Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
John Dryden. 16311700401. Hidden Flame
I FEED a flame within, which so torments me | |
That it both pains my heart, and yet contents me: | |
‘Tis such a pleasing smart, and I so love it, | |
That I had rather die than once remove it. | |
Yet he, for whom I grieve, shall never know it; | 5 |
My tongue does not betray, nor my eyes show it. | |
Not a sigh, nor a tear, my pain discloses, | |
But they fall silently, like dew on roses. | |
Thus, to prevent my Love from being cruel, | |
My heart ‘s the sacrifice, as ’tis the fuel; | 10 |
And while I suffer this to give him quiet, | |
My faith rewards my love, though he deny it. | |
On his eyes will I gaze, and there delight me; | |
While I conceal my love no frown can fright me. | |
To be more happy I dare not aspire, | 15 |
Nor can I fall more low, mounting no higher. |