LETRILLAS. I.
THE TIMID LOVER

In the sharp pains the tyrant Love
Since first I saw thee made me feel,
To thee a thousand times above,
I come those pains to heal,
My village girl! but soon as nigh
To thee I find my way,
If e’er so bold to be I try,
I know not what to say.

My voices fail, and mournful sighs,
Malicious phrenzy watching o’er,
The place of them alone supplies;
While mocks my efforts more
The traitor god, when anxious by
My thoughts to speak I pray;
If e’er so bold to be I try,
I know not what to say.

Then feels his fire so strong my soul,
Meseems to die my only fate,
My tears in torrents freely roll,
And with deep groanings wait,
To move thy feeling heart’s reply;
But vainly, all astray,
If e’er so bold to be I try,
I know not what to say.

I know not what, in trembling fear,
That seals my lips, as yet to learn
A foolish hope, thou mayst ev’n here
My hapless love discern.
I feel I must for ever fly
From thy side far away;
If e’er so bold to be I try,
I know not what to say.

Alas! if thou couldst, my adored!
But hear those sighs, and thoughts express’d,
What happiness ’twould me afford!
I should be, Phyllis, blest.
But woe is me! beneath thine eye,
To sink in mock’d dismay,
If e’er so bold to be I try,
I know not what to say.