  WHEN you love—as all men will— Sing the theme of your devotion, Sue—and vow—and worship still— Overflow with deep emotion, Bow to Cupid’s sweet decrees, Lightly wear the happy fetter, Bend the knee and plead! But please, Do not write your love a letter! Ah! most tempting it may be: Ink flows free—and pens will write, And your passion fain you’d see Plainly mapped in black and white. Yet refrain from shedding ink, If you can:—’tis wiser—better. Ere you pen a sentence, think! Hearts may cool, and views may change— Other scenes may seem inviting, But a heart can’t safely range If committed ’tis to writing. What you’ve written is a writ, Holds you closely as a debtor. Will she spare you? Not a bit! Do not write your love a letter! Think of Breach of Promise cause, Think of barristers provoking, Leading you to slips and flaws, Turning all your love to joking. If you’ve written aught, they’ll be Safe to find it as a setter— Then you’ll wish you’d hearkened me— Do not write your love a letter! Oh, those letters read in Court! How the tender things seem stupid! How deep feeling seems but sport! How young Momus trips up Cupid! Take my warning then—or soon, O’er your folly you’ll be fretter, Saying, “Why, poor, foolish spoon, Did I write my love a letter?” Thomas Hood, Jr. |
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