"Hymen, O Hymen!" beauteous ladies cry, "Hymen, O Hymen!" loud Shout forth the echoing crowd The city through; patricians perched on high, And the plebeian patient plodding by, Raise incense like a cloud. And Hymen's here, kind eye on all to keep, Hymen, with roses crowned, Leads on the Lion, bound In floral bonds and blossom-bridled, deep In scattered flowers. Your lyres ye laureates sweep, And marriage measures sound! Not Una's guardian more gladly bare Burden more pleasant--pure! With footing gently sure Leo on-paces. Hymen's torch in air Flames fragrantly. Was ever Happy Pair So served, or so secure? Take the rose-reins, young bridegroom; bridled so Leo's not hard to ride. Sweet MAY, the new-made bride, Will find her lion palfrey-paced. And lo! The genial god's unfailing torch aglow Burns bravely at her side! Epithalamia seem out of date; Hymen cares not to-day To trill a fulsome lay, Or hymn High Bridals with Spenserian state. Goodwill to goodness simply dedicate,-- Such homage _Punch_ would pay. "Hymen, O Hymen!" Like this torch's flame, Bright be your wedded days! May a proud people's praise, Well earned, be your award of honest fame; And on each gracious head, Light may it lie, the crown you yet may claim, As rest these roses red! [Footnote A: HORACE, "Ad Iulum Antonium," Ode 2, Book IV.] [Footnote B: HORACE--_ut supra._] [Illustration: "HYMEN HYMENÆE!"] * * * * * A TALE OF THE ALHAMBRA.