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

Theodore Wratislaw b. 1871

Expectation

COME while the afternoon of May

Is sweet with many a lilac-spray,

Come while the sparrows chirping fare

From branch to branch across the square.

Come like the dawn and bring to me

The fresh winds of an open sea,

Come like the stars of night and bear

All consolation in thine hair.

Bring me release from ancient pain,

Bring me the hopes of joy found vain,

Bring me thy sweetness of the dove,

Come, sweet, and bring thyself and love!