WHAT need of clamorous bells, or ribands gay, br These humble nuptials to proclaim or grace? br Angels of love, look down upon the place; br Shed on the chosen vale a sun-bright day! br Yet no proud gladness would the Bride display br Even for such promise:--serious is her face, br Modest her mien; and she, whose thoughts keep pace br With gentleness, in that becoming way br Will thank you. Faultless does the Maid appear; br No disproportion in her soul, no strife: br But, when the closer view of wedded life br Hath shown that nothing human can be clear br From frailty, for that insight may the Wife br To her indulgent Lord become more dear.