1 Ages ago in the eastern lands,
They watch'd for him,
Listening for his chariot wheels,
As the days grew dim,
And wondered if he would come again,
From Olivet;
With welcoming words on their lips they watched,
But he tarries yet.
Chorus:
He tarries yet, he tarries yet,
With welcoming words on their lips they watched,
But he tarries yet.
2 Every year across winter snows,
With wistful eyes,
Eager disciples have watch'd for him,
To come from the skies,
Every year under summer suns,
They have sung his praise,
And cried for him from their yearning hearts,
But he still delays. [Chorus]
3 Sometimes we look at the fleeting clouds,
And in the fancy trace
The shining robes, and the feet of brass,
And his glorious face;
We hush our breath when the gleaming comes,
And can almost hear
The thrilling sound of his blessed words, But he is not near. [Chorus]
4 Yet courage, brothers, we have his word,
And he will not fail;
Let us be patient, and watch and wait,
'Till our pray'rs prevail;
He surely will come as he said he would,
In the light sublime,
And we shall forget as we see his face,
This waiting time.
Chorus:
This waiting time, this waiting time,
And we shall forget as we see his face,
This waiting time.
Source: The Golden Sheaf: a collection of choice hymns and songs especially designed for Sunday schools, loyal worker's meetings, prayer and social services (Enl. ed.) #187