Tell me to stay; I cannot go,
Nor say farewell and leave you so,
With none in life on whom to lean
Or be to you as I have been!

Let me be still, in sorrow's night
All I have been when life was bright;
Let me be near you, sweet, that hour 
You wake to feel and learn love's pow'r!

Tell me to stay, and I will stay
Though all the world shall pass away...
Tell me to stay, o heart of mine,
And I forever more am thine!

Tell me to stay; you do not know
How dark and lone the world may grow,
How soon pride wanes from less to less,
And silence turns to bitterness!
Be proud, be silent, if you will,
I cannot help but love you still;
One sigh, one tear, and I shall know
At heart you would not have me go!