By Jared Lee Dudgeon

What lives beneath this barren breast-
is it love? Nay, for it is so much more,
for love would so humbly to this attest;
that she is familiar and has loved before.

Such a temperate feeling to this is love-
for such a degree is so easily measured
that the less of love has the more to prove,
that thy heart is far greater treasured.

So, less does the sun shine to those eyes,
yet, greater than love lives in this heart
that for such a thing thy heart can surmise,
thy feelings are greater than love can impart.

So, this heart beats not of love, but far greater,
for such a thing this truth needs only proved-
by solemn vow that love, to thee, is a traitor,
for thy heart lives, not of love, but love improved!

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