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Home  »  The Oxford Book of English Verse  »  208. Bridal Song

Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.

John Fletcher. 1579–1625

208. Bridal Song

CYNTHIA, to thy power and thee 
          We obey. 
Joy to this great company! 
          And no day 
Come to steal this night away         5
  Till the rites of love are ended, 
And the lusty bridegroom say, 
  Welcome, light, of all befriended! 
 
Pace out, you watery powers below; 
          Let your feet,  10
Like the galleys when they row, 
          Even beat; 
Let your unknown measures, set 
  To the still winds, tell to all 
That gods are come, immortal, great,  15
  To honour this great nuptial!