FROM H.

I lie, whene’er as if by chance I fix on thee my gaze; I lie, whene’er my saddened glance Upon another strays. I lie, whene’er I strive to speak To thee with unconcern; For while to laugh and joke I seek, My heavy heart doth burn. I lie, whene’er I feign to shun The meeting I have sought; While hanging on each word of thine I strive to seem distraught. ’Tis all a lie! Yet for the lie I scarce reproached can be, When I declare, ’fore God I swear, How great my love for thee.