It was a way of Helen’s not to sing
The songs that other people sang; she took
Sometimes an extract from an olden book—
Again some floating, fragmentary thing,
And these she fitted to old melodies,
Or else composed the music. One of these
She sang that night; and Vivian caught the strain.
And joined her in the chorus or refrain:
O thou, mine other stronger part,
Whom yet I cannot hear or see,
Come thou and take this loving heart,
That longs to yield its all to thee.
I call mine own, O come to me—
Love, answer back, “I come to thee,
I come to thee!”
This hungry heart, so warm, so large
Is far too great a care for me.
I have grown weary of the charge
I keep so sacredly for thee.
Come, then, and take my heart from me—
Love, answer back, “I come to thee,
I come to thee.”
I am a’weary waiting here
For one who tarries long from me.
O, art thou far, or art thou near,
And must I still be sad for thee?
Love, answer, “I am near to thee,
I am come to thee!”