by W. H. Rhodes
[Decoration]
XVI.
_OUR WEDDING-DAY._
I.
A dozen springs, and more, dear Sue, Have bloomed, and passed away, Since hand in hand, and heart to heart, We spent our wedding-day. Youth blossomed on our cheeks, dear Sue, Joy chased each tear of woe, When first we promised to be true, That morning long ago.
II.
Though many cares have come, dear Sue, To checker life's career, As down its pathway we have trod, In trembling and in fear. Still in the darkest storm, dear Sue, That lowered o'er the way, We clung the closer, while it blew, And laughed the clouds away.
III.
'Tis true, our home is humble, Sue, And riches we have not, But children gambol round our door, And consecrate the spot. Our sons are strong and brave, dear Sue, Our daughters fair and gay, But none so beautiful as you, Upon our wedding-day.
IV.
No grief has crossed our threshold, Sue, No crape festooned the door, But health has waved its halcyon wings, And plenty filled our store. Then let's be joyful, darling Sue, And chase dull cares away, And kindle rosy hope anew, As on our wedding-day.
[Decoration]