The Argosy — page 172: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

160 Our Midday. her, I feel keenly that no words of mine can be any consolation—that nothing can be of any comfort to her except the thought, the sure and certain hope, that her brave boy tried to win a Cross—but has won a Crown instead. “ Believe me, sincerely yours, “December 16, 1873.” ‘“ ARTHUR LEE. “NGL Lt BRIDAL ROBES. By Mrs. G. LINN#£US BANKS. A BRIDAL robe should be A dress to be worn for the day ; Then laid aside with all perfumes rare, A treasure to guard with lifelong care, A relic for ever and aye. And never meaner use Should sully its delicate snow : The bride’s last robe in her maidenhood Should remain as perfect, pure, and good As when it was donned I trow. For ever a dainty type Of her chastity pure and white ; Folded up like a rose in the bud, Perfection hidden, but understood By all who could think aright. Text from the marriage morn, In its silence to speak thro’ life, Of duties, put on with every fold, To change that life’s silver into gold, If love link true husband and wife. And not ’till Death should call The tried wife to his bridal bed, Should that well-saved robe again be worn, Or the orange-wreath again adorn, The auburn or snow-white head. And only wife who kept As spotless her life as her dress, Be honoured to wear her bridal gown, Be honoured to wear her bridal crown, When Death should her pale lips press. 5).9).5 | comicbooks.com