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66

EXPECTANS EXPECTAVI.

Sweep out the house and dress it fair,
Make ready hall and room;
I who have waited very long
Shall meet my brave bridegroom,
And he will take me by the hand,
Kiss me, and lead me home.
He did not come to fetch me home
In my time of merry youth;
He waited till the wrinkles were
About my eyes and mouth.
What matter? His face will touch my face,
And make its furrows smooth.
Oh, I shall lie at rest, at rest,
Upon his true bosom;
Lulled sweetlier far than they are lulled
Who hear the songs of home,
As they lie, half-waking, half-asleep,
In the happy summer-gloam.
67

Gather fair flowers to greet my love;
Flowers at whose heart is laid
Delight and fragrance; lilies, white
As the soul of Mary Maid:
Roses that laugh in the blessed sun,
And smile in the blessed shade.
What say ye, gentle maidens mine?—
“Thy coming bridegroom, he
Loves better the cypress and the yew,
And the rue and the rosemary”—
Nay, let me bring mine own offering;
I know him better than ye.
Good night, good night, beloveds all,
For this beloved saith
I must leave all and cleave to him;
And quickly he cometh;
His eyes are stars and his voice the sea's;
And his name is called Death.
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