To a Friend on his Marriage

WHEN Dignity and Titles wed,
Shall Flatt'ry deck the bridal Bed?
When Hymen's Torch must blush for Shame,
That only Wealth inspires the Flame;
Or when the Muse on Beauty's pow'r
Attends, to grace a venal Hour,
To such shall she her Honors pay,
Yet none be found to grace this Day?
Shall no applauding Verse be read,
When Honesty and Goodness wed?

BE it then mine, and mine alone,
For once the nuptial Rites to crown!
Stranger to Flatt'ry, Lie, or Sneer,
My Commendation is sincere;
And sure the Verse you may commend,
Altho' the Poet be—a FRIEND.

PURSUE, blest Pair, the fond Regard,
Each other's Virtues to reward.
Eternal Joys shall on ye wait,
Unknown to Titles, Wealth, or State;
Now Titles, Wealth, and State shall bend,
O'ercome by Husband, Consort, Friend!
Such are the Titles that reward
Unspotted Truth, and firm Regard.
Wealth too your Blessings shall approve;
Undying Peace, immortal Love!
Such Wealth as this to ye is lent;
And when shall Love's rich Store be spent?
State too—the highest shall ye know,
VIRTUE—our highest State below!

To crown your Happiness, the Muse
With Wish sincere the Verse pursues.
"May Faith, Affection, and Esteem,
"Be ever your delighted Theme!
"May Satisfaction be your Bed,
"Content, a Pillow for the Head!
"While in each others Arms ye lie,
"May Love close up the slumb'ring Eye!
"And may each new-revolving Sun
"Improve the Bliss, which this begun!"