An Irish parson was walking in Derbyshire one day when a heavy storm came on, and he had to take shelter under a tree. Two young gentlemen and two young ladies were also taking shelter under this tree. The parson saw that they all looked very sad, and he asked them what made them look so miserable. They said, “We are all on our way to church to be married, but the storm has hindered us, and we are afraid it is now too late."  

"If that is all," said the parson, "I can marry you." They gladly agreed, so the parson took his prayer-book out of his pocket and married them at once. After he had said his marriage service he repeated these lines over each couple:  

Under a tree in stormy weather  

I married this man and maid together;  

Let him alone who rules the thunder  

Put this man and maid asunder