Now, oh now I needs must part

I

Now, oh now I needs must part,

Parting though I absent mourn.

Absence can no joy impart:

Joy once fled cannot return.

While I live I needs must love,

Love lives not when Hope is gone.

Now at last Despair doth prove,

Love divided loveth none.

Sad despair doth drive me hence;

This despair unkindness sends.

If that parting be offence,

It is she which then offends.

II

Dear when I from thee am gone,

Gone are all my joys at once,

I lov'd thee and thee alone,

In whose love I joyed once.

And although your sight I leave,

Sight wherein my joys do lie,

Till that death doth sense bereave,

Never shall affection die.

Sad despair doth drive me hence;

This despair unkindness sends.

If that parting be offence,

It is she which then offends.

III

Dear, if I do not return,

Love and I shall die together.

For my absence never mourn

Whom you might have joyed ever;

SYSTEMPart we must though now I die,

Die I do to part with you.

Him despair doth cause to lie

Who both liv'd and dieth true.

Sad despair doth drive me hence;

This despair unkindness sends.

If that parting be offence,

It is she which then offends.