Disclaimer: I'm sure you'll guess who's talking by the time you get to the end, and said character isn't mine.

If I Dared Speak

By Dyce

Ah, wisdom lies in silence fair,

In discretion's better part,

My soul's defense against the world,

Protective shield about my heart.

I will not speak, I shall not speak,

Words kept close within my skull,

Cannot expose me to the world,

Or unveil my heart to you, and

Leave me thus without defence.

If I dared speak I'd shout aloud,

And cry in passion's heat the words

I hide behind a silent mask.

Love me, I'd cry, and take me back,

Let love undo what love has wraught.

Salve my wounded heart and let me

Tend unto your suff'ring soul.

Let me take back those words, I'd say,

Ill notioned, cruel, and thoughtless too.

None were meant, though spoken all,

And truly now do I repent

Of each and every one, I swear.

I'd beg you on my knees and pledge,

My heart and soul forever yours.

This time there'd be no holding back,

No hurting secrets, no more lies.

If I but courage had enough,

To make my true devotion plain,

I'd swear to cause you no more pain.

But I have no such strength in me,

As to risk hurt a second time.

Selfish heart, to hide away, and

Tight close my lips 'gainst my wish.

Oh coward mind, so spiritless,

As to count this torture safety,

And deny me hope of happiness.

I will not speak, I dare not speak,

My heart must yet remain unfree,

Cold discretion is poor comfort,

With my Wisdom gone from me.

End