This ev'ning, Delia, you and I

by William Cowper (1731-1800)

This ev'ning, Delia, you and I,
Have manag'd most delightfully,
   For with a frown we parted;
Having contrived some trifle that
We both may be much troubled at,
   And sadly disconcerted.

Yet well as each perform'd their part,
We might perceive it was but art,
   And that we both intended
To sacrifice a little ease;
For all such petty flaws as these
   Are made but to be mended.

You knew, Dissembler! all the while,
How sweet it was to reconcile
   After this heavy pelt;
That we should gain by this allay
When next we met, and laugh away
   The care we never felt.

Happy! when we but seek t' endure
A little pain, then find a cure
   By double joy requited;
For friendship, like a sever'd bone,
Improves and joins a stronger tone
   When aptly reunited.