Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1899-11-16

BY j. L. h. TO MRS. J. L. X.
Just twenty years ago, my love,
Our fortunes were united:
Our hands were joined, our hopes were
one,
Our love and faith were plighted.
We stood before HymenS altar,
While throngs around were still;
All heard my answer. quick and clear,
81 will - and yours, Il will -
Just twenty years ago, my love,
The hack drove out with two:
With vows so solemn TO Us both;
Yet you, my love, proved true.
Through all the years that interviewed,
You never once have failed;
Through all the trials we have passed,
You never once have quailed.
Just twenty years ago, my love,
So young and fair and gay,
While the home folks wept at parting,
| carried my bride away.
For JOY of heart could not cry,
Though in that atmosphere,
And didn't think it quite worth while
To deceive your folks, my dear.
Just twenty years ago, my love,
Began our honeymoon,
Nor has it ceased or wane1 bit
Since that bright Tuesday noon.
AS time rolls on and days 20 by,
Your worth grows more and more;
Each day you seem more beautiful
Than the day which went before.
Just twenty years ago, my love,
We crossed the wide, deep bay
To seek our home beyond the blue
How sweet you looked that day
Your gown OF brown, your plumes to
match,
And sunshine in your face;
What JOY | had How proud | felt
To occupy my place
Just twenty years ago, my love,
On that grand Eastern Shore,
In the old Satterfeld Hotel,
Where had been before,
proudly led you forth that day,
And kept you near my side,
While as the crowds came pouring in
introduced my bride. ~
Since twenty years ago, my love,
You've shared my joys and trials.
You've kept me from the sheriff 5 hand
BY many sell-denlals.
Your methods have been tender, kind
My mistakes not aSSailed
But only touched with loving hand,
And love has never failed.
Since twenty years ago, my love,
You've been my joy and pride;
I've sought your counsel in my work,
And all things else beside.
II your advice failed to take,
suffered for it sure,
But never, like some, did you say.
Il told you SO before.
Since twenty years ago, my love,
So oft / We come home late,
And found Elijah'S Angel there
With food gladly ate
\ thousand times, dare to say,
When I've been late at night,
I've found refreshments in your hand
Awaiting my delight
Since twenty years ago, my love,
You've been the parsonage queen
wv here's mamma - is the household
word,
If you re not always seen.
w >
This is the ehildren's song;
"What is home without mother
We could not get along.
Since twenty years ago, my love,
You've borne the household cares
Too many burdens have been yours
Through this long score Of years;
But not a murmur has been heard
Nor "A word of COmDlalnt-
You have carried your cross and mine
Like Cyrenlan saint.
Since twenty years ago, my love.
You've taught our children right;
You've been their pilot through the day,
Their angel-guard at night.
If they've given us JOY and pride,
The truth must declare,
And lay the honOrs on your brow
They have no place but there.
Since twenty years ago, my love,
You've made our home SO bright;
If clouds have gathered now and then,
You've kept them out Of sight.
Your smiles and songs suppressed the
gloom
That might have brought distress;
And in the sunshine of your face
We've found cheer and gladness.
Our twenty years have all gone by,
And age creeps on apace;
The silver threads have made their mark
And youth has left the face
But JOY and hope are still our own,
a kind hand guides our way,
And you are just as lovely now
AS on our wedding day.
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