In the guise of friendship

by Robert Burns

Talk not of love, it gives me pain, 
For love has been my foe; 
He bound me in an iron chain, 
And plung'd me deep in woe. 
                                    

But friendship's pure and lasting joys, 
My heart was form'd to prove; 
There, welcome win and wear the prize, 
But never talk of love. 
                                    

Your friendship much can make me blest, 
O why that bliss destroy? 
Why urge the only, one request 
You know I will deny? 

Your thought, if Love must harbour there, 
Conceal it in that thought; 
Nor cause it in that thought; 
Nor cause me from my bosom tear 
The very friend I sought.