Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Winthrop Mackworth Praed 1802–39

The Newly-Wedded

Praed-Wi

NOW the rite is duly done,

Now the word is spoken,

And the spell has made us one

Which may ne’er be broken;

Rest we, dearest, in our home,

Roam we o’er the heather:

We shall rest, and we shall roam,

Shall we not? together.

From this hour the summer rose

Sweeter breathes to charm us;

From this hour the winter snows

Lighter fall to harm us:

Fair or foul—on land or sea—

Come the wind or weather,

Best and worst, whate’er they be,

We shall share together.

Death, who friend from friend can part,

Brother rend from brother,

Shall but link us, heart and heart,

Closer to each other:

We will call his anger play,

Deem his dart a feather,

When we meet him on our way

Hand in hand together.