FAREWELL
Reading edition
LET mine eyes the parting take, Which my faint lips never can; Moments such as these might break Even the sternest heart of man.
Mournfully doth Joy's eclipse, Shroud in grief Love's sweetest sign; Cold the pressure of thy lips, Cold the hand that rests in mine.
Once the slightest stolen kiss— O, what rapture did it bring! Like a violet's loveliness, Found and plucked in early spring.
Now, no more my hand shall twine, Rose wreaths, sweetest love, for thee; Without, is summer's glorious prime, Within, weird autumn's misery.