I feed a flame within

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.