WHAT nymph should I admire or trust, <br />But Chloe beauteous, Chloe just? <br />What nymph should I desire to see, <br />But her who leaves the plain for me? <br />To whom should I compose the lay, <br />But her who listens when I play? <br />To whom in song repeat my cares, <br />But her who in my sorrow shares? <br />For whom should I the garland make, <br />But her who joys the gift to take, <br />And boasts she wears it for my sake? <br />In love am I not fully blest? <br />Lisetta, prithee tell the rest. <br /> <br />LISETTA'S REPLY <br /> <br />Sure Chloe just, and Chloe fair, <br />Deserves to be your only care; <br />But, when you and she to-day <br />Far into the wood did stray, <br />And I happen'd to pass by, <br />Which way did you cast your eye? <br />But, when your cares to her you sing, <br />You dare not tell her whence they spring: <br />Does it not more afflict your heart, <br />That in those cares she bears a part? <br />When you the flowers for Chloe twine, <br />Why do you to her garland join <br />The meanest bud that falls from mine? <br />Simplest of swains! the world may see <br />Whom Chloe loves, and who loves me.<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-question-to-lisetta/
