Believe it or not, as you choose, <br />The doctrine is certainly true, <br />That the future is known to the Muse, <br />And poets are oracles too. <br />I did but express a desire, <br />To see Catharina at home, <br />At the side of my friend George's fire, <br />And lo -- she is actually come. <br /> <br />Such prophecy some may despise, <br />But the wish of a poet and friend <br />Perhaps is approved in the skies, <br />And therefore attains to its end. <br />'Twas a wish that flew ardently forth <br />From a bosom effectually warmed <br />With the talents, the graces, and worth <br />Of the person for whom it was formed. <br /> <br />Maria would leave us, I knew, <br />To the grief and regret of us all, <br />But less to our grief, could we view <br />Catharina the queen of the hall. <br />And therefore I wished as I did, <br />And therefore this union of hands; <br />Not a whisper was heard to forbid, <br />But all cry, Amen! to the bans. <br /> <br />Since therefore I seem to incur <br />No danger of wishing in vain, <br />When making good wishes for her, <br />I will e'en to my wishes again; <br />With one I have made her a wife, <br />And now I will try with another, <br />Which I cannot suppress for my life, <br />How soon I can make her a mother.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/catharina-the-second-part-on-her-marriage-to-george-courtenay-esq/
