I will not let thee go.
Ends all our month-long love in this?
    Can it be summ'd up so,
    Quit in a single kiss?
    I will not let thee go.

    I will not let thee go.
If thy words' breath could scare thy deeds,
    As the soft south can blow
    And toss the feather'd seeds,
    Then might I let thee go.
 
    I will not let thee go.
Had not the great sun seen, I might;
    Or were he reckon'd slow
    To bring the false to light,
    Then might I let thee go.
 
    I will not let thee go.
The stars that crowd the summer skies
    Have watch'd us so below
    With all their million eyes,
    I dare not let thee go.
 
    I will not let thee go.
Have we not chid the changeful moon,
    Now rising late, and now
    Because she set too soon,
    And shall I let thee go?
 
    I will not let thee go.
Have not the young flowers been content,
    Pluck'd ere their buds could blow,
    To seal our sacrament?
 
    I cannot let thee go.
    I will not let thee go.
I hold thee by too many bands:
    Thou sayest farewell, and, lo!
    I have thee by the hands,
    And will not let thee go.