The Poetical Works of Frances Ridley Havergal

‘I wait for thee!’ I said it in the splendour
Of golden moons beneath the lonely palms.
‘I wait for thee!’ An echo, clear and tender,
Fell from the height across the silver calms.
For I had waited long,
And hope was growing weary,
Though faith and love were strong,
And lit the path so dreary,—
Till o'er the coral sea
My love should come to me,
‘I wait for thee.’

‘I wait for thee!’ I said it in my dreaming,
Then fell a hush beyond the hush of night;
And, fairer far than southern waters gleaming,
A Presence passed in soft celestial light.
Then calm and sweet and clear,
A spirit voice came singing,
Far, far away, yet near,
Like star-bells' crystal ringing.
Oh, well my own heart knew
That voice so clear and true—
‘I wait for thee!’

‘She waits for me!’ I said it in my weeping,
For never more she cometh o'er the sea;

186

She waits for me! A glorious vigil keeping
Beyond the stars, she waiteth there for me.
And now I wait awhile,
Beneath the palm trees lonely.
And learn once more to smile,
For she hath gladness only.
Beside the Crystal Sea,
Until the shadows flee,
She waits for me.

University of Virginia Library

She Waits for Me.