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.