Classic Poem

It was a just reproof! ... and yet I thought
But no! ... Shall I deserve reproach again?
No by the Gods! ...My nature overwrought
Has yet enough of Pride to hide its pain!

I have borne much in silence once — and now
Shall I at last play woman with my tongue?
No! ... I will shew so smooth, so calm a brow
That none shall dream how sore my heart is wrung.

Even thou thyself shalt deem my feigning true —
A smile — a hollow laugh — a bitter jest
Would but betray me to the vulgar view,
Thy garb Indifference! becomes me best!

Gay with the gay, and solemn with the wise
Dull with the plodding — sportive with the fair —
Thou shalt distrust my love or doubt thine eyes
To mark how perfectly my mask I wear!

The hand that would not perish in the flame
If the heart bade it, is unworthy thine —
The mind that shrinks from any pang but shame
Would well deserve thy utmost scorn and mine.

There is no sterner task of soul to teach! —
No matter! — It is taught — The silent spell
Closes upon my murmurs — look — act — speech
Shall all obey thee! — Well — perhaps too well!