They seem'd, to those who saw them meet, <br />The casual friends of every day; <br />Her smile was undisturb'd and sweet, <br />His courtesy was free and gay. <br /> <br />But yet if one the other's name <br />In some unguarded moment heard, <br />The heart you thought so calm and tame <br />Would struggle like a captured bird <br /> <br />And letters of mere formal phrase <br />Were blister'd with repeated tears, <br />And this was not the work of days, <br />But had gone on for years and years! <br /> <br />Alas, that love was not too strong <br />For maiden shame and manly pride! <br />Alas, that they delay'd so long <br />The goal of mutual bliss beside! <br /> <br />Yet what no chance could then reveal, <br />And neither would be first to own, <br />Let fate and courage now conceal, <br />When truth could bring remorse alone.<br /><br />Richard Monckton Milnes Houghton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/shadows-159/
