And so you have come back to me   And say the old love's growing yet   You tried through all these weary years   You tried too vainly to forget      Oh no, I cannot take your hand   God never gives us back our youth   The loving heart you slighted then   Was yours my friend in perfect truth      Come close and let me see your face   Your raven hair is tinged with snow   Oh yes, it is the same dear face   I loved so many years ago      Oh no, I cannot take your hand   God never gives us back our youth   The loving heart you slighted then   Was yours my friend in perfect truth      Farewell, I think I love you yet   As friend to friend God bless you dear   And guide you through these weary years   To where the skies are always clear      Oh no, I cannot take your hand   God never gives us back our youth   The loving heart you slighted then   Was yours my friend in perfect truth      Oh no, I cannot take your hand   God never gives us back our youth   The loving heart you slighted then   Was yours my friend in perfect truth