Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/285

Rh 2.

Oh, thou wilt weep, imprudent maid,

While lurking envious foes will smile,

For all the follies thou hast said

Of those who spoke but to beguile.

3.

Vain girl! thy ling'ring woes are nigh,

If thou believ'st what striplings say:

Oh, from the deep temptation fly,

Nor fall the specious spoiler's prey.

4.

Dost thou repeat, in childish boast,

The words man utters to deceive?

Thy peace, thy hope, thy all is lost,

If thou canst venture to believe.

5.

While now amongst thy female peers

Thou tell'st again the soothing tale,

Canst thou not mark the rising sneers

Duplicity in vain would veil?

6.

These tales in secret silence hush,

Nor make thyself the public gaze:

What modest maid without a blush

Recounts a flattering coxcomb's praise?