My dearest sir, I greet you
And with full heart beseech you
My love flies out to reach you
And is waiting for a sign

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Your good health, sir, I pray for
Your heart’s desire I stay for
There is no day to awake for
With no word from you I pine

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I wait upon your news, love
The turtle dove coos soft, love
And all the wide world woos
Yet I cannot call you mine

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No one will know my pain, dear
It is my life’s refrain, dear
But silent as spring rain, dear
And it glows like sweetest wine

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Terms have to be agreed, love
Fathers have their needs, love
Sad is my heart indeed, love
But truth untarnishes shines

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For if you were right poor, dear
It’s still you I’d adore, dear
I’d ask no more from you, dear
Love’s bright gold is most fine

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And test me to prove true, sir
No harsh trial could undo, sir
My love’s true pledge to you, sir
Tied up with strongest bine

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And if friends find me wrong now
I’ll sing on soft my song now
Love-longing is my life now
From this I’ll not repine

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God’s Trinity keep you well, love
Remember where I dwell, love
There’s no-one else I tell, love
Treasure close these loving lines.