Page:Sentimental valentine writer.pdf/9

Rh The pleasure which I own is mine

In sending yon this Valentine,

I trust, on its receipt, may be,

Participated, too, by thee;

And though but few the lines appear,

Their purport is not less sincere;

My object being thus to prove

The firm attachment of my love.

Once more returns the welcome day,

When lovers breathe their tender lay;

And once again would I rehearse

My love to thee, in humble verse.

Yet would I not, with low intent,

As others, write for compliment;

Nor but for fashion now proclaim

A love which ever is the same.

For days may pass, and seasons fail,

My love for thee must still prevail;

Yes, love like mine, as strong as pure,

Through all shall last while life endure.

How hard that my thoughts I must now

To rhyme and to measure confine:

More difficult ’tis you’ll allow,

To find a sincere Valentine.

Though I had the pen of a Pope,

To render harmonious each line;

How could I by poetry hope,

To obtain a sincere Valentine?

On one I need only depend,

I want not the assistance of nine;

May love, then, sweet love, recommend,

A fond and sincere Valentine.

Blithely budding fruits and flowers,

Are coming with the spring-tide hours;

But what are all their charms for me;

Dear youth, believe, I sigh for thee. 2