Still, Dorinda, I adore; <br />Think I mean not to deceive you, <br />For I loved you much before, <br />And, alas! now love you more <br />Though I force myself to leave you. <br /> <br />Staying I my vows shall fail, <br />Virtue yields as love grows stronger; <br />Fierce desires will prevail, <br />You are fair and I am frail, <br />And dare trust myself no longer. <br /> <br />You, my love, too nicely coy, <br />Lest I should have gain'd the treasure, <br />Made my vows and oaths destroy <br />The pleasing hopes I did enjoy <br />Of all my future peace and pleasure. <br /> <br />To my vows I have been true, <br />And in silence hid my anguish, <br />But I cannot promise too <br />What my love may make me do <br />While with her for whom I languish. <br /> <br />For in thee strange magic lies, <br />And my heart is too, too tender; <br />Nothing's proof against those eyes, <br />Best resolves and strictest ties <br />To their force must soon surrender. <br /> <br />But, Dorinda, you're severe, <br />I much doting thus to sever: <br />Since from all I hold most dear, <br />That you may no longer fear, <br />I divorce myself for ever.<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/songs-set-to-music-8-set-by-mr-smith/
