Poem by Henry Kirke White

To Love

Why should I blush to own I love?
'Tis Love that rules the realms above.
Why should I blush to say to all,
That Virtue holds my heart in thrall?

Why should I seek the thickest shade,
Lest Love's dear secret be betray'd?
Why the stern brow deceitful move,
When I am languishing with love?

Is it weakness thus to dwell
On passion that I dare not tell?
Such weakness I would ever prove;
'Tis painful, though 'tis sweet to love.

1. Description of a Summer’s Eve
2. Lines Written in Wilford Churchyard on Recovery from Sickness
3. I'm Pleased and Yet I'm Sad
4. My Own Character
5. The Prostitute

John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester To Love ("O Love! how cold and slow to take my Part?")

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