Page:Sentimental valentine writer.pdf/12

12 I fear it may be deem’d a fault,

A lady should reveal a thought,

So unexpected and unsought,

Yet, why the truth disguise?

I dreamt last night—what is the sign?—

I dreamt that you were dress’d all fine,

And were indeed my Valentine—

Oh, what a strange surmise!

Yet, by the million ’tis suppos’d,

Dreams many secrets have disclos'd,

And therefore I am really pos'd

To know what is the sign:

I’ve therefore taken up the pen,

Although averse to write to men,

And beg you’ll answer—are you then

My destin’d Valentine?

Dear youth, I do accept your heart,

And value much the prize;

For tho’ you ne’er did tell your love,

I read it in your eyes.

I know, and much approve your worth,

And to your suit incline;

Then let us meet with love and truth

To hail sweet Valentine.

If against prudence I offend,

Let lovely Venus stand my friend,

And plead for me, and send her Son,

He is to blame for what I’ve done:

’Twas he who prompted my design,

To write to you, my Valentine,

And I on him must lay the blame,

’Twas he alone who rais’d the flame

That now does in my bosom burn,

To which I ask a kind return.

Make not the subject, sir, your jest,

But set my aching heart at rest.