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<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/shadows-22/
