An ODE, IN IMITATION of SAPHO

Me the loveliest truest Swain, Often woo's, but woo's in vain; Tender, soft, beseeching Eyes, Pleading Tears, and melting Sighs: Such soft Pains as Lovers feel, Such his dying Looks reveal.

Yet by Pride, by Shame with-held, Every yielding Thought's repell'd: Scarce the Sigh that heaves my Breast, Scarce the falling Tear's represt: Yet may artful Tongue denies My Love, and contradicts my Eyes.

If then, charming Youth, you'd know All my Love, and all my Woe; All my Heart, without Disguise, Read it in my artless Eyes. They'll in tender Language tell What I wou'd in vain conceal.

There each yielding Thought betray'd, All my Hopes add Fears display'd: The soft Flame which warms my Breast, In each melting Look's confest: While unstudied Glances prove, All is Truth, and all is Love.