Cautious Courtship

A longing I have had for quite a time;
I pray of thee, do not depart my dreams.
Amongst my pond’rings, thou weren’t yet sublime –
till actions spoke to this heart, so it seems.

By horse and carriage, we went far and wide,
in search of treasures precious to behold,
and treasured was my heart, though it may hide
for years to come; nay, never was it bold.

Emboldened by thy words so softly said,
my actions would fail me, oh yet again.
To me proposed: would ever I thee wed?
My silence doth betray me there and then.

A rose, a ring left on a bench that day –
forgive my silence; take me back, I pray.

Author's note: A Shakespearean sonnet.