A little while with tides of dark and light
The moon shall fill;
Warm autumn's gold be changed to shrouding white
And winter's chill.
A little while shall tender human flowers
In beauty blow;
And ceaselessly through shade and sunny hours
Death's harvest grow.
A little while shall tranquil planets speed
Round central flame;
New empires spring and pass, new names succeed
And lapse from fame.
A little while shall cold star-tapers burn
Through time's brief night;
Then shall my soul's beloved One return
With dayspring bright.
How oft in golden dreams I see Him stand,
I list his voice,
As winning largess from his lifted hand
The poor rejoice;
But waking bears that vision dear away,
My better part,
And leaves me to this pale and empty day,
This longing heart.
I cannot see Thee, but I love Thee. Oh,
Thine eyes that read
The deepest secrets of the spirit know
'Tis love indeed!
A little while; but, ah! how long it seems!
My Jesus, come.
Surpass the rapture of my sweetest dreams.
And take me home!