Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MAIDEN QUEEN: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MAIDEN QUEEN: SONG, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I feed a flame within which so torments me
Last Line: Nor can I fall more low, mounting no higher.
Variant Title(s): Hidden Flame;song From Secret Love
Subject(s): Desire; Love


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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