I

When love delays, when love delays and joy Steals like a shadow o’er the happy hills; When hope is gone; and no to-morrow fills The promise of to-day; still I employ My soul with thoughts of thee, Who ’rt not for me, for me!

When love delays, when love delays and song Aches at wild lips, unutterable, as the sound Of ocean strives, within the shell’s mouth bound; And hope is gone for ever, slain of wrong; Still in my heart one word Keeps calling like a bird.

When love delays, when love delays and sleep Seals tired eyelids,--like the sound of foam, Heard ’mid familiar flowers far from home,-- When hope lies dead; in dreams, in dreams I keep Feeling thy lips’ sweet touch,-- And, oh! it is too much!

When love delays, when love delays and sorrow Drinks her own tears that add but to her thirst; When song and sleep and love itself seem curst, And hope lies dead; still, still I dream to-morrow Will bring some word of cheer From thee who art not here.

Will love delay, will love delay till death Hath sealed these lips and locked these eyes in night? Till unto love and hate indifferent quite This form shall lie? Then wilt thou, wild of breath, Bend down and kiss me there When I no more shall care?