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；
随便说说，刚出口即消失，
一瞬间给人希望和恐惧：
同一气息呼出万般矛盾心肠，
追随心灵无常的遐想。
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，
恋人能在其上安心依附；
它们是严肃的思想，经过深思熟虑；
当话语在云外消失，它们还将延续。