1.
O stay! Sweet is the least delay
When parting forceth mourning.
O joy, too soon thy flowers decay,
From rose to briar returning.
Bright beams that now shine here,
When you are parted,
All will be dim, all will be dumb,
And every breast sad-hearted.
2.
Yet more, for true love may presume
If it exceed not measure.
O grief! that blest hours soon consume,
But joyless pass at leisure.
Since we this light must lose,
Our love expressing,
Far may it shine, long may it live
‖: To all a public blessing. :‖