Parerga/Thy Lips Have Never Breath'd to Me

THY LIPS HAVE NEVER BREATH'D TO ME.

I.
Thy lips have never breath'd to me
Avowal of their love;
I boast no gage bestow'd by thee,
The tender tale to prove.
And yet I know thou lovest me
As deeply and sincerely
As ever woman's heart could love—
That heart which loves so dearly.

II.
There are a thousand looks and tones
Of eloquent expression,
A thousand little nameless things
That frame the heart's confession.
Each, singly, feeble as a wave
In summer's softest weather,
But strong as the resistless sea,
When felt and view'd together.

III.
And this should Love's own language be,
To all save Love unknown;
The thoughts that words are weak to paint
Should only thus be shown.
Thy feelings, which I read so well,
Require nor voice nor token;
The love that is unspeakable
Must still remain unspoken.