HE WILL NOT COME

Take out the blossom in your hair abloom,

No more it seemeth beautiful, or bright,

And sickening is its subtly sweet perfume —

He will not come to-night.

Take off the necklace with its sparkling gem,

And rings that glow and glitter in the light,

And fling them in the case that waits for them —

He will not come to-night.

Take off the robe a little while ago

You chose, to make you fairer in his sight;

‘ Tis ten o'clock. So late you can but know

He will not come to-night.

He will not come. God grant you strength and grace,

For never more upon your mortal sight

Shall dawn a glimpse of that beloved face

That did not come to-night.

He will not come. And through the shadowed years,

The perfume of that blossom that you wore

Shall stir the fount of salt and bitter tears —

For one who comes no more.