WAIT but a little while— br The bird will bring br A heart in tune for melodies br Unto the spring, br Till he who ’s in the cedar there br Is moved to trill a song so rare, br And pipe her fair. br br Wait but a little while— br The bud will break; br The inner rose will open and glow br For summer’s sake; br Fond bees will lodge within her breast br Till she herself is plucked and prest br Where I would rest. br br Wait but a little while— br The maid will grow br Gracious with lips and hands to thee, br With breast of snow. br To-day Love ’s mute, but time hath sown br A soul in her to match thine own, br Though yet ungrown.