Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By HelenHay

1684 A Woman’s Pride

I WILL not look for him, I will not hear

My heart’s loud beating, as I strain to see

Across the rain forlorn and hopelessly,

Nor, starting, think ’t is he that draws so near.

I will forget how tenderly and dear

He might in coming hold his arms to me,

For I will prove what woman’s pride can be

When faint love lingers in the darkness drear.

I will not—ah, but should he come to-night

I think my life might break through very bliss,

This little will should so be torn apart

That all my soul might fail in golden light

And let me die; so do I long for this.

Ah, love, thine eyes!—Nay, love—Thy heart, thy heart!