William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Restoration Verse. 1910.
Song: I feed a flame within, which so torments meJohn Dryden (16311700)
I
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.
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.
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.
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.