side, taking the hand of the woman and the man—respectively, placed them together clasped, and retired. As the two persons stood thus, Prokop said: “According to the example of the Apostles, and of our fathers in all time since the command of the Lord was given, this man and this woman here enter the good estate of marriage. Pietro Felice, do you take this woman for your wife in presence of God and of this congregation?” Pietro answered distinctly, “I do, father.” “Eudocia von Osterna, do you take this man for your husband in presence of God and of this congregation?” Eudocia replied, “I do, father.” Then Prokop raised his hands and said, “Let the blessing of the Lord of love and life, the Lord of good and not of evil, and the promised Paracletos rest upon you and your household. Amen,” A manuscript roll of parchment was then produced from a robe. Pietro and Eudocia inscribed their names; and then the company, in a low and clear voice,sang a hymn. Between the cadences and passages of this hymn, intervened as if intertwined therein the happy songs of birds, and the rippling purl of the brook; the hue of petals blended with the happy flush of faces, and the singers inhaled the gentle perfume of the flowers as if to mingle with the essence of their song. All nature smiled, in the oneness of perfect repose and joy, as two more souls transfused the harmony of their love into the living essence of nature’s gladness around. If the incense of sweet savor ever did ascend to heaven it was from that communion.
