In vain we dissemble

In vain we dissemble, in vain do we try

To stifle our flame and check our desire;

In vain do our words our wishes deny,

There is no concealing of fire;

Tho' we're haughty and scornful, the quick sighted lover

The artifice soon may discover;

When frowning the courtship we seem to despise,

Straight with a smile

Our threats we beguile,

Invite with our looks, and speak love with our eyes.

Tho' custom we suffer our fancies to awe,

And fashion and mode o'er nature preside;

Tho' to our actions dull honour gives law,

Our thoughts their vain sway do deride;

Tho' we bid 'em be gone, still we fear lest we lose 'em,

Why have we charms unless we use 'em?

Believe not our no's, they are all a deceit,

Faint's our denial

When put to the trial,

For beauty and life without love are a cheat.