The Friend in Love

Unhappy is the wretch who feels
The trembling lover's ardent flame,
And yet the treacherous hope conceals
By using Friendship's colder name.

He must the lover's pangs endure,
And still the outward sign suppress;
Nor may expect the smiles that cure
The wounded heart's conceal'd distress.

When her soft looks on others bend,
By him discern'd, to him denied,
He must be then the silent friend,
And all his jealous torments hide.

When she shall one blest youth select,
His bleeding heart must still approve;
Must every angry thought correct,
And strive to like, where she can love.

Yet must he all his Pains conceal
From her whom his fond Thoughts adore,
In Fear of these which he must feel,
If she that soothed them smiled no more.

Heaven from my heart such pangs remove,
And let these feverish sufferings cease--
These pains without the hope of love,
These cares of friendship, not its peace!