esteem for chloris
as, 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.