_Phillis_. I'd love you Tirsis, but ...
_Tirsis_. Speak out!--but what?
_Phillis_. I must not tell you that--
_Tirsis_. Dearest! why not?
_Phillis_. Perhaps you'd laugh at me?
_Tirsis_. Indeed I sha'nt.
_Phillis_. You wo'nt?--I'll tell you then--O no! I ca'nt!--
_Tirsis_. Tell me at once, you plague! do'nt teaze me so!--
_Phillis_. Well then--I'd love you Tirsis--but I know ...
_Tirsis_. Know what?
_Phillis_. You're vowed to CHLORIS--a'nt it true?
_Tirsis_. And what of that? I'll vow myself to you.
_Phillis_. What! two at once! D'ye take me for a fool?
_Tirsis_. "Love those that love you"--is not that the rule?
_Both_. |Then we must love each other!--yes, we must!
|Swear to love those that love you!--a'nt it just?
NEWPORT, R. I. August 29, 1834.
For the Southern Literary Messenger.
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA,
_January 20, 1835_.
MR. WHITE,--I enclose you the following lines for insertion in the
Messenger. They are copied from the note book of a dear departed
parent, whose affectionate tenderness, and sincere and ardent
piety,--are portrayed in every line, and breathe from each word, of
these simple and touching verses. I am unable, at this moment, to say
whether they are, or are not, original; but be this as it may, they
cannot fail I think to interest your readers.