To Phillis

To Phillis

I simply asked a song

My fancy to amuse;

How could'st thy cruel scorn

My trustful heart abase?

The boon thou would'st not give

Fair Jessie granted me;

Still may life's joy e'er live

To bring no pain to thee.

Had'st thou but first asked me

Some song's sweet theme to play,

Such bidding bright from thee

Wert joy to hear thee say.

My muse hast thou unstrung,

And I of thee canst sing

No song. My heart you've wrung

In twain and sorrows bring.

L.F.

4:36, p. 2

1891.05.30