Classic Poem

How hard, with anguish unrevealed,
Easy and gay to appear;
And teach the lip, by sorrow sealed,
An artful smile to wear!

The heart consumed by secret pains
Which must not, dare not speak;
Whose silent tongue to none complains,
Must sigh, — or swelling break.

Then cease by stern reproof to load
Fresh sorrows on the opprest;
Strew not with thorns his rugged road
Who fainting pants for rest.