Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816)

HAD I a heart for falsehood framed,

I ne’er could injure you;

For, tho’ your tongue no promise claimed,

Your charms would make me true;

Then, lady, dread not here deceit,

Nor fear to suffer wrong,

For friends in all the aged you’ll meet,

And lovers in the young.

But when they find that you have blessed

Another with your heart,

They’ll bid aspiring passion rest,

And act a brother’s part.

Then, lady, dread not here deceit,

Nor fear to suffer wrong,

For friends in all the aged you’ll meet,

And brothers in the young.