Wreath For A Bridal

What though green leaves only witness

Such pact as is made once only; what matter

That owl voice sole ‘yes’, while cows utter

Low moos of approve; let sun surpliced in brightness

Stand stock still to laud these mated ones

Whose stark act all coming double luck joins.

Couched daylong in cloisters of stinging nettle

They lie, cut-grass assaulting each separate sense

With savor; coupled so, pure paragons of constance,

This pair seek single state from that dual battle.

Now speak some sacrament to parry scruple

For wedlock wrought within love's proper chapel.

Call here with flying colors all watchful birds

To people the twigged aisles; lead babel tongues

Of animals to choir: ‘Look what thresh of wings

Wields guard of honor over these!’ Starred with words

Let night bless that luck-rooted mead of clover

Where, bedded like angels, two burn one in fever.

From this holy day on, all pollen blown

Shall strew broadcast so rare a seed on wind

That every breath, thus teeming, set the land

Sprouting fruit, flowers, children most fair in legion

To slay spawn of dragon's teeth: speaking this promise,

Let flesh be knit, and each step hence go famous.