He Will Not Come

Take out the blossom in your hair abloom,          No more it seemeth beautiful, or bright,     And sickening is its subtly sweet perfume -         He will not come to-night.     Take off the necklace with its sparkling gem,          And rings that glow and glitter in the light,     And fling them in the case that waits for them -         He will not come to-night.     Take off the robe a little while ago          You chose, to make you fairer in his sight;     'Tis ten o'clock.    So late you can but know         He will not come to-night.     He will not come.    God grant you strength and grace,          For never more upon your mortal sight     Shall dawn a glimpse of that beloved face         That did not come to-night.     He will not come.    And through the shadowed years,          The perfume of that blossom that you wore     Shall stir the fount of salt and bitter tears -         For one who comes no more.