Had I a Heart for Falsehood Framed

HAD I a heart for falsehood framed,

I ne'er could injure you;

For though your tongue no promise claimed,

   Your charms would make me true:

To you no soul shall bear deceit,

   No stranger offer wrong;

But friends in all the aged you'll meet,

   And lovers in the young.

For when they learn that you have blest

   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 lovers in the young.

Richard Brinsley Sheridan