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and be as a queen over thy sister-in-law and thy brother-in-law." And lastly, the bridegroom and the bride say to each other-in the full realization of the new relations in which they stand, henceforth to proceed with one heart, and one mind,--"may all the gods unite our hearts, may the god of maternity and the spirit of proper instruction and goodness, of wise and pure speech, unite us together."
This, my American brothers and sisters, in brief, is the marriage ceremony of the Hindus. It is longer and more tedious perhaps than your short, and as it would seem, not over-binding ceremony which I have witnessed since coming to your country and also on this platform. In your ceremony words pass between the bride and bridegroom, some of which words, as you have seen, are conspicuous for their absence in the "Heathen" ceremony which I have declared to you. Your priest would say to the man-"Wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, wilt thou love, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others cling only unto her so long as life shall last." And to the bride he will say "Wilt thou take this they wedded husband, wilt thou love, honor and obey him and forsaking all others cling only to him so long as life shall last." To these propositions the man and the woman are expected to answer each, "I will." But, if what I hear from you be the truth,
man to be
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