Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Norman Gale b. 1862

Song

WAIT but a little while—

The bird will bring

A heart in tune for melodies

Unto the spring,

Till he who ’s in the cedar there

Is moved to trill a song so rare,

And pipe her fair.

Wait but a little while—

The bud will break;

The inner rose will open and glow

For summer’s sake;

Fond bees will lodge within her breast

Till she herself is plucked and prest

Where I would rest.

Wait but a little while—

The maid will grow

Gracious with lips and hands to thee,

With breast of snow.

To-day Love ’s mute, but time hath sown

A soul in her to match thine own,

Though yet ungrown.