How can my tongue be still, while my heart cries
To tell you of my love in song and tale?
How can my silence reign, when timely sighs
Would tell you more than words could e'er unveil?
Think not that by my silence I must fail
To see the glory that is yours alone.
If love could, over silent lips prevail,
My heart would then, to your heart, be well known.
Your aspect renders words mere commonplace.
And yet the thought of speech fills me with flame.
If I could no more look upon your face,
No Christian stone would ever bear my name.
Through silence I will love in my own ways,
And deem the most effusive words poor praise.
