Tixall Poetry/Concealed Love ("I feed a flame within…")
XXXI.
Concealed Love.
I feed a flame within, Which soe torments me,That it both paines my hart, And yet contents me.Tis such a pleasing smart, And I soe love it,That I had rather die, Then once remove it.
Yet he whom I adore, Shall never know it;My tongue shall nere betray, Nor my eyes shew it:Not a sigh, nor a teare, My paine discloses,But they fall silently, Like dew on roses.
Thus to prevent my love From being cruell,My harts the sacrifice, As tis the fuell:And whilst I suffer this, To give him quiett,My faith rewards my love, Though he deny it.
On his eyes will I gaze, And there delight me;While I conceale my love, Noe frown can fright me; To be more happy, I dare not aspire;Nor can I fall lower, Mounting noe higher.