TO A COQUETTE by ANONYMOUS

CHARMING coquette, I know you well,
Your mask is powerless to deceive;
Your mantle's every sink and swell,
Has it not plagued me many an eve?
Smiles in your thrilling glances play;
All who gaze on you own your spell,
Who with more truth than I can say:
Beautiful mask, I know you well.

That gentle voice I know full well
Which has 'to-morrow' said so oft;
That shape whose grace words cannot tell,
Small feet and hands so white and soft;
That voice which from the balcony
Could so enticingly repel,
And in sweet whisper say, 'Good-bye':
Beautiful mask, I know you well.

My fairy sylph, I know full well
Your solitude at eventide;
Your gondola swift oars impel,
And noiseless through the water guide:
Your place in church full well is known,
The house in Venice where you dwell,
The hand your promise makes my own:
Beautiful mask, I know you well.

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