John Dowland
NOW O NOW I NEEDS MUST PART
Now, o now, I needs must part
Parting though I absent mourn
Absence can no joy impart
Joy once fled cannot return

While I live I needs must love
Love lives not when hope is gone
Now at last despair doth prove
Love divided loveth none

Sad despair doth drive me hence
This despair unkindness sends
If that parting be offence
It is she which then offends

Dear, when I from thee am gone
Gone are all my joys at once
I loved thee and thee alone
In whose love I joyed once

And although your sight I leave
Sight wherein my joys do lie
Till that death do sense bereave
Never shall affection die

Sad despair doth drive me hence
This despair unkindness sends
If that parting be offence
It is she which then offends
Dear, if I do not return
Love and I shall die together
For my absence never mourn
Whom you might have joyed ever

Part we must though now I die
Die I do to part with you
Him Despair doth cause to lie
Who both lived and dieth true

Sad despair doth drive me hence
This despair unkindness sends
If that parting be offence
It is she which then offends