Written for my daughters' weddings

"The Greatest of These . . ."
I Corinthians xiii.

THOUGH the tongues of men and angels

Lose their power to charm or sway,

Though the lore of sage and prophet

Fades like dreams of yesterday,

Even faith that moved the mountains

Falters till it droops and quails,

Hope grows faint, but love abideth

Steadfast love that never fails.

Love that bears her cross rejoicing

Understands and suffers long,

Love that all things true believeth

Thinks no evil dreams no wrong,

Love that lives and all endureth

Envies not nor seeks her own,

Love that dies to rise immortal

Crowned and sceptred on her throne.

Dark the glass of earthly wisdom,

Yet may we by God's good grace

Know in part love's true perfection

Seen hereafter face to face,

Deeper than the wise can fathom,

Higher than the great can prove,

Reaching up to meet the Eternal

One with God for God is love.

Tune: Hymns A. & M., No. 137.