The Village Churchyard :: :: University of Virginia Library

Thou tell'st me, I have rigidly concealed
All, that for worlds I would not have revealed;
That none might scan, that none might dream, nor guess
My secret, silent, passionate distress;
That none might draw the folding veil aside,
Wherewith my voiceless griefs I seek to hide:—
Thou tell'st me, that no token and no tone
Hath ere my spirit's inward workings, shown
That never sign nor symbol hath betrayed
The burthen on my heart, so deeply laid:—
Thou tell'st me this, and I believe it well;
And wherefore, Gentlest Friend, to thee will tell;
And thou, too, may'st undoubtingly believe—
For thee, at least, I wish not to deceive—
Concealment is but little pain to me;
Since, to reveal 's the impossibility!