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;
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.

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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified on May 02, 2023

44 sec read
348

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABB BBCC DDXB AAXX
Closest metre Iambic hexameter
Characters 724
Words 149
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4

John Dryden

 · 1631 · Aldwincle
 · 1631 · London

John Dryden was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who was made Poet Laureate in 1668. more…

All John Dryden poems | John Dryden Books

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    Who wrote the poem ״Invictus״?
    A William Ernest Henley
    B Sylvia Plath
    C Oscar Wilde
    D Thomas Hardy