The Julian Bream Consort

1 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!

2 Dear, when from thee I 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…

3 Dear, if I do not return,
Love and I shall die together.
For my absence never mourn,
whom you might have joined ever.
Part we must, though now I die,
Die I do to part with you;
Him despair doth cause to lie,
who both loved and dieth true.
Sad despair…