And thou wert waiting for me all these years!
While I have wept and prayed and laughed in glee: --
A thought most wonderful! Had I known thee,
My prayers had not been needed, and my tears
Had changed to smiles, and all my doubts and fears
Would have been gladness, sadness, ecstasy.
Dear friend, it was not best that this should be.
As one who waits through darkness till he hears
A guiding voice to lead him to the light,
I sat beneath my pain. I would not take
All gladness for that waiting; for the right
Was with me, and I learned to trust, and make
Out of the darkness, glory; and how bright
Thy face was when at last love's dawn did break!