Ah! why must words my flame reveal

Ah! why must words my flame reveal Why needs my Damon bid me tell What all my actions prove? A blush whene'er I meet his eye, Whene'er I hear his name, a sigh Betrays my secret love.

In all their sports upon the plain, My eyes still fix'd on him remain, And him alone approve: The rest unheeded dance or play, From all he steals my praise away, And can he doubt my love?

Whene'er we meet, my looks confess The joys that all my soul possess, And ev'ry care remove: Still, still, too short appears his stay; The moments fly too fast away, Too fast for my fond love.

Does any speak in Damon's praise, So pleas'd am I with all he says, I ev'ry word approve: But is he blam'd, altho' in jest, I feel resentment fire my breast, Alas! because I love.

But, ah! what tortures tear my heart, When I suspect his looks impart The least desire to rove! I hate the maid that gives me pain; Yet him to hate I strive in vain, For, ah! that hate is love.

Then ask not words, but read mine eyes, Believe my blushes, trust my sighs, My passion these will prove: Words oft deceive and spring from art; The true expressions of my heart To Damon, must be love.