The poem
Feed a flame within, which so torments me That it both pains my heart, and yet contains 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 tongue 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 'tis the fuel; And while I suffer this 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.
A poem of love, in specific, unrequited love.”
Truth
This poem conceals a message. Upon studying this poem along with the time period, I am suggesting that he was in love with a man. At this time there were many upheaval in religions, there were no more room for scandalism of this sort. So let the truth be known that his love for another man was hidden but the flames ran deep or tendencies. But as long as they are concealed then no one could condemn nor condone him because of his heart desires..