I knew some time ago that you were not
Mine though your body lingers here with me;
But I must not disparage what was fraught
Ever with debacles, to harsh degree.
So thou must go. It is as it should be,
Departing here, before the dream's eclipse
Transform into a madness killing thee
By killing me, though longing for thy lips.
The greatest grace a woman or a man
May be possessor of, is knowing when
To leave, before love has outspent its span,
Believing vainly hope may spring again.
Yet many poems have vouchsafed it is true
Love can revive; but never, lacking you.