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 holy Three are with us, 
The threefold grace is said. 

Be present, aweful Father, 
To give away this bride, 
As Eve thou gav'st to Adam 
Out of his own pierced 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! 

O spread thy pure wing o'er them, 
Let no ill power find place, 
When onward to thine altar 
Their hallowed path they trace, 

To cast their crowns before thee 
In perfect sacrifice, 
Till to the home of gladness 
With Christ's own Bride they rise. Amen