Esteem For Chloris

    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.