The Lip and the Heart

One day between the Lip and the Heart A wordless strife arose, Which was expertest in the art His purpose to disclose. The Lip called forth the vassal Tongue, And made him vouch—a lie! The slave his servile anthem sung, And braved the listening sky. The Heart to speak in vain essayed, Nor could his purpose reach— His will nor voice nor tongue obeyed, His silence was his speech. Mark thou their difference, child of earth! While each performs his part, Not all the lip can speak is worth The silence of the heart.

Collection: 
English
John Quincy Adams

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