What weak remonstrance! -- how I joy to find The well invented fraud thy faith deceive! The veil that shades the face obscures the mind, And love is ever fearful to believe; Else had my cheerful and unguarded smile, The pleasure that I felt when you were nigh, The welcome gay, the look devoid of guile, The tear of rapture springing to my eye, Told a fond tale that you should never learn, Of fears I would not for the world reveal, Of hopes I almost tremble to discern; Of bliss my heart would from itself conceal. Come, blessed veil! thy friendly aid I claim, Guard of my pride, my honor, and my fame. |