"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!"