The Secret

I loved thee, though I told thee not,

Right earlily and long,

Thou wert my joy in every spot,

My theme in every song. 

And when I saw a stranger's face

Where beauty held the claim,

I gave it like a secret grace

The being of thy name.

And all the charms of face or voice

Which I in others see

Are but the recollected choice

Of what I felt for thee.