The Heart's Song

In the silent midnight watches,
List — thy bosom-door!
How it knocketh, knocketh, knocketh,
Knocketh evermore!
Say not 'tis thy pulse's beating;
'T is thy heart of sin:
'T is thy Saviour knocks, and crieth
Rise, and let me in!
Death comes down with reckless footstep
To the hall and hut:
Think you Death will stand a-knocking
Where the door is shut?
Jesus waiteth — waiteth — waiteth;
But thy door is fast!
Grieved, away thy Saviour goeth:
Death breaks in at last.
Then 'tis thine to stand — entreating
Christ to let thee in:
At the gate of heaven beating,
Wailing for thy sin.
Nay, alas! thou foolish virgin,
Hast thou then forgot,
Jesus waited long to know thee,
But he knows thee not!