by John Dryden (1631 - 1700)
I feed a flame within Matches base text
Language: English
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 heart 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 it's the fuel. And while I suffer thus 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.
Composition:
- Set to music by Madeleine Dring (1923 - 1977), "I feed a flame within"
Text Authorship:
- by John Dryden (1631 - 1700)
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 146