And what the cause? for Love should not expire,

And none the reason of such fate require.

Both had a mask, that with such pains they wore;

Each took it off when it avail’d no more.

They had no feeling of each other’s pain;

To wear it longer had been crime in vain.

As in some pleasant eve we view the scene,

Though cool yet calm, if joyless yet serene—

Who has not felt a quiet still delight 200

In the clear, silent, love-befriending night?