Anonymous

WHEN Love on time and measure makes his ground,—

Time that must end, though Love can never die,—

’Tis Love betwixt a shadow and a sound,

A love not in the heart but in the eye;

A love that ebbs and flows, now up, now down,

A morning’s favour, and an evening’s frown.

Sweet looks show love, yet they are but as beams;

Fair words seem true, yet they are but as wind;

Eyes shed their tears, yet are but outward streams;

Sighs paint a shadow in the falsest mind.

Looks, words, tears, sighs, show love when love they leave,

False hearts can weep, sigh, swear, and yet deceive.