The poem
After the pangs of a desperate lover, When day and night I have sighed all in vain, Ah, what a pleasure it is to discover In her eyes pity, who causes my pain!
When with unkindness our love at a stand is, And both have punished ourselves with the pain, Ah, what a pleasure the touch of her hand is! Ah, what a pleasure to touch it again!
When the denial comes fainter and fainter, And her eyes give what her tongue does deny, Ah, what a trembling I feel when I venture! Ah, what a trembling does usher my joy!
When, with a sigh, she accords me the blessing, And her eyes twinkle 'twixt pleasure and pain, Ah, what a joy 'tis beyond all expressing! Ah, what a joy to hear 'Shall we again!'