George MacDonald(1824–1905) · The Poetical Works of George MacDonald, Volume I · 1893?
O do not leave me, mother, lest I weep; Till I forget, be near me in that chair. The mother’s presence leads her down to sleep— Leaves her contented there.
O do not leave me, lover, brother, friends, Till I am dead, and resting in my place. Love-compassed thus, the girl in peace ascends, And leaves a raptured face.
Leave me not, God, until—nay, until when? Not till I have with thee one heart, one mind; Not till the Life is Light in me, and then Leaving is left behind.