The Wagon Train

THE WAGON TRAIN 841 How sweet those days when side by side, In the face of all their world they ride. No senseless forms, no vain pretense Obscures their joy in shadows dense. And innocence has dignity, More than a crowned king's majesty. His love in words not shy nor bold The Scout in fitting hour told. (When did pure love e'er woe in vain?) Too true to give a lover pain By torturing arts of vain coquet, (So oft the prelude to regret,) With modest grace her love confessed, Was clasped in rapture to his breast. They look into each other's eyes And earth becomes a paradise. Their lips meet in the lover's kiss And they have tasted heaven's bliss. They nothing lack their love to bless, Earth thrilled with Eden happiness, And when true love's in virtue given, The human heart still turns to heaven. Faith rests a crown upon the brows, God is the priest that binds their vows. Not shining robes of bridal white, Not written vows, nor legal rite, Not interests vast, nor gold bought hands, Not kingly blood, nor princely lands, Not weighty laws applied with care, — Until God puts his sanction there. — Can e'er unite a destiny In holy truth and constancy. Yet all these forms may interpose Guards between Honor and her foes. So tear not down with my consent Frail bars which guard the innocent; Hedge well the throne where Honor sits, Love has so many counterfeits; And loftiest truth itself might be The mask for deepest villainy. But Oh, that spot in life is sweet, Where youth and love and duty meet! Ellen L. Jakeman.