  by Alice Cary. We’re married, they say, and you think you have won me,-- Well, take this white veil from my head and look on Here’s matter to vex you and matter to grieve you. Here’s doubt to distrust you and faith to believe you-- I am all, as you see, common earth, common dew; Be wary, and mould me to roses, not rue! Ah! shake out the filmy thing, fold after fold, And see if you have me to keep and to hold-- Look close on my heart--see worst of its sinning-- It is not yours to-day for the yesterday’s winning-- The past is not mine--I am too proud to borrow-- You must grow to new heights if I love you to-morrow. As the turf at your feet does its handful of daisies; That way lies my honor--my pathway of pride. But, mark you, if greener grass grows either side, I shall know it; and keeping the body with you, Shall walk in my spirit with feet on the dew. We’re married! Oh, pray that our love do not fail! I have wings fastened down, hidden under my veil! They are subtle as light--you can never undo them; And swift in their flight--you can never pursue them; And spite of all clasping and spite of all bands, I can slip like a shadow, a dream, from your hands. Nay, call me not cruel, and fear not to take me. I am yours for a lifetime, to be what you make me, To wear my white veil for a sigh or a cover, As you shall be proven my lord or my lover; A cover for peace that is dead; or a token Of bliss that can never be written or spoken. TABLEAUX. 1. Drawing-room scene. Bride and groom in full wedding costume; bride in white, with orange blossoms and veil of tarlatan or lace; both stand near center in foreground, a little apart, facing each other. 2. Husband in act of lifting veil from side front. 3. Both are sitting on sofa--settled and serene. |
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