All my life long I heard the step br Of some one I would know, br Break softly in upon my days br And lightly come and go. br br A foot so brisk I said must bear br A heart that's clean and clear; br If that companion blithe would come, br I should be happy here. br br But though I waited long and well, br He never came at all, br I grew aweary of the void, br Even of the light foot-fall. br br From loneliness to loneliness br I felt my spirit grope-- br At last I knew the uttermost, br The loneliness of hope. br br And just upon the border land, br Where flesh and spirit part, br I knew the secret foot-fall was br The beating of my heart.