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.
Read all of William Wordsworth's poems · About William Wordsworth
More by William Wordsworth
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXVII - Thanksgiving After Childbirth
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXVIII - Visitation Of The Sick
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXX - Forms Of Prayer At Sea
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXXI - Funeral Service
- Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XXXII - Rural Ceremony
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