Themes and Variations/Parting
PARTING.
Esther.—I think the time has come that we must part.
I do not blame you, but I could not bear
To parley with another for your heart,
Or be contented with a smaller share.
No, no,—go to her,—love her—as you will.
(Alas for me, if I must love you still!)
I do not blame you, but I could not bear
To parley with another for your heart,
Or be contented with a smaller share.
No, no,—go to her,—love her—as you will.
(Alas for me, if I must love you still!)
I do not blame you. Doubtless she is fair—
(For her age, too!)—your taste is like a man’s;
Her eyes have something of a vacant stare,
But that may suit her well-considered plans;
I heard men say—‘Just made for love.’ Ah, well,
Those that are made to love have no such spell.
(For her age, too!)—your taste is like a man’s;
Her eyes have something of a vacant stare,
But that may suit her well-considered plans;
I heard men say—‘Just made for love.’ Ah, well,
Those that are made to love have no such spell.
But not for all her beauty nor her art;
No, not for even the love she takes from you,
Would I exchange my solitary part
For hers; whose skies may seem for ever blue;
Rather I’d keep my soul (tho’ but in pain)
Than own a life so empty, cold, and vain.
No, not for even the love she takes from you,
Would I exchange my solitary part
For hers; whose skies may seem for ever blue;
Rather I’d keep my soul (tho’ but in pain)
Than own a life so empty, cold, and vain.
Now once again, now once for all, farewell!
Never again on earth I’ll take your hand;
How many a Spring like this will green the dell;
But we shall never more in friendship stand;
But do not grieve for freedom—who can tell—
Life is not over yet—farewell—farewell!
Never again on earth I’ll take your hand;
How many a Spring like this will green the dell;
But we shall never more in friendship stand;
But do not grieve for freedom—who can tell—
Life is not over yet—farewell—farewell!