DEDICATION
I
SHALL not tell thee that I love thee
!
Nay ! by the Star in Heaven burning,
Its ray to me at midnight turning
To tell me that it beams above thee —
Nay ! though thou wert,
as I am, yearning,
I should not tell thee that I love thee
!
I know what secret thought once blossomed
Into a blush that seemed
a kiss,
Some swift suppressed
extreme of bliss
In thy most fearful sigh embosomed.
What oracle should prate of this ?
I know the secret thought that blossomed !
Extol the truth of love's disdain !
Love, daring by no glance to gladden
A heart
that waits but that to madden
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