy braids Shall mingle threads of white. But outward change shall only prove That heart more true to thee, And, though the eyes their lustre lose, It will unaltered be. And oh, when sorrow's storm shall come, For come it surely will, 'Twill only bind that loving heart To thee more closely still. And now, though many friends are near, Wishing thee perfect bliss, Not one, I know, is more sincere Than she who sends you this.—V.