Slight are the outward signs of evil thought,

Within—within—'twas there the spirit wrought!

Love shows all changes—Hate, Ambition, Guile,

Betray no further than the bitter smile; 230

The lip's least curl, the lightest paleness thrown

Along the governed aspect, speak alone

Of deeper passions; and to judge their mien,

He, who would see, must be himself unseen.

Then—with the hurried tread, the upward eye,

The clenchéd hand, the pause of agony,

That listens, starting, lest the step too near

Approach intrusive on that mood of fear:

Then—with each feature working from the heart,

With feelings, loosed to strengthen—not depart, 240

That rise—convulse—contend—that freeze or glow,[hp]

Flush in the cheek, or damp upon the brow;

Then—Stranger! if thou canst, and tremblest not,

Behold his soul—the rest that soothes his lot![hq]

Mark how that lone and blighted bosom sears

The scathing thought of execrated years!

Behold—but who hath seen, or e'er shall see,

Man as himself—the secret spirit free?