Since there’s no help, come let us kiss and part.
-- Speaker (Line 1)

Importance: This is the first line of the poem. It helps establish the tone of resignation in the speaker while also establishing that the poem is addressed to a particular person, the beloved. There is a sense of mutuality in this line as the speaker invites his beloved to "kiss and part," suggesting that they both recognize the fate of their love.

And I am glad, yea glad with all my heart, / That thus so cleanly I myself can free.
-- Speaker (Lines 3 – 4)

Importance: As the speaker continues his resignation, he announces that he actually grateful to be ending his pursuit of his beloved. However, his repetition of this sentiment calls into question the extent of his sincerity, the hyperbole of his statement suggesting that he is performing rather than speaking honestly.

Shake hands for ever, cancel all our vows, / And when we meet...
-- Speaker (Lines 5 – 8)