FOR freedom's sake, farewell. I would not fret you With a dim sense of bonds about your heart; Be freed of all my loving; let us part; Let nothing chain your conscience, nor beset you. A little while, may be, I must regret you; A little while -- a little tender while Perchance the tears will well up when I smile In whispering your name, ere I forget you. But we have chosen freedom; so I make Here, -- as we part for weeks, for years, for life, -- My promise: I will whet my will's keen knife And one by one all memory's fetters break. Ah! go. Forget, forgive love's lingering strife! One kiss? -- our last. Goodbye, -- "for freedom's sake." |