Oscar Fay Adams - Renunciation lyrics

Nay, friend, farewell! for if I loved you less, It might be I should strive to hold you fast In bonds of friendship you had long o'erpast, And play the tyrant where I hoped to bless. Yet, since my love still pleads, I fain would press Once more your hand e'en while I seem to cast It coldly from me with these words at last,-- I may not keep and you may not possess! Sweet friend, believe me, it is better so,-- To part while love finds yet no cause for grief In slowly-waning faith, lest haply you Should one day find some flaw in me you knew Not of, and I through tears should watch you go, Knowing your soul in mine had lost belief.