Page:Poems Douglas.djvu/118

The Postman's Knock.

The postman's knock! oh, what delight
 That well-known sound imparts,
That hasty rap, tap! how it thrills
 Each pulse in fond young hearts;
What light and joyous footsteps tread
 That moment on the floor—
What beaming eyes, and glowing cheeks,
 Then meet him at the door!

And what a sweet and gracious smile
 The happy fair one gives,
As she, with eager out-stretch'd hand,
 The welcome note receives;
She sees her name, so neatly traced
 In her beloved one's hand—
She feels his heart is still her own,
 Though in a distant land;
The very motto on the seal
 Can tranquilise each fear—
"We only part to meet again,"
 Or, "Absent, ever dear."

The postman's knock! how many ears
 Wait anxious for that sound,
His well-known foot upon the stair,
 His tread upon the ground;