Repining Christina Rossetti

O he sat alvvay through the long day
Spinning the weary thread away ;
And ever said in undertone,
" Come, that I be no more alone."

From early dawn to set of sun
Working, her task was still undone ;
And the long thread seemed to increase
Even while she spun and did not cease.
She heard the gentle turtle-dove
Tell to its mate a tale of love ;
She saw the glancing swallows fly,
Ever a social company ;
She knew each bird upon its nest
Had cheering songs to bring it rest ;
None lived alone save only she : —
The wheel went round more wearily ;
She wept and said in undertone,
" Come, that I be no more alone."

Day followed day and still she sighed
For love, and was not satisfied ;

Until one night, when the moonlight
Turned all the trees to silver-white,
She heard, what ne'er she heard before,
A steady hand undo the door.
The nightingale since set of sun
Her throbbing music had not done,
And she had listened silently ;
But now the wind had changed, and she
Heard the sweet song no more, but heard
Beside her bed a whispered word :
" Damsel, rise up ; be not afraid ;
For I am come at last," it said.