When Love Comes Knocking

by William Henry Gardner

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.