Ellen Palmer Allerton.

 
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WHO IS TO BLAME?

 
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Two at the altar; oh! fair and sweet 
Is the bride all in white from head to feet. 
 
O'er braids of gold falls the filmy veil 
Like a delicate mist, transparent, pale. 
 
On her clear young brow no shadow lies; 
There is solemn joy in her shining eyes. 
 
Men gaze with delight, but soberly say, 
"She will shirk no sacrifice, come what may. 
 
"She Will pray, Poor child, as the years go on, 
'Nothing for me, Lord, but all for John.'" 
 
What of the bridegroom? Firm of lip, 
Heavy of jaw and sturdy of grip;