This ev'ning, Delia, you and I

This ev'ning, Delia, you and I, Have manag'd most delightfully, For with a frown we parted; Having contrived some trifle that We both may be much troubled at, And sadly disconcerted.

Yet well as each perform'd their part, We might perceive it was but art, And that we both intended To sacrifice a little ease; For all such petty flaws as these Are made but to be mended.

You knew, Dissembler! all the while, How sweet it was to reconcile After this heavy pelt; That we should gain by this allay When next we met, and laugh away The care we never felt.

Happy! when we but seek t' endure A little pain, then find a cure By double joy requited; For friendship, like a sever'd bone, Improves and joins a stronger tone When aptly reunited.