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A Valentine (2)

Matilda Betham-Edwards

What shall I send my sweet today,
When all the woods attune in love?
And I would show the lark and dove,
That I can love as well as they.

I'll send a locket full of hair,
But no, for it might chance to lie
Too near her heart, and I should die
Of love's sweet envy to be there.

A violet is sweet to give,
Ah, stay! she'd touch it with her lips,
And, after such complete eclipse,
How could my soul consent to live?

I'll send a kiss, for that would be
The quickest sent, the lightest borne,
And well I know tomorrow morn
She'll send it back again to me.

Go, happy winds; ah, do not stay,
Enamoured of my lady's cheek,
But hasten home, and I'll bespeak
Your services another day!

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