417. The Reconcilement

John Sheffield, Duke of Buckinghamshire. 1649-1720


COME, let us now resolve at last
  To live and love in quiet;
We'll tie the knot so very fast
  That Time shall ne'er untie it.

The truest joys they seldom prove
  Who free from quarrels live:
'Tis the most tender part of love
  Each other to forgive.

When least I seem'd concern'd, I took
  No pleasure nor no rest;
And when I feign'd an angry look,
  Alas! I loved you best.

Own but the same to me--you'll find
  How blest will be our fate.
O to be happy--to be kind--
  Sure never is too late!

The Oxford Book of English Verse, HTML edition