Hidden Flame by John Dryden

Hidden Flame by John Dryden. Read for LibriVox.org by Martin Gheeson. I feed a flame within, which so torments me that it both pains my heart and yet contents me. It is 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, not 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. End of poem. This recording is in the public domain.