Hidden Flame

John Dryden

Feed a flame within, which so torments me
That it both pains my heart, and yet contains 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;
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;
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,
Nor can I fall more low, mounting no higher.

Next 10 Poems

• John Dryden : Mac Flecknoe
• John Dryden : Marriage A-la-mode
• John Dryden : Ode
• John Dryden : One Happy Moment
• John Dryden : Religio Laici
• John Dryden : Secular Masque, The
• John Dryden : Song ( Sylvia The Fair, In The Bloom Of Fifteen )
• John Dryden : Song For Saint Cecilia's Day, 1687
• John Dryden : Song From Amphitryon
• John Dryden : Song From An Evening's Love

Previous 10 Poems

• John Dryden : Heroic Stanzas
• John Dryden : Happy The Man
• John Dryden : Farewell, Ungrateful Traitor!
• John Dryden : Consecrated To The Glorious Memory Of His Most Serene And Renowned Highness, Oliver, Late Lord Protector Of This Commonwealth, Etc.
• John Dryden : Calm Was The Even, And Clear Was The Sky
• John Dryden : An Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell
• John Dryden : Alexander's Feast; Or, The Power Of Musique
• John Dryden : Alexander's Feast; Or, The Power Of Music
• John Dryden : Ah, How Sweet It Is To Love!
• John Dryden : Absalom And Achitophel A Poem