University of Virginia Library

WAIT.

Go not far in the land of light!
A little while by the golden gate,
Lest that I lose you out of sight,
Wait, my darling, wait.
Forever now from your happy eyes
Life's scenic picture has passed away;
You have entered into realities,
And I am yet at the play!
Yet at the play of time—through all,
Thinking of you, and your high estate;
A little while, and the curtain will fall—
Wait, my darling, wait!
Mine is a dreary part to do—
A mask of mirth on a mourning brow;
The chance approval, the flower or two,
Are nothing—nothing now!
The last sad act is drawing on;
A little while by the golden gate
Of the holy heaven to which you are gone,
Wait, my darling, wait.