I have wished so oft this mockery might end

Of love between us! And it's ended now.

Yet I cannot even to myself pretend

That the wished thing achieved gives joy enow.

Every going is a parting too.

Our happiest day doth make us one day older.

To get stars we must have darkness also,

The fresher hour is likewise the colder.

I dare not hesitate not to accept

Thy separating letter, yet I wish

With some vague jealousy I scarce reject

That things were fitted for a different stretch.

Farewell! Yet do I smile at this or not?

My feeling now is lost in thought.