![Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXVI - The Marriage Ceremony, By: William Wordsworth](https://i0.wp.com/poetrycatalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ecclesiastical-Sonnets-Part-III-XXVI-The-Marriage-Ceremony-By-William-Wordsworth.png?resize=750%2C420&ssl=1)
The Vested Priest before the Altar stands;
Approach, come gladly, ye prepared, in sight
Of God and chosen friends, your troth to plight
With the symbolic ring, and willing hands
Solemnly joined. Now sanctify the bands
O Father! to the Espoused thy blessing give,
That mutually assisted they may live
Obedient, as here taught, to thy commands.
So prays the Church, to consecrate a Vow
“The which would endless matrimony make;”
Union that shadows forth and doth partake
A mystery potent human love to endow
With heavenly, each more prized for the other’s sake;
Weep not, meek Bride! uplift thy timid brow.