MUTUAL PASSION

ALTERED AND MODERNIZED FROM AN OLD POET

I love, and he loves me again, Yet dare I not tell who: For if the nymphs should know my swain, I fear they'd love him too. Yet while my joy's unknown, Its rosy buds are but half-blown: What no one with me shares, seems scarce my own.

I'll tell, that if they be not glad, They yet may envy me: But then if I grow jealous mad, And of them pitied be, 'Twould vex me worse than scorn! And yet it cannot be forborn, Unless my heart would like my thoughts be torn.

He is, if they can find him, fair And fresh, and fragrant too; As after rain the summer air, And looks as lilies do, That are this morning blown! Yet, yet I doubt, he is not known, Yet, yet I fear to have him fully shewn.

But he hath eyes so large, and bright. Which none can see, and doubt That Love might thence his torches light Tho' Hate had put them out! But then to raise my fears, His voice--what maid so ever hears Will be my rival, tho' she have but ears.

I'll tell no more! yet I love him, And ho loves me; yet so, That never one low wish did dim Our love's pure light, I know-- In each so free from blame, That both of us would gain new fame, If love's strong fears would let me tell his name!

First published in The Courier, September 21, 1811; included in the supplementary sheet to Sibylline Leaves; reprinted in Essays on His Own Times, iii. 995, 996, and in the Appendix to P. W., 1863. It was first pointed out by W. E. Henley that 'Mutual Passion' is an adaptation of 'A Nymph's Passion', No. V of Ben Jonson's Underwoods.