B ELOVÈD , you must go—ask not to stay,—
You are a mother and your duties call,
And we, who have so long been all in all,
Must put the human side of life away.
For one brief moment let us stand and pray,
Sealed in the thought that whatsoe'er befall
We, who have known the freedom and the thrall
Of a great love, in death shall feel its sway.—
You, who must live, because of his dear need,
You are the one to bear the harder part—
Nay, do not cling—'tis time to say good-by.
Think of me then but as a spirit freed,
Flesh of my Flesh, and Heart of my own Heart.
The love we knew has made me strong to die!