I Will Not Let Thee Go

Verse 1

Nay, I will not let thee go, Tho’ the midnight glideth slow, Tho’ the darkness deep and long Dim the eye 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.

Verse 2

Nay, I will not let thee go, Tho’ 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 her songs but sobs of woe? Nay, I will not let thee go.

Verse 3

Nay, I will not let thee go, Tho’ the days no shadows know; Tho’, the sky’s serene to dim, Come no storm-clouds dark and grim. Whom have I in heav’n but thee? What besides hath earth for me? Thou the only trust I know, Nay, I will not let thee go.

Verse 4

Let thee go? my Saviour, nay; Thou my night’s unfailing day, Thou my dawning’ tend’rest 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.