Bonny lass of Calder Braes (1806)/The tell tale

THE TELL TALE.

BLAB not what you ought to smother,
honour’s laws should sacred be;
Boasting favours from another,
ne er will favour gain with me,
Ne er will favour gain with me.

But inspir d with indignation,
sooner I’d (illegible text) apes in hell,
E’er I’d trust my reputation,
with such fools as kiss and tell.

He who finds a hidden treasure,
never shou’d the same reveal:
He, who beauty crowns with pleasure,
cautious should his joys conceal.

He with whom my heart I ll venture,
shall my fame from censure save,
One where truth and wisdom centre,]
and as secret as the grave.

FINIS