Part 2 — HOLY MATRIMONY
Reading edition
The voice that breathed o'er Eden, That earliest wedding-day, The primal marriage blessing, It hath not passed away.
Still in the pure espousal Of Christian man and maid, The holy Three are with us, The threefold grace is said.
For dower of blessed children, For love and faith's sweet sake, For high mysterious union, Which naught on earth may break.
Be present, awful Father, To give away this bride, As Eve thou gav'st to Adam Out of his own pierced side:
Be present, Son of Mary, To join their loving hands, As thou didst bind two natures In thine eternal bands:
Be present, Holiest Spirit, To bless them as they kneel, As thou for Christ, the Bridegroom, The heavenly Spouse dost seal.
Oh, spread thy pure wing o'er them, Let no ill power find place, When onward to thine altar The hallowed path they trace,
To cast their crowns before thee In perfect sacrifice, Till to the home of gladness With Christ's own Bride they rise. Amen.
John Keble [1792-1866]