Before we part

Give me a sign, a little sign, to teach me

Something yet more sweet than sweetest friendliness of yore,

Lest I should die to-night,

And wander out of sight,

Where never, never sign from you could reach me more.

Give me a look of deeper, different meaning

To all the true and steadfast looks that I so well have known;

Then, howsoe'er it be,

Life will have held for me

One fair, supreme, blest moment I may call my own.

Give me a word, if that you truly love me,

Just a word, if heart indeed have aught to say to heart --

Let all the future seem

Some vague uncertain dream,

But give me one dear word, this night, before we part!