Unspoken Love.
μαθουσιν αυδω, κογ μαθουσι
ληθομαι.
—Aesch. Ag. 39.
Is that love only blest1
Which finds an outward voice ?2
Or is the love not best3
That knows, but hides, its choice ?4
Doth music breathe no love,5
Because it tells no name ?6
Do poets’ verses move7
None but the poets’ flame ?8
Is that love only sure9
Which shows to outward sight ?10
Or doth it best endure11
That shuns to seek the light ?12
Still waters run as deep13
As those that hurry by ;14
The little flowers that sleep15
Live, though they seem to die.16
Then keep thy treasure still,17
Safe in thy secret breast.18
To open is to spill ;19
Unspoken love is best.20
Thus soul shall speak to soul,21
And heart shall beat to heart,22
Without the forced control23
Words, idle words, impart.24