Forgive sweet maid, that one unknown
Or else by thee forgotten long
Now dares to make his passion known
And here address his simple song.
Yet on this day is love allowed
(Tho’ friendship oft his garb may borrow)
Distinguished from the vulgar crowd
To tell his artless tale of sorrow.
Canst thou sweet maid the time recall
The happy but the fatal hour
When at the mirth inspiring ball
I felt thy modest beauty’s power.
Yet ’twas not beauty caused alone,
My low-drawn sigh, my ardent gaze
Nor is it now to worth unknown
My tender heart its tribute pays.
No, when of heavenly harmony
We spoke thy voice so sweetly told
Our hearts were strung in sympathy
Our minds confessed a kindred mould.
Thy thoughts, thy tastes so just I found
That while I listened rapture fraught
Love o’er my heart his garland wound
I in his flowery chains was caught.
Then pity his destructive rage,
Let kindred chains our hearts entwine
Oh deign my torments to assuage,
And be dear maid my Valentine.
ELE