Sweet Richard

Yes, thou art chang'd since first we met,

But think not I shall e'er regret,

For never can my heart forget,

The charms that once were thine.

For Marian, well the cause I know

That stole the luster from thine eye,

That prov'd thy beauty's secret foe,

And paled thy cheek's carnation dye:

What made thy health, sweet Marian, fly,

Was anxious care of me.

Yes, o'er my couch I saw thee bend,

The duteous wife, the tender friend,

And each capricious wish attend

With soft incessant care.

Then trust me, Love, that pallid face

Can boast a sweeter charm for me,

A truer, tenderer, dearer grace

Than blooming health bestow'd on thee:

For there thy well-tried love I see,

And read my blessing there.