That soon I liked her gentleness far more
Than e'en the lively mirth I loved before.
But though her timid manner fled away
(Like mist at morning 'fore the sunny ray),
My suit, alas! progressed but little way,
For diffidence my lips would ever seal
When most I wished my passion to reveal;
From the dread fear the spell might thus be broke
My trembling voice grew dumb and never spoke.
A hint I from my guardian too received.