HOW TO BE MORE FIRMLY TRUE.
I
May we own the pure affection,
Plighted by a secret vow;
May the love that spurn'd detection
Boast its sad endurance now?
Yes, love, yes! to those who thought us
Merely triflers, thanks are due;
For their stern oppression taught us
How to be more firmly true!
II
Say not then that we have wasted
Sadly some few years on earth;
Grief, just long enough hath lasted
To give joy a double worth.
To the past still fondly turning,
Days less bright we'll keep in view,
From that lesson wisely learning
How to be more firmly true.
