For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the
head of the two ways, read more

For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the
head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows
bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver.

If we must part forever,
Give me but one kind word to think upon,
And please myself read more

If we must part forever,
Give me but one kind word to think upon,
And please myself with, while my heart's breaking.

Fare thee well! and if for ever,
Still for ever, fare thee well.

Fare thee well! and if for ever,
Still for ever, fare thee well.

Excuse me, then! you know my heart;
But dearest friends, alas! must part.

Excuse me, then! you know my heart;
But dearest friends, alas! must part.

Adieu! 'tis love's last greeting,
The parting hour is come!
And fast thy soul is fleeting
read more

Adieu! 'tis love's last greeting,
The parting hour is come!
And fast thy soul is fleeting
To seek its starry home.

Gone--flitted away,
Taken the stars from the night and the sun
From the day!
read more

Gone--flitted away,
Taken the stars from the night and the sun
From the day!
Gone, and a cloud in my heart.

In every parting there is an image of death.

In every parting there is an image of death.

Shall I bid her goe? what and if I doe?
Shall I bid her goe and spare not?
read more

Shall I bid her goe? what and if I doe?
Shall I bid her goe and spare not?
Oh no, no, no, I dare not.

But in vain she did conjure him,
To depart her presence so,
Having a thousand tongues t' read more

But in vain she did conjure him,
To depart her presence so,
Having a thousand tongues t' allure him
And but one to bid him go.
When lips invite,
And eyes delight,
And cheeks as fresh as rose in June,
Persuade delay,--
What boots to say
Forego me now, come to me soon.