Epithalamium. Poem by Henry Baker

I.
Hymen! the Bridal--bed prepare,
Summon all the Loves together;
Virgins! Undress the blushing Fair,
Hoping, fearing, lead her thither.

II.
At length, forbear to rob the Bow'rs,
Enough the Bed is deckt with Flow'rs,
Myrtle, Lillies, Pinks, and Roses,
All the smiling Year discloses;
Cease to trifle, and delay:
Now, a kinder Task assuming,
Thither lead Eliza, blooming,
Brighter, sweeter much, than they.

III.
The full--orb'd Moon ascends the Skies,
And leads her glittering Train along:
Here, fairer far! Eliza lies,
With trembling Heart, and downcast Eyes,
A Maid! --a Maid no more to rise!
All around the Virgin Throng
Sweetly sings the Nuptial Song.

IV.
Nuptial Song.
Smiling Venus! Queen of Love!
Urgent Wishes, warm Desires,
Dispense, indulgent, from above,
Sprightly Raptures, lasting Fires.
Greatly bless this happy Pair,
Make them thy peculiar Care,
Kindly chuse from all thy Treasures,
And bestow the choicest Pleasures.

V.
Come, you pretty little Loves!
Gentle as your Mother's Doves,
Assist the Raptures of the Night,
And fill them them up with full Delight:
Soft Embraces,
Fond Caresses,
Charms inviting,
Hearts uniting,
Soothing Murmurs, balmy Kisses,
And the dearest Bliss of Blisses,

VI.
Make them still repeat the Blessing,
Fresh, and eager, by possessing,
With ecstatick Pleasure striving,
Glowing, sighing,
Panting, dying,
Dying often, oft reviving.

VII.
Crown, you Gods! their Nuptial Joys
With smiling Girls, and curling Boys!
Grant them Health, and length of Days!
Rich, and Happy, let them see
A blooming fair Posterity,
Deckt with Merit, Rank, and Praise!

VIII.
The Bridegroom comes, with hasty Pace,
Love triumphant in his Face:
Much impatient, all on Fire,
Not enduring more delay,
See, he trembles with Desire:
Come, you Virgins! all away.