Theodore Watts-Dunton [1836-1914]

TO MY LOVE

Kiss me softly and speak to me low; Malice has ever a vigilant ear; What if Malice were lurking near?

Kiss me, dear!

Kiss me softly and speak to me low.

Kiss me softly and speak to me low; Envy, too, has a watchful ear; What if Envy should chance to hear?

Kiss me, dear!

Kiss me softly and speak to me low,

Kiss me softly and speak to me low; Trust me, darling, the time is near When lovers may love with never a fear; Kiss me, dear!

Kiss me softly and speak to me low.

John G.o.dfrey Saxe [1816-1887]

TO LESBIA

Give me kisses! Do not stay, Counting in that careful way.

All the coins your lips can print Never will exhaust the mint.

Kiss me, then, Every moment--and again!

Give me kisses! Do not stop, Measuring nectar by the drop.

Though to millions they amount, They will never drain the fount.

Kiss me, then, Every moment--and again!

Give me kisses! All is waste Save the luxury we taste; And for kissing,--kisses live Only when we take or give.

Kiss me, then, Every moment--and again!

Give me kisses! Though their worth Far exceeds the gems of earth, Never pearls so rich and pure Cost so little, I am sure.

Kiss me, then, Every moment--and again!

Give me kisses! Nay, 'tis true I am just as rich as you; And for every kiss I owe, I can pay you back, you know, Kiss me, then, Every moment--and again!

John G.o.dfrey Saxe [1816-1887]

MAKE BELIEVE

Kiss me, though you make believe; Kiss me, though I almost know You are kissing to deceive: Let the tide one moment flow Backward ere it rise and break, Only for poor pity's sake!

Give me of your flowers one leaf, Give me of your smiles one smile, Backward roll this tide of grief Just a moment, though, the while, I should feel and almost know You are trifling with my woe.

Whisper to me sweet and low; Tell me how you sit and weave Dreams about me, though I know It is only make believe!

Just a moment, though 'tis plain You are jesting with my pain.

Alice Cary [1820-1871]

KISSING'S NO SIN

Some say that kissing's a sin; But I think it's nane ava, For kissing has wonn'd in this warld Since ever that there was twa.

O, if it wasna lawfu'

Lawyers wadna allow it; If it wasna holy, Ministers wadna do it.

If it wasna modest, Maidens wadna tak' it; If it wasna plenty, Puir folk wadna get it.

Unknown

TO ANNE

How many kisses do I ask?

Now you set me to my task.

First, sweet Anne, will you tell me How many waves are in the sea?

How many stars are in the sky?

How many lovers you make sigh?

How many sands are on the sh.o.r.e?

I shall want just one kiss more.

William Stirling-Maxwell [1818-1878]

SONG

There is many a love in the land, my love, But never a love like this is; Then kill me dead with your love, my love, And cover me up with kisses.

So kill me dead and cover me deep Where never a soul discovers; Deep in your heart to sleep, to sleep, In the darlingest tomb of lovers.

Joaquin Miller [1839-1913]