The voice that breathed o’er Eden,
That earliest wedding-day,
The primal marriage blessing,–
It hath not passed away.
Still in the pure espousal
Of Christian man and maid
The Triune God is with us,
The threefold grace is said.
Be present, loving Father,
To give away this bride
As Thou gav’st Eve to Adam,
A helpmeet at his side.
Be present, Son of Mary,
To join their loving hands
As Thou didst bind two natures
In Thine eternal bands.
Be present, Holiest Spirit,
To bless them as they kneel,
As Thou for Christ, the Bridegroom,
The heavenly Spouse dost seal.
Oh, spread Thy pure wing o’er them,
Let no ill power find place
When onward to Thine altar
Their hallowed path they trace.