This evening, Delia, you and I, <br />Have managed most delightfully, <br />For with a frown we parted; <br />Having contrived some trifle that <br />We both may be much troubled at, <br />And sadly disconcerted. <br /> <br />Yet well as each performed their part, <br />We might perceive it was but art; <br />And that we both intended <br />To sacrifice a little ease; <br />For all such petty flaws as these <br />Are made but to be mended. <br /> <br />You knew, dissembler! all the while, <br />How sweet it was to reconcile <br />After this heavy pelt; <br />That we should gain by this allay <br />When next we met, and laugh away <br />The care we never felt. <br /> <br />Happy! when we but seek to endure <br />A little pain, then find a cure <br />By double joy requited; <br />For friendship, like a severed bone, <br />Improves and joins a stronger tone <br />When amply reunited.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/apology-to-delia/
