XXXIV
Reading edition
DEAR heart! why dost thou shun my own desire To be with thee each hour of every day, Each day in every year, and with thee play The game of love thy beauty would inspire? I cannot now extinguish the sweet fire That burns within my soul. To thee I say, I am in an imperishable way Thy faithful friend, whose love shall never tire. Dost thou then fear committal to be mine, Even for a space, lest scandal touch thy name? No thought is further from my wish towards thee. To make our sweet companionship, in time, Ripen to all that life may bring to fame, Is my intention for thyself and me.