Poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lines from “Maurine” (It was a way of Helen's not to sing)

It was a way of Helen's not to sing
   The songs that other people sang; she took
   Sometimes an extract from an olden book--
Again some floating, fragmentary thing,
   And these she fitted to old melodies,
   Or else composed the music. One of these
She sang that night; and Vivian caught the strain.
And joined her in the chorus or refrain:
 
O thou, mine other stronger part,
   Whom yet I cannot hear or see,
Come thou and take this loving heart,
   That longs to yield its all to thee.
I call mine own, O come to me--
Love, answer back, "I come to thee,
                       I come to thee!"

This hungry heart, so warm, so large
   Is far too great a care for me.
I have grown weary of the charge
   I keep so sacredly for thee.
Come, then, and take my heart from me--
Love, answer back, "I come to thee,
                      I come to thee."

I am a'weary, waiting here
   For one who tarries long from me.
O, art thou far, or art thou near,
   And must I still be sad for thee?
Love, answer, "I am near to thee,
                      I am come to thee!" 

1. The Birth of the Orchid
2. The Black Charger
3. All the World
4. At Set of Sun
5. The Call (All wantonly in hours of joy)

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