George Lyttelton, Lord Lyttelton. 1709-1773
449. Tell me, my Heart, if this be Love
1 min to read
136 words

WHEN Delia on the plain appears, Awed by a thousand tender fears I would approach, but dare not move: Tell me, my heart, if this be love?

Whene'er she speaks, my ravish'd ear No other voice than hers can hear, No other wit but hers approve: Tell me, my heart, if this be love?

If she some other youth commend, Though I was once his fondest friend, His instant enemy I prove: Tell me, my heart, if this be love?

When she is absent, I no more Delight in all that pleased before— The clearest spring, or shadiest grove: Tell me, my heart, if this be love?

When fond of power, of beauty vain, Her nets she spread for every swain, I strove to hate, but vainly strove: Tell me, my heart, if this be love?

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Samuel Johnson. 1709-1784
450. One-and-Twenty
1 min to read
171 words
Return to The Oxford Book of English Verse, 1250–1900






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