Classic Poem

I, in lonely Shades complaining,
Still must love , and must not tell ;
You, o'er crouded Circles reigning,
Laugh at Love , or hide it well.

II.

If, indeed, you never languish,
Tell me, how you shun the Dart ;
If, like me, you feel the Anguish,
Teach me to conceal the Smart.

III.

Say, what courtly Art in fashion
Hides the language of the Eyes?
Learn a simple Swain his Passion,
When offensive, to disguise,

IV.

Or will Absence quite disarm her?
How shall Absence be endur'd?
Can I e'er forget the Charmer?
Can so deep a Wound be cur'd ?

V.

Absence yet is least offensive,
Since I cannot hide my Pain ;
Then forgotten, pale, and pensive,
In these Shades I'll still complain.

VI.

And, while she new Wonder raises,
And inslaves , where e'er she goes,
Here alone I'll sing her Praises,
Till some Pow'r shall end my Woes.