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

By William HenryGardner

1461 When Love Comes Knocking

WHEN Love comes knocking at thy gate,

Bid him at once depart:

He will be patient, and will wait

The bidding of thy heart.

Tell him he knocketh there in vain;

That he may ne’er come in:

He ’ll smiling leave, but come again,

Thy loving heart to win.

Then, when at last he knocks in tears,

Oh! open wide Love’s gate:

He ’ll soon forget his foolish fears,

And vow ’t was sweet to wait.