This is about marriage obviously ("vows, "oaths", "nuptials") and how two people trying to become one generally results in the weaker of the two becoming bitter because their individuality is supressed ("junction fever must have closed down the rail"). A shadow cabinet in politics is the members of the opposition who would be the in charge if their party was in power.
This is about marriage obviously ("vows, "oaths", "nuptials") and how two people trying to become one generally results in the weaker of the two becoming bitter because their individuality is supressed ("junction fever must have closed down the rail"). A shadow cabinet in politics is the members of the opposition who would be the in charge if their party was in power.