A Certificate Of Marriage


Swift, in one of his pedestrian journeys from London towards Chester, is

reported to have taken shelter from a summer tempest under a large oak

on the road side, at no great distance from Litchfield. Presently, a

man, with a pregnant woman, wore driven by the like impulse to avail

themselves of the same covert. The Dean, entering into conversation,

found the parties were destined for Litchfield to be married. As the

si
uation of the woman indicated no time should be lost, a proposition

was made on his part to save them the rest of the journey, by performing

the ceremony on the spot. The offer was gladly accepted, and thanks

being duly returned, the bridal pair, as the sky brightened, was about

to return: but the bridegroom suddenly recollecting that a certificate

was requisite to authenticate the marriage, requested one, which the

Dean wrote in these words:



Under an oak, in stormy weather,

I joined this rogue and wench together,

And none but he who rules the thunder,

Can put this wench and rogue asunder.



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