The fully covered heart, by hiding, thrives
Among the vital organs with their blood
And all their need. Her precious body lives
In secrecy and spite – a common good
Contained in these two ills, the faithful beat
That all alone sustains the spirit’s home
Through wint’ry age and youthful summer heat,
Might never come undone. Whatever come,
Her vigor meets with certainty the fate
Then thrust upon her. Safety feeds her strength.
So love increases with the hours, till late
And slow the sunlight leaves in gleaming length:
But in the midst of love and growth and age,
The heart, so hid, can make no more than homage.