Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

483 . Esteem for Chloris

AH, 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.