no earthly church has ever blessed our union no state has ever granted us permission no family bond has ever made us two no company has ever earned commission no debt was paid no dowry to be gained no treaty over border land or power no semblance of the world outside remained to stain the beauty of this nuptial hour the secret marriage vow is never spoken the secret marriage never can be broken no flowers on the alter no white veil in your hair no maiden dress to alter no bible oath to swear 