William Walsh

“I can endure my own despair, but not another's hope””

“DISTRACTED with care For Phillis the fair, Since nothing could move her, Poor Damon, her lover, Resolves in despair No longer to languish Nor bear so much anguish; But, mad with his love, To a precipice goes, Where a leap from above Would soon finish his woes. When in rage he came there, Beholding how steep The sides did appear, And the bottom how deep; His torments projecting, And sadly reflecting That a lover forsaken A new love may get, But a neck when once broken can never be set: And that he could die Whenever he would, But that he could live But as long as he could: How grievous soever The torment might grow, He scorned to endeavour To finish it so; And bold, unconcerned At thoughts of the pain, He calmly returned To his cottage again.””

“Of all the plagues a lover bears,Sure rivals are the worstI can endure my own despair, But not another’s hope.””