Katherine Philips, writing as Orinda, addresses her dear friend Cassandra on her wedding day. Instead of crowning cups or building altars, she dismisses those “wild toys” as empty noise. What she offers instead is something far more personal: a series of heartfelt wishes for her friend’s future. She hopes Cassandra’s contentment will be as pure and lasting as Orinda’s affection, rooted not in luck but in her own mind. She imagines a love so intertwined between the couple that no one can tell whose joy is greater, and a life where every ordinary hour is measured by their happiness rather than a clock. The mood is intimate and tender, turning away from public spectacle to celebrate a quiet, sacred bond between two people—and the steady love of a friend witnessing it.
To my dear Sister, Mrs. C. P. on her Nuptial — Summary
We will not like those men our offerings pay Who crown the cup, then think they crown the day. We make no garlands, nor an altar build, Which help not Joy, but Ostentation yield. Where mirth is justly grounded these wild toyes Are but a troublesome, and empty noise.
But these shall be my great Solemnities, Orinda's wishes for Cassandra's bliss. May her Content be as unmix'd and pure As my Affection, and like that endure; And that strong Happiness may she still find Not owing to her Fortune, but her Mind.
May her Content and Duty be the same, And may she know no Grief but in the name. May his and her Pleasure and Love be so Involv'd and growing, that we may not know Who most Affection or most Peace engrost; Whose Love is strongest, or whose Bliss is most.
May nothing accidental e're appear But what shall with new bonds their Souls endear; And may they count the hours as they pass, By their own Joys, and not by Sun or Glass: While every day like this may Sacred prove To Friendship, Gratitude, and Strictest Love.