Slight unpremeditated Words are borne
By every common Wind into the Air；
Carelessly utter'd, die as soon as born，
And in one instant give both Hope and Fear：
Breathing all Contraries with the same Wind
According to the Caprice of the Mind.
But Billetdoux are constant Witnesses，
Substantial Records to Eternity1；
Just Evidences，who the Truth confess,
On which the Lover safely may rely；
They're serious Thoughts，digested and resolv'd；
And last，when Words are into Clouds devolv'd.
不加思索的轻率话语，
被每一次平凡的呼吸载入空气；
随意说说，刚出口即消失，
一瞬间给人期望和恐惧：
同一气息呼出万般矛盾心肠，
追随性灵无常的遐想。
但情书则是恒常的见证，
直至永恒的实体记录；
公道的证物，它道出真诚，
男女朋友能在其上安心倚赖；
它们是严肃的思想，经过再三考虑；
当话语在云外消失，它们还将延续。
