ABSTRACT
John Gambril Nicholson. From A Chaplet of Southernwood, 1896. Chaplet III. Written 1893. I love him wisely if I love him well, And so I let him keep his innocence; I veil my adoration with pretence Since he knows nothing of Love’s mystic spell; I dare not for his sake my passion tell Though strong desire upbraid my diffidence; – To buy my happiness at his expense Were folly blind and loss unspeakable. Suspicious of my simplest acts I grow; I doubt my passing words, however brief; I catch his glances feeling like a thief. Perchance he wonders why I shun him so, – It would be strange indeed if he should know I love him, love him, love him past belief!
