I ALAS! long since I knew What would betide; My hopes ne'er yet spoke true, My fears ne'er lied: False tales to please my heart, Those tell; those bring me smart, But still the truth th' impart, Ne'er flatt'ring me. II Yet I was apt to hear Good news though made; And still would chide my fear, When it gainsaid; This made me entertain Thoughts which now prove most vain, Believing what so fain I'd have had true. III I fancied that thy mind Was fix'd on me; But ('las!) my love I find Contemn'd by thee: 'Cause I'd not fear before (Fond man!) I must therefore Despair now evermore; Sad is my chance. IV But since thy kindness had Part in my fault, I know thou wilt be sad To see me caught; And, if thou'lt not allow Thy love, the next best now Is, that with pity thou Look on my grief. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON THE EXPECTED GENERAL RISING OF THE FRENCH NATION IN 1792 by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD A HYMN FOR PROCESSION WITH CROSS AND BANNERS by SABINE BARING-GOULD A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1) by GILBERT KEITH CHESTERTON RIVALRY IN LOVE by WILLIAM WALSH (1663-1707) POET FLAYS TEMPTATIONS OF CITY LIFE by MORRIS GILBERT BISHOP |