English 379 Revisited
Not openly, as others loved, loved we,
Lovers by night who dissembled by day,
Were eager to debate a simile
Or parse a metaphor, but balked to say
A word in harmless badinage; nor dared
To tease or touch, or even be alone,
Till candled night enclosed usóbodies bared,
Our books aside, all inhibitions flown:
Now, though no more the lovers that we were,
Dissemblers still are we: in company
Convivial and bright, smiling we share
Our moment, touch, and part, lest any see
That had you had less conscience, I more will,
We had these many years been lovers still.
