Love's Wisdom

How long I ’ve loved thee, and how well—     I dare not tell! Because, if thou shouldst once divine     This love of mine, Or did but once my tongue confess     My heart’s distress, Far, far too plainly thou wouldst see     My slavery, And, guessing what Love’s wit should hide,     Rest satisfied! So, though I worship at thy feet,     I ’ll be discreet— And all my love shall not be told,     Lest thou be cold, And, knowing I was always thine,     Scorn to be mine. So am I dumb, to rescue thee     From tyranny— And, by my silence, I do prove     Wisdom and Love!