Esteem for Chloris

AH, Chloris, since it may not be,
That thou of love wilt hear;
If from the lover thou maun flee,
Yet let the friend be dear.

Altho’ I love my Chloris mair
Than ever tongue could tell;
My passion I will ne’er declare—
I’ll say, I wish thee well.

Tho’ a’ my daily care thou art,
And a’ my nightly dream,
I’ll hide the struggle in my heart,
And say it is esteem.