A song of farewell

"What should I say at hour of parting hateful?

If I sigh 'leave me not!' that seems ungrateful!

If I should whisper 'go' it sounds so coldly;

And to cry 'stay' were to command too boldly;

'Go, if thou wilt, -- stay, if thou wilt!' -- this savours

Of heedless heart; while full of Fate's ill-favours

'Twould be to murmur, 'If we part, I die!'

Lest that fall true: alas! I know not -- I --

What thing to utter! Teach me some wise word

To say when you must leave me, Dearest Lord!"