Say, Myra! why is gentle love a stranger

Say, Myra! why is gentle love

A stranger to that mind

Which pity and esteem can move,

Which can be just and kind?

Is it, because you fear to share

The ills that love molest;

The jealous doubt, the tender care,

That rack the amorous breast?

Alas! by some degree of woe

We every bliss must gain:

The heart can ne'er a transport know,

That never feels a pain.