FORTH from the curtain of clouds, from the tent of purple and scarlet, Round the hem of his robe the golden bells and pomegranates. This was the wedding morn of Priscilla, the Puritan maiden. Friends were assembled together; the Elder and Magistrate also Graced the scene with their presence, and stood like the Law and the Gospel, One with the sanction of earth and one with the blessing of heaven. Softly the youth and the maiden repeated the words of betrothal, After the Puritan way, and the laudable custom of Holland. Fervently then, and devoutly, the excellent Elder of Plymouth Prayed for the hearth and the home, that were founded that day in affection, Speaking of life and of death, and imploring divine benedictions. Lo! when the service was ended, a form appeared on the threshold, Why does the bridegroom start and stare at the strange apparition? Is it a ghost from the grave, that has come to forbid the betrothal? |