I Will Not Let Thee Go.

Nay, I will not let thee go,     Though the midnight glideth slow, -     Though the darkness deep and long     Dim the sight and hush the song,     On thy tender, faithful breast,     Find I still my perfect rest -     Soothing sweet for keenest woe -     And I will not let thee go!             Nay, I will not let thee go,     Though the morn's enkindling glow     Flame along the mountain-height.     Flooding all the hills with light;     What can morning bring to me,     Tender Shepherd, wanting thee?     What its songs but sobs of woe?     Nay, I will not let thee go!             Nay, I will not let thee go,     Though the day no shadows know;     Though, the sky's serene to dim,     Lower no storm-cloud dark and grim;     Whom have I in Heaven but thee? -     What beside hath earth for me? -     Thou, the only trust I know, -     Nay, I will not let thee go!             Let thee go? - my Saviour, nay     Thou my night's unfailing day,     Thou my dawning's tenderest gleam,     Thou my noonday's richest beam, -     Night is day if thou art near,     Day without thee, joyless, drear, -     Wanting thee, all bliss were woe, -     Nay, I will not let thee go!