The Silent Lover ii

Portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh 1554–1618

WRONG not, sweet empress of my heart, The merit of true passion, With thinking that he feels no smart, That sues for no compassion.

Silence in love bewrays more woe Than words, though ne'er so witty: A beggar that is dumb, you know, May challenge double pity.

Then wrong not, dearest to my heart, My true, though secret passion; He smarteth most that hides his smart, And sues for no compassion.

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