Fidelity

O SAY, thou dear possessor of my breast, Where now's my boasted liberty and rest? Where the gay moments which I once have known? O where that heart I fondly thought my own? Sometimes I please myself, and think you are Too good to make me wretched by despair; That tenderness, which in your soul is plac'd, May move you to compassion sure at last. But when intent upon a second view Of my own merits! I despond of you.

Soon as thy letter, trembling I unclos'd, The well-known name awaken'd all my woes. O name, for ever sad! for ever dear! Still breath'd in sighs—still usher'd with a tear. No happier task these faded eyes pursue, To read, to weep, is all they now can do. Of all afflictions, taught a lover yet, 'Tis sure the hardest lesson to Forget!