Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Love’s Coming

She had looked for his coming as warriors come, 
With the clash of arms and the bugle’s call; 
But he came instead with a stealthy tread, 
Which she did not hear at all. 

She had thought how his armor would blaze in the sun, 
As he rode like a prince to claim his bride: 
In the sweet dim light of the falling night 
She found him at her side. 

She had dreamed how the gaze of his strange, bold eye 
Would wake her heart to a sudden glow: 
She found in his face the familiar grace 
Of a friend she used to know. 

She had dreamed how his coming would stir her soul, 
As the ocean is stirred by the wild storm’s strife: 
He brought her the balm of a heavenly calm, 
And a peace which crowned her life.