SONG FROM "MAUD" 183 



The slender acacia would not shake 



One long milk-bloom on the tree ; 

 The white lake-blossom fell into the lake 



As the pimpernel dozed on the lea ; 

 But the rose was awake all night for your sake, 



Knowing your promise to me ; 

 The lilies and roses were all awake, 



They sigh'd for the dawn and thee. 



Queen rose of the rosebud garden of girls, 



Come hither, the dances are done, 

 In gloss of satin and glimmer of pearls, 



Queen lily and rose in one ; 

 Shine out, little head, sunning over with curls, 



To the flowers, and be their sun. 



There has fallen a splendid tear 



From the passion-flower at the gate. 

 She is coming, my dove, my dear ; 



She is coming, my life, my fate ; 

 The red rose cries, " She is near, she is near ; " 



And the white rose weeps, " She is late ; " 

 The larkspur listens, " I hear, I hear ; " 



And the lily whispers, " I wait." 



She is coming, my own, my sweet ; 



Were it ever so airy a tread, 

 My heart would hear her and beat, 



Were it earth in an earthy bed ; 

 My dust would hear her and beat, 



Had I lain for a century dead ; 

 Would start and tremble under her feet, 



And blossom in purple and red. 



ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON. 



