Page:Sentimental valentine writer.pdf/11

Rh W hen judgment and wit are combin’d

I n one tender and sensible mind,

L ove’s busy, at least so I find,

L ooking out to see whom he can snare.

I ’m caught—but I do not much care;

A s love is a lott’ry, I’ll e’en take a share,

M ay fortune then favour the brave and the fair.

Last year I thought to write to thee,

But then my courage fail’d,

And since that period I have been

By doubts and fears assail’d:

St. Valentine is come again,

And I will not neglect

To speak my sentiments to thee,

As one I much respect.

Pray trifle not, if you incline

Unto another Valentine;

But if your heart in me has pleasure,

I will retain it as a treasure.

Old custom tells us that we may

Write to our sweethearts on this day,

And without censure tell our mind;

And this it is makes me inclin’d

To tell you, that with love and truth,

I sigh for you my dearest youth;

Nor need I blush to own a flame,

Enwrapp’d in honour's sacred name;

Then unto this my name I sign,

And so remain your Valentine.

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.