To Laura.

TO LAURA.

CEASE, Laura, cease, suspect no more This careless heart has learnt to love, Because on yonder lonely shore I still at pensive evening rove;

Because of Henry's worth I speak With eager warmth and sparkling eye; Because his favourite haunts I seek, And still o'erjoyed to meet him fly: ....

But, Laura, should my faltering tongue Refuse to speak in Henry's praise, My trembling voice deny the song When Henry claims his favourite lays;

When Henry comes, should I neglect With smiles the welcome youth to seek, But meet him full of cold respect, While conscious blushes paint my cheek;

Should I, when Ella shares his praise, Heave deeply-drawn but smothered sighs, And, when on me he deigns to gaze, Fix on the earth my conscious eyes; ....

Then, I'll no more thy charge deny, No more thy tender fears reprove: Then, Laura, heave compassion's sigh, For mine will be the sigh of love.