22
But deign to love a wretched man,
Who lives alone for thee;
Or else to end my life this night
Is really my design,
With pistol loaded, and well prim’d,
Your constant Valentine.
FROM A LADY.
I love thee, dear youth, and can I do less,
As I love thee thus dearly, that love to confess;
No, nor will I a faithful affection disown,
That claims but thy dear approbation alone.
I love! yes, I love, most sincerely, ’tis true,
And all that affection is center’d in you;
Ah! say then, beloved, you’ll love me again,
And I'll strive to love more, if I strive but in
vain.
TO AN OLD LADY AFFECTING YOUTH.
Perhaps you’d not forgive, my Valentine,
The truth I write; but truth must be divine;
And now you’re past the boundary of youth,
No doubt you’ll more & more esteem the truth.
Take my advice, leave off that youthful dress,
And own at fifty what your looks confess [mend
Double we see those faults which art would
Plain downright ugliness would less offend.
