Classic Poem

1

The mystery of this lingering pain
That I so long endure
Maiden thou canst best explain
& doubtless find a cure
For when I think upon thy name
I cannot help but sigh
The very word burns round my heart
Thou know'st the reason why

2

When ere I in thy presence come
I sigh before I speak
My heart chills in me at thy sight
& aches as it woud break
My eyes will look on none but thee
I hear no voice but thine
Theres none in crowds save thee & me
Then say what ail is mine

3

I think thy talk is all to me
& turn to speak agen
But see thy face another way
& feel my folly then
As there were none beside us two
I oft unasked reply
& meet the laugh in others looks
Who judge the reason why

4

I mark another win thy smiles
Tho I a portion share
In vain I strive to choke the sigh
That instant rises there
I hear another speak thy name
& tremble to the bone
Lest they should in my hearing boast
Of favours thou hadst shown

5

I often think thou feel'st my pains
For when to thee I speak
I fancy sighs between thy lips
& blushes on thy cheek
Thy eye seems often meeting mine
As tho' it would replye
& oft I think thy bosom beats
To know the reason why

6

When absence stands between thy sight
Then fancy paints in vain
& hopes enquireys never cease
When shall we meet again
Sleep mocks me with thy angel face
& robs my nights of rest
& when my dreams are not of thee
I waken more distrest

7

If with thee I'm both pleased & sad
If not I'm teazed about thee
Joy, grief, & anguish all are mine
Or with thee or without thee
My spirits leap to meet with thee
Then wish they ne'er had met thee
My thoughts think of thee oft with joy
Then wish they could forget thee

8

In no one place but thy esteem
My ills can find a cure
& if the like complaint be thine
The remedy is sure
So let us both confession make
& tell our pains to gether
Then wintry cares that cloud us now
Will soon bring summer weather