English poem
Alarms
by John Bowring (1792–1872)
Fairest youths are here—but not the fairest! Could I hear him now, or could I see him,— Could I know if he be sick, or faithless! Were he sick, my ears would rather hear it, Than that he had loved another maiden. Sickness may depart, and time restore him,— If enamour’d,—never! never! never!