For freedom’s sake, farewell. I would not fret you

With a dim sense of bonds about your heart;Be freed of all my loving; let us part;Let nothing chain your conscience, nor beset you.

A little while, may be, I must regret you;A little while — a little tender while

Perchance the tears will well up when I smile

In whispering your name, ere I forget you.

But we have chosen freedom; so I make

Here, — as we part for weeks, for years, for life, —

- My promise: I will whet my will’s keen knife

And one by one all memory’s fetters break.

Ah! go. Forget, forgive love’s lingering strife!

One kiss? - our last. Goodbye, - "for freedom’s sake."