The Works of Abraham Cowley/Volume 2/Love undiscovered
LOVE UNDISCOVERED.
Some others may with safety tellThe moderate flames which in them dwell;And either find some medicine there,Or cure themselves ev'n by despair;My love 's so great, that it might proveDangerous to tell her that I love.So tender is my wound, it must not bearAny salute, though of the kindest air.
I would not have her know the pain,The torments, for her I sustain; Lest too much goodness make her throwHer love upon a fate too low.Forbid it, Heaven! my life should beWeigh'd with her least conveniency:No, let me perish rather with my grief,Than, to her disadvantage, find relief!
Yet, when I die, my last breath shallGrow bold, and plainly tell her all:Like covetous men, who ne'er descryTheir dear hid-treasures till they die.Ah, fairest maid! how will it cheerMy ghost, to get from thee a tear!But take heed; for, if me thou pitiest then,Twenty to one but I shall live again.